Chapter 2

Dad seemed genuinely pleased with my sensible behavior, and my stepmother wore a satisfied smile. After they left, Milena hung back.

"Hey, Sis, let me help you pack," she offered, standing in front of me with an innocent air. Her eyes sparkled mischievously as she took in the room.

"I didn't think Dad would actually let us swap rooms," she mused, pretending to be surprised. "Are you mad at me, Sis? After all, I've not only snatched Keaton but also your room, the one you've had for ten years."

Ignoring her, I turned to grab my suitcase. Suddenly, Milena let out a theatrical gasp and collapsed onto the floor.

"Sis..." she whimpered, her arm striking the corner of the table and bruising instantly.

"What are you doing, Julissa?" Keaton appeared at the top of the stairs, just in time to witness Milena's stumble. His expression darkened as he rushed over to gently scoop her up.

"Keaton, I'm fine. Sis didn't mean it," Milena insisted, tears shimmering in her eyes as she forced a brave smile. "It doesn't hurt, Keaton."

"It's bruised, and you're saying it doesn't hurt?" Keaton's eyes were filled with concern as he examined the injury on her pale arm. But when he turned to me, his gaze was icy, like an arctic chill.

"Julissa, if you have any issues, direct them at me. Don't hurt Milena. She's been through more than enough. Not like you, who grew up coddled and oblivious to life's difficulties."

I had thought my emotions were immune to him. I believed I would never shed another tear for Keaton Reed. But in truth, I was just an ordinary girl. Neither made of steel nor with a heart that couldn't break.

A childhood friend turned lover. Three years together. Only for him to fall for someone younger and more vibrant in mere days, turning me into the villain in his eyes.

I didn't want to cry. I even wanted to laugh. But my tear ducts ached unbearably.

"Keaton, we've known each other so long. Don't you know what kind of person I am?"

Keaton's brow furrowed slightly, his gaze softening momentarily when it met mine.

Milena then began to cry softly, "Keaton, don't get into a spat with Sis because of me. I don't mind. Sis has every right to be upset with me..."

Her voice was small, as if she had borne all the misfortunes in the world. Keaton's stare grew cold again.

"You're jealous because I care for Milena. Jealous because everyone loves her. Julissa, you're not the person you once were. You're twisted now, aren't you?"

With that, he carried Milena away. As I watched them leave, I realized my tears had dried without my knowledge. Perhaps it was better this way. These past days, I'd shed too many tears over Keaton. Maybe now, I truly wouldn't cry for him again.

That evening, our mutual friends' WhatsApp group chat buzzed with activity. Keaton had sent a message.

"What do I do if I'm suddenly thinking about getting married?"

The group went wild.

"Keaton, are you finally marrying Julissa?"

"Should we start calling her 'sister-in-law,' huh?"

The chat was flooded with messages tagging me: "Congrats, sis! Are you going to spoil us with lavish wedding gifts?"

"Keaton, when's the wedding with our sis?"

As the messages streamed in, I readied myself to clear up the misunderstanding. I wasn't their sister-in-law, and Keaton's supposed wedding proposal wasn’t intended for me. But Keaton beat me to it.

"What nonsense are you all talking about?" he typed. "I never said I was marrying Julissa."

Then he added Milena to the group and tagged everyone: "Take a good look, this is your official sister-in-law."

The lively chat fell silent, with no one speaking for a while.

"Why is no one chiming in?" Keaton urged. "Say hello to your sister-in-law."

Slowly, the group members began to reluctantly greet Milena. I paused for a moment before sending a message: "Congratulations. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together."

With that, I promptly left the group chat.