Marrying My Childhood Sweetheart

Richard was only a year older than me, but he had always used his role as an older brother to control me. When I was younger, he'd scold me for skipping classes. As I grew older and started dating, he still interfered.

One time, my friend joked, "Maybe Richard likes you? You guys aren't even related by blood." Since then, I had tried to keep my distance. But during the holidays, he suddenly brought a girl home.

"Tricia, this is my girlfriend. Say 'Hi'." That night, I locked myself in my room and cried uncontrollably.

He pulled me out from under the covers and gently wiped away my tears. "You could find a boyfriend to annoy me, but I couldn't do the same to you?"

Lately, luck hadn't been on my side. Every time I found a boyfriend, Richard scared them off.

I complained to my friend, "My brother is stricter than my mom!"

Sandra handed me a bag of chips and thought for a moment.

"Could it be that Richard likes you? You guys aren't even related by blood." It was true. My dad and his dad had been old friends, and ever since my dad passed away, his family had been taking care of us.

My mother had always told me to treat Richard like a real brother.

Even though we weren't related by blood, he was more responsible than any real brother.

Back in school, he would watch me do my homework every day and even lecture me if I skipped class.

He was only a year older than me, but he had always acted like an adult.

Whenever I did something wrong, he'd scold me faster than my mom.

"Tricia, that's not polite. Don't do that." "Tricia, don't talk badly about people behind their backs."

The thought that he might like me sent chills down my spine. "Don't say that! You're going to give me nightmares!" After leaving Sandra's house, her words kept echoing in my head, as if they had put a spell on me.

That night, I dreamt that Richard cornered me at the stairwell, gripping my chin and kissing me forcefully. "Who said you could get a boyfriend?" I woke up in a cold sweat, terrified, and immediately blocked his number.

Thankfully, I was about to start my internship and wouldn't be home much longer.

When I opened the door the next morning, Richard just happened to be walking by.

Instinctively, I stepped back and slammed the door shut.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw his cold, piercing stare. It felt like a blade cutting right through me.

Later that evening, we went to his apartment for dinner. In front of everyone, he asked why I had blocked his number.

I stammered, unable to come up with a reason, and had no choice but to unblock him.

"I must've clicked the wrong button..." Trying to appease him, I offered him a piece of chicken with a flattering smile. "Richard, you look so thin! You should eat more meat." But something I said must've annoyed him because he even moved his plate farther away. "No need." I had found my internship on my own, even though Richard strongly opposed it and insisted I join his company.

But this time, I stood my ground and firmly refused.

I was too afraid that if we spent too much time together, something would happen.

The apartment we were living in had been rented by Richard, thinking I'd work at his company and we'd commute together.

But after starting my job, I found a new place to avoid seeing him as much as possible.

My mother would text me every day, asking what I wanted to eat. She'd have the servant cook it and then deliver it to me.

I'd give her a whole list of dishes, but Richard was always the one who showed up at my door.

I almost slammed it shut again.

But when I saw the angry look in his eyes, I stopped myself.

I forced a smile and took the food container from him. "Richard, I've missed you." He ignored me, walking around the apartment to inspect the place.

"Tricia, I send you so much money every month, and this is where you live? Where's all the money gone?" I hadn't touched a cent of the money he gave me. I didn't want to owe him or his family too much.

But I didn't dare tell him that. He'd just accuse me of treating him like a stranger.

Honestly, my mother gave me plenty of money every month too, but I had a habit of splurging on my favorite celebrities, so I had to cut costs elsewhere.

"I'm investing. High returns, you know." Being a fan was an investment, especially for a toptier star like Lanny-his merch was incredibly popular.

Once I got him out of my apartment, I finally breathed a sigh of relief. I swore I'd never overindulge again! Starting my new job, I often joined my colleagues for meals to fit in better.

Eventually, I ran out of money and had to call my mother for help.

She transferred $50, 000 to me but gave me a strict warning. "If you waste this money on a man again, I'm cutting you off."