Spoiled By My Brothers: Return of The Lost Heiress-Chapter 156: I’m Sorry, I’m Late

Author’s POV

"I..." Sean’s eyes darted between Seraphina and Melissa, but no words came out. His lips parted, then closed again, as if he was trying to form a proper word.

He had always been told he would marry Melissa. At first, he hated the thought. But as time passed, he grew used to it, and even started feeling something for her. So when he was asked now, in front of everyone, whether he loved Melissa or not... Why couldn’t he just say it that he did love her?

Even though Seraphina looked breathtaking the moment she walked in, to him, she was still nothing more than a bully, the girl who had stolen Melissa’s place. She didn’t deserve to stand there in that house and in front of him.

So what if Melissa wasn’t a Lancaster by blood? She was still well-known, respected, and far more valuable than anyone in the country. And Sean had already convinced himself that he had no issue marrying her. It should have been the easiest answer of his life.

Then why was he hesitating now? Why couldn’t he force the words out?

"Sean!" Stephanie’s voice cut through the silence. Her face twisted with anger. "My daughter is asking you a question! Answer her!"

Melissa’s eyes shone with expectation, while Seraphina’s gaze was steady and cold, as if she didn’t want to bother herself with his answer!

"Of course I would marry Melissa any day!" Sean said firmly.

Seraphina only rolled her eyes as his tone carried nothing but contempt. It sounded as if he was trying to prove that she was beneath him. Hatred laced every word, and it wasn’t surprising; she already knew what kind of man he was.

After all... she was once married to him.

Her breath caught. Wait—what? The thought spiraled as she froze in her place. Her head started to spin, her chest tightened. Why did I just say that... that I was once married to him?

Her eyes flickered toward Sean, confusion twisting inside her as flashes began to burst in her mind like broken pieces.

She saw herself in a wedding dress, standing beside him, smiling as if she had everything she wanted. She was so happy it almost hurt to look. Then another flash where she was running after him in long hallways, calling his name in desperation. He didn’t even turn to look at her. His back was always to her, maintaining a long distance between them.

And there was always Melissa beside him. Her hand was holding his with a bright smile, and her place beside him never changed, even after they got married.

In every memory, it was Melissa at his side, while Seraphina was the one left behind, begging for his attention and breaking in loneliness.

Seraphina’s hands shook at her sides. The flashes felt too real and sharp to deny them. It felt like they were the pieces of a past she shouldn’t know. But deep down, she understood that this was the real her!

They were her memories that she had forgotten.

"Are you sure!?" Seraphina steadied her voice as she spoke. "As far as I know... you’re supposed to marry the real heiress of the Lancaster family. And she—" her eyes flicked to Melissa—"is not the one." Her tone was sharp, but firm. "If you marry her, you won’t get a single penny. But me..." she leaned in just slightly, her words clear, "I’m far different from her."

The moment the words left her mouth, disgust twisted inside her. The thought of pitching herself to Sean, as if she wanted him, made her stomach churn. What the hell am I even doing? She wanted to spit the words back out. There was no way in hell she would ever marry this man again.

But that wasn’t the point.

She wasn’t saying it because she meant it. She was saying it because it was the one thing she knew would make Melissa lose control. And watching Melissa break—that was worth every bitter word on her tongue.

Whether Sean wanted her or not, whether he believed her or not, Seraphina didn’t care. She had no plans on being tied to him!

"Are you shamelessly trying to sell yourself?" Stephanie snapped at her as her voice was low and sharp. "Do you really think anyone would want you? A girl with no background, no worth... nothing but shamelessness in her veins?"

"Really?" Alistair cut in, his tone cold. "She’s the real heiress of the Lancasters. Didn’t you hear her just now?"

"Shut the fuck up!" Mrs. Lancaster glared at him, her voice echoing through the hall. She made it clear that he was not to speak another word. She didn’t want anyone interfering in this matter.

"Sera!" Asher didn’t even look at his mother. He strode straight to Seraphina as his voice was rough. "Ignore them. You’re our sister. You don’t need their approval, or this whole shitty circus to tell you who you are. And him—" his eyes flicked at Sean with pure disgust, "—he doesn’t deserve you. Let him keep that fake princess. Let him choke on her lies."

He stood right in front of Seraphina, his hand twitching at his side like he wanted to reach for her but didn’t. He was so angry that he was afraid that his hold on her might hurt her. "We are together with you, Sera. Watch them dig their own graves while we stay standing and enjoy the drama.

The room turned tense. Melissa’s face darkened, Sean’s jaw locked, and Stephanie’s lips trembled with rage. But Asher didn’t care.

Seraphina turned her head and looked at Asher. She froze for a second. He was too calm for people’s eyes. But she could see that his hands were trembling at his sides as if he was holding himself back from exploding. She had never seen him like this, trying to control his temper.

Before anyone could say another word, a voice cut through the heavy silence.

"Old Madam Lan, I’m sorry for arriving this late."