Unusual Usual

Renee’s POV

My brows knit together as I stared at the diamond necklace sparkling against Linda’s collarbone.

Draven emerged from the kitchen, two glasses of red wine in hand. His face softened into a rare, genuine smile as he passed one to her and dropped onto the sofa beside her, close enough that their shoulders brushed.

I curled my fingers into my palms until my nails bit skin and stepped forward.

“Hi, Renee.” Linda gave a little wave, casual and bright. “I heard you were… resting upstairs.”

“I was asleep,” I said, forcing a tight smile.

“That necklace…I thought it was a gift for me?” The words slipped out before I could stop them. I pointed.

Draven’s smile vanished. Irritation flashed in his eyes. “Why do you always have to play the victim? My sister, who I haven’t seen in years finally comes home, and the first thing out of your mouth is this?”

The accusation stung like a slap. My nails dug deeper; I felt the warm prick of blood.

“Oh, brother, don’t be so hard on her.” Linda leaned in, brushing a light hand across his chest. “Think how she must feel, seeing something she thought was hers around my neck.”

Draven hissed under his breath, like I was an annoying fly. “Just go help in the kitchen. Mother’s in the bath, she wants dinner ready when she’s out.”

I turned on numb legs and retreated, gritting my teeth as I scrubbed and stirred. My stomach growled loudly, reminding me I’d skipped lunch. No one noticed.

At the dinner table, laughter filled the air, Linda’s bright, Draven’s low chuckle, their mother’s approving nods. I couldn’t stop staring at the necklace glinting under the chandelier. Same brand, same design. He’d remembered my words… he just didn't get them for me.

“Are you going to eat or just glare at your plate?” My mother-in-law snapped.

I flinched, dropping my gaze to the untouched steak and mashed potatoes.

“That’s the problem with people who marry into wealth,” she continued, voice dripping with disdain. “No appreciation. Wasting good food.

Draven flicked a glance my way but said nothing.

“Oh, Mom, leave her alone.” Linda smiled sweetly at me before turning back. “She’s probably still in shock. You were saying about that fashion show…?”

They dove back in, forgetting me instantly. I sat silent, grateful for the reprieve even as it burned.

“You’ll stay here at your brother’s,” their mother declared. “Easier for me to see both my children under one roof.”

My mouth opened. “We weren’t told ahead of time….”

“Would you rather she sleep on the street?” she barked, eyes blazing.

I froze. Linda was her blood daughter, welcomed like royalty since the day their parents married. No one would let her sleep rough.

“That’s enough, Mom,” Draven cut in, not meeting my eyes. “She can stay here until she finds her own place.”

Linda cast me a soft, sorrowful look. “I don’t think my sister-in-law is comfortable with that. I can book a hotel….”

“Nonsense.” Draven waved it off. “You get insomnia in strange places.”

“I know, right?” Linda laughed, light and nostalgic. “Remember our first camping trip?”

Draven’s expression warmed. “How could I forget? You were terrified of the tent, begging me to stay up with you all night.”

“You two really do complete each other,” their mother sighed, beaming.

I sat frozen, watching them reminisce about shared memories I’d never been part of.

After dinner, Draven stood. “I have to show you something.” He offered Linda his arm; she lit up and let him lead her away.

“What are you waiting for?” his mother snapped at me. “Clear the table.”

I did, teeth clenched. No scenes with a guest in the house.

Draven returned alone while I wiped down the surface. “Renee. We need to talk.”

Hope sparked, maybe an apology, an explanation.

“You shouldn’t treat my sister like a stranger,” he said instead. “Be understanding. Be kind.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat. “What about the necklace? I mentioned that collection to you…”

He sighed, bored. “My assistant picked it out, said it was perfect for a lady. I didn’t even know it was a necklace. If it bothers you that much, I’ll buy you whatever you want.”

The words landed flat, dismissive. I nodded anyway, clinging to them like a lifeline. Maybe it was just a misunderstanding. Maybe now was the time to tell him about the baby.

“The thing is, I…”

A sharp cry cut me off from outside.

Draven spun. “Linda? Linda!”

He bolted out. I followed, slower, heart pounding.

He was already at the door, helping her up from the ground.

“What happened?” Panic edged his voice, real concern I’d never heard directed at me.

“I waited like you said, but I got thirsty…and slipped on the wet floor.” Tears shimmered in her eyes.

“I’m sorry I left you.” He pulled her into his chest, holding her close.

They brushed past me on the way in. Linda’s gaze flicked to mine, a quick, sharp smile she didn’t bother hiding.

“Tell the maids to fix that slippery spot,” Draven ordered over his shoulder.

I stood rooted, watching him lead her away. My chest ached, thoughts spiraling.

This wasn’t my husband anymore. Not the man who’d barely noticed me faint. Not the one who’d dismissed my pain in seconds.

And Linda… She knew exactly what she was doing.