After I hung up the call, he didn't call back or tried to make up with me. Instead, he didn't return home.
He planned a trip with Sophie and his friends without inviting me or informing me about it. I was notified only when Sophie sent me a picture.
She was boarding the flight while wrapping her hands around Nolan's arm whereas he was carrying her side bag.
“Brother Nolan and I are going on a trip to the beach, sister-in-law. Don't wait for us. We will enjoy ourselves. Take care of the home.”
It was the last text she left for me before sending several pictures of their trip. In all of those pictures, she was lying on her bikini while Nolan was giving her body massage.
Those pictures looked too intimate for a couple, let alone for siblings.
Those pictures were driving me crazy, making me lose my sanity. So, in the end, I blocked Sophie’s social media accounts to stop her from sending me those gross pictures and making me throw up.
During these days, Nolan didn't bother texting me. Days later he called me.
“Hello…” I said, my voice distant.
"Van…" Nolan said over the phone. “I was on a trip with my friends. It was decided on a very short notice. Sorry, I couldn't inform you on time.”
“It's okay, I don't mind.” I replied, my voice cold.
"I knew you wouldn’t mind. Vanessa, you are the best girlfriend in the whole world.” He said excitedly, not realizing the coldness of my tone.
“Sophie is hosting a party the same night we arrive in the city, Vanessa. She insisted that I bring you along. Are you free to come over now?”
I was going to refuse him. But before I could say anything, he added,
“Get ready, Vanessa. I’m coming to pick you up."
With that, he hung up the phone. He arrived quickly, and despite seeing that I hadn't changed clothes and was reading harsh comments circulating on the internet over my viral pictures, he merely sighed.
"I saw the photos online. Don't think too much about it, I believe you," he said, trying to reassure me. He took out a revealing dress from my closet. "Come on, get changed. We don't want to keep them waiting."
As he helped me out of the couch, I grabbed his hand. "What do you believe about me?"
I remembered the conversation I had overheard in the hotel room. "Nolan, how do you plan to play this out with Vanessa?" one of his friends had asked.
Nolan didn't respond to that question, but his so-called sister stood up and said, "Of course, we'll make everyone, including herself, doubt whether she has slept with someone.”
“As for Brother, he'll just be her savior when she's at her lowest. This way, it won't affect their relationship, and it'll give me satisfaction."
Nolan had agreed, and soon after, my private photos had been spread online with the label "promiscuous."
I laughed bitterly. "What do you believe about me?"
I pushed the dress away, feeling exhausted. "I don't want to go to the party. You go ahead without me."
Nolan frowned. He seemed displeased with my decision.
"Vanessa, don't be stubborn!"
“Sophie is feeling guilty for you. She blames herself for asking you to toast her a wine which provoked you to drink a whole bottle of wine. Don't decline her, okay?” He said coldly.
He paused for a moment, his expression softened as he continued, “Sophie has arranged the party to help you relax, Vanessa. Don't be so arrogant to refuse her, alright? You should consider her feelings as well.”
I was still reluctant, but Nolan dragged me out of the house anyway. When we arrived at the party, he stopped me from putting on a mask.
"We don't need that," he said, his eyes warm and reassuring. "You're innocent, and I believe you. Just be yourself."
He threw the mask out the window and pulled me out of the car. As we entered the crowded bar, all eyes turned to me.
The room was filled with malicious gazes and snickers. I felt like I was going to suffocate.
Nolan led me to a private room, where his friends were waiting. The atmosphere was even more oppressive, with lecherous eyes and vile comments.
One of Nolan's friends, who had been particularly loud in the hotel room, grasped my wrist, his touch making my skin crawl.
"Hey, baby, why are you leaving so soon? We've just started having fun."
I tried to pull away, but he held tight. "Let's play a game. We'll make it worth your while."
His words were laced with sinister intent, making my blood run cold.
