Visiting my sister to meet her fiancé was exciting, but nothing prepared me for the shock at her doorstep. I had to decide whether to protect her happiness or risk our relationship by revealing my past secrets. Some choices affect everything.
I flew to meet my sister Carol’s fiancé. I was excited to meet her future husband.
My younger sister was entering a new chapter, and I wanted to see her happy. I felt distracted.
I thought of my trip, which ended a week ago. He seemed wonderful, and I had a brief but thrilling affair with him.
I imagined it becoming more, but his responses faded when we parted.
After that, he stopped responding. Rejection hurt, but I tried not to dwell on it. He didn’t deserve my trust.
After my flight, I collected my suitcase and left. Among the greeters, Carol held a sign that read, “Annoying Older Sister.”
Her witty humor made me chuckle immediately. I ran over and hugged her.
“You admit it? You’re the irritating elder sister? Carol laughed with bright eyes.
“You didn’t have to call me out in public,” I smirked. “You could’ve written my name normally.”
“Where’s the fun? “‘Meg’ is so boring,” she joked, grinning.
I softly touched her arm. “You’re unattainable. I said I missed you.
“Missed you too,” she murmured, hugging me briefly. “Spill it. Please describe this fling. Return to the beginning. I want every delicious detail.”
I shook my head, “You already know the basics.”
“Basics? No way. I need more,” she exclaimed. Don’t skip anything!
It made me laugh. “You’re relentless!” I said, rolling my eyes, approaching the automobile.
We chatted incessantly on the way to her place. We had too much to talk about after so long apart.
Carol discussed her employment, wedding, and guest room makeover.
I told her about my vacation and other private matters. As if time had stopped.
Carol parked and faced me when we arrived. “Leave suitcase. Tom will take it, she added, pointing me to the house.
She grabbed my hand and dragged me in. We entered the living room, and my heart stopped.
Carol said, “Meg, meet Tom, my fiancé,” beaming. She spoke distantly, lost in amazement.
I stared at Tom, frozen, unable to speak. My holiday memories returned like waves.
The beach at sunset, our lengthy dinners, and nights in my hotel room felt like dreams that were becoming nightmares.
No, not him. Made no sense. I had an affair with my sister’s fiancé. He identified himself as Andrew, not Tom, then.
Tom approached with the same lovely smile. So close, his breath touched my ear as he hugged me. “Don’t tell her one word,” he murmured.
Carol smiled kindly while I stood paralyzed in shock.
Carol took me to the guest room and told me she had redecorated it. She waved me in at the door.
“Make yourself at home,” she added happily.
Tom was carrying my suitcase when we entered. He grinned like nothing was wrong.
Tom kissed Carol and said, “Honey, I’ll be out for a few hours. “I must see a friend.”
“Okay, see you later,” Carol murmured, watching him leave.
Carol smiled at me when the door closed, but that changed when she saw my face. Are you okay, Meg? You appear to have encountered a ghost.”
I hesitated to speak. “Carol, does Tom have a twin brother?”
She frowned. “What? Of course not. What made you ask that?
The bed beside me was patted. “Sit, sweetheart.”
Carol looked bewildered but sat near me. She asked, “What’s up, Meg?”
I softly took her hand. My chest tightened. “I had a fling with Tom on vacation.”
Her jaw fell. “What? Not possible. You said his name was Andrew!”
“That’s why I asked about twin brothers,” I said. “But Carol, I know it’s him. I never forgot his face.”
“No. Shaking her head, she said, I don’t believe you. “You envy. This is about that.”
“Jealous? Of what?” Shocked, I said.
Of me marrying first! Carol stood and shouted.
Are you serious? That never occurred to me!” I said. “I was thrilled for you—until I saw your fiancé.”
“It’s absurd! You returned from vacation. Then we were engaged!” she shouted.
Which is why I’m telling you. He cheated on Carol. Didn’t Tom travel then?
“Yes, but for work!” She cried as she shouted. “No. Never believe it! Tom would refuse. He’s different!”
She stormed out, slamming the door. My head fell to my hands.
How could I convince her? I didn’t want her to marry a traitor.
That night, the home was too quiet. Carol ignored me and never looked at me.
She was upset, but the hurt was mutual. The next day, her cold shoulder and lack of communication with Tom were still evident.
He laughed with her and went about his day without a thought.
It furious me. She might believe it if she saw it for herself if my words didn’t.
I carefully timed my plan until Carol left the house. I wore a tight shirt with a low neckline and short lounge shorts.
Despite the risk, I needed to force Tom to be himself. I pretended to be casual in the hallway at the front entrance, waiting for him to accept the bait. Not subtle, but subtle hadn’t worked.
“Tom!” I called from the hallway, trying to seem casual. “Can Tom come here? I need help!”
I heard his footsteps on the stairs, and he froze when he spotted me.
A moment of staring. I saw his amazement and something more on his face. Bastard, you gotcha.
“What do you need help with?” he inquired, his voice trembling.
I inclined my head, smiling slightly. I’m uncertain. I’m bored. “Thought you could keep me company,” I said playfully.
“Uh… Carol will be back soon,” he murmured, looking at the door.
She texted me. My voice was steady as I lied about her being late.
Tom hesitated briefly, then grinned and approached. He grabbed my waist and kissed me before I could react.
I heard the front door open behind us. Not even Tom noticed.
“What the hell is happening?” Carol’s angry voice rang through the room.
Tom whirled around and jumped back, pale. “Carol! Honey, it’s not like this. I can explain,” he mumbled.
Rage filled her gaze. “Explain? Is it true? Cheated on me—with her? Was this your ‘business trip’?!” She shouted, shaking.
After losing his serenity, Tom scowled at me. “You told her? You witch!” he demanded.
“Leave!” Carol ripped the engagement band off her finger, screaming and shaking. Take this ring! Nothing matters!” It bounced off his chest and fell to the floor when she flung it at him.
Tom hesitated, opening his mouth to argue, but Carol’s looks stopped him. He left without saying a word, slamming the door.
Carol looked at me, heartbroken and angry. I approached her. I’m sorry, Carol. I hugged her to avoid hurting her.
With shaking voice, she pushed me away. Do not speak to me. Was this your plan? Kissing my fiance? Front of me?!
No idea what to do. You didn’t trust me,” I whispered.
She shouted, “Just don’t!” and left the home.
Standing there, my heart was heavy. I wanted to follow her, but she needed space. I didn’t mean to hurt her.
I down the porch stairs and stared at the vacant street. Air felt heavy.
I sat there for hours, contemplating. When I heard footsteps, I spotted Carol approaching the home.
Crying had enlarged and reddened her eyes. I realized I looked the same as I wiped my cheeks.
She paused, shoulders tight, a few steps distant. “You acted really cruelly,” she replied, exhausted.
“I know,” I said. I’m sorry. I thought my actions were right.”
Carol shook her head. I’d have believed you. Would’ve chatted to him. Time was all I needed to find it out. To realize my lover is a liar.”
My voice broke as I said, “I didn’t think you’d leave him.”
Eyes narrowed. “You thought ruining our relationship was worth it? You didn’t trust me to manage it?
“You’re my little sister,” I whispered. “I’d do anything to protect you, even if you hated me.”
Sighing, Carol sat beside me. Meg, I’m upset with you. However, thank you.”
I nodded, crying again. Carol leaned into me, and I hugged her. Sitting calmly, we let the night sink in.
