Chapter 4
That damn bastard... He intentionally said that to the hearing of my sister. How was I to explain, since Charlie wouldn't let go no matter how many excuses I may give her?But I couldn't tell her what happened. Like hell, I will say... “Charlie, Chad kissed me or hey big sis, your boyfriend kissed me.” That would be the dumbest thing I would ever do on Earth.If I did, I might be misunderstood or worse, she would ask what led to that, bringing a whole new unnecessary drama.So I just used some crazy story to cover it up. I'm sure that Devil did the same since Charlie didn't confront me after that anymore.Well, enough of the college time story.********CURRENTLY!!!Now Charlie's ghost keeps bothering me in my dreams.How I wish she had listened to me when I warned her. Not only her but all of them. I wish I could turn back time and stop her from marrying Chad with more determination.Now she is gone and even our parents are not aware of that. They lost their precious Charlie, the innocent and sweet daughter but they had no idea about her death.I lost my sister, the only person I love in this world. The only person who tolerates all my misgivings. I don't dare tell our parents what happened to Charlie. How can I? Even I am finding it hard to accept her demise. How could our parents cope with it? When I look back to that faithful day the marriage proposal came, I should have insisted she reject it. No matter how envious they said I was, I should have tried even harder. But what could I have possibly done? She looked so happy on that day. She looked glamorous in the silver dress she wore. I still remember her smile on that very day. The laughter all around the house. But I was still in my room. I was so annoyed that the devil of a boy dared send a proposal. well, he was a man.Let's Go Back For More Details...********FLASHBACKS [ 5 years after college ]I had woken up late that morning. Charlie was the one that woke me up all the time. However, on that day, she didn't. One of our servants told me she had gone to the saloon to get herself fixed."fix herself? why"I asked confused.Don't get me wrong, my sister was the most beautiful pearl I had ever seen. Especially when she smiles. Her smile can melt everyone's heart. I think she just wanted to look different on her special day“What was so special about today for Charlie?”I had to ask because I had no idea about it. Well, except me, everyone in the family knew about what a special day it was.I was so engrossed in my work that I distanced myself from the family for a week. But Charlie didn't say anything to me which was strange because we texted each other always.'Maybe it was not all that important.' I thought.“Mr. Baristana is going to propose.”The apple I was munching fell from my hand when Miss Susan, the head servant, happily informed me. What?!!!! No way! How? Why the hell wasn't I informed? Ah! Sure... because I will oppose?Was I really a member of the family? And Charlie, she had never hidden anything from me before, so why then?I felt annoyed, betrayed, outcast, and anything that goes hand in hand with those emotions.I ran to the study to confront my parents. Why didn't they heed my advice and reject that devil's proposal? Do they even know how cruel and scary that family is? Why won't they just listen to my advice for once?“Dad, why did you accept to give your daughter's hand to that devil man? How many times do I have to tell you that he doesn't deserve Charlie? Dad, you will get your daughter killed if you allow this fucking marriage!” I spat angrily the moment I entered the study room. My emotions were all over the place.I was so furious that I didn't notice Chad was already sitting there with my parents. My mother tried to draw my attention to his presence using signs, but I didn't rush there to learn about sign language.My father gave me a wolf stare. I knew what that stare meant. That I should compose myself.It was then I realized the devil was sitting comfortably on our couch.Ha!…. He dared to sit that way. Did he think he owned our mansion or what? Yes, his family is filthy rich. But our family is wealthy too. We the Anderson family don't need his bloody money.Furthermore, we call all the shots in our house. We have everything we require. So we didn't need him in our lives.Well, my old man thought I was too rude to his guest.“He will never marry Charlie. My sister would never marry into a family that reeks of blood!” Oh hell yeah... I felt so good giving him the piece of shit he deserved. At least, I said what I've been wanting to say all these years.But here goes my old man again. He didn't agree with my actions. So he has to ring the bells on my cheek.For the first time in my life, my own father slapped me. To say I was shocked and hurt would be an understatement.l hated Chad even more at that moment. I hated him so much with passion. Not just him, EVERYBODY. I turned and looked at Chad who was now standing at my left side.Well, for the first time, he acted like a gentleman. But he was too late. He couldn't stop the slap. Even if he did, I wouldn't hate him less.l smiled at him and gathered the strength within me to tell him” I HATE YOU CHAD BARISTANAS!!!”I know no one saw that coming. They all stood there in awe. I'm sure they were wondering why I insisted on not letting Charlie marry Chad.For the first time since I met Chad, I saw a different emotion in his eyes other than his jovial nature. What was that? "HURT".I saw hurt in his eyes. But why would he be hurt by my hateful words? Not that I care though.I heard Charlie crying her eyes out at my back. But I didn't care anymore. She can cry blood, sand, or vapor I didn't care anymore. Besides, I didn't even notice she was already back from the saloon. I wouldn't know anyway because I was hurting more than her.I wanted the best for her as a sister. But no one listened to my advice.I ran to my room and locked myself away from them. I couldn't care less what they do with their life. They should let their most precious Charlie marry whoever they see fit. I won't intervene anymore.She could marry a beggar, a murderer, or whatever, I care less. I would be here and just wait for the bad news.