SERCETS BETWEEN SISTERS
460 Words
Chapter 5: Secrets Between Sisters
Emily barely slept after the frightening incident. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw the black sedan following her through the rain.
The next morning, a knock on her apartment door startled her.
She opened it to find Olivia standing there with a paper bag in one hand and a worried expression on her face.
"I brought breakfast," Olivia said with a smile. "And don't tell me you're too busy for your big sister."
Emily laughed softly and stepped aside.
"I wouldn't dare."
The sisters sat at the small kitchen table, sharing pastries and coffee.
"You've been quiet lately," Olivia said after a long silence. "Is something bothering you?"
Emily hesitated.
She wanted to tell her about the car that had followed her, but she knew Olivia would worry herself sick.
"It's just work," Emily lied. "I've been exhausted."
Olivia reached across the table and squeezed her hand.
"You know you can tell me anything, right?"
A wave of guilt washed over Emily.
She forced a smile.
"I know."
Just then, Olivia's phone rang.
"It's Ethan," she said before answering.
Emily looked away, pretending to focus on her coffee.
"Hi, honey... Yes, I'm with Emily... We'll be there in about thirty minutes."
She ended the call and smiled.
"Ethan wants us to come over. He's making lunch."
Emily's heart skipped.
"I don't want to intrude."
"You could never intrude. You're family."
An hour later, they arrived at the house.
The smell of grilled chicken and herbs filled the kitchen.
Ethan looked up from the stove and smiled warmly.
"Perfect timing."
The afternoon was filled with easy conversation and laughter, and for a while, Emily almost forgot the fear she'd felt the night before.
After lunch, Ethan stepped into his home office to answer a work call.
Olivia turned to Emily with a mischievous grin.
"I think Ethan has a younger brother."
Emily blinked.
"What?"
"I've never met him, but I heard he's handsome. Maybe I should introduce you."
Emily nearly dropped the glass she was holding.
"I... I'm not really thinking about dating."
Olivia chuckled.
"You've been single for too long."
Emily forced a smile, hiding the truth that no one could ever know.
Her heart already belonged somewhere it never should.
Later that evening, as Emily prepared to leave, Ethan walked her to her car.
"Have you noticed anyone suspicious today?" he asked quietly.
She shook her head.
"No."
"Good. But stay alert. Something about last night doesn't feel right."
Emily nodded.
"I will."
Neither of them noticed a figure standing across the street, watching every move they made.
The stranger lifted a phone and smiled as another photograph was taken.
This time, the message sent with it was simple:
They're getting closer.
- Writer
