Before Catherine

sherds of us

A single decision can ruin a lifetime of sacrifices.

“I hate my life… and everything in it.”

“Mina, are you okay?” Nat’s voice trembled.

“Do I look okay to you, Nat?” My voice cracked, a blend of rage and despair. “No. I’m not okay.”

“I’m sorry, Mina. I love her. I want to spend my life with her, not you.”

My world splintered. His words were glass, slicing through everything I’d built. I staggered back two steps, knees weak, breath trembling.

“So after all our years together, you were screwing her?” My voice rose, sharp and raw. “Nat, you could’ve chosen anyone else, but her?”

He looked at me like I was a stranger. “Mina… I’ll always care for you. Just not the way I care for her.”

A bitter laugh escaped me. “Not how you see her? It was Mina before Catherine. I was the one here when no one else was. I begged for you when everyone left. This life you’re living, your success, is because of me.”

My voice dropped, colder now. “And you know what I’m capable of. Don’t push me, Nat. Let’s get married as planned.”

“Mina…” His voice broke. “I don’t love you anymore. It’s her I want.”

Tears blurred my vision. “Did you ever love me? Or was I just your golden ticket to wealth?” My voice trembled, my legs about to give way.

He knelt, taking my hands. “I know you feel betrayed. I know I’ve wronged you. But I’ll make it up to you. I’ll speak to your parents. I’ll fix this. Just… one request.”

I stared at him, tears streaming. “What?”

“Don’t go after Catherine. Please. I beg you.” he said with a pleading eyes.

Any remaining feeling for them both turned to dust. My heart cracked into shards. “Nat…” My voice broke. “Why did you do this to me? I sacrificed everything, my home, my name, my family, for you. And this is what I get?”

“I’ll try to amend it,” he whispered.

And then Catherine entered. Graceful. Striking. Her eyes darted between us like a predator sizing up prey.

“Mina…” Her soft voice caught our attention. She walked toward us. “I know it’s selfish, but please don’t punish Nat. If you want to punish someone, punish me. Don’t take him away from me.”

She took my hands from Nat’s, gripping them tightly. “We love each other. Please… let us go.”

I tried to pull free, but her grip was iron. I looked to Nat for help, but he turned, walked toward the door.

A chill snaked up my spine. “Nat? What’s going on?”

Catherine smiled, sharp, knowing. “He’s giving us time to talk. I think we need to.”

Her next words were poison. “I hate you, Mina. I always have. I will always take what’s yours, your family, your life, everything you’ve worked for.”

She laughed and pulled a syringe from her purse. “And today is just the beginning.”

Vials of liquid clinked onto the table. A small knife gleamed under the light.

And just like that, my world tilted.