“ I will wait for the day you would come back to tell me you are sorry. That you should have listened to me, Charlie.” I was so confident thinking about that, but then tears started falling down my cheek.I had stayed in the room from morning until evening. I had not eaten anything. I was still thinking about my sister Charlie. I prayed earnestly that God would listen to my prayers and change my sister's mind. But I wasn't the only one crying. My big sister was also worried about me as usual.“Marlie, please I beg of you, open the door and eat something.” She sobbed behind my door.Food? Did she think food was important at this time? Here, I was thinking about her future and she was thinking about food. “But Charlie might looked pitiful outside.” I thought to myself in annoyance. So I swore to myself I would not let her manipulate me with her cries this time around. I steeled my heart and didn't pay much attention to her pleas. She will leave when she gets tired. I wasn't going out no matter what. If I go out, she will move me with her tears. So I fell on my bed to sleep.I didn't know whether it was a dream, at first, but I heard the voice of Chad chanting Charlie's name and then my name. Why was he banging on my door like a crazy person?“Marlie, Charlie fainted!” He shouted. Concern laced in his voice.What? No, no, no... not my sister! I leaped from the bed and rushed out in fear. Indeed, she was unconscious when I reached outside. She wasn't responding, no matter how they tried.It was my fault. I caused it! Charlie wouldn't have ended up like that if I had come out earlier. If I had accepted Chad, my sister wouldn't have ended up like that. I held my sister in my arms. I couldn't stop crying. I tried promising to let her have her way if she woke up.Everything was happening so fast. Was I wrong to want the best for her?“Charlie, please wake up, and open your eyes.You are just pranking me, right? I don't care, but if you wake up, I promise you I will accept Chad as your husband. I won't force you to leave him. Just please open your eyes, Charlie please” I begged her as I started sobbing.Why was everything going the wrong way?Chapter 5"Charlie, I beg you to open your eyes. Please big sister, open your eyes and talk to me." I sobbed whilst begging her to wake up.Although I don't want to partake in this marriage, if you were to rouse, I promise to acknowledge Chad as your husband." I said these words, hoping they would somehow help her to gain consciousness. Undoubtedly, all these problems were also taking a hit on Charlie's part. It was just an act from her side. I was naive to overlook the fact that I was the only l person striving to wake up my sister. The remainders of the household looked on silently, assuming the role of spectators. I could not fathom how my sister had stooped so dismally low as to coerce me into this situation. This was how I knew it!That damn man had managed to manipulate my innocent sister into manipulating me with... well, fine. I approve of their union. Let them wed if that's what they fucking want. After all, that's their own damn life.Charlie stood up from the floor and g
Chapter 6Chad? Of all the people surrounding me, his name was the only one I could utter. How pathetic that sounds.But he wasn't dumb after all. He understood it right away when I called his name. Good boy!I have to applaud him on that. He really did well. That was what I thought when he was driving away those people surrounding me as if they were going to eat me up. I had no space to breathe, gosh!Until that annoying son of the devil or should I say the devil's incarnation lifted me in his arms. I was startled and looked at him sharply. Was he mad or what? How could he carry me in those hands of his? Moreover, in front of all these people. Damn this man! He ruined one of my fantasies. How could he carry me like that all of a sudden?This act was one of my wishful love life and dreams. I'd picture the love of my life carrying me majestically in his strong and muscular arms, looking into my eyes lovingly with his beautiful eyes, and leading me to our bedroom. How he would hold m
Chapter 7“ Marlie don't worry, Chad would take care of you!” I remembered my sister's words before Chad brought me upstairs. No matter how much that guy infuriates me, I have to admit that laying in his arms felt warm and serene. However, it doesn't change the fact that my sister allowed her husband-to-be to carry me inside my bedroom. What was she even thinking? Hmm...... I guess she didn't think much about it. I mean, she never thought that I, Marlie, could feel this way toward Chad. Sure, because I never liked him even for my sister, and definitely not me. And I think she trusted Chad so much.Oh! and don't get me started. That old man who calls himself my Dad even instructed him to stay with me for the meantime as we waited for the doctor's arrival. For crying out loud, didn't he know I was a woman and Chad was also definitely a man? Oh! hell yeah! As if we both couldn't feel anything at this close proximity. We soon reached my bedroom and Chad gently laid me down on my bed
