MY SISTER TOOK MY POSITION

ROXET'S TRAP

Episode 9

The following week, the mansion buzzed with preparations for yet another celebration in Roxet’s honor. This time, it was a luncheon with high-ranking guests businessmen, nobles, and influential families eager to align themselves with Frank’s powerful house.

Nora was told to attend, not as a guest, but as a shadow. Her parents insisted she “show support” for her sister, a living reminder of sacrifice and silence.

She wore a simple blue gown, her hair neatly tied, and took her place at the far end of the table. Roxet, seated beside Frank, shone like the sun itself.

The guests fawned over her.

“You’re truly a gem, Miss Roxet.”

“Frank is lucky to have such a bride.”

“You’ll bring great honor to both families.”

Nora sat quietly, forcing a polite smile, though her stomach twisted with every word.

Halfway through the meal, Roxet lifted her glass, her smile dazzling. “Since we’re among dear friends today, I’d like to share something special.”

Her eyes glittered with mischief.

She gestured toward Nora. “My sweet sister has always been devoted to Frank, but you know how siblings can be,one always excels, the other… struggles. Isn’t that right, Nora?”

Gasps rippled through the table. All eyes turned toward her.

Nora’s heart raced. Roxet was baiting her, setting her up to look bitter, envious, small.

She inhaled deeply, forcing her voice calm. “If by ‘struggles’ you mean I was never cruel enough to take what wasn’t mine, then yes, Roxet, I suppose I struggled.”

The room fell silent. A few guests exchanged uneasy glances.

Frank’s hand tightened around his glass, his jaw hardening,but he said nothing.

Roxet’s smile never wavered, though her eyes flashed. “Oh, don’t be so dramatic, sister. Everyone knows you’ll find your place eventually. Perhaps as a governess, or maybe running charity events. Something suited for… softer hearts.”

Laughter rippled, cruel and thin.

Nora’s cheeks burned, but she refused to cry. She lifted her chin and met Roxet’s gaze steadily. “Enjoy your stage while it lasts. The world changes faster than you think.”

The tension was sharp enough to cut.

Frank set his glass down with a decisive clink, drawing attention. “Enough.” His voice was low, but it carried. “This is neither the time nor the place for such remarks.”

The guests fell silent. Roxet’s smile tightened, but she dared not push further with so many eyes on her.

After the luncheon, Nora slipped away to the garden, her heart pounding. She hated the way she’d been humiliated, yet Frank’s intervention echoed in her mind. It was the first time he had publicly defended her,even slightly.

It was a small crack in Roxet’s victory.

And small cracks, Nora thought fiercely, could one day break the whole foundation.