It’s Over.

Amelia

“Wake up, sleepyhead!” Stella said, tapping me lightly on the shoulder.

“Just five more minutes,” I murmured, eyes still closed.

“It’s already 10 a.m., naughty girl!” her voice rang out. “Didn’t you say you wanted to finish the decorations before Alex arrives?”

My eyes flew open and I jumped out of bed. I glanced at the oversized clock on the wall and damn, it really was past 10.

“Shit! Stella, why didn’t you wake me up earlier? You’re the worst sister,” I said teasingly as I rushed into the bathroom and started brushing my teeth.

“I tried, I swear!” she laughed, following me in.

Once we were dressed, she helped style my naturally curly hair, and then it was time to head out for shopping. Today was my fiancé’s birthday, and we were planning a surprise party for him. At the store, Stella picked out way better things than I did. Probably because she was a total fashionista.

It didn’t take long before we arrived at his place and got to work.

“Alex is going to be so surprised!” Stella said with a laugh as she pinned decorations to the wall.

“I know, right? I can already picture the look on his face. He’s such a cutie,” I grinned, handing her more pins.

Despite being three years older than Stella, people often thought she was the older one because of her expensive lifestyle and tall figure. She is my stepsister and completely different from her cold, overbearing mother, who always treated me harshly and aggressively.

Stella has always stood by me and stayed by my side through everything. As for my father, who usually protected me from her evil acts, he had been hospitalized for a while, suffering from kidney disease.

Unfortunately, my father has been growing worse, and it has been really hard for us because of our financial problems. Alex has always been helpful too, even though he is just a salaryman.

But thankfully, Stella is about to get married to a billionaire, the CEO of the prestigious Hawk Company. His family promised to take care of all the medical bills once they officially get married.

“Gosh, I can’t believe this,” Stella’s voice cut through my thoughts.

“What is it?” I asked.

“I can’t believe I’m getting married in just a few days. It still feels weird because I’ve never met this man before. It gives me the chills,” she breathed.

“I understand. I would feel the same way,” I nodded.

“The only reason I’m agreeing to this marriage is because his family promised to help us financially. I just hope he will be handsome even though it’s just a bit. Do you think he might be old though?” Stella gasped.

I laughed and shook my head. “You know your mom would never want you to get married to someone like that. She loves you so much, and besides, she has told you countless times that the man is young and handsome.”

“Well, I guess you’re right,” she said with a shrug. “Still nervous though. But your case is much better. You know Alex well, and he treats you like a queen.”

“Everything will be fine, and I promise to be here for you,” I smiled.

She turned to me and smiled back. “Thank you.”

We shared a hug.

“Let’s hurry up so we can start baking the cake. It won’t bake itself, you know?” I said, and immediately, we got to work.

It took us hours to get the job done, and afterward, we freshened up. Then we went to the sitting room, watching our favorite telenovela while munching on some delicious popcorn.

“I’ll be going to see Dad at the hospital tomorrow with Alex. Do you want to come along?” I asked, tossing a popcorn into my mouth.

Stella’s face fell, and she pouted her lips cutely. “I’m so sorry, sis, but tomorrow, Mom wants to take me to the dress shop. We want to try on some wedding dresses.”

worry, I totally understand. We can just go next time.”

She nodded, then checked her wristwatch. “It’s almost time. Let’s get ready!”

I nodded and quickly turned off the light.

A few minutes later, we heard the door opening.

“He’s here!” I whispered, and we immediately jumped to our feet, ran to the door, and just as he turned on the light, we both squealed, “Surprise!”

He was clearly shocked, just like I expected. I was holding the small, white and purple cake with the candles lit, while Stella sprayed confetti on him and blew a squeaky-sounding party horn.

“Oh my goodness,” his eyes widened. “What’s going on here?”

“Happy birthday, love,” I beamed. “Make a wish quickly!”

He did so and blew out the candles. When I set the cake down, he pulled me into a hug.

“Thanks, babe, but you didn’t have to do this.”

“I had to,” I hugged him back. “You deserve more than this. Sorry it’s just a small birthday. Maybe next year, I’ll invite a whole crowd.”

Alex laughed, looked at my face, and shook his head. “No, it’s fine. This is the best. I love—”

“I’ll go get bottles for a toast. We can’t do this party without wine, you know,” Stella chirped from behind.

I turned to her. “Yes, you’re right.”

Then she left.

“Amelia, I’ll find my way into the bedroom. I need to take off these clothes. They’re choking me. Had a long day at work too, so I’ll just take a bath.”

“Sure,” I nodded. “We’ll be waiting.”

“Don’t drink without me!” he said, walking away.

“We won’t!” I chuckled and ran back to the sofa.

A few minutes passed, and I noticed there were glasses on the counter. Maybe that was why Stella was taking so long. She must have been looking for them.

I picked them up and ran to the kitchen to tell her, but before I could fully enter, I saw her kissing… Alex. Deeply. Passionately. Her arms were around his waist and his hand cupped her face.

They broke the kiss and smiled at each other.

“Happy birthday again, baby,” she whispered.

“Thanks, baby. I love you so much,” he whispered back. “You know you’re the only one I love and want, right?”

She nodded, smiling brightly. “I love you too, Alex. Even though I can’t keep up with this affair and Amelia stands in our way, let’s not give up.”

“Don’t worry, Stella. Amelia won’t be an issue. I’ll be dumping her soon. Meanwhile, you should marry that rich man quickly so our problems can be solved.”

She laughed softly and nodded.

Even though it hurt so much, not a single tear left my eyes. I just stood there, frozen, filled with anger and betrayal. Who would have thought Stella and Alex would do this to me? The only people I thought I had. The only ones I trusted.

I kept watching, my hands trembling, my heart breaking.

Just as their lips were about to meet again, the glasses slipped from my hands and crashed to the ground.

They both turned to me instantly.

“Ame… Amelia,” Stella choked out, pulling away from Alex.

“Babe, we—”

“No. I don’t need to hear anything,” I snapped, shaking my head. Then I pulled off the engagement ring from my middle finger and threw it on the floor.

“It’s over,” I said, my voice breaking, before walking away without looking back.