My fingers clenched around our project proposal, my knuckles white, my nails digging into the paper.
I stared at Arthur, silently demanding a reaction.
But he didn’t even glance at me.
His world began and ended with Loren.
Well done, Arthur. Very well done.
After the seminar, Loren was surrounded by a sea of reporters and adoring media. She soaked up every word, every camera flash like a celebrity.
I couldn’t bear the sight. I slipped out of the venue, heart pounding, the ache in my chest threatening to drown me.
I just needed work. Something to numb me. As long as I was busy, maybe I wouldn’t have to feel the sting.
But just as I pulled the car door shut, Loren opened the passenger side and slid in.
“Sister,” she chirped, “are you heading back to the institute? I’ve always wanted to see where you work. Can I come along?”
I reached to push her out, but the passenger door was suddenly held firm—by Arthur.
“Drive,” he said flatly.
So I did.
Loren babbled the whole way back, basking in the afterglow of her big moment.
“Arthur, why do you think Mr. Slater picked our team?” she asked with childlike excitement.
Arthur smiled as though she’d asked something precious. “Because he likes you.”
Loren turned bright pink. “Arthur, stop teasing me!”
“I’m not teasing,” he replied softly. “You’re brilliant. Anyone would fall for you.”
Then, as if it suddenly struck her, she turned slightly and asked, “If we had met first, would you have fallen for me instead?”
Arthur looked startled, about to respond.
But Loren smiled sadly and cut him off. “Just kidding. There’s no ‘if.’ What’s missed is missed.”
“You’re only three years older,” he murmured.
“Three years is still older,” she said, her tone suddenly playful. “Call me sister.”
I couldn’t take any more.
“Are you done flirting?” I snapped coldly. “If you want to keep playing house, get out of the car.”
Loren's eyes shimmered with sudden tears. “I’m sorry, sister. I was just... thinking about the past. Got emotional.”
I glanced into the rearview mirror.
Arthur was looking at her with such heartache, like he was watching something fragile and beloved.
And then he looked at me—only contempt in his eyes.
Even though I had prepared myself for this betrayal, the pain still cut deep.
Because no matter how hard I worked, how much I gave up, or how much I loved… in the end, everyone always chose Loren.