Chapter 1

I was on my way to deliver some medicine to my aunt, Regina Shelton.

I overheard Matthew Payne's friend asking him, "Matt, who's this secret girlfriend you've been hiding for two years?

"If you don't bring her out soon, people are going to start talking."

I stopped outside the living room, gripping the medicine bag so hard that it crinkled in my hand.

The next second, Matthew's calm voice came through the crack in the door.

He said, "She's too dependent on me. She can't tell if she loves me or if she's used to having me around."

Someone laughed and pressed, "So, do you love her or not?"

Matthew paused for a moment.

When he spoke again, his voice was so casual, like he was talking about the weather.

He said, "Honestly, to me, she's always been like a little sister."

I felt a chill sweep through my whole body.

*****

The living room was warm, but the hallway outside felt like a winter night had swept in.

I stood frozen in place, my fingertips gradually losing all feeling.

A little sister?

Matthew said he always saw me as his little sister.

But last night, he'd pressed me against the wall in the dim garage and kissed me.

He whispered, "Monica, wait a little longer.

"Once Phoebe's back and the elders are in a better mood, I'll tell them about us."

I believed him.

For two whole years, I bought into everything he said.

I believed he kept our relationship a secret because my aunt wasn't well, and he said she couldn't handle any drama.

I believed he kept his distance in front of others because we'd grown up together, and suddenly going public would make things awkward for everyone.

I believed that every time he patted my head and told me to behave, he cherished me.

But it turned out that none of that was true.

In his eyes, I was like his little sister, unwanted, sent to live with my aunt, and with no one to back me up.

Inside the living room, the teasing started up again.

"A little sister? What kind of 'little sister' is that supposed to be?"

"Matt, that's harsh. She's been with you for two years, and you're brushing her off as your little sister?"

"But for real, now that Phoebe's back, you gotta take a stand, right? When she went overseas, you were the one who was hit the hardest."

I heard the soft clink of glasses.

Matthew let out a quiet laugh. "Don't make stuff up."

One guy said, "Come on, everyone remembers how you acted around Phoebe back then. If she tripped, you'd sulk the whole day. And if anyone touched her stuff, you'd freak out."

Someone lowered their voice, laughing with a sly, knowing tone. "Honestly, I feel bad for your secret girlfriend.

"She was there for you all those years while Phoebe was gone, and now that Phoebe's back, what is she supposed to be to you?"

The room fell silent for a second.

I held my breath.

I was desperate to hear Matthew say something in my defense.

It was enough even if he said only one word, or said that it wasn't true.

But he didn't.

After a long pause, he said quietly, his tone flat and distant. "She's understanding. She won't make a fuss."

My eyes suddenly stung with tears.

So, to him, my biggest strength wasn't being gentle, or loving him, or being there for him when things got tough.

It was me being understanding and not making a fuss.

Suddenly, my aunt Regina Shelton's voice came from behind me. "Monica, what are you doing standing by the door?"

I snapped back to reality.

The chatter and laughter in the living room came to an abrupt halt.

I turned around stiffly. Regina was wearing a cream-colored cashmere sweater, her expression gentle, but there was a subtle, watchful look in her eyes.

She asked, "Did you get the medicine?"

I lowered my head and handed her the medicine bag.

"Yeah, I got it," I said.

As soon as I spoke, I realized my voice was so hoarse that it barely came out.

Regina paid no attention. She pushed open the living room door.

"Right in time. Matt and the others are all here. Come in and say hello," she said.

The door swung wide open.

All eyes in the room instantly locked on me.

Matthew was sitting in the center of the couch, dressed in a dark gray sweater, with an air of quiet elegance and composure.

As soon as Matthew saw me, his expression flickered for a split second.

But as quickly, he went back to his usual self.

"Monica?" Matthew called out.

He stood up and walked over to me.

Like always, he took my scarf as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

He asked gently, "Was it chilly out? Why are your hands so cold?"

If I hadn't overheard those words, I probably would've softened up because of his kindness all over again.

I stared at him.

I noticed the way he looked at me with the right amount of concern, the gentle pressure of his palm on my wrist, and how he was always so composed and put-together when people were around.

Suddenly, it hit me that he felt like a total stranger.

Someone teased, "See? I told you Matt's always been good to Monica.

"He treats her like she's his real little sister.

"When Monica first came to the Shelton family, she wouldn't say a word to anyone. She only listened to Matt.

"She was a kid back then, always tagging along behind Matt like his little shadow."

Everyone burst out laughing.

I kept my eyes down, not saying a word.

Matthew didn't say anything, either.

He didn't deny it.

Regina smiled and called me over.

"Monica, don't stand there. Go ahead and pour some coffee for everyone," she said.

I nodded and walked over to the coffee table.