He chose my sister, the CEO chose me.

Elena smiled as she stared at her reflection in the mirror, adjusting the silver necklace around her neck. She tilted her head to one side as she realized that, for the first time in a very long time, she is happy, truly happy. Tonight is a very special night. It had been two years since she walked down the aisle with Daniel Hart, her husband. She believed she had found the loving family she had always dreamt of. Touching the wedding ring on her finger, she smiled again. “Two good years,” she whispered to herself. She still remembered the day of her wedding as if it was yesterday. Daniel had made her feel like the only woman in the world, and she was happy to exchange vows with him. He had made promises and told her that he would be hers forever and she believed him. She didn't have any reason not to. Daniel was charming, successful and was everything she wanted in a man. He swept her off her feet the first time they met. He is now my husband. Elena giggled at the thought. Her smile slowly faded as she was reminded of how the past few months have been. Something had changed. Daniel came home these days with just a few words for her and slept off after eating. Sometimes, he barely eats her food. She knows that she has been loving and reasonable, especially when he complains about work, but this is getting out of hand. He mostly gave her the cold shoulder and kept telling her he was tired. Elena loved her husband, so she would try to make him happy. She knew that being married to someone as successful as Daniel comes with responsibilities. That is why she has been patient all this while. But tonight, she is going to talk to him and take things back to the way they used to be. She smiled at the thought of being touched again, and her body started to heat up. Walking out of the room, Elena glanced at the dinner table she had prepared. Candles, wine, his favorite meal and flowers. Everything looked perfect. She checked the small box containing the watch she bought for him. “He is going to love it,” she said, smiling to herself. She had spent weeks saving for it. Daniel had once mentioned that he liked the watch. He wouldn't remember saying it, but she would never forget. She decided to surprise him on their anniversary. That’s how much she loved him. She checked the time. 6:50pm. Daniel had said he would be back by seven. “He should be home soon. Let me look at myself one more time”. Elena took a short look at the mirror, satisfied, she smiled. He must have missed me too, she thought. Thirty minutes later, Elena was still waiting, hoping. Maybe the traffic is bad. She set the phone down for the umpteenth time. “He will definitely come home,” she said aloud, almost as though she was trying to convince herself. A soft knock sounded on their bedroom door. Elena paused, “Come in.” The door opened and Olivia stepped in. “Elena, you look beautiful,” Olivia said as she gave her sister a hug. Thank you,” Elena smiled, returning the hug. “Anniversary night?” “Yes, and I wanted it to be special. It has been two years already,” Elena's eyes brightened as she spoke. She reached for Olivia's hands and said, “I appreciate you coming over." “You know I always have your back and I miss spending time with you,” Olivia says, turning her face away. Elena smiled in return. Since their parents died, her sister was the only family she had left. She remembered carrying her sister through difficult times, comforting her and always reminding her that she would always protect her. She believed that family should never be abandoned. That was why she wanted to make her marriage work by all means. “I made enough food for all of us, you can stay for dinner,” Elena said. Olivia hesitated before saying, “I'd love that.” Elena walks toward the dressing table. “Daniel should be home soon.” “Are you sure?” Olivia asked, watching her through the mirror. Elena turned, “What'd you mean?” “You have been waiting for him for a while now, that's why.” Elena laughed softly. “He's probably stuck in traffic. He should be here soon”. Elena said, seemingly trying to convince herself more than her sister. “Tonight is different. I want us to have a good time after all this time.” “You deserve that,” Olivia said, her expression unreadable. Back to the dining room, Elena checked everything one more time, lit another candle, and straightened the flowers and made sure everything looked beautiful. She imagined his surprised face severally. Maybe he is going to hug her and smile. Maybe he would give her a long kiss. Elena's heart fluttered. She smiled. Tonight will be good. Unable to wait any longer, she picked up her phone and messaged him. Will you be home soon? I have been waiting for you baby 🥰. Sent. Delivered. No reply. Elena sighed and put the phone down. Olivia came into the dining room. “Still nothing?” “Not yet,” Elena said, her excitement gone. She felt something cold in her stomach but decided to push it away. She can't let her suspicion ruin this happy night. She looked at everything she had prepared, the wine, gift, candles, and flowers and sighed. Then she turned to look at her ring, then to the wedding photograph on the wall. In the photograph, Daniel was smiling at her. She smiled back. She hopes that tonight might save them. She checked her phone again. 8.20 p.m No reply. At 9.00 pm, all the excitement she had died. Elena is now worried about her husband. Has he forgotten about our anniversary? She froze. Her stomach tightened. That feeling again. This time, she let it win. Thinking of what would have been a lovely and romantic night, Elena couldn't hold it anymore. A tear slipped down her cheek. After a while, Elena decided to give up and get some sleep when she heard her phone ring. She wiped her tears and picked up the call without checking. “Daniel?” “Happy Anniversary, Elena,” the voice said. Elena froze.