Victoria. My adopted sister… whom I haven’t seen since four years ago because she was busy traveling the world due to her work.
At first, my brain tried to give them innocent explanations.
Maybe he’s helping her choose something for me. Maybe they wanted to surprise me with that necklace.
But then Lewis opened the box. Victoria gasped softly, touching her chest. Then Lewis leaned closer. Too close. I want to give them the benefit of the doubt, maybe just a brotherly kiss since they always have been close, but then Victoria kissed him on the lips, and they both laughed at each other.
The world blurred. My ears rang. My knees weakened, and for a moment, I thought I was actually fainting.
Lewis… my husband…
Victoria… my sister…
I stumbled back as quietly as I could, swallowing the scream rising in my throat. My vision tunneled as I forced myself into a cab and went straight home. I didn’t cry. I couldn’t. I felt hollow, like someone scooped out my insides and left only air where my heart should be.
That night, my phone buzzed.
Lewis:
Love, I’m so sorry. I’m swamped. We’ll celebrate tomorrow instead. I promise.
Tomorrow?
After kissing my sister today?