My Childhood Sweetheart
Chapter 1
I was the only girl among three childhood friends, each from a prominent family.
My family’s fortunes had fallen, and my parents were planning a marriage alliance with one of them.
But the school bully, Shawn, disdainfully glanced at me and refused, saying, “No way, I like the quiet type. I just see her as a brother.”
The sweet, puppy-like, Xavier, shrugged regretfully, “I just see her as a sister.”
And the academic top, Zane, coldly stated, “She’s reckless and clumsy. She’s not suitable to be my wife.”
Their rejections and belittling remarks were careless and unrestrained, leaving my parents awkwardly laughing it off.
I was utterly heartbroken.
So, I told my parents, “Mom and Dad, I have a boyfriend.”
1
Shawn, sleeves rolled up, sat casually with one arm draped over the back of his chair.
He was laughing and chatting with Xavier.
Zane was engrossed in his phone.
His long fingers scrolled across the screen nonchalantly, the glint from his glasses reflecting a cold and aloof demeanor.
They were dismissive of my parents’ awkward attempts at small talk.
Until I spoke those words.
The room fell silent.
Shawn and Xavier turned to look at me.
Zane looked up, his meaningful gaze piercing me.
I remained unaffected.
I simply told my equally shocked parents, “You should have told me about this arranged marriage earlier. This whole misunderstanding could have been avoided.”
“They’re right.”
“Even though we’re childhood friends, I only consider them brothers; there’s nothing romantic between us.”
My parents hadn’t told me about the arranged marriage beforehand, fearing I’d be embarrassed.
They had carefully selected Xavier, who was two years younger than me, sweet, and lively. He’d almost never fought with me.
They hadn’t anticipated the other two would show up.
While I was upset my parents had kept it from me, I was more heartbroken and saddened.
Things weren’t always this bad for our family.
My mom once asked if I had a crush.
I looked away, silent.
My mom immediately understood.
She smiled, tentatively asking if it was one of my three childhood friends.
I blushed, angrily telling her to stop.
She understood.
But I became wary, hiding my feelings carefully.
They couldn’t tell who I liked.
Until my dad’s investment failed and our family’s wealth plummeted.
The family’s fortunes dwindled, and the other three families subtly distanced themselves.
My mom thought, if she didn’t help me, my stubbornness meant I’d never confess my feelings.
So, she impulsively planned this blind date without telling me.
Although Xavier’s parents weren’t there, Shawn and Zane’s were.
My parents still took it seriously.
They openly discussed our family’s situation, saying that a marriage alliance would be ideal if there was mutual attraction.
But if not, it was just a casual gathering.
They hadn’t expected my three childhood friends would reject their cherished daughter so unceremoniously.
I was used to it.
But seeing the strained smiles on my parents’ faces, a familiar pang of pain gripped my heart.
Finally, I interrupted their cruel behavior.
Before my parents could ask what was wrong, I stood, surveyed them, and coldly said, “I don’t think you guys want to have dinner.”
“Let’s just call it a night.”
2
My parents went to get the car.
As I followed, someone grabbed my arm from behind.
I turned to see Shawn’s unhappy face.
He wore a white shirt over a black low-cut T-shirt, his stylish and rebellious look mirrored his personality.
His newly pierced diamond studs were visible above his sexy collarbone.
He stared down at me, smirking sarcastically, “You’ve gotten feistier, haven’t you?”
“I heard you took a leave of absence. Where’d you find this boyfriend?”
“How old is he? What does he look like? Do I know him?”
His aggressive questions seemed caring.
Yet, if I answered honestly, he’d mock and belittle me, saying I wasn’t worthy. This has happened many times.
I reacted instantly.
I flung his hand away, uncontrollably shouting, “It’s none of your business!”
Shawn stared at his hand, surprised.
He stopped smiling.
He frowned, his expression worsening.
Xavier peeked from behind him.
Grinning, he showed his pointed canine teeth, “What’s wrong? Such a big reaction?”
His usually high-pitched voice sounded playful, but his words were contrary.
“Did big sis really find a man on the side?”
“Wow, weren’t we three enough?”
His smile widened as he stared at me meaningfully, saying, “So wild.”
Xavier often joked that the three of them were my harem.
As if I were promiscuous, powerful, and special.
But in our little group, I was the one trying to fit in.
I used to deceive myself.
Although they teased and belittled me, maybe that’s just how guys are.
They’d often hang out with me, and they’d defend me if I was bullied.
