Chapter seven

Dear Lord, let this be a mistake! 

I wasn't ready to face her or anyone from my adopted family. Truth be told, I haven't for once considered reaching out to them to tell them I was back 

Why would I? 

Did they search for me while I was away? Did they even care to know if I was still alive?

The thought of it  hurt. Even though we weren't blood related. We lived together under the same roof for over ten years, it should count as something. Did they not see me as family at all? 

Tears welled up by the corner of my eyes but I blinked them away

I took a deep breath and turned around, coming face-to-face with my dear sister 

She sure has changed. More feminine and grown. More woman than girl. Her curves were more prominent especially in the lycra dress she was putting on. And her face? Still deceptive enough to make anyone fall for her bullshit

She was gorgeous, I give that to her. Well, glad to know ‘my family’ was doing just fine, even without me. How….. convenient 

“I'm Isla Sinclair. I spotted your dress from across the hall and just had to come over . You look exquisite, stunning beyond words” Isla beamed with her lips spread into a sweet smile

I could almost scoff. If I didn't know better, I'd have fallen for her buttery words

The dress Harley got me was over three thousand dollars, one of its kind. Not just anyone could lay hands on them. It wasn't one you could stumble upon. It's eye candy. The dress could make even a rich woman look more rich and powerful 

And I knew, that night, I looked powerful 

Of course, Isla would want to smuggle her way into any ‘powerful’ person's life. She would snake her way into any ‘opportunity’

“It's impressive to know someone like you can identify top-tier fashion” I replied calmly. 

I knew for a fact that Isla definitely climbed a human ladder to get an invite to the Red Gala. It's what she's always done 

Isla’s smile faltered for only a second, but she recovered “Well, what can I say? I have an eye for detail. I suppose it runs in the family”

Family. That word struck me deeper than I thought it would. Would a day ever come when that word didn't feel distant? 

“Really?" I tilted my head" I bet your sister has quite the taste for fashion too”

The reply I received got my heart shattering in a million pieces

She laughed lightly “Oh no, you're mistaken. I have no sister. You see, I'm the only daughter of my parents. My mum owns a fashion store and is doing quite well at it, so I guess i picked up a thing or two”

The air left my lungs. I could swear a tear slid down my eye. Isla didn't seem to notice anyway. She kept going on and on, shattering the confidence i had built all those years 

No sister? What was I then? How could she deny me so easily?

It was difficult to swallow the lump that had formed in my throat 

Had she so easily forgotten the times I would cover up and even get punished because of he?

“You look really nice and give off a strong aura. You can be my big sister. I have always wished I have an elder sister “ Her pout after the sentence made her look cute and like someone to protect 

But I was long gone to notice that.

Did she really not recognize me? I had lost a couple of weight and wasn't the obese girl I used to be. I was full and slim in the right places. Now, I was perfectly sculpted and spotless. But those weren't enough to cover up my features. Someone that should be my sister should recognize me at a glance! 

Her words cut deeper and deeper, tearing through my facade bit by bit 

If I remained there, I fear she'd see the weakness I hate to show. 

I turned around, hastened to my seat, grabbed my purse and marched out of the hall, leaving her flabbergasted and confused

Harley could already sense something was wrong. She hurried after me, worried 

I rushed outside the hall and went to my car. It was when I got inside that my tears came pouring out. My shoulders trembled as I collapsed on the steering wheel 

I thought I had gotten over this. I thought I was no longer weak but one conversation with Isla was all that's needed to drive a sword through my chest 

I thought I would be able to ignore her tonight. Who would have thought I'd both meet Evan and my sister 

Evan! 

Oh no! 

He was waiting for me