My System Harem

Chapter 3: Theatrics

What I want? Is she asking because she will buy it for me, or to shove it to my face that Darius doesn't care?

"Gifts should be given the day of the event. And I'm fine with anything." My answer seemed to displeased her as she momentarily frowned but immediately erased it.

"You are right, sis. In fact, I also prepared a gift for you. I hope you love it." her smile looked innocent, but oddly, I felt uncomfortable. She was never the type to give gifts, when all she did was steal my stuff. So how does she expect me to react? Smile at her? Thank her? Or apologize for my rude behavior earlier?

"Is that so? Then I will make sure to prepare a gift for you as well."

"We are here." Darius parked the car near the bridal shop and stepped out of the car. He was about to open the door handle to my side when Lyra suddenly winced in pain.

"Ouch!"

Darius paused and immediately opened the door beside Lyra and took her hand.

"What happened? Are you okay?" he asked, concern visible in his eyes. He has always been like this, but how come I can't get used to it? I know that Lyra is my sister, but he doesn't have to go that far. What made it worse is Lyra's theatrics.

"I'm fine. I just lost strength in my hands."

"You should tell me next time. We can't leave your hands with bruises."

Can't? When he just neglected me when I had burnt my hand from cooking him a food the other day? All because Lyra had suddenly fainted for nobody knows why. But I never complained, nor did I start a fight with him because I also know how weak and frail Lyra is. She faints when she's stressed, loses strength in any part of her body when she's overworked, and struggles to breathe when she feels heavy emotions. Even Darius is aware of this. Because I told him, and because he's always there when something happens to her. He was supposed to be my knight and shining armor, but it seems Lyra and I have switched places.

Left alone, with no one to open the door for me, I did the job myself and waited for Lyra to step out. I have to understand, because I'm her sister.

As we entered the bridal shop, we were met with beautiful gowns in different design and colors. But what really caught my attention was the white satin tail dress with a big bow behind. Its off-shoulder feature was particularly attractive at it emphasized one's collar bones. It would be perfect for a necklace.

While I was lost in thought as I admired the gown, the owner, who was at the counter earlier, approached me with a smile.

"It's perfect for any event. May I ask what the gown would be for, Ma'am?" I turned to look at her and answered.

"It's for my birthday. I just thought it stood out among the rest. Even the quality would surely make anyone who wear this comfortable."

"Oh my, you have great eyes. Would you like to take it? You can try it on upon your purchase." Her encouragement was so convincing that I actually feel like choosing this. However, before I could even say the word, Lyra, who have been listening the entire time—interrupted.

"Wow! This looks so beautiful! How much is it? I'd like to pick this for my birthday."

The way she held the gown was so rough that it ended up crumpling in the process. The owner, upon seeing this, was furious.

"Ma'am. Please be careful with the gowns, they are not cheap, and unless you buy it, please do not grip it so tightly." Her remark must have sounded harsh to Lyra, as she gritted her teeth and looked at her.

"What? I am a customer here. How dare you treat me like a beggar?"

"Ma'am, I am simply reminding you that the gowns here are very expensive, they are not to be treated roughly unless already purchased."

However, as if none of it went inside her head, she turned around and went to Darius. I thought she had already given up so I was about to purchase the gown when Darius spoke from behind.

"Lyra will take that, please." I looked at the gown he pointed, and it was the gown I had chosen earlier. I immediately turned to look at him.

"I had chosen it first."

"Caelia. Can't you see your sister? She's overwhelmed with emotions right now. Do you want her to have another heart attack?" I couldn't open my mouth. The absurdity was just too much. There are like hundreds of gowns here, so why that? Didn't she hear my conversation with the owner? I clearly showed interest, so why would she pick it?

"Darius. I thought you are here to pick gowns for me. So why are you ignoring me? I want that gown." I insisted. I can't just give it up. Can't I be selfish for once? It's not like I'm doing anything wrong. I'm just choosing my own gown.

"It's fine, Darius. I didn't know Caelia liked it too, so I'll just give it up. I have plenty of gowns at home anyway." is what she said, but her head dropped and her face was indescribable. I just couldn't understand where it would come from. She knows exactly that I wanted the gown, and yet she's taking what's mine again.

"Enough, Caelia. Stop being selfish just because Lyra is so kind. There are so many choices for you to choose her." He pushed me out of their way and proceeded to the counter. His hands wrapped around her shoulders.

Just who is his fiancee here? If there are so many choices, then why is he not saying that to Lyra? Why am I the one who always have to adjust? Does he not care about me at all? Do I have to understand everything when he always fail to understand me?

I could only bite the flesh of my mouth as I held back my emotions rising. Left with no choice, I searched the bridal shop but couldn't find anything that suited my preference as much as that white gown. And to be make it worse, Darius is even rushing me as if his business is done.

"Hurry up, Caelia. It's getting dark."

"I haven't chosen one yet." I clenched my fist—engraving my nails in the palm of my hands.

Darius looked at me, but I couldn't tell if he noticed my predicament or if he's annoyed by my behavior. A sigh escaped his mouth.

"Alright, I'll help—"

"Huff, huff"

Before he could even finish his sentence, a panting came out behind him. It was Lyra, struggling to breathe as she gripped the wall to regain her balance. Panick struck us. But Darius moved first.

"Lyra? Are you okay?" He asked, but Lyra did not answer. I was about to reach out my hand when Darius threw it away. I fell on my feet as he scowled at me.

But why? I didn't do anything wrong. I even gave up the gown I liked, all so that she doesn't become overwhelmed with emotions. So how am I the one at fault? And why do I have to see my own fiance grit his teeth to me?

As Darius carried Lyra to the car, I was left in the bridal shop. As they departed back to our house, I was looking at the car disappear from my sight.

Just... What did I do wrong to be treated this way?