“Don’t worry, sis,” Sarah slurred. “I practically watched this kid grow up. If he ever dares bully you, I’ll deal with him for his brother’s sake.”
“But wow, he really grew up well. Look at those abs—nothing like the silly boy he used to be. You probably don’t know, but when I married his brother, he even tried to steal me away at the wedding.”
With that, she leaned back drunkenly, and Ryan quickly caught her in his arms.
“I told you not to drink so much. Why don’t you ever listen…”
But Sarah pushed his head against her chest, pretending to be angry.
“Shut up! Who do you think you are, bossing me around? Call me sis! I’m your sister-in-law!”
I couldn’t stand another word. Rage rose in my chest, and with a crash, I smashed a teacup.
“Enough! Get out! Do you two have no shame?”
Sarah blinked at me in feigned confusion.
“Why so mad, sis? Him trying to steal me was years ago. Before he died, his brother asked him to take good care of me. Otherwise I wouldn’t even be telling you this.”
“I thought if you knew the stupid things he did in the past, you wouldn’t overthink his care for me now. Didn’t mean for you to misunderstand. Don’t be angry—it’s your birthday after all!”
Then she shoved Ryan toward me. “Brother, go comfort her. Women are so hard to deal with when they’re upset.”
Ryan turned to me, clearly annoyed.
“She was just being kind. She didn’t even hold it against you for ‘cursing my brother to death,’ and you can’t even speak nicely? Who taught you to yell ‘get out’? Apologize to her.”
My body trembled, my abdomen aching so badly I couldn’t stand straight.
“Ryan, are you even human? Your brother died in a car accident while out with her. I was the one who handled the aftermath, tracked down the driver, and secured her compensation—enough for her to live comfortably for life. And now you blame me?”
The room fell silent. Then Sarah’s fake sobs filled the air.
“I knew it—I’m unwanted. You’d better go comfort your wife. If she doesn’t forgive you, I’ll just end my life.”
Ryan reluctantly muttered, “Sorry, honey. I shouldn’t have said that.”
Was I satisfied?
He could only apologize when someone else prompted him.
Ryan, what am I to you?
He then pulled out a Tiffany & Co. jewelry box.
I immediately recognized it as a promotional gift, matching Sarah’s necklace and bracelet set.
So my anniversary and birthday present was just an unwanted freebie.
I’d rather have nothing than accept something chosen half-heartedly.
“Forgive me, honey. Sarah and I picked it out together. You’ll love it, won’t you?”
I laughed bitterly, fury burning away the last of my reason.
“Would you like a freebie?”
“Sarah, Sarah! Ryan, she’s all you think about. I’ve had enough. Why don’t you just marry her already? I’ll step aside!”
Ryan’s face darkened.
“What nonsense are you talking about? Sarah is my sister-in-law. Who marries their sister-in-law?”
I pulled out a printed high-resolution wedding photo, lips curling into a mocking smile.
“Haven’t you already married her?”
Ryan froze, his smile stiffening.
“You followed me? Don’t I deserve even a little privacy?”
Sarah waved it off with a laugh.
“It was just a symbolic ceremony, sis, to comfort Ryan’s brother in heaven. Don’t be so dramatic. Clinging to something so trivial will only hurt your relationship with him.”
