Chapter 6 - THE SISTER WHO WANTED EVERYTHING
Rachel came to my house on Thursday.
I hadn't invited her.
She stood on the porch wearing sunglasses and carrying a designer handbag.
“Claire.”
I didn't move.
“What do you want?”
She removed the sunglasses.
Her eyes were swollen.
“I want to talk.”
“Then talk.”
She looked past me.
“Can I come inside?”
“No.”
Her expression tightened.
“I'm your sister.”
I stared.
“Yes.”
She swallowed.
“Please.”
I stepped onto the porch and closed the door behind me.
“What do you want, Rachel?”
She began crying.
“I never meant for things to go this far.”
I folded my arms.
“How far did you mean for them to go?”
She looked away.
“I don't know.”
“Did you mean to sleep with my husband?”
She flinched.
“Claire—”
“Did you mean to forge my signature?”
Her eyes widened.
“I didn't forge anything.”
“Then who did?”
She hesitated.
“Michael handled the paperwork.”
I stared.
“Did you know it wasn't authorized?”
Silence.
That was answer enough.
Rachel wiped her face.
“I was unhappy.”
I almost laughed.
“With Tom?”
She nodded.
“He's a good man, but he doesn't understand me.”
I looked at her.
“Then divorce him.”
She blinked.
“What?”
“If you're unhappy, leave your marriage. Don't destroy mine.”
Her face hardened.
“You've always had everything.”
I stared.
“Everything?”
“Mom and Dad trusted you. You got the better grades. You married Michael. You have the perfect family.”
I felt something inside me go still.
“Rachel, I worked for everything I have.”
She laughed bitterly.
“Of course you did.”
I studied her.
Then realized something terrible.
My sister hadn't just wanted Michael.
She wanted my life.
The husband.
The house.
The children who adored their mother.
The cottage Dad had loved.
She wanted to step into my place and be applauded for it.
I shook my head.
“You need to leave.”
Rachel stared.
“Claire—”
“Go.”
She put her sunglasses back on.
Then whispered:
“You think Michael will come back to you?”
I looked at her.
“I don't know.”
Her lips curved.
I continued.
“But I know I don't want a man who can be taken by someone who treats betrayal like a competition.”
Her smile disappeared.
May you like
I went inside.
And locked the door.
