THE CRACKS BENEATH THE SURFACE
390 Words
Chapter 3: Cracks Beneath the Surface
The following week, Olivia returned home from the hospital with her arm in a sling. Although the doctor had assured her that she would recover quickly, Ethan refused to let her lift a finger.
"You need to rest," he insisted as he carried the grocery bags into the kitchen.
Olivia laughed. "You're treating me like I'm made of glass."
"And I'll keep doing it until you're fully healed."
Emily watched them from the dining room, smiling at the love they shared. Yet deep inside, she wished she could silence the small ache in her heart.
"I'm going to make dinner," Emily offered.
The evening passed with lighthearted conversations and laughter. For the first time in months, Emily felt almost at peace.
After dinner, Olivia's phone rang.
"It's work," she sighed. "I completely forgot about tomorrow's presentation."
She disappeared into the study, leaving Emily and Ethan alone in the living room.
"Thank you for being here," Ethan said quietly.
Emily looked up. "You don't have to thank me. Olivia is my sister."
"I know. But she always tells me how much she depends on you."
Emily smiled faintly. "We've always looked out for each other."
A brief silence settled between them.
"You've been avoiding us," Ethan said gently.
Emily's heart skipped.
"I've just been busy."
He nodded, though he didn't seem convinced.
"We've missed you."
The sincerity in his voice caught her off guard.
Before she could answer, Olivia returned, looking frustrated.
"My boss moved the presentation to tomorrow morning, and I still have so much to prepare."
"I'll help," Emily said immediately.
"You've already done enough."
"I'm sure."
The sisters spent hours working side by side, while Ethan prepared coffee for both of them.
As midnight approached, Olivia finally finished.
"I couldn't have done this without you," she said, hugging Emily tightly.
Emily hugged her back, guilt creeping into her heart. Olivia trusted her completely, unaware of the feelings Emily fought every day.
On her drive home, rain began to fall again.
She tightened her grip on the steering wheel.
"I have to let this go," she whispered to herself. "He's my brother-in-law... and he always will be."
But she didn't notice another car following her from a distance.
Whoever was behind the wheel wasn't interested in the rain.
They were interested in Emily.
- Writer
