My Dog Doesn't Want Me to Marry My Bride

Jaylen clutched his face in disbelief.

“Sis! After all these years, you’re hitting me for an outsider?!”

“I’m done with you!”

He stormed off in anger, expecting her to call after him. But Casey didn’t even glance his way.

That was shocking. She used to dote on her younger brother more than anyone. No matter what trouble he got into, she never once laid a hand on him.

I looked at Casey for a long moment, then turned my gaze away.

“I’m in pain, Martin,” she murmured. “Will you sit beside me?”

I walked over to her—but instead of sitting, I reached for the red thread around her neck and yanked the safety charm off with one hard pull.

The force tore at her wound, and blood immediately seeped through the bandages on her neck.

The butler’s face turned pale. “Miss Casey! You’re bleeding! Someone, quick! Call the nurse!”

The shouting drew in Casey's parents, who rushed into the room.

Once they heard what had happened, Casey’s mother slapped me hard across the face.

“If I could go back in time, I would’ve never let my daughter meet you! You’re nothing but a curse!”

And yet—even through this—Casey still shielded me.

“Mom, don’t say that. Martin is just angry with me. I broke a promise. I told him I wouldn’t do any dangerous sports anymore, but I secretly went hiking up the Appalachian Mountains. He was scared for me, that’s all...”

Appalachian Mountains.

My eyes sharpened instantly.

According to the latest report from the people I sent out, that area was still being searched—but no solid leads had turned up.

Could the person I’ve been searching for be there?

I couldn’t afford to wait.

I turned to leave—but just as I reached the door, a wave of dizziness overtook me.

When I opened my eyes again, I was lying in a hospital bed.

A soft warmth rested in my palm. I turned and saw Casey’s radiant face smiling at me.

Instinctively, I reached out and brushed her cheek—but the moment our eyes met, I jerked my hand back, recoiling.

“Don’t touch me. Get away from me!”

A familiar voice scolded me gently.

“Oh, you stubborn boy... why are you always so angry?”

My mother smiled warmly, gently stroking my hair.

“You just let your emotions get the best of you. Some rest will fix that.”

She continued speaking while gesturing toward Casey.

“But we do have good news. You’re going to be a father, Martin. Casey is pregnant!”

“Pregnant?” I stared at her stomach, dazed. My nose tingled.

“How far along?”

“Four weeks! Almost a full month.” Casey beamed with joy, cradling her belly lovingly.

My mother’s expression softened into one of complete tenderness.

“We’ve already discussed everything with the Garza family. Since Casey is pregnant, the wedding needs to happen. That child deserves a proper name. Next Friday is a lucky day—we’ll hold the wedding then and give Casey what she deserves.”

“I’m not agreeing to that,” I said coldly, meeting their hopeful gazes. “I won’t get married.”

My father let out a long sigh. “Fine. Then don’t marry. But at the very least, register the marriage—give the child a proper name.”

“I won’t sign the registry either.”

Casey panicked and clutched my hand tightly.

“You can’t do that! Martin, if we don’t register, the baby won’t have a household record... he won’t be part of the Ortega family, and he won’t be able to inherit anything. Do you want our child to be an illegitimate child?”

“Even if you’re angry at me, at least think of our child!”

I pulled my hand away and stared at her coldly.

“You’re right. I am thinking of the child.”

Then I waved my hand dismissively. “That’s enough. I’m leaving. I need some time alone.”

But she stepped in front of me, refusing to move.

“Martin, please... just stay with me and the baby. This is our—”

“Shut up!”

My roar cut through the air.

Tears streamed down my face as I placed a trembling hand on her belly.