My System Harem

Chapter 2: Always the One Behind

THE DAY BEFORE

"Caelia, let's go. We need to pick a gown." Darius greeted as he entered my room. I smiled as I looked at him. I mean, how could I not? He remembered my birthday. These little things are exactly what make me feel seen.

Tomorrow is my day. My 29th birthday, to be exact. Despite our relationship seeming to turn cold, he never forgot about my day. The day I was born. I wonder what gift he'll buy me. Or, will he ask my hand in marriage? I couldn't help but wonder. We have been engaged for 3 years, but no plans for marriage ever came up. But what if this time is different? He even offered to pick a gown with me.

The thought brought a smile to my face. But I can't keep him waiting, so after fixing myself, I hurried down the stairs and outside. I was about to call out Darius's name when I saw the woman beside him. She was wearing a normal dress with red patterns, although her face was somewhat covered from the floppy hat she was wearing, I know. I can tell from her build. A frail-looking woman who looked like she would fly at the gush of wind. It was Lyra—my step sister. But what is she doing here? Why is she, again, with Darius?

However, my thoughts were soon interrupted when Lyra turned to look at my direction. Our eyes met, and the smile on my face disappeared. She waved her hand as she greeted me.

"Hi Caelia!"

I couldn't help but flinch. That warm look on her face which she only wore when around others suffocates me. Her hazel eyes may look like sunshine to others, but not for me. I know her too well, but I couldn't utter a word because no one would believe me. This uncomfortable feeling everytime she's here keeps bothering me. Just what is Darius thinking?

I walked forward and faced her.

"What are you doing here?" It was a question that I am genuinely curious about. I know, and I'm fully aware of the fact that she always come here unannounced, as if this is just her house. I am used to it, in fact, but not right now. She will once again ruin my day when I barely felt happy with Darius's efforts. However, she once again, for a hundred time, twisted my words.

"Ah- I-I'm sorry Caelia. I just thought since we will celebrate our birthday together, then we can get our gown together. I did not know you would hate it that much." Then she dropped her head, as if she was actually feeling sorry.

That's right. We were, coincidentally, born on the same day. When I first found out about it, I was happy, because I had a sister who shared the same birthday with me. But it didn't last long when my family only gave me scornful looks. Even when I hoped they would at least remember my day when Lyra's birthday comes, it didn't happen. I continued to live my life like a ghost in the very same house I used to find comfort in. None of them, not even my father who shared my blood, but not Lyra's, remembered my day. It's all about Lyra, Lyra, and Lyra. Never about me.

I was about to correct the misunderstanding when Darius, who had been quiet the entire time, spoke first.

"Caelia! Why would you scold your own sister? I was the one who invited her. So can't you treat her well for once?"

What? Scold? Just which part of my question did I ever scold her? Since when have I ever not treated her well?

I could not help but clench my fist from his words. Was I really that bad in his eyes? I was simply asking because I was not informed she would be coming, and now, I am the evil sister again? Just what did I do wrong for him to perceive me like that?

Ha. Don't tell me he actually would not have remembered my birthday if not for Lyra. Please don't tell me he is inviting me to pick out a gown just so he can have a reason so pick one for her as well. Please tell me I'm wrong. But Darius, once again, avoided me and carefully held Lyra. With a warm look he had never once showed me, he assured her.

"It's fine, Lyra. You can come with us. Caelia was just not in the mood."

"No, Darius. I don't want to anger my sister. I'll just ride another car. No. I'll just go later."

She then forced out a smile and was about to leave when Darius held her hand. His gaze turned back to me.

"Caelia. Since you were the one in the wrong, you can ride in the back. Lyra will be at the front seat."

What? I'm driving at the back? But wasn't this supposed to be for me? And Lyra just happened to come?

Once again, my heart ached from the rejection. I didn't even do anything wrong. And yet, I'm the one adjusting. But I can't even refute. Not because I didn't want to, but because I cant. There's like a huge rock inside my throat, which prevented me from speaking out my feelings. It blocked my emotions from spilling out. So all I could do is follow without a word. All I could do is swallow the pain while the car departed.

But as if not enough, Darius continued to prick me with thorns as he warmly spoke to Lyra.

"What would you like as a gift? Is there anything you want?"

Lyra looked at him as if she was embarrassed to even think. But I know the next words she is going to say. Not because I'm a kind sister who always listen to her, but because her colors were long revealed to me.

"It's fine. You already did a lot for me." Then she lowered her head and fidgeted. Really, just like a frail girl without a hint of wickedness.

"What do you mean I already did enough? Just tell me what you like. We can buy it once we pick out a gown."

How about me? Did he forgot I was here as well? Is he not gonna ask what I want? What kind of gown would I love? And what design I prefer?

In times like this, I almost forget who he is engaged to. The person he pursued for 5 months, and he has been with for 10 whole years. Is he not even going to pretend anymore? Is he done acting like the kind and understanding boyfriend? Or are we back to the university days where I'm always the one behind—watching their backs without even a glance back at me. Where I'm the one who always sits opposite to them when we are eating at the cafeteria—where I had to remain quiet the entire time while they talk as if they are lovers. And where I'm the one sitting behind, as if I was the one who just-so-happen to live in the same house as his partner.

"How about you, Caelia? What would you like?" I was brought back to my senses by the sudden question. But it wasn't Darius who asked. This time, it was Lyra.