CHASING MY SISTER'S HUSBAND

CYNTHIA'S POV “Natasha Alderson, do you take Demetrius Shipp as your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you apart?” The pastor's voice resonated through the grand hall, each word landing like a hammer blow on my heart. “Yes, I do" Even through her veil, I could see the radiant smile on her face. The sight made my stomach churn with disgust. My blood boiled as she slipped the ring onto his finger, sealing a fate that should have been mine. “Demetrius Shipp, do you take Natasha Alderson as your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?” the pastor continued. “Yes, I do" Demetrius replied, his voice steady as he gently slid the ring onto her finger. He was mine! He had always been mine, but she had to take him away, just as she took everything else from me. I have loved Demetri since high school. He was the only one who ever made me feel seen in a world where I was invisible—a shy, nerdy girl too scared to confess her feelings. Natasha knew how much I loved him, yet she flaunted her confidence and charm, effortlessly drawing him closer while I watched from the shadows. When college came, a scholarship took me to Paris, far from everything familiar. I thought the distance would dull the pain, but it only made it sharper. After graduation, I built a life in Paris, away from the memories that haunted me. I got involved in things I never imagined—things that changed me and toughened me. Then came the message to return home—an important announcement, they said. I arrived yesterday, only to be hit with two devastating truths. First, I wasn't an Alderson—I was adopted. And second, Natasha was marrying Demetrius today. My Demetri!. I hate them. I hate them all. I hate Natasha, and I hate the Aldersons for making me live in her shadow. I'm always the second choice, always the one left behind, but that ends now! They will all play by my rules from here on out. “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride", the pastor declared. Demetrius lifted her veil, his eyes filled with warmth as he leaned in to kiss her. My heart twisted, but I forced myself to watch. Let them have their moment. They have no idea what's coming. I turned and walked out of the hall, my steps quickening. I reached the flower vase near the exit and discreetly opened it, revealing the bag I had stashed earlier. My heart pounded with anticipation as I pulled it out. Everything was exactly where I left it. It was time. I slipped through the halls unnoticed, finding my way to an empty room. Quickly, I changed into my special outfit—a black, tight-fitting jumpsuit, a mask covering my entire face, black canvas shoes, gloves, and a cap pulled low over my head. Finally, I pulled out my gun and tucked it on my back. This was who I had become—a shadow, a force of retribution. From the bag, I retrieved a small notebook, flipping to the first page. A smirk tugged at my lips as I read the name; Mr. John Deere. My first target. It would be a pleasure watching him beg for mercy. I closed the notebook, discarded the bag, and moved toward the window. I was on the fourth floor, a good ten meters above the ground, but fear was a luxury I no longer indulged in. I stepped back, calculating my jump. With a burst of speed, I leaped out of the window, landing gracefully on the ground below. I didn't wait nor hesitate before sprinting out of the hotel toward my bike. I'd hidden in the bushes. I got on it and sped off toward my destination. I’m coming for you, Mr. John Deere and when I find you, it will be deadly. The telecom in my cap suddenly cracked to life, and I tapped it twice. It was an imported device, hidden within the cap for secure communication. “Where are you, Dawn?” My best friend’s voice rang in. “On to my first mission," I replied, my voice steady against the rush of the wind. “Good luck, Dawn. Don’t miss your shot" he teased, a hint of mockery in his tone. “Luck is for the weak. We both know how tough I am. "I’ve never missed a shot, and I won’t start now" I said, cutting off the call as I arrived at my destination. I parked my bike and alighted from it. I brought out my rope shooter and fired it, securing the line before swinging myself into the building, silent as a shadow. I moved through the hallways unnoticed, making my way to his room. There he was, oblivious as he changed out of his office clothes. I leaned against the door frame, the gun in my hand tapping lightly against my palm. I cleared my throat, getting his attention. He turned toward me, startled, his watch slipping from his hand. A slight chuckle escaped my lips as I noticed where his gaze was fixed—on my gun. The fear in his eyes was palpable. According to my research, his family was on vacation, and all the maids were on leave. He was alone. But even if they had been here, it wouldn’t have mattered. They would have all met the same fate. “Wh…wh…who are you?” He stuttered, taking cautious steps backwards. “Answer this instead: Does the name Stephanie Jones ring a bell?” I asked, my voice cold and unyielding. His face contorted in confusion. “Who are you?” His voice was steadier now, though the fear remained. “Someone avenging her mother” I replied, my voice low and menacing. He gulped down at my words and shifted backwards toward his desk, and a smirk curled onto my lips. “You think I’m dumb?” I chuckled darkly as I c****d my gun, aiming it at him. “Make another move, and it will be your last" He swallowed hard, his fear now fully evident. He thought he could outsmart me, reaching for a gun in his drawer, but I was ready. In one swift motion, he drew out his gun, but before he could aim, I fired eight bullets into his chest, each shot precise and deadly. The gun fell from his hand with a loud thud as his eyes turned red and he gasped for breath, collapsing to his knees. “Wh…who…” he tried to speak, but I silenced him with a final shot to the head. A smirk tugged at my lips as I approached his lifeless body, placing a note on his chest before making my way out. One man down, seven to go, and then an entire family to destroy. They all toyed with me, and that was their biggest mistake. ‘I’m Dawn. I will take their dawn away and leave them swirling in darkness. And I won’t just watch—I’ll revel in it. This is just the beginning.’ My grin widened as I boarded my bike and drove away from his home.