INSTALL Chapter 16 Marissa really didn't hold a grudge . She never had . Because the truth was , without the Hawthorne family , there wouldn't even be a Marissa Wynn today . Had they not stepped in , she would've been dragged back to her hometown by her parents right after middle school , likely pushing her into a marriage with some stranger just to secure their future . The Hawthornes had saved her . Everything she did for them afterward - taking care of Declan , giving up her future - was just her way of repaying a debt . Sure , she'd once had feelings for Declan . When Mrs. Hawthorne mentioned wanting her as a daughter - in - law , she'd secretly been happy . Even when Declan said he only saw her as a little sister , she'd felt that gut - punch of heartbreak . But all of that … she buried the moment he drew that line between them . " I only ever saw them as the people who gave me a chance , " she said simply . She and Adrian were walking side by side , deep in conversation . Neither noticed the figure trailing behind them , or how he froze in place the moment he overheard those words . So that was it - after everything , he was nothing more than a closed chapter in her past . Declan suddenly remembered a party from three years ago , a celebration his friends threw after he fully recovered . Someone had said , " Man , Marissa's been there for you through it all . Now that you're back on your feet , I guess it's time she gets her happy ending too . " " Declan , when are you planning to marry her ? " someone had joked . He'd shut it down instantly , face turning cold . " Don't be ridiculous . She's like a sister to me . " Not long after , Marissa had walked into the room . At the time , he thought she hadn't heard . But now , it all made sense . Back then , he'd been so wrapped up in his pride . Chapter 16 68.18 % Θ ReelShort R 4.6 FREE In a divided village , a young man from the lower village falls for his childhood friend . Google Play INSTALL All he could see was the shadow of his past - those years in a wheelchair , stripped of everything that made him feel powerful . He thought he had to be the golden boy again , flawless and untouchable . And Marissa reminded him too much of the time he felt like nothing . So he pushed her away . He told himself he'd repay her in other ways - money , respect , status . That she should be grateful . He never stopped to think what his words sounded like in her ears . Never imagined how deep they'd cut . Now he was the one hearing it . " I only ever saw them as the people who gave me a chance . " If that wasn't karma , he didn't know what was . Declan let out a bitter laugh , reached into his coat pocket , and pulled out a small velvet box . It popped open with a soft click , revealing the engagement ring he'd custom - designed . A five - carat pink diamond sat in the center , flanked by two tiny initials inlaid in diamonds : " D & M. " Declan & Marissa . He gently traced the letters with his thumb , the grooves worn smooth from how often he touched it . Ever since he realized what she meant to him , he'd carried it everywhere , hoping - praying - he'd get the chance to slip it onto her finger himself . He finally got his second chance . And he never even got the chance to open the box . Three days later , Marissa and Adrian's wedding invitation arrived at Hawthorne Group . Tristan and the guys happened to be there when the assistant came upstairs with the envelope . She paused , confused by the unfamiliar gathering of men , then handed it over . " They asked me to pass this along , " she said . Chapter 16 ReelShort In a divided village , a young man from the lower village falls for his childhood friend . 68.18 % 4.6 FREE Google Play INSTALL Tristan raised an eyebrow and took the envelope . The others leaned in curiously . It was just a wedding invite - nothing confidential . Still , they hesitated a beat … before someone finally opened it . The moment they saw the name inside , the entire room seemed to suck in a breath . Marissa Wynn . Wait - was it the same Marissa ? Before anyone could say anything , a voice cut through the room : " What's everyone standing around for ? "