Lia

Chapter one

The house felt noisy that morning.

My mother Mrs Margret ran from the living room to the kitchen, shouting instructions at the maids , My step father Mr Carter, was checking the time every five minutes like he couldn't wait any second.

Rubben flight should be landing now he said proudly.

I tried to smile but my chest felt tight. Rubben coming home after Eight long months.

My heart has been misbehaving , since sunrise I kept telling myself he was just my step brother and nothing more. But my body refuse to listen.

My mother jolted me out of my thoughts.

"Lia "

Help me set the table,." He will surely be hungry ".

Okay Mom, I replied softly.

I place plate trying to act calm but every glass shook a little in my hand.

Mr Carter noticed and chuckled, "you look more nervous that all of us ", he teased.

I forced a smile, "it's been a long time ".

"It has", he agreed, Rubben always ask about you , you're the first person he ask of in his calls.

He thought of me, but not the way I thought of him.

I finished setting the table and excused myself before my eyes betrayed me. I walked outside to breathe. The sun was warm on my skin but my stomach twisted with butterflies.

Don’t be foolish, Lia. He sees you like a child.

The sound of a car horn pulled me out of my thoughts.

My heart Jumped.

The black SUV rolled into the compound

He was home.

I walked slowly , unsure if my legs were steady enough. My mom rushed past me followed by Mr Carter.

The car door opened.

My breath snapped.

There he was.

Rubben stepped out looking taller and more handsome than I remembered. His hair became a little bit longer , slightly covering his face and adding to his attraction. When his eyes found mine he smiled instantly like it made his whole word bright.

"Lia"

He breathed.

I froze.

He walked straight to me, and pulled me into a tight hug, and lifted me slightly from the ground , his arm wrapped around me like he has truly missed me.

I'm home he wispered above my head.

Welcome home, I said weakly.

He put me down gently, still holding my arms as if checking if I was real.

“You’ve grown,” he said with a soft laugh. “Still tiny, though.”

The words stung but I hid it.

Little. Tiny. Small.

His forever description of me.

Before I could reply Rubben stepped aside and I saw her a beautiful woman came out of his SUV.

Tall. Elegant. Confident.

Her smile was perfect.

Oh ... everyone meet Mara my girlfriend, he said proudly.

The world around me went silent

Girlfriend.

But he never mentioned that to me during any of our conversations.

She came forward and hugged my mother warmly. Mr. Carter welcomed her happily. They all began talking like they had known her forever.

Daniel turned to me with a smile. “Lia, this is Mara You’ll like her.”

I swallowed. “Hi.”

Mara smiled at me sweetly. “I’ve heard so much about you.”

I nodded, unable to speak.

The happy voices around me grew faint.

A tight pain formed in my stomach.

I watched Rubben place his hand on Mara's back protectively, soft, gentle.

It was the kind of touch I always wished for… but never received.

My mother looked at me. “Lia, aren’t you excited Rubben is back?”

I forced a smile. “I’m… happy.”

Inside, I felt myself collapsing.

Something in my chest cracked open, and I knew things would never be the same again.

Rubben walked into the house beside Mara.

I stayed behind, staring at their backs as the door closed.

And for the first time… I felt unwanted in my own home.

The smell of roasted chicken and fresh bread filled the dining room. Candles flickered softly on the table, casting warm light over the polished wooden surface. My mother fussed over the placement of each fork and plate, while my stepfather, Mr. Carter, gave the final check on Rubben's favorite dishes.

I stood by the side, carefully smoothing my dress, trying to act calm. My hands shook slightly as I adjusted my hair. I told myself over and over: Everything is fine. Just a normal dinner. Just act normal.

“Lia, go sit,” my mother urged, nudging me gently. “You’re making the table look crowded standing there.”

I nodded, trying to smile, and took my place at the far end of the table, deliberately placing myself across from Rubben. He looked so familiar, yet different tanned from travel, more confident, and smiling with the ease of someone who belonged. And then there was mara sitting beside him, radiating that perfect kind of charm that made you feel invisible by comparison.

I forced my eyes down at my plate, pretending to admire the food. Don’t look at him. Don’t stare. Pretend you don’t care.

Mr. Carter cleared his throat. “So, Rubben, tell us about your trip. I assume it went well?”

Rubben smiled politely. “Yes, it did. Lots of meetings, lots of traveling. I learned a lot.” He glanced at me for a moment, as if expecting me to join the conversation. My stomach tightened, and I turned my gaze back to my plate.

Mara laughed lightly at something he said, a laugh so easy and confident it made my chest ache. She reached over and touched his hand briefly. Rubben didn’t pull away. He smiled down at her hand, then looked around at the table. His gaze landed on me for just a second before shifting to his parents.

The conversation continued, and I tried to participate, nodding at the right moments, laughing lightly when necessary. But every word mara spoke seemed to highlight the space between us. She asked Rubben questions that I would have asked if I had the courage. She laughed at his jokes in the way I always wished I could. And Rubben responded naturally, easily, giving her all the attention I craved but could not claim.

By the time dessert arrived, I was exhausted from pretending. I sat quietly, poking at the chocolate cake, while Mara complimented my mother’s baking and Rubben chuckled along with her.

Why couldn't it be me.

After dinner, my parents lingered at the table, chatting with Rubben and Mara I excused myself, muttering that I had a little work to do in my room. The moment the door closed behind me, I leaned against it and let the tears fall.

I had to hide them. I couldn’t let anyone see. Not Rubben, Not Mara. Not my parents. Not even myself fully.

And yet, I knew one thing with absolute certainty: my heart had been broken tonight, in a thousand silent ways.