Chapter 2

"Charlotte, have you lost your mind? The engagement party is in two days. What the hell do you mean by calling it off now?

Do you know how many tables we've booked? How many relatives we've invited?

Your dad even skipped his card game today only to wait for this big family event, and now you pull this stunt on me?"

I stood on the street listening to her unload on me nonstop. It felt like my phone speaker was about to explode.

I just don't want to marry a man who doesn't love me."

I tried to stay calm.

She acted like she"d just heard a joke. "Who gets married for love anyway? Most people team up and get on with life. You really think that TV kind of love where a man won't marry anyone but you is going to happen to you?

"Keep this up, and if you don't marry him, who else is going to want you later?

"Besides, Daniel's perfectly fine husband material. He looks good and his family has connections. You're the one making a mess of this."

I laughed, “Why don't you tell me who Daniel actually loves?”

She went silent for a second.

Then she recovered fast. Her tone instantly dropped, "Your sister, she was young and dumb, okay? That was before the engagement was settled. He chose you now, which means you won.

"You already won, so what are you still making a fuss about?

"Listen to your mother. Hurry up and call him to apologize. Get married, and then live your life properly."

"I don't want to win like that."

I hung up.

I stood there in the wind for a while when my phone buzzed again.

This time, it was my sister, Emily Evans.

She sent me a WhatsApp message: [Sis, I know You're in a bad mood today. Want me to come see you? We can talk.]

*****

Half an hour later, I was sitting on the rooftop of my old family home, watching her come up the stairs one step at a time.

She was wearing a white dress and light makeup, all soft and harmless-looking.

"Sis." She sat beside me and lowered her eyes, "Do you think Daniel and I had something going on?"

I didn't say anything.

She bit her lip. "I know you misunderstood, but there was really nothing between us.

"There was a little chemistry before, I guess, but that was all before the engagement.

"He chose you, sis. In the end, he chose you, didn't he?"

I turned to glance at her.

Her face was delicate, her eyes wet, and whenever she spoke, she always looked like she was about to cry.

No wonder Daniel thought she needed protecting.

She said softly, "I've always thought you were the one who suited him best. You're more mature than me, more sensible, more steady.

"If you hadn't called off the engagement, why would he have come looking for me. Sis, You're being way too impulsive."

I finally spoke, my voice very light. "He came to find you?"

Her expression froze. It was the kind of slip that came out too fast to take back.

Two seconds later, she hurried to fix it. "I mean, if you really don't marry him, then maybe he might come back to me. But I don't want to come between you two, sis. You know I've always cared most about what you think of me."

I nodded. "Then don't worry.

"I bless this relationship of yours.

"I don't want him."

Her eyes widened. "What do you mean?"

I stood up and brushed off my skirt.

I said, "I don't want to be anyone's backup plan ever again.

"If you like him, go get him.

"But from today on, neither of us owes the other anything."

She stared at me blankly, like she"d never expected me to be this decisive.

"You really don't want him anymore?"

I said calmly, "I want to become stronger than both of you, happier than both of you."

"That's the only win that counts."

She bit her lip, and a flicker of embarrassment flashed through her eyes.

I looked at her, "so, good luck."

"Don't end up like your previous life, carrying someone else's baby and still thinking someone will clean up your mess."

She jerked her head up. "What did you say?"

I smiled. "Nothing. Just saying."