When Love Wilts and Blooms Again

After three years of dating Nathan Foster, I thought I knew where we were headed. But he never proposed. Instead, he fell in love at first sight with my stepsister.

His pursuit of her was bold and relentless, leaving no room for doubt. This time, I didn’t break down or wait around, hoping he’d return like before. I made a clean break.

I threw away every gift he had given me, shredded the wedding dress I once secretly bought, and on his birthday, I left Riverdale behind.

Just as I was about to board my flight, Nathan messaged me:

“Where are you? Everyone’s waiting for you.”

I smiled, didn’t bother replying, and blocked him on every channel. He had no idea that, two weeks earlier, I had accepted the proposal of my college senior, Eustace Cooper.

When the plane landed in my new city, Eustace and I were ready to begin a new chapter of our lives together—as husband and wife.

…

"Eustace, I’ve made up my mind," I said, standing in front of the mirror, staring at the pale and fragile reflection of myself.

So, making an important decision in life wasn’t as difficult as I once thought.

"Roxanne... will you accept my proposal?" Eustace’s deep voice came from the other end of the phone.

A faint ache rose in my chest. As tears welled up in my eyes, I nodded lightly. "I will."

"Roxanne, did you know? I’ve been waiting for this day since college."

Somehow, the reflection in the mirror now carried a soft smile at the corners of its lips.

"Give me half a month. I’ll settle everything here."

"Alright, Roxanne. I’ll be waiting."

Just as the call ended, my bedroom door was suddenly pushed open from the outside with force.

"Roxanne," my father began, clearing his throat awkwardly. "Your sister hasn’t been feeling well lately. Since your room gets more sunlight, why don’t you let her stay there for a few days?"

I didn’t respond, letting my gaze settle on my stepmother and stepsister, Sophia Williams, standing behind him.

My stepmother quickly chimed in, "Oh, Charles, there’s no need to trouble Roxanne over this."

Sophia looked pitiful as she added, "It’s fine, Dad. I don’t mind at all. I don’t want to upset my sister because of me."

"What’s the trouble? You’re my daughter too," my father said, then turned to me with a stern expression. "Roxanne, you’re her older sister. You should be more understanding."

I stared blankly at my father.

I thought I’d feel heartbroken, that I’d cry over how my own father seemed to care more for a stepdaughter who wasn’t even his own flesh and blood than for me.

But not a single tear fell.

Instead, I smiled and nodded at them.

"Sure, I’ll switch rooms with her."

In just half a month, I would be leaving this place forever.

So, it didn’t matter anymore which room I stayed in.