CHAPTER 1 Unwanted and Betrayal

I stood before the mirror, my eyes tracing the contours of a face that seemed to blend into the background of my family's life. My parents' words, a constant refrain, echoed in my mind: "You're just a placeholder, a mere stepping stone for your sister." The weight of those words settled upon me like a shroud, suffocating me with its crushing gravity.

As I made my way downstairs, the sounds of laughter and music drifted up, a stark contrast to the emptiness that had taken up residence within me. Today was Emma's engagement party, and I had to put on a brave face, to pretend that my world wasn't shattering into a million pieces.

The party was in full swing, with guests laughing and chatting, their faces aglow with joy. I scanned the room, searching for Jack, my fiancé of seven years. But instead of finding him by my side, I saw him beaming at Emma, his eyes shining with a love and adoration that I had never seen him direct towards me.

My heart sank, the floor beneath me giving way. I felt like I was drowning in a sea of despair, unable to find a lifeline to cling to. Emma's words, "Sis, isn't this exciting? Jack and I are getting married!" cut through me like a knife, leaving me bleeding and gasping for air.

I forced a smile, trying to hide the shock and confusion that threatened to consume me. "Congratulations, Emma. I'm really happy for you." But the words felt like ashes in my mouth, bitter and unpalatable.

As I looked at Jack, I knew I wasn't happy at all. I felt like I'd been punched in the gut, my breath knocked out of me. What was going on? Why was Jack engaged to my sister?

I needed answers. And I needed them now.

I navigated the crowded room, my heart heavy with every step. The air was thick with the weight of betrayal, and I could feel the shards of my shattered heart piercing my soul. I had to confront Jack, to demand answers for the pain he had inflicted upon me.

As I reached his side, he barely acknowledged me. His eyes, once bright with love and adoration for me, now shone with a fervent passion for my sister. The realization was a cruel slap in the face, leaving me reeling.

"Jack, can I talk to you for a minute?" I asked, my voice trembling with emotion.

He turned to me, his expression a mask of indifference. "What's up?"

I felt a stinging sensation in my eyes as tears began to form. "What's going on, Jack? Why are you engaged to my sister?"

Jack's shoulders rose in a casual shrug. "I've developed feelings for Emma. And she feels the same way."

The words cut through me like a knife, slicing through my heart and leaving me gasping for air. I felt like I was drowning in a sea of despair, unable to find a lifeline to cling to.

"You've been cheating on me with my sister?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Jack's expression remained impassive. "It wasn't like that. We just...connected. And I realize now that I never truly loved you."

I felt a wave of nausea wash over me. Seven years of my life, wasted on a man who never truly loved me. The pain was suffocating, crushing me beneath its weight.

"You never truly loved me?" I repeated, my voice cracking with emotion. "After seven years together?"

Jack's eyes flickered with a hint of guilt, but it was quickly extinguished. "I guess I was just settling for you. But Emma...she's different. She's the one I'm meant to be with."

The words were a cruel blow, striking at the very heart of my being. I felt like I was shattered, broken into a million pieces that could never be put back together again.

I stood there, frozen in shock, as Jack's words hung in the air like a challenge. I felt like I'd been living in a dream world, and Jack's betrayal was the harsh wake-up call that shattered all my illusions.

"You're meant to be with my sister?" I repeated, my voice barely above a whisper.

Jack nodded, his eyes never leaving Emma's face. "Yes, I am. And I'm sorry it had to end like this between us."

I laughed, a cold, mirthless sound. "Sorry? You're sorry? You've been cheating on me with my own sister, and you're sorry?"

The room around me began to spin, and I felt like I was going to collapse. I reached out for something to hold onto, but there was nothing. I was alone, completely and utterly alone.

And then, I saw my parents, smiling and laughing with the other guests. They were happy, happy that their precious Emma had found love, even if it was with my fiancé.

Something inside me snapped. I felt a wave of anger and hurt wash over me, and I knew I had to get out of there. I turned and ran, pushing my way through the crowds of people, desperate to escape the pain and the betrayal.

I didn't stop running until I was outside, gasping for air. I leaned against the wall, my heart pounding in my chest. I felt like I'd lost everything, like my whole world had been turned upside down.

And then, I remembered the words my parents had always told me: "You're just a placeholder, a mere stepping stone for your sister."

I realized that I had been living my life according to their expectations, trying to prove myself worthy of their love. But now, I saw that it was all a lie. They had never loved me, and they never would.

I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of determination rise up within me. I was done trying to prove myself to my family. I was done being a placeholder.

It was time for me to start living my own life, on my own terms.