Chapter 8The scene that unfolded before Audrey's eyes left her completely shocked. Her brother and I were in each other's arms, partially undressed. It was a wonderful moment, and Audrey had managed to stop everything.The look on Audrey's face was filled with pure horror. She couldn't hide her disgust and anger towards both of us. It was as if she wanted to vomit at the sight.Her facial expression served as a wake-up call, bringing me back to reality. What have I just done? What possessed me at that moment?Downstairs, Charlie patiently waited for her fiancee-to-be and a doctor to arrive and tend to her sister.While I was upstairs engaging in a passionate moment with him, without any consideration. God, I should have stopped when Chad asked me to.I was so consumed by my own desires and lust for my soon-to-be brother-in-law that rationality escaped me.I knew the harsh words were coming, and they did. Audrey wasted no time in hurling the insults I deserved. "You despicable, shame
Chapter 9[A year after Charlie and Chad's marriage]I had gone to the local market in the province to buy glossaries. It's been a whole year since my sister's marriage and my betrayal of her. And within this year, I tried to live in a village where no one I knew would find me.I plan to live my life in this way to atone for my sins anyway. Mind you, it doesn't mean I have forgotten about my guilt. I still live with it to date.Today, I wanted to prepare a cake for Katya, who has been the friend I made since I moved to this province. I had been staying with her and her grandmother Sidney since day one. Those two had made me feel the love and warmth my parents never gave me. And I'm so grateful to them. Trust me, without them, life would have been hectic for me.Grandma Sid was understanding and caring to the extent that I couldn't even think of my family most of the time.I had cut off contact with them so that I could have a fresh start and live a simple and peaceful life for the r
Chapter 10“Granny, I will be back very soon. I need to do something for my sister in the city. I promise to return as soon as am done, alright?” I said somewhat sadly to Granny. The woman was nothing but an Angel, and I was deeply grateful to her for all that she did for me.“Okay, my dear… Don't worry, I will tell Katya about the urgency of your trip, so don't worry and come back soon.” Granny said as she hugged and blessed my impromptu trip.My sister and I bid Granny Sidney goodbye and headed toward the car Charlie brought. I wonder why she didn't come with a driver to this remote place. Charlie insisted on driving, though I found her not in good condition too.“I'm fine, Marlie. I can drive, so don't worry and just buckle your seatbelt… Done? Let go!!!" As much as I've denied myself all this year, I have to admit that I missed my sister.We exchanged smiles and drove off. Only God knows how much I wanted the journey to be short. I wished the car could even fly, so we could rea
Chapter 11Having lost awareness of my surroundings, I could only hear a voice calling out to me but I couldn't fathom whose voice it was since I dazed out the next moment."Miss, miss, are you alright?" the voice called out again and again. At that moment, I had no clue about what was happening. I was uncertain about the condition of my sister. I didn't even know the condition I myself was in not to talk of my sister.When I eventually regained consciousness, I found myself looking at a white ceiling. I blinked several times to gain my eyesight properly. I tried to take in my white surroundings. "Am I dead? Am I in heaven?" I questioned myself inwardly until I heard that sound of beeping. I looked around again with my eyes and it was then that I realized I was lying in a hospital bed. Hospital? What happened? And then it all came crashing into my head. I remembered Charlie coming to my place and then the car accident. 'Charlie!' I screened inwardly for my sister. Hoping she was
Chapter 12The first thing that struck me was the bone-chilling coldness in the air. Instinctively, I crossed my arms over myself to shield myself from the cold.Throughout the entire path leading to that place, something felt amiss which intensified my fear."Where is this place" I questioned the doctor, but received no response as if It was a rhetorical question.My eyes darted around, scanning every corner in search of my sister, but she was nowhere to be found."Why did you bring me here instead of taking me to where Charlie is?" I questioned him again and still got no response. Where is Charlie's room? And why is it so far from mine? I couldn't stop wondering. There was no way a human being would survive in that kind of empty and desolate plate. And talking of the hallway leading to that room, it was as though the place was a cemetery.Nonetheless, I remained resolute in maintaining a positive mindset. I couldn't allow any trace of doubt to enter my heart, despite the thunderous