«Oh, honey, you can’t keep torturing yourself like this,» Elizabeth Thompson lamented as she entered Emily’s room and found her daughter with red, swollen eyes from crying. It had been less than half an hour since Sophia and Michael had left, and while they were there, Emily had managed to hold herself together to avoid upsetting her mother. But as soon as they were gone, she let her emotions flood out unchecked. Elizabeth knew just how deeply Emily despised her sister, and she was grateful that at least Emily pretended nothing was wrong in front of others.
In reality, though, what was the big deal? So what if he dated one sister first and then fell for the other? It’s not like the world revolved around this Michael guy, Elizabeth reasoned when she first learned about the breakup between Emily and him. There are plenty of other guys out there. Maybe it’s even for the best that he left you for Sophia.
I never liked him anyway, and he’s not right for her either.
- Why not? Emily shot back sarcastically, her pain doubled not just by losing the man she loved, but also because Michael was such a catch. Young, handsome, well-educated, from a respectable family.
Who wouldn’t want to marry someone like that? Emily had truly loved him and regretted ever introducing her sister to her boyfriend. She never imagined Sophia could be so sneaky and opportunistic. When she found out Michael had his eye on her sister, Emily exploded, confronting him with a massive argument and demands for explanations.
At that point, he wasn’t even sure if Sophia was the one he wanted to spend his life with. So he made excuses as best he could. It all looked so pathetic from the outside—full of lies and disgust.
But Emily didn’t want to lose Michael, so she believed him, or at least pretended to. From then on, she watched him like a hawk, barely letting him out of her sight.
If it weren’t for Emily’s controlling behavior, Michael might never have grown close to Sophia. The tension in their relationship weighed heavily on him. But talking to Sophia felt effortless and natural.
He didn’t even realize when he fell in love with her. Eventually, they stopped hiding their feelings.
- I think we need to be honest and talk to Emily about this, Sophia said.
- It’s not right to keep sneaking around like this. Honestly, I’m so tired of lying to Mom and her, saying I’m out with friends when I’m really meeting you.
You have to lie to Emily too, claiming you’re helping your dad with something, so you can’t see her as often. This can’t go on forever.
Michael was fed up with the charade himself, especially since he was certain of his feelings and planned to propose to Sophia—something Emily had waited for over a whole year.
But he never got around to it with her, which completely shattered Emily.
- How could you! she exclaimed when Sophia and Michael showed up at home together. It was obvious without words.
They hadn’t just bumped into each other at the apartment building entrance by chance—Sophia coming home, Michael supposedly there to surprise his girlfriend. Clearly, they came to talk, but about what and why? Emily didn’t want to hear any of it.
- I don’t want to see either of you again, she burst out in anger.
- And you… she turned to her sister. Stay in your room like a hermit and don’t show your face around me, or I won’t be responsible for what happens.
That same day, Michael suggested Sophia move in with him.
- To keep things safe, he sighed. You see how she’s reacting. Knowing Emily, in that state, she’s capable of anything.
Let her cool off. We’re getting married anyway, so what’s the difference? Our place is big, plenty of room, and Mom will be thrilled to have you—she really likes you.
- Really? Sophia smiled, though her future mother-in-law had seemed overly stern and strict at first.
But that was just an initial impression; in truth, Victoria Parker was a kind-hearted woman who treated her future daughter-in-law warmly. Emily, whom she’d met only a couple of times when she visited Michael, hadn’t impressed her at all, but Sophia was different.
- This girl is so much better than the other one, Victoria Parker smiled after a family dinner.
- Sophia is just wonderful, unlike Emily. I told you right away she was rotten, and you weren’t meant for her. With Sophia, you’ll have a strong, happy family—I’m sure of it.
Victoria Parker happily agreed to let Sophia move in and was even excited about it. The young couple started planning their wedding, naturally not wanting to invite Emily. It felt unkind, but still.
Sophia could imagine the scene her sister would cause at the biggest day of her life and wanted to avoid it at all costs. If it weren’t for their mother, who decided to have a heart-to-heart with her daughter two weeks after the move, Sophia might never have wanted to speak to Emily again. But Elizabeth set out to reconcile her daughters.
- You’re family, after all, she reasoned. You can’t hold grudges over nothing. So what if it’s about a guy?
As they say, if the groom goes to another, who knows who got lucky. You’ll find your happiness yet—you’re young. Everything’s ahead of you. If he left, he wasn’t yours. Stop suffering.
