Heir's obsession
What happens when the only thing that seems right in a society where family is defined by blood and fate is determined by obligation is the only thing that is prohibited?
Love conquers all, they claimed. They never brought up the possibility that it might wipe out all of existence.
Twenty-three-year-old Aria Chen believed she was aware of the limits of her universe. She had come to terms with her role as the beloved younger sister, cared for and protected but never really a part of the wealth that surrounded her, having grown up in the shadow of the Chen family's immense empire. Her older brother by three years, Damien Chen, was the heir apparent and had carried the burden of their family since their father's health deteriorated, giving him that right.
She had only known Damien. Her defender. Her provider. The person who put her to bed every night while their parents were too busy establishing their empire. The person who taught her to be strong, even though she felt secure enough in his presence to be weak.
She never doubted his affections. Not when he examined her pals himself. Not when he insisted on giving his approval for her college selections. Even when he was at every social gathering she went to, his black eyes followed her every move in crowded spaces.
But on a rainy Tuesday, the flawless façade of her golden cage began to crack when David Park, the nice and sincere intern who brought her coffee and made her laugh, revealed his feelings, only to be fired the next day.
An event may be a coincidence. Circumstance might be the case for two of them. However, after it happened repeatedly, Aria was able to see the unseen bonds that her brother had placed around her heart.
As a result, she fled. To a life that Damien had no control over across the sea.
She experienced freedom for a couple of years. Made a career for herself based on her own merits. I discovered Aria Chen's identity without being overshadowed by her brother.
Until the call arrived.
It's urgent that you return home.
Aria realized that something had irrevocably shifted the moment she entered the Chen residence. Wearing expensive designer attire that bore an uncanny resemblance to the contents of Aria's previous wardrobe, a young woman sat sobbing in the living room, whom she had never met. Her mother's eyes had red rims. She seemed ten years older than her dad.
And Damien... With his obsidian eyes staring at her with an intensity that made her shiver—not out of fear, but out of something far more dangerous—Damien stood like a predator at last let out of his cage.
Her mother's voice was shaking, Aria. We have something to tell you. There was a blunder at the hospital, and you were... You and Eleanor were— twenty-three years ago.
Damien concluded, his voice a soft caress that seemed to wrap around Aria's neck. As he got closer, Aria noticed for the first time in her life that the brother who had raised her was not the protective one. She saw a man who was strong, threatening, and ultimately free. You're not my sister, Aria. You were never like that.
The expression in his eyes indicated that she was about to be overtaken by everything she had been fleeing.
There was nowhere to hide this time.
Genre: Obsessive Male Lead, Fake Siblings, Forbidden Love, and Contemporary Romance
Topics include family secrets, second chance romance, identity crisis, forbidden wish, obsessive love, and power dynamics.
