my sister's husband

chapter three

I collapsed onto the bed, the weight of it all crashing down on me. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, and I let them fall. Sobbing, I buried my face in a pillow, muffling the sound.

Why did it hurt so much? Alex wasn't mine. He was Emily's husband. But... but I'd fallen for him. Hard.

The memories swirled in my mind: Alex smiling at me, touching me, looking at me like I was the only person in the world...

And he'd slept with her.

The thought sent a fresh wave of pain through me. I cried harder, letting the tears soak the pillow

I took a deep breath, pushing down the emotions swirling inside me. I left my room with my bags packed and went straight over to Emily, who was sipping coffee by the hotel lobby, Alex standing awkwardly beside her.

"Em, I need to talk to you," I said, trying to sound casual.

She looked up, concerned. "What's up?"

"I've got to head back home," I said, the words feeling like a relief. "Stuff to take care of. Family stuff."

Emily nodded understandingly. "Oh, okay. Sorry to cut your trip short, but I get it."

Alex's eyes narrowed slightly, but he said nothing.

"Yeah, it's been... a crazy few days," I added, forcing a smile. "But I'm glad we spent time together, Em."

We hugged, and I pulled back quickly. "I'll catch up with you later, okay?"

She nodded, waving as I turned to leave. Alex followed me to the entrance.

"You're really leaving?" he asked, low.

I nodded. "I think it's best."

He didn't try to stop me. Just watched as I hailed a taxi.

"Take care, Alex," I said, and got in the car.

The hotel disappeared in the rearview mirror. I let out a slow breath, hoping that I'd forget everything that had happened .

after a long journey I finally got home.

I stepped into the familiar warmth of my parents' house, feeling a mix of relief and guilt. It was good to be home, but I couldn't shake off the mess I'd left behind.

Mom and Dad were in the living room, smiling as I walked in. "Hey, kiddo! Back earlier than expected," Dad said, eyeing my luggage.

I shrugged, trying to sound casual. "Yeah, I was bored over there. Thought I'd come back."

Mom raised an eyebrow. "Bored? You were on a trip with friends! What happened?"

I laughed, hoping it sounded genuine. "Nothing, just... you know, wanted to chill at home. Missed you guys."

They exchanged a look, but didn't press further. "Well, we're glad you're back," Mom said, smiling.

The rest of the evening was filled with catching up and mundane chatter. But my mind kept wandering...

I then remember to call Emily to inform her that I've reached home safely.

I dial Emily's number, and she answers on the second ring.

"Hey, girl! How's home?" Emily asks, sounding cheerful.

"Hey, Em. um .. home is okay,Just wanted to let you know I got home safe and sound," you reply, smiling.

"Aw, thanks for letting me know! How's life treating you?" she said

we chat for a bit about mundane things – work, friends, family. Emily mentions Alex is doing "fine", but doesn't elaborate.

The conversation feels... normal. Friendly.

Before hanging up, Emily says, "Take care, sis. Let's catch up soon."

I agree, and the call ends.

Days turn into weeks without me hearing from my sister because I have been avoiding her calls and texts .

One morning as we were having our breakfast my mom dropped a bombshell: "Kate, Dad and I will be traveling soon, and we've made arrangements for you to stay with Emily and Alex."

My heart sank as I processed the news. Stay with Emily and Alex? As in, my sister and the guy who...? This is a recipe for disaster!

I tried to reason with her, "Mom, are you sure that's a good idea? I could stay with a friend or—"

But she was not having none of it. "No worries, sweetie, we've already talked to Emily, and she's super excited to have you. It'll be great bonding time!" she said, with a smile on her face

I forced a smile, trying to hide my panic.

I took a deep breath and decided to pretend everything was fine. I mean, what's the worst that could happen, right? I started thinking about what to pack and how to prepare myself for the inevitable awkward moments.

later that day , Mom was making lunch in the humming along to her favorite song. I slid into a chair, trying to look casual. "Hey, Mom, what time do I need to be ready to go to Emily's?"

She turned around, smiling. "Oh, Emily's picking you up around 3 pm tomorrow. She's really looking forward to seeing you."

I nodded, forcing a smile. "Cool."

Mom's expression turned serious. "You know, sweetie, family is important. Just be patient and understanding, okay?"

I nodded again, feeling a twinge of guilt. She had no idea.

The rest of the day flew by in a blur. I packed my bags, tried to distract myself with TV and books, but my mind kept wandering back to Alex and Emily's house.

As I lay in bed that night, I thought about what I could do to make this situation less awkward. Maybe I could focus on s

pending quality time with Emily? Yeah, that's it. We could do sister things, like go shopping or watch movies together.

But what about Alex? How was I supposed to act around him?