Chapter 3
1182 Words
I’d be glad to continue the story. Since you’ve asked for full novel chapters, here’s Chapter 3 in the same emotional, dramatic style.
Chapter 3: The First Meeting
The following Monday began like every other morning, but fate had already written a different story for the three lives that were about to collide.
Rita arrived at the office early, carrying a cup of coffee and a notebook pressed against her chest. She enjoyed the quiet before everyone else arrived. It gave her time to organize her thoughts and prepare for the day.
As she settled at her desk, she heard Daniel’s voice behind her.
“Good morning, Rita.”
She turned with a warm smile.
“Good morning, sir.”
“I’ve told you before,” Daniel said with a chuckle. “You can call me Daniel when we’re not in a meeting.”
She laughed softly.
“I’ll try… Daniel.”
The sound of his name on her lips made him smile.
“I have an appointment across town this afternoon. I’d like you to come with me. I could use your help taking notes during the meeting.”
Rita’s eyes widened.
“Me?”
“Yes. You’ve proven that you’re organized, honest, and dependable.”
“Thank you. I won’t disappoint you.”
“I know you won’t.”
As Daniel walked away, Rita couldn’t hide her excitement. She had worked hard for this opportunity, and being trusted by the CEO felt like the first real step toward the career she had always dreamed of.
She had no idea someone else had also noticed.
One of her colleagues quickly sent a message to a friend.
The boss and Rita are getting really close.
News had a strange way of traveling faster than the truth.
⸻
Across town, Susan was struggling to arrange dresses on display when Vivian burst into the boutique.
“You won’t believe what I just heard.”
Susan barely looked up.
“What now?”
“Your sister.”
Susan frowned.
“What about her?”
“My cousin works in the same company. She says the CEO is always looking for reasons to talk to Rita.”
Susan stopped folding the dress in her hands.
“What did you say?”
“The CEO.”
“The billionaire.”
“They’re spending more time together.”
Vivian leaned closer.
“If Rita becomes his girlfriend, your family will never struggle again.”
Susan’s face remained expressionless.
But inside, a storm had begun.
She imagined Rita living in a mansion.
Driving luxury cars.
Living the life Susan had always wanted.
No…
That should have been her.
Vivian smiled mischievously.
“If I were you, I’d introduce myself before it’s too late.”
Susan didn’t answer.
She simply stared through the shop window, deep in thought.
⸻
That afternoon, Daniel and Rita attended a charity fundraising event hosted by one of the company’s business partners.
The grand hall glittered with crystal chandeliers, elegant decorations, and people dressed in expensive suits and evening gowns.
Rita felt out of place.
She adjusted the simple navy-blue dress she had borrowed from a colleague.
Daniel noticed.
“You look nervous.”
“I’ve never been to a place like this.”
He smiled reassuringly.
“Then stay close. You’ll be fine.”
His calm voice eased her anxiety.
For the first time that day, she relaxed.
After the event ended, Daniel offered to drive her home.
“I can take a taxi,” Rita protested politely.
“It’s late.”
“I’ll be okay.”
“I insist.”
After a brief hesitation, she accepted.
⸻
When the black luxury car stopped outside Rita’s house, Susan happened to be watering the flowers in the front yard.
The moment she saw Rita step out of the passenger seat, she froze.
Daniel got out as well.
Even in the fading evening light, he looked every bit the successful businessman—tall, confident, and effortlessly charming.
Rita smiled.
“Thank you for the ride.”
“My pleasure.”
Before Daniel returned to the driver’s seat, Rita remembered something.
“Oh! I almost forgot.”
She turned toward the house.
“My sister is home.”
Without thinking twice, Rita waved enthusiastically.
“Susan!”
Susan slowly walked toward them, her heartbeat quickening with every step.
“This is my elder sister.”
Daniel extended his hand politely.
“It’s nice to meet you.”
Susan slipped her hand into his.
“The pleasure is mine.”
For a brief moment, their eyes met.
Daniel smiled out of courtesy.
Susan smiled for an entirely different reason.
“So this is the man…” she thought.
The man she had imagined ever since Vivian mentioned him.
He was even more handsome than she expected.
More importantly…
He was richer.
Rita happily continued introducing them.
“Susan owns a fashion boutique.”
Daniel nodded.
“That’s impressive. Running a business isn’t easy.”
Susan sighed dramatically.
“It hasn’t been easy lately.”
Rita quickly interrupted.
“But she’s incredibly talented. She’ll bounce back.”
Daniel offered an encouraging smile.
“I wish you success.”
“Thank you.”
Susan held his gaze a second longer than necessary.
Daniel politely excused himself and drove away.
As the car disappeared down the street, Susan watched until it was out of sight.
“You never told me he was that handsome,” she said quietly.
Rita laughed.
“I didn’t think it mattered.”
Susan smiled.
“It matters.”
⸻
Later that night, the sisters shared dinner with their mother.
Grace noticed Susan unusually cheerful.
“You seem happy today.”
“I met Rita’s boss.”
Grace smiled.
“The young man who dropped you home?”
“Yes.”
“He seems respectful.”
Rita nodded.
“He really is.”
Susan remained silent.
Her mind replayed every second of the meeting.
The way Daniel had smiled.
The firmness of his handshake.
The expensive watch on his wrist.
She wanted that life.
No…
She deserved that life.
⸻
Long after everyone had gone to bed, Susan stood alone on the balcony.
Her phone lit up.
It was Vivian.
Did you meet him?
Susan typed slowly.
Yes.
And?
Susan looked up at the moon before replying.
He’s everything you said he was.
A moment later, another message appeared.
Then don’t let Rita keep him.
Susan stared at the words.
Her conscience whispered that Rita had done nothing but love and support her.
But another voice—louder, colder, and far more dangerous—whispered something else.
For once… choose yourself.
Susan locked her phone and looked toward Rita’s bedroom window.
“I’m sorry, little sister,” she whispered, tears filling her eyes. “The world has never been fair to me. This time… I won’t step aside.”
In the darkness, she made a decision that would change all of their lives.
The first meeting had ended.
The first lie had not yet been spoken.
But the first betrayal had already begun—in Susan’s heart.
- Writer
