The party was still lively, but I felt isolated, like a small island in the middle of a vast ocean.
"Honey, I'm sorry I forgot your drink. Earlier, my stomach seemed to have a problem. Sorry for making you wait so long," William said, handing me a drink. I accepted the glass and put on a smile.
"Thank you. It's okay, honey. Did you eat something wrong?" I feigned concern, even though I knew he was in love with Serena and had forgotten about his promise.
"I don't know. But, it's better now. I've taken the medicine." I nodded, trying to believe his lie.
"Honey, a friend of mine is there. Can I go over there to join them?" William asked, looking toward the garden where some of his friends were chatting.
"Yes, go and meet them." William kissed my forehead before leaving. I stared at his retreating back, and slowly, my smile faded. My pain rushed into my chest. He was good at sweet words, but his actions behind my back were painful.
William was in the center of the crowd, chatting with his friends. I could see the smile on his face.
"My sister, aren't you with William?" Serena's voice boomed in my ears. I paused, looking at her sharply.
"Did William not invite you to welcome his friends? It's so sad." Serena covered her mouth with her hand, smiling mockingly.
"Shut up, Serena!" I snapped, not liking her words.
"Why? I feel so sorry for you here. Let me accompany you. You should be beside your husband right now, not here, poor Lily."
I gave her a cold stare. She continued to mock me, making me sick.
"Why are you asking me that? How much do you care about me?" I retorted sarcastically. Serena was silent, but her face still lit up with satisfaction.
I looked back at William, watching him laugh with his friends. Pain engulfed my soul.
Serena approached again, her eyes shining with satisfaction.
"You know, Lily, my older sister. I don't even have to try hard to make you feel small. William always does it for me. Soon, he'll dump you!" she said slyly, her voice like a snake's whisper.
I clenched my fists, restraining myself from falling for her provocations.
"Serena, what do you really want from me?" I asked sharply, suppressing my irritation.
Serena smiled sarcastically, her arms folded across her chest.
"I just want to see you accept reality. You're nothing more than a neglected wife, who only exists to be an appendage. William deserves someone more interesting... maybe someone like me," she said, then chuckled.
"If that's what you think, Serena, then you're more pathetic than I ever imagined. Wanting a married man shows how empty your life is."
Serena's laughter faded instantly, her face hardening. "How dare you!" she snarled, her voice rising.
I moved closer, keeping my gaze sharp and firm. "And how dare you keep bothering someone who just wants to enjoy his time in peace. If William doesn't want to be here with me, that's my business. It has nothing to do with you."
Serena looked stunned for a moment but quickly recovered, flashing her sly smile again.
"Oh, Lily, you're so naive. But fine, I'll leave you alone... for now. Just enjoy your loneliness. Without a husband and children in your life."
Serena showed her arrogance. The anger she kept provoking boiled over.
"Shut up! You mean you're insulting my barrenness like that?" I snarled sharply.
"Yes, is there any other name for a woman who can't get pregnant, Lily? You're just a barren woman!" Serena smirked, her words testing my patience. My hand quickly slapped her cheek.
Serena was startled, holding her cheek. I smiled triumphantly at having retaliated.
"Shut up, bitch! You're just a woman who warms William's bed temporarily."
Serena's eyes blazed with anger.
"I'm not his bitch, Lily. But I am a lover sipping the sweet honey of love." She leaned closer, her body towering over mine.
"As for you, pathetic wife, you are no more special than me. So... once again, you call me a bitch, I'll rip your mouth out." Her hands gripped my arms, her nails scraping my skin. Blood started to seep from the scratches.
"Let go, Serena, it hurts! Have you lost your mind?" I tried to remove my hand, but her grip only tightened.
"Just enjoy the pain, Lily. I'll be happy to see you in this pain!" Unable to take it anymore, I reached for the table where I had put William's drink. Quickly, I poured the glass on her face.
Serena screamed in shock, the cold drink drenching her face, making her hair stick to her cheeks.
"You dare douse me, damn it!" she yelled, furious.
I broke free from her grip. "You're crazy!" I pushed her, trying to get away.
Serena fell, her body hitting the cold marble floor. Silence. All eyes turned to us; the bustling party suddenly quieted. William, who had been chatting with guests, ran over to me.
Serena made a sad face, looking tearful. William swiftly helped her up, his face darkening at her soaked clothes.
"What did you do to Serena? Look at her wet clothes, and you pushed her. She's your sister." William's voice trembled with anger as he slapped me.
My cheek burned, but the pain in my heart was worse. I looked at him, my eyes welling up.
"She started it first. She said I was barren!" I tried to explain.
"You shouldn't take offense. What Serena said was true." William's words pierced my heart. It felt like a boulder crushing my chest.
Serena drew closer to William, crying bitterly.
"Earlier, my sister insulted me as a bitch because I was close to you. She also attacked me. I was so scared."
William stroked her hair gently, his eyes full of disappointment as he looked at me.
"You've gone too far, Lily. You've ruined the party."
I swallowed hard, trying to hold back my tears.
"Come with me. Serena must be cold. She needs to change her clothes. Give her your best ones."
With an angry tone, William carried Serena, her arms wrapped around him.
Before leaving, he apologized to the guests for the commotion. The party resumed, though many whispered about the incident.
I reluctantly stomped my feet, following them to my room.
