The clock had just struck midnight. I stared at the rapidly spinning ceiling fan. Reminded of Dylan's sudden confession earlier in the afternoon, my face automatically blushed. I shook my head while patting both of my cheeks. This is not the time to fall in love, Hanna! Instead of lying down, I got up and leaned against the bed. I turned on the desk lamp. I don't know why I can't stop thinking about the incident between Dylan and Brian. Dylan's face evinced his anger. If I hadn't stopped Dylan earlier, I feel like the two brothers would have fought. I mean, seriously, how could Brian provoke Dylan by saying he came back just to see the girl Dylan brought home? That's insane. Dylan must have been furious. If I were in Dylan's shoes, I'd be angry too. Well, I'm not in a position to think about them. I'm not even sure what will happen to me. 
I let out a sigh. My heart is torn. Should I continue with my plan? Is it wrong if I try to stop my parents' marriage? I closed my eyes for a moment. No. It's not about me. I'm doing this not for myself. I'm doing it for my mom. I want to see her happy. I've seen firsthand the direction of my mom's relationship with my dad. Why am I still hesitating? I tried to strengthen my resolve. It's not too late to make things right. I'm already here. What else am I waiting for? I took a deep breath. My throat felt dry. I got up and opened the bedroom door, heading to the kitchen. 
"It's so dark..." I murmured to myself. I swallowed nervously as I observed the darkness. Slowly, I descended the stairs. Seeing a faint light, probably coming from the living room, I sighed in relief. It was the light from the television. Who watches TV late at night? I didn't bother to think much and just ignored it. I carefully made my way to the kitchen. I grabbed a cup, opened the fridge, and took a bottle of mineral water. I gulped down the water greedily. I was too thirsty. 
"I need water too." 
I choked, surprised by the sudden voice. 
"Sorry, did I startle you? Sorry. It was unintentional." 
Click! The kitchen light turned on. 
"Brian?" 
Brian smiled, hugging himself. 
"Why? Disappointed because I'm not Dylan?" Brian teased, and I squinted at him. Brian chuckled. 
"Not funny, okay." I quickly finished the remaining water in the cup. Sitting with him for too long was intentionally seeking controversy. If Dylan saw us, I'd be in trouble. Dylan really dislikes Brian. 
"Do you really love him?" The question I wanted to avoid finally came out of Brian's mouth. Huh! I should've just run away earlier! 
I saw Brian's smile widen. He must be suspicious because I took a long time to answer his question. I averted my gaze. This can't happen. Even though I'm not good at lying, I don't want all of Dylan's efforts to go to waste. My true identity shouldn't be revealed so easily. 
"Why aren't you answering? You didn't love him, did you?" Brian taunted. 
I straightened my face and tried to control my facial reactions. I didn't want it to be obvious that I was lying. Now is the time to sharpen your acting skills, Bella! What's the use of being a member of the theater club if you can't use it in moments like this? 
"Why? Do you need to know?" I said, crossing my arms with a serious face. 
"Wow, suddenly becoming fierce?" Brian laughed. I could sense the sarcasm in his laughter. I maintained a serious face. 
"I didn't mean to be harsh. I just can't accept your question. What do you mean by asking whether I love Dylan? Don't you think your question is offensive? What do you think I'm doing here as Dylan's future wife if I don't love him?" I replied, not wanting to back down. 
"Wow... Offended, huh?" Brian smiled, taking slow steps toward me. Despite feeling nervous, I tried my best to ensure that my expressions and reactions remained unchanged. I still remembered the acting techniques I learned in theater class. A good actor can deceive others with facial expressions and body language. 
"Do you think I didn't hear your conversation with Dylan earlier? I overheard how Dylan pleaded with you to fall in love with him..." 
I suppressed my surprise. No, I wouldn't let myself be trapped just because of his words. Remember, Bella, the role you're playing now is Dylan's future wife. I repeated this mantra in my mind. 
"No need to straighten a wet thread. Just admit that you're not Dylan's lover. Future wife? That's far-fetched!" Brian snorted. I bit my lip. My blood boiled. 
"Oh, you heard my conversation with Dylan? Fine, I'll tell you. Listen carefully, Brian. It's true that Dylan pleaded with me to fall in love with him. For your information, Dylan has helped me a lot during our friendship. Help that I can never repay even until I die. So, when Dylan asked me to marry him, I accepted him because I know he has helped me a lot. That's why I'm here!" I asserted, lying convincingly. 
"I told you so. You didn't love him!" Brian interrupted. 
"I'm not finished yet!" I said in a raised voice. 
"Dylan asked me earlier if I loved him or not. You heard it yourself. I didn't have time to answer because you turned up. For your information, I do. I love him. I'm just embarrassed to admit it. That's all. If I love him or not, what do you even care?" My face became hotter. Oh God, it feels like my chest is about to explode from suppressing the pounding, as if I'm confessing my feelings in front of Dylan. If I'm really just acting, why is my heart pounding like this? Can it be that I'm actually falling in love with Dylan? 
Brian fell silent upon hearing my confession. The dissatisfaction on his face was clear. I cheered for victory in my heart. Wow, I'm quite good at acting. 
"So, is everything settled now?" 
I turned around and was startled to see Dylan entering the kitchen. My face turned pale. The heat of embarrassment rose. I swallowed hard, looking at the floor, accompanied by the fastest heartbeat I've ever felt. Oh God, did Dylan hear what I said earlier? Damn! My shoulders tensed in surprise as Dylan grabbed my hand. 
"Everything explained? I warn you, Brian. Don't disturb my future wife, or you'll regret it," Dylan issued a warning. He then pulled my hand away. I glimpsed Brian's sour expression before being led away by Dylan. 
“You did a great job,” Dylan said as he escorted me back to my room. I remained silent. Seeing the door to my room in front of me, I rushed towards it, but Dylan’s grip on my hand, which still hadn’t loosened, halted my movement. I turned to face Dylan like a robot. 
“Where are you going in such a hurry?” Dylan asked innocently. I bit my lip. 
“Um... Going to bed. It’s late now,” I replied briefly, feeling the heat on my face. 
“Haven’t we finished talking yet?” Dylan replied, seemingly intentionally launching an attack that made my heart race as I stood there. 
“Um... Let’s talk tomorrow. My hand... Can you let it go?” I requested, half-pleadingly. Dylan, still smiling, approached me. 
“Dylan... You...” I slowly retreated, and Dylan moved closer until I was backed up against the door. 
Dylan leaned in, his smiling lips inching closer. I closed my eyes slightly. 
“I apologize.” 
“For what?” 
“Before, I mentioned I would never cross boundaries. Now, when you’re right in front of me, it’s so hard to keep myself. Every time I see you, I just feel like I want to step out of the boundaries. I’m sorry, and I’ll take it as a yes,” Dylan whispered, as if confessing. 
“What... What do you mean?” 
“Remember this morning? You didn’t answer my question. But it’s okay. I got my answer now. Have a sweet dream...” Dylan gently patted my head before walking away with an undying smile. I hurriedly entered my room and immediately closed the door. My shaky knees made me sit on the floor. For the first time in my life, I felt directionless. My heart felt like it was about to explode. 
“I’ll take it as a yes.” 
Dylan’s words echoed in my mind like a replay. It’s confirmed! Dylan overheard what I said to Brian earlier. Don’t say Dylan misunderstood. Did he think I really love him or something? But... You love him, don’t you, Hanna? Otherwise, why would you feel so embarrassed? Thinking about it, my face grew warmer. I might end up with a fever tomorrow. I shook my head several times. I couldn’t possibly be in love with Dylan. No way. Impossible!