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 gave me an apologetic smile which I didn't return. I mean, why should I?Charlie, albeit remorseful for her actions tried to apologize but I didn't care anymore. What importance did her apology bear now? Their marriage agreement had been sealed already as they all wanted and wished for.She had even forced me into uttering words I was unprepared for. What can we do now that the damage has been done? There is no going back on what I have stated, for I have made a promise, a promise I know I will come to regret. But there's no medicine for regret as we all know.I walked back to my room without saying anything. I cannot erase the image of her body at that moment, nor her ceaseless apology as she followed me to my room.For a brief moment, I found myself elated for her sake. She was to wed the man of her dreams. Yet, was the feeling mutual for Chad? Was Charlie his one true love? Did he love my sister as she loves him wholeheartedly? I highly doubted it.Chad, who was also standing there silently gazed at me with an expression I could not decipher. In fact, I don't understand this guy most of the time.I firmly believed that Chad harbored no genuine feelings for my sister Charlie. I pondered interrogating him, but alas, it would do no good. Additionally, such curiosity would brand me as a jealous sister as they all call me. I never trusted that devilish scoundrel.On further reflection, I questioned why Chad was consistently visiting our house unaccompanied.Surely, he has a family of his own, as I had nearly crossed paths with his mother several years prior. Hence, why were they not accompanying him to his supposed in-law's house? Could it be that they disagreed with his marriage to my sister? Would they accept my dear Charlie?A man of Chad's caliber would seek a partner who exuded confidence and fortitude, and above all, one who possessed an irksome disposition.My sister, however, was a fragile soul. She was someone who would sacrifice anything to maintain harmony. [sigh] I can only pray that she finds enduring happiness in her marital life.Then the day of the betrothal came. Our house was adorned exquisitely. Every visitor who graced our doorstep marveled at the impeccable skills of the decorator.Naturally, that was to be expected. Did they assume I had acquired no education? Me, a fully-fledged interior designer and decorator? My parents beamed with pride at how I decorated our home.As for my father, [scoff] imagine his self-importance and accepting all the praises of my work in the presence of his friends.Was the incident of him slapping me completely erased from his memory? So hypocritical.My sister, always the defender of our father, said when she saw the glare of daggers I was sending to my father... "You know he loves you, Marlie.""Oh, really? Then why didn't he apologize for slapping me? Thanks but no thanks." I sneered. I knew it didn't work that way, but if it had been Charlie instead of me, Dad would have apologized immediately. Not that I'm jealous of my though. I just wanted fair treatment between us which seemed impossible for my parents."Marlie, Dad told me he doesn't know how to face you. He's genuinely sorry for slapping you," Charlie said, trying to please me.Seriously? Norbert Anderson, my own father?Maybe I misheard. Did she really say that Dad was afraid to face me? Well, he should be, considering the trouble he has gotten himself into."Are you going to demand compensation today as well?" Charlie asked with her charming smile which even I, her sister find hard to resist."Why not?" I asked sharply with a raised brow.Shouldn't he compensate me for slapping someone as beautiful and thoughtful as me? I wondered what I should ask for as compensation.If I asked for a car, that stingy old man would probably tell me to work for it. [scoff] I can't understand why he works so hard for money but refuses to give it to me when I ask. He can forget about it!What if I ask him to call off the wedding?Wouldn't that make me a terrible person? They're all so happy now because I agreed to the marriage. I can't take away their happiness from their faces.Then they shouldn't have been happy from the start if I was going to ruin it.I paused for a moment, and an idea sparked in my mind. I looked at my sister, who appeared stunning in front of her dressing mirror."I'm sorry, big sister. I want you to be happy. But I can't stay here," I said to myself. I just couldn't forget what I heard about that family.I really couldn't. It was scary to even imagine. There were things I couldn't tell her. If I did, Charlie wouldn't believe me. And If she goes to her husband's house, I know she will never find happiness in that mansion.She was the only one who managed to bring peace to our family. Without her, the house will be in chaos. I was certain that she convinced my father to apologize or perhaps said that to cover for him. If I were to reveal my sorrow to her, she would have to choose between us – either come with me or decide not to get married.So I decided that I would help her find happiness. If Chad is her happiness, then so be it. I would pretend to be happy throughout the wedding celebration. I would be the perfect sister she desired, the perfect child my parents wanted, and damn it, the perfect sister-in-law for that jerk. I had no other option anyway.Then, after she's gone to her husband's house, I would also leave the house. That's what I wanted as compensation.Even after years to come, I still recall the moment when I descended the stairs with my sister, heading to the banquet hall.No one in my position would forget. The witch of a mother was present. Fear gripped me, causing my legs to tremble. They were all curious about what was happening to me. My mother was so concerned that she nearly fainted.Popping into my thoughts were flashes from that day on top of the library rooftop and the horrible conversation I overheard.Surrounded in the hall by everyone, even the witch encircled me asking me if I was okay.She dared to grasp my hand without inquiring if it was acceptable. Truly frightening.Unfathomable, I took the hand of a malevolent woman who would incinerate me if she discovered my knowledge of her secret.Trembling incessantly, I felt as though my throat was being choked. Incapable of speaking, I longed to command someone to remove her from mine, yet my voice failed me.Inwardly, I reassured myself, "Someone can help me... Yes, it's him! He can help me. Indeed, Chad can assist me," I chanted to myself inwardly.In my thoughts, I screamed, "DAMN IT OLD WITCH! RELEASE ME!" alas, they were unable to perceive my plea in my head. Could someone decipher my mind? Did I not possess a confidant among them who could retrieve my thoughts and instruct them to relinquish their hold on me?Fine then, I shall undertake the endeavor myself. I resolved to communicate with the witch's offspring, urging him to distance his mother from me.My eyes became moist as I looked at the devil, who might also be my savior. "Chad, please help me!" I sobbed inwardly, hoping he would see through my tears and trembling body. Reflecting upon it... Could he not fathom that his mother instigated my reaction?Curse you, Chad!!So be it. If he can see through my struggle, I shall proceed with all my might. I struggled and persisted, until at last, a word escaped my lips, or rather, a name: CHAD!I said his name with a feeble voice. How pathetic!!!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
Chapter 13Demanding my attention with a solemn expression, Mark beseeched me to follow him. Without hesitation, we proceeded to his office where he designated a seat for me, positioning himself across from me. Retrieving a photograph of a young girl, Mark placed it delicately into my hands. That Puzzled me. The face was unfamiliar. "Who is this?" I inquired still looking at the face of the girl in that picture.Mark, mustering a faint smile, responded, "My younger sister."Why would he give me his sister's picture? I almost questioned him but was caught by the expression on his face.A glimmer of tears glistened in his eyes, indicating his profound grief. Although unspoken, I could sense the unbearable sorrow he carried within him."Has she passed away?" I queried, somehow aware of the answer."A few months ago, at the hands of her male companion," came his sorrowful admission."Then you should understand why I have this pain and the thought of vengeance on my mind." I declared.