His second sin

Hi..sister

Chapter6___

Violet

By the time I reached bottom of the stairs, their soft murmur had died. Their eyes set on me, following each careful step I took across the room. The courage that I’d gathered on demanding answers crumbled away with just his one look.

Just when I thought the air couldn’t grow any heavier, the girl stood up and headed towards me. Here she comes, I have to brace myself for an explanation I wasn’t ready for. She must be his girlfriend or worse mistress. It is no big deal for a rich businessman to have a mistress along his wife.

But the she smiled, a warm, genuine curve of her lips that caught me off guard. “Hi” she said brightly stepping closer. “It’s so nice to finally meet you. I am Darien’s sister, Amaya. I didn’t get a chance to properly meet you last night so thought I could come by and introduce myself”.

Her words sank in slowly. His sister. Relief washed over me unexpected and overwhelming, melting away the storm of doubt that was consumed a moment ago. I wanted to let a laugh at that but I tried not giving it away.

I managed a small smile at that, my voice unsteady but sincere. “Oh—I..it’s nice to meet you too.” I knew Darien had a sister but never seen or met her up close.

Up close, she looked younger, probably same age as I am. I felt almost foolish for every terrible scenario I’d imagined just a second ago. Her tone carried no malice, only warmth and that alone was enough to ease the sting that had been pressing against my heart since dawn.

“Hope we didn’t disturb your sleep. I was just telling him how good it is to see him finally get settled down.” She nudges him with a light laugh.

“Not at all. I was just about to head down anyway.” I smiled trying not to look awkward. I didn’t reply to her latter part cause what am I supposed to say at that?

I glanced at him then. He was just sitting there quietly, his expression as usual unreadable. Judging by their behavior, they must be really close growing up.

“Anyway” she continued, her voice bubbling with the same cheerful energy that seemed to follow her everywhere. “What are you doing later? Our cousin Gracie, is flying this afternoon and she’s dying to meet you. She couldn’t make it to the wedding last night and trust me she’s still furious at Darien for not postponing the wedding.” She throws you are so dead look at her brother.

I blinked trying to keep up with her energy and words as she goes on, her excitement almost contagious. And I could already tell she and I would really get along in no short time.

“I’ve already made plans for us today. And you are coming with us, no excuses. I want us to go shopping and finally have some proper sister in law time.”

Her enthusiasm was so genius, so full of warmth that I didn’t know whether to smile or laugh. I didn’t cut her knowing there’s more to come.

“You have no idea how long I’ve wanted this. I’ve always dreamed of having a sister in law I could spoil, gossip with, go on trips with” she practically holds my hand at this point, her tone softening.

Her words wrapped around me like sunlight breaking through the morning chill. For the first time since the wedding, I felt the sense of belonging.

“Can you slow down?” Darien’s voice cut through her excitement. “unless you want to have asthma and besides she must be busy to hangout with you.” Hai tone calm but laced with quiet rudeness.

Amaya scoffs at that, crossing her arms in mild irritation. “Who’s asking you anyway” she muttered under her breath. She turned her attention back to me, “ But are you busy tho?”

“I was thinking of going to the shelter but I can take a leave” I offered her a small smile also as a silent apology for her brother lack of manners.

“Cool. I’ll let you guys be now, see you later” she said warmly, pretending not to notice Darien’s coldness.

When the door closed behind her, silence settled again thick and tense. The memory of last night crept back, the humiliation, the rejection. I tried to shake it off not wanting to cling into it any longer.

Without a word at me, he stood up and started towards the staircase. His footstep echoed, each step fading until he disappeared behind one of the doors.

For a long while I stood there, staring at the spot where he’d been. Eventually, I pulled myself and headed towards the kitchen. I was actually hungry after all that mixed rollercoaster of emotions. When I reached the doorway, there by the counter stood a middle aged woman—perhaps in her fifties.

For a moment I just watched her cooking not knowing what to say. Sensing a presence behind, she turned around. “Good morning, Mrs. Lockwood. I am the care taker of this house, Susane. I was just preparing breakfast for you. Would you like a plate?” She said warmly wiping her hands on apron.

“Did Darien have breakfast?” I asked my voice softer, almost hesitant. The woman shook her head “He rarely eats in the morning, coffee is actually all he needs.” She said turning back to the stove.

After I was done with breakfast, I realized I need to make a phone call to the shelter. “Hi, it’s violet.” “Hi darling, how did you call?” I heard Hannah from the other side. “Actually I just called to let you know that I won’t be coming today.” I managed to say in all one breath.

“Oh! Everything alright?” Yeah, just a little caught up with something personal. Can you let Jenna know that I will be on leave today!” Jenna is our senior assistant at the shelter.

I have been working at the women shelter since Last year and honestly, it’s the most fulfilling things I’ve ever done. For the longest time, I searched where my passion truly lies. But never imagined I’d find it here, among broken stories and healing souls.

When I got back to the room he was already in the shower. The faint sound of running water running made me wonder what lies behind the door, him behind the curtain, naked, water dripping down his body. I was almost salivating at that thought.

I shake that thought feeling embarrassed. I should probably leave before he comes out. But I have to get ready at the same time and I need to use the bathroom.

While waiting, I slipped onto the bed and started scrolling through my phone, lost in meaningless texts and random posts. The minute blurred together until the sound of the water faded into silence. I didn’t even notice the soft creak of the door, the faint change in the air—until I sensed it.

A shadow moved across the room. My fingers froze mid scroll forcing my gaze to the shadow. And there he stood in nothing but towel and hair damp from the shower.

“You might want to close that mouth, unless you are hoping to catch a fly.” That shadow teased in his usual calm tone. My cheeks flushed at what he said.

“I wasn’t trying..to catch anything.” Why am I so obvious and vulnerable around him. I should keep my guards up or else he might I am an immature woman with no ounce of brain cells and maturity.

“You don’t have to force yourself to hangout with my sisters. They could be annoyingly annoying.” He’s starts dressing up in front of me with no ounce of shame like he’s the only person in the room. I had to turn around pretending to focus on my phone.

“Uhhh.. I am not forcing myself into anything. In fact I would love to connect with my sister in laws.” I called over my shoulder trying to sound casual.

I heard his chuckle “Sister in laws, I see.” His voice now deadly serious like something’s going in his mind.

“