Rylee
As I was about to leave, my sister entered the room wearing my wedding dress. It felt like a punch to the gut.
"What are you doing here?" I demanded, feeling a mix of anger and betrayal.
"What did I do wrong? I saved you from a marriage that wouldn't make you happy! You and Jonathan were never a good match. You're too soft, too kind. He needs someone like me—strong, objective, and beautiful," she retorted.
"How could you be so heartless? You're my sister, I trusted you!" I exclaimed.
"I wanted him. Blood or not, you weren't good enough for him or our family. I just needed to get close to him, and you made it easy by pushing him away," she smirked.
How could she do this to me? I loved her with all my heart and did everything for her.
“I knew he would come looking for me; he couldn't make a move without consulting me first. I saw the makeup artist and hairdresser leave his room. I knew he would come to me soon. I searched for him and seduced him once again. He couldn't resist me. I had it all planned out. You're so predictable.”
She happily sighed, "Well, I'm off to my planned dream wedding. Have a safe trip home. Oh, I almost forgot to tell you the good news. We were celebrating my pregnancy when you showed up. Congratulations, you're going to be an aunt.”
I never imagined that day could get any worse, but she managed to deceive me. She never cared for me; she just wanted him and took him, like she always does with everything she desires. As I walked past the door where she was about to walk down the aisle, the sight made me sick. My parents were congratulating her on her wedding, calling her beautiful like a princess.
For them, it didn't matter which daughter got married, as long as one of them did. Jonathan came from a wealthy family, and all my parents cared about was their status and money. I even think they would have preferred Rosie over me for this wedding.
I never really cared about that. I was with Jonathan because I loved him, not because of the things he had or his family name. Unlike my sister, who always wanted to marry someone with money, I never thought she would take my fiancé away just because he had money.
"Without a doubt, the most beautiful bride that ever existed!" my mother said, smiling and kissing my sister's face.
My parents always paid more attention to her. I was always on the sidelines. She’s the perfect daughter, the little girl in my father's eye and my mother's little princess. They never cared about me as much as they cared about her.
Jonathan was nearby, next to my father and hers, the three of them talking and smiling, as if they hadn't just destroyed my life a few minutes ago.
I heard my father say to Jonathan, "Welcome to the family."
Is this really happening? Or is it all in my head?
"Do you think this is a happy day? How can you condone the things these two shameless people did?"
"That's enough, Rylee. Go home. We'll talk when we get there. I don't want you to create another scandal!"
"Me? But I wasn't the one who slept with her sister's future husband! It was Rosie and that unscrupulous bastard!" My father took me by the arm and dragged me out of the room, where one of the drivers was waiting to take me away.
"Don’t you dare cause more damage! Go home!"
I felt utterly broken, my energy draining away. I complied with going home, but my heart longed for the nearby beach with its deck extending into the sea, offering a breathtaking view.
"Please, take me to the beach," I asked the driver.
"But what about your father..." he hesitated.
"After the day I've had, can't you show a bit of compassion and just take me where I need to be?" I pleaded.
The weather mirrored my sorrow, the once sunny day now cloaked in gray clouds, the vibrant blue sky replaced.
"Miss, I think we're being followed..." the driver's voice trailed off as he glanced in the rearview mirror.
"It's probably just the paparazzi looking for a juicy story to exploit." I dismissed his concern.
The drive continued in silence, my mind consumed with thoughts, while the driver kept a watchful eye on the rearview mirror.
In those final moments, the driver was the only one who showed me any kindness, acknowledging my pain and giving me the space I needed.
As we arrived at my family home, it felt eerily empty, a stark contrast to the celebration that should have been taking place.
After a shower and some contemplation, I decided to dress up and head out for a night of drinking and fun. I needed to erase the memory of that dreadful day completely.
As I made my way to the heart of the city, I knew the night was still young and the bars and clubs would be buzzing with energy. I stumbled upon one of the places, a name that rang a bell. My sister had praised it as one of the hottest spots in town.
Determined to drown my sorrows, I gave my name at the door.
After a quick once-over, they allowed me inside. The place was teeming with glamorous women and well-dressed men exuding wealth. I made my way to the bar, raising a toast to my own foolishness. It was all so obvious now: my sister's closeness to Jonathan, her constant attention to him. It was right in front of me, but I had been blind to it. A few drinks down, I felt a surge of happiness and dizziness. I decided to hit the dance floor, unsure if I looked as alluring as the other women or just plain awkward. But I didn't care. I was letting loose.
Suddenly, I collided with a solid force, tumbling to the ground. A tall, strong man extended his hand to help me up, apologizing over the blaring music. With a boldness fueled by alcohol, I challenged him to a dance as my condition. Perhaps it was the liquor's courage speaking.
Our bodies swayed and intertwined to the gentle rhythm of the music, exploring new sensations that sent shivers down my spine. Even after a few songs, I couldn't bear to part ways with the stranger.
Summoning all my courage, I leaned in and kissed him. His lips tasted of whiskey, igniting a fire within me as his hands roamed my body. Despite my mind's protests, my body craved his touch, yearning for a connection on that fateful day.
"What are you doing?" he questioned, but I couldn't form a coherent response, only desiring another kiss.
"Let's go! I'll take you to a safe place. You don't look well, and this isn't the right place to be in this state," he asserted, and I could only nod in agreement.
We found ourselves in an underground nightclub within a hotel, where he led me to an access elevator that took us straight to the top floor. I felt a bit lightheaded, but the thrill of the moment kept me going.
As we stepped into the room, I reached out to hold onto him, but he firmly grasped my arms, trying to steady me.
Was I really that dispensable?
"Do you even know who I am?" he asked.
I simply smiled back at him, determined to get closer.
"I think you've lost thought of who you are. Come on, I'll tuck you into bed."
He guided me to bed and was about to leave when I stopped him in his tracks.
"I know exactly who I am, and what I want. And right now, I want you," I declared.
The liquor's courage was definitely playing a part, but I also wanted to rid myself of any lingering thoughts of Jonathan.
The next morning, I woke up with a pounding headache, my body sore all over, and memories of the previous night flooding back.
Shifting slightly, I realized there was a body beside me. I glanced at the stranger, who was still fast asleep, and decided it was time to make my exit.
Leaving some money on the bedside table to cover my share of the night at the hotel, I slipped out of the room before he woke up. I didn't want to endure an awkward morning of waiting for him to rise.