Confessing to My Uncle: Rejected

I was adopted by Ethan's parents, though the adoption paperwork was never fully processed.

My parents were both journalists.

In eighth grade, they went to cover a flood disaster and tragically lost their lives there.

The news of my family’s death went viral, and many people online expressed their sympathy for me, the orphan.

At the time, Obelisk Capital Group was also involved in flood relief efforts, and, coincidentally, they were from the same hometown as me.

During an interview, the president of Obelisk Capital Group and his wife, Maeve, were asked if, as fellow townspeople, they would offer help to the orphaned girl.

Maeve immediately said they would adopt me.

This decision earned Obelisk Capital Group widespread praise.

However, despite being adopted, I didn’t want to let go of my parents. I refused to change my legal residency to their household.

They didn’t pressure me to change my mind either.

I called them Ryder and Maeve.

They were both extremely busy and hardly ever home.

Later, I found out they owned multiple properties and often lived elsewhere.

They brought me back to their old house, instructed the butler and staff to take care of me, and then disappeared.

In the years that followed, it was just me and their son, Ethan, depending on each other.

Ethan, who was three years older than me, was my supposed older brother.

In truth, he treated me better than many real brothers would.

He helped me with my homework, took me out to have fun, and even picked out my clothes.

Since I arrived at their house, every time he went out—whether to play basketball with his friends, game, or visit an internet café—he always took me with him.

He never left me alone at home.

His friends had even grown used to having me, his little sister, around.

At some point, my feelings for him shifted from brotherly affection to romantic attraction.

As the days went by, my feelings only grew stronger.

Until, one day, I couldn’t hide them anymore.

On my twenty-second birthday, I confessed.

But Ethan didn’t return my feelings—he only saw me as his sister.

How could I take back all this love?

“Zoe!” Ethan’s voice was the harshest I had ever heard. “If you don’t want to be my sister, then leave this house!”

I didn’t go on the graduation trip. Instead, I spent five aimless days at home.

On the fifth day, Ethan’s assistant arrived.

He spoke to me with respect, “Ethan has arranged for you to work at Parchment & Pixel’s new office in San Jose. It’s a media company, and your major aligns with their work.”

“Parchment & Pixel? Jasper’s family’s company?” I asked without thinking.

Jasper was Ethan’s childhood friend.

“Yes, it’s Declan’s company.”

“I’m not going,” I refused immediately.

I had a strong attachment to my hometown. I could travel out of town or go on business trips, but I couldn’t live elsewhere long-term.

When I applied to universities, I could’ve gone to a better school, but the thought of living away from home for four years scared me. So, I chose a local prestigious university.

I had often told Ethan, “I love San Francisco. I want to live here for the rest of my life!”

Ethan had agreed, saying, “I wouldn’t feel right if you were anywhere but under my nose.”

But now, he wanted me to work in San Jose.

How could he be so cold?

“Where is Ethan? I want to talk to him in person.”

“Ethan said he’ll only meet you once you agree to go to San Jose.”

Once again, I found myself unable to reach Ethan.