Maybe it was the stress from her research project lately, but even in her dreams, Elena found herself tangled in endless data sets—numbers chasing her through sleepless nights.
Curled up in bed, she lay there with her eyes open, refusing to move. Her head was foggy, weighed down by exhaustion, and it took everything she had to finally drag herself out from under the covers to wash up.
By the time she stepped out of her room, it was already past nine. Just as she reached the stair landing, she heard Mrs. Jiang's sharp voice from downstairs—cutting and cold, clearly mid-phone call.
She didn't need to guess who was on the other end.
After all these years, this wasn't the first time.
In fact, this kind of scene has become routine over the past two years.
It was one of the reasons she had moved out so suddenly—and why, apart from the occasional family obligation, she rarely came back to the Jiang residence anymore.
Several minutes after the call ended, Elena finally made her way downstairs.
From the third-floor landing, part of the living room was blocked from her view. She'd only caught sight of Mrs. Jiang—and from the content of the call, she could tell Mr. Jiang was there too.
But what she hadn't expected… was Ethan.
Still home, at this hour?
As soon as her feet touched the last step, all three of them—Mr. and Mrs. Jiang, and Ethan, who sat alone in a single chair, turned to look at her.
She acted as though she hadn't heard a thing.
With a polite, practiced smile, she greeted them one by one.
Seeing her, the stormy expression on Mrs. Jiang's face, stirred up by Adrian's latest stunt, immediately softened.
"Elena, you're up?" she asked, her voice warming with affection. "Come here, sweetheart. Sit with me."
Elena obliged, walking over and settling beside her on the couch—just like she used to when she was little.
Mrs. Jiang genuinely liked Elena.
In her own words, how could a mother not love the daughter she raised herself?
Elena had grown up in the Jiang household after her parents passed away. Mrs. Jiang had treated her as one of her own, and over the years, that bond had become impossible to sever.
But in the last two years, as things with Adrian slowly unraveled, Mrs. Jiang found herself torn between frustration and helplessness.
She couldn't get through to her son.
And it broke her heart to watch Elena pull away, little by little—especially over the past six months. Elena rarely came home, always with the same gentle excuse: "Too busy with school, Auntie."
Mrs. Jiang took Elena's hands into hers and studied them for a moment before sighing.
"You've lost weight again," she said, a voice full of concern. No matter how busy you are, you should come home more often. Living alone—no one's there to take care of you. How could I not worry?"
Elena's lips curved into a soft smile, her eyes crinkling at the corners. She nodded at every word, just like always.
They chatted for a while, the conversation drifting through the usual daily things—school, health, meals. And then, when the mood felt right, Elena gently steered the topic where she had always intended it to go.
"Uncle Jiang, Aunt Jiang… since we're all here today, I wanted to talk about the engagement."
The second the word engagement left her mouth, the warm air in the room seemed to be still—like someone had hit pause.
Mrs. Jiang's brows drew together, and her grip on Elena's hand tightened slightly.
She already knew what was coming.
For the past six months, Elena has danced around this subject in every phone call. Mrs. Jiang had always found a way to delay the conversation—let's talk when you come home, she would say. In person. Face to face.
But now, with Adrian unreachable and the situation spinning further out of control, she could no longer deny what was looming.
Elena understood her.
She also appreciated her kindness—her desire to protect her.
But love can't be forced.
And a lifetime commitment certainly shouldn't be.
The Jiangs and the Sanders had shared decades of friendship. Her late parents had trusted the Jiangs completely. After they passed, Elena was raised in this house, surrounded by care and warmth.
But letting a forced marriage destroy a friendship built over generations?
That wasn't worth it.
"Marriage should be based on love," Elena said softly. "I think… this engagement, it's time we let it go."
Before she could finish her thought, a voice broke through the silence.
"For twenty years, the Jiang and Sanders families have stood side by side," Ethan said evenly. "Calling off the engagement now would be a blow—not just to the families, but to everything they've built together."
Elena's voice caught in her throat.
She looked up, startled.
She had expected resistance from Mr. and Mrs. Jiang—but not from him.
"And beyond that," Ethan continued, meeting her gaze calmly as his fingers traced the rim of his teacup. This engagement was agreed upon by both families. If we break it now… how do we explain that to Mr. and Mrs. Sanders?"
Even Mr. and Mrs. Jiang looked surprised.
Ethan has spent most of the past few years abroad. He'd always kept his distance, never involving himself in her and Adrian's mess.
Why now?
Why this?
But whatever the reason, his words clearly aligned with their hopes. Neither Mr. nor Mrs. Jiang said nothing to stop him.
Mrs. Jiang quickly followed his lead, her tone soft but firm.
"She's right, Elena. There's no need to rush to a decision. When Adrian returns, I'll make sure he understands—"
"Mom."
Ethan's voice was low.
Measured.
He turned to her, then to Elena again.
"I have a suggestion."
"Adrian never wanted this arrangement. Forcing him won't work."
"So instead—why don't I marry Elena?"
The room fell into stunned silence.
Two simple sentences.
But they landed like thunder.
Mr. Jiang blinked, speechless.
Mrs. Jiang's lips parted slightly, but no words came.
Elena sat frozen.
Staring.
Surely, she'd misheard him?
But Ethan looked completely at ease, as if what he'd just proposed was no more serious than discussing breakfast plans.