Caught in between

Nina 

Tears streamed down my face as I shook with sobs. No, it wasn’t true. I refused to believe what I had just heard. How could they do this to me? How could Leo betray me so brutally, and with my sister, no less? The very person who had always tried to make my life miserable. What had I done to deserve this?

I had always been a simple girl, living a simple life, even when my parents were well off. I never let it go to my head and always wanted to do my own thing. I was soft-spoken, and kind, and never had any issues with anyone. Though my parents had a business, I chose to be different and built my own company. But everything changed when my mom died during my university days. My life was never the same. My father became more and more distant, and I was shocked when he announced he was getting married again.

The moment Flora, my stepmom, and her daughter came into the picture, my entire life was turned upside down. They took everything away from me – my life, my family, and now my love too. No, I would get to the bottom of this. I refused to be played for a fool. I was going to get my answers.

I stormed into Leo’s office, ready to confront him. “What the hell was that all about, Leo?” I demanded, seeing May on his lap, both of them giggling like kids. “Am I interrupting something?” I asked, my voice firm. They both turned to see me at the doorway, and May scrambled off Leo’s lap.

“Hello, Sis,” May said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

 “I see you’re both busy. Care to explain what’s going on here, Leo?” I asked, my eyes fixed on him.

“How did you get in here?” Leo stammered, looking like a deer caught in the headlights. “So now I’m not allowed into your office, or is it because I saw something I shouldn’t have?” I shot back.

“Yeah, I can see that. You’re so busy banging my sister. How could you, Leo? I thought we were engaged. How could you do this to me after everything we’ve been through? I trusted you.”

“Look, I wanted to tell you sooner…” Leo started.

“Oh really, tell me sooner that you’ve been sleeping with my sister? Is that it?” I interrupted, my voice rising.

“I’m sorry, okay? But the truth is, I don’t love you. I thought I did, but I was mistaken. Being with May made me realize that I only loved you as a sister. I’m sorry it turned out this way.”

“You didn’t think to discuss this with me first? Instead, you went behind my back and had an affair with my sister, and I have to find out in the worst possible way!” I exclaimed.

“I’m sorry, sis. I never meant for this to happen this way,” May said, her voice laced with fake remorse.

“Oh, you slimy bitch!” I yelled. 

“This was bound to happen one way or the other. You caused this with your high and mighty attitude. You were always superior, and every other person is inferior to you.”

“That’s not true!” I protested.

“Isn’t it? You always had everything – shoes, clothes, bags, jewelry, name it. And I had nothing. Leo was mine first, but then, as always, you came into the picture and snatched him away from me.”

“Is that what this is about? Rivalry? You always had everything!” I shot back.

“Oh, don’t be silly. Dad loved you more than me. I was just the extra burden he picked up when he married Mom. But not anymore, Sis. I’ve finally gotten what I want. Leo’s mine and there’s no way I’m giving him up – not for you or anyone else. He doesn’t love you. Deal with it!” May sneered.