We grew up together, surely I was different to them.
Until that incident.
I finally understood.
I was just a toy, their amusement.
I met Xavier’s gaze.
His lips were still curved upwards, expecting my reaction to his outrageous comment.
I met his gaze impassively and turned away.
A few steps later, a cold voice stopped me.
“When are you coming back to school?”
I paused, but answered, “In a couple of days.”
I heard Xavier grumble, clearly irritated.
He loudly muttered for me to hear.
“Typical ex-girlfriend treatment.”
“But—”
“You guys broke up ages ago, Sis, why are you still giving him special treatment?”
It’s funny.
Of the three, Zane most vehemently opposed marrying me. He called me stupid and clumsy, saying he wouldn’t marry someone like me.
Yet, I dated him. He even confessed first.
3
Unlike the accumulated wealth of the Shawn, Xavier, and Zane families, my family, the Xie family, was a new money family.
My dad caught a lucky break and rose to the top, joining their social circle.
But that was just the surface.
Many secretly mocked us, calling us nouveau riche who didn’t belong and would eventually fall.
I was young and angry, ready to fight back.
My dad stopped me, explaining that we needed to build relationships with these families.
So, I endured it.
I pretended to be carefree, trying to fit in.
After realizing Shawn and their position, I became their constant shadow.
From elementary school to middle school, university.
From being ostracized to being accepted.
Even with my father’s initial impure motives, I genuinely considered them my best friends.
Until my father’s investment failure.
They suddenly grew cold and distant.
I gradually understood. Our positions were unequal.
This time, I didn’t grovel.
I went to school as usual, adapting to life without them.
Then, I was kidnapped.
I was held captive by people I knew.
I was incredulous, thinking they were joking.
I offered to lend them money.
But they demanded an exorbitant amount.
I realized they were serious.
My valuables were taken.
I was held for two days without food or water.
When I heard them discussing selling me, a mix of absurdity and panic overwhelmed me.
It was like seeing children with knives who wanted to kill someone.
It was funny, but also terrifying.
The humor vanished when they stripped me naked and took pictures.
I curled up, cursing and threatening them.
But my bravado was transparent.
One person, Zhou Yuceng, a former friend, squatted down, sighing.
He smiled and touched me, saying, “Yan Yan, forgive me.”
“I really liked you, I didn’t want to do this…”
He was interrupted by a scream.
I bit his finger with surprising strength, almost biting it off.
The group panicked, trying to stop me.
The warehouse door opened.
Bright light flooded the room.
A tall figure stood in the doorway, backlit.
It was Zane.
4
After the rescue, I was afraid to go out.
My friends’ betrayal, the kidnapping, and the humiliation left deep scars.
I was on edge.
Zane, usually cold and distant, stayed by my side.
I’d never seen him so gentle and patient.
He seemed to sense my despair.
He started conversations, keeping me company.
I stayed in his apartment. He handled school and kept it from my parents.
He took care of Zhou Yuceng and his group.
He even managed to keep Shawn and Xavier at bay.
He kept everything quiet, protecting me.
He was my shield.
I gradually opened up, relying on him.
Finally, I asked, “Why…are you so good to me?”
Zane was in comfortable home clothes, sitting beside me on the carpet.
His sleeves were rolled up, revealing strong arms. A pen spun between his long fingers.
He took off his glasses, his hair falling loosely. His eyes held gentle affection.
He answered with a question. He smiled softly and asked, “Will you go out with me?”
I was stunned. I had no reason to refuse.
Under his care, I healed and became cheerful again.
Looking back, it still feels surreal.
Zane was strong-willed.
During our relationship, Shawn controlled himself, no longer putting his arm around me.
Xavier stopped his usual chatter.
He cared about my discomfort.
I was incredibly happy. I even imagined our wedding.
But it was all an act.
Everything he gave me was fake.
I’ll never forget that day.
I cooked a birthday dinner for Zane, despite my injured hands and ruined ingredients. Eighteen dishes.
The doorbell rang.
I opened the door to laughter.
They mercilessly mocked me.
Xavier laughed uncontrollably.
Shawn whistled, filming me in my apron.
Zane leaned against the door, smiling serenely.
“Our proud Xie girl is so housewifely, hahaha…”
“Luckily, our bet was only a month, otherwise, Zane, she’d even have your kids! Hahaha.”
“Interesting, my turn next?”
Shawn paused, looked at me, shrugged, and smiled. “She heard us, so next time, let’s try something new.”
