Stolen love: In love with my sister 's fiance-Chapter 16: smile for him

The unexpected hug startled Adrian, and his first instinct was to turn around and give an earful to whoever dared to touch him without permission. But as he spun around, his expression shifted from irritation to surprise.

"Autumn?" he muttered, eyes softening for a brief second before he flicked her forehead with a scowl.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, crossing his arms.

Autumn, rubbing the spot where he flicked her, pouted dramatically. "Brother, my school is already over. I just came here for some cake, but then I heard you were here... with a girlfriend." Her eyes twinkled mischievously. "I couldn't resist coming to see for myself!"

Adrian sighed, already familiar with his sister's antics. "You? Hugging me out of nowhere? You're never this affectionate unless you want something."

Autumn gasped, feigning hurt. "That's not true! Can't a sister just miss her dear older brother?"

Adrian gave her an unimpressed look, but before he could retort, Autumn turned her attention to Elaine, sliding into the seat beside her.

"So, you're the girlfriend," Autumn said, resting her chin on her palm as she studied Elaine with keen curiosity. "I'm Autumn, Adrian's adorable little sister. And you are?"

Elaine, who had been quietly observing the sibling banter with amusement, smiled softly. "Elaine. And, just to clarify, I'm not his girlfriend."

Autumn narrowed her eyes playfully. "Hmm... is that so?"

Elaine chuckled, shaking her head. Watching them interact, she could see the deep bond between the two. They might tease and bicker, but there was an unspoken warmth between them—a connection that didn't need words to be understood.

Something inside her twisted at the thought.

She, too, had a sister. But their relationship had never been like this. Instead of playful teasing, there had only been cold indifference, resentment, and hostility. Elaine had spent her whole life wishing for the kind of sibling bond she was witnessing now.

For the first time, she saw Adrian in a different light—not just the distant, brooding basketball captain, but a protective older brother who cared deeply, even if he didn't always show it.

And for the first time in a while... she felt a little envious.

---

As Adrian and Autumn continued their playful banter, Elaine found herself lost in thought.

What if things had been different?

If her mother hadn't died, she wouldn't be here, suffocating under the weight of a family that never truly accepted her. Maybe she would be living a simple life, working a part-time job, struggling but happy—free from the shadows of the Monroe name.

Her father had given her luxury, but to her, that luxury had always felt dull, empty. A gilded cage.

Living under his roof came at a cost—her self-respect.

Every expensive dress, every lavish meal, every privilege came with an unspoken reminder: We are doing you a favor.

Her stepmother's scorn, her sister's resentment, the whispers behind her back—they were all part of the price she had to pay for existing in a house that never truly felt like home.

She clenched her fists under the table, pushing away the thoughts.

No. Not here. Not now.

At least, for now, she could breathe.

---

After finishing their coffee, Autumn stretched her arms and stood up. "Alright, I should get going. But, Elaine, you should come to our house sometime! Mom would be so happy to know Adrian actually has friends." She grinned mischievously.

Elaine chuckled softly and nodded. "I'd love to come someday."

With a satisfied smile, Autumn waved her goodbyes and left, leaving Adrian and Elaine alone once again.

As they stepped out of the café, they took opposite routes that merged into a bustling street lined with small shops. Elaine's gaze wandered, her eyes lighting up at the sight of handmade earrings and delicate keychains hanging from a vendor's stand. She paused momentarily, admiring the little trinkets, completely unaware of Adrian watching her.

Without a word, Adrian disappeared for a moment, only to return with two ice creams. He handed one to her. "Here," he said simply.

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Elaine blinked in surprise but took it, a small smile tugging at her lips. They walked together to a nearby park and sat on a bench, watching children laugh and play while families gathered under the warm afternoon sun.

For a while, they sat in comfortable silence, letting the peaceful atmosphere wash over them. Then, Elaine finally spoke. "Thank you, Adrian... for today."

Before she could say more, Adrian interrupted. "You don't have to thank me." His gaze remained fixed on the children playing, his expression unreadable. "I see myself in you... A broken person carrying too much weight alone."

Elaine turned to him, surprised.

"For the first time," Adrian continued, his voice softer than before, "I wanted to do something to make someone smile. I don't like seeing you sad."

Elaine felt a lump form in her throat. She had always seen Adrian as distant, aloof, but now she realized—beneath that cold exterior, he had a soft heart.

She looked down at the ice cream in her hand, then back at Adrian.

"Then... I'll try to smile more," she said quietly, meaning it.

And for the first time in a long while, she truly meant it.