And make up with your sister, at least for my sake. I don’t want this mess in our family, and it’ll be easier for you too.
As if, Emily thought to herself, but she decided to go along with her mother, at least pretend she wasn’t holding a grudge against Sophia. It would benefit her too, since she was obsessed with revenge. Being at odds with Sophia would make it hard to pull off any sabotage. So she chose a subtler, craftier approach. She called Sophia herself and suggested they meet, which understandably surprised her sister.
- Why the sudden change of heart about making up? Sophia asked in astonishment when she arrived to meet Emily. She truly didn’t understand her sister’s motives— just recently, Emily had hated her, and now she was repenting. It was odd, but Sophia pretended to forgive her, though it wasn’t easy.
- I just thought… Emily mumbled, why fight over nonsense? Mom’s worried sick, can’t sleep. If Michael ended up with you, he’s not mine. What can I do?
- Mom’s right—I’ll meet my destiny yet.
Guys come and go, but a sister’s forever.
Neither Michael nor Victoria Parker bought this sudden miraculous forgiveness—it was too smooth and easy.
- Your sister’s rotten, oh so rotten, Victoria Parker kept muttering.
Victoria Parker still didn’t want Emily at the wedding, but once the sisters seemed reconciled, there was no choice. They had to invite her, and Emily even behaved decently. But Victoria Parker kept her eyes on her, making Emily uncomfortable.
- Why is she staring at me all evening? Emily hissed in her mother’s ear irritably. It’s annoying, like she’s a warden, as if she suspects me of something.
- Maybe she does, Elizabeth sighed.
- Calm down, honey, it’ll be over soon, and we’ll head home.
As if, Emily thought, who had spent the evening waiting for the perfect moment to execute her plan. She hadn’t come to the wedding just to attend—she had a «surprise» for her dear sister.
At least spoil Sophia’s night a bit, Emily felt was her duty.
- If I can’t ruin the wedding, I’ll at least mess up the evening, she decided. Why not? Let her feel humiliated and betrayed, just like I did when Michael left me.
What she hoped to achieve was unclear; Emily wasn’t capable of anything serious. Poisoning or something drastic? No, she’d never go that far. But petty pranks were right up her alley. So when the guests hit the dance floor and Victoria Parker was deep in conversation with her husband, Emily saw her chance.
She had no idea how perceptive her future in-law would be. Victoria Parker was the type who could handle everything if she set her mind to it, and she expected the worst from Emily, especially on her son’s wedding day. Her sharp eyes caught Emily discreetly sprinkling something into her sister’s tea.
Of course, Sophia might not have finished it, but Victoria Parker couldn’t let it slide. So when the culprit stepped away to the ladies’ room, Victoria switched the cups. Emily, unaware, returned and drank it all down.
Unlike many guests, she liked cold tea, so she didn’t ask for a fresh one. The evening went on, and as the celebration peaked, Emily suddenly felt ill—so bad she could barely stand.
- Honey, what’s wrong? Elizabeth exclaimed in fright, seeing her daughter pale.
- I don’t know, Emily mumbled confusedly. Everything’s blurry. I must have eaten something bad.
- But what? her mother pressed. Everything was fresh—look, the other guests are fine. They’re all dancing and having fun. Good thing we did the main part at home.
I don’t like those restaurants; I don’t trust them.
- But we were at a restaurant too, Emily muttered. Hardly anyone ate there, but I couldn’t pass it up, you know, Mom.
The restaurant was rented just for guests attending only the official ceremony. Then the closest family went home. And indeed, at the restaurant, most just had a glass of champagne, said polite goodbyes, and left.
Victoria Parker was even annoyed that so much food went uneaten, except by Emily, who was greedy by nature. She pigged out there and then at home on Victoria’s cooking—probably overdid it. Emily thought it’d pass, but she got worse by the minute, until the party had to stop.
Elizabeth called an ambulance for her daughter. Meanwhile, Victoria Parker felt uneasy, obsessing over what Emily had slipped into the tea.
- What kind of poison could it be! she thought. Poor Sophia, what might have happened if you’d drunk that filth? Ah, Emily, you wretch, serves you right. Suffer now, you deserve it!
Victoria Parker didn’t wish death on Emily, of course, but she couldn’t help gloating.
- Imagine trying that on her own sister! she fumed.
Victoria Parker hesitated a long time before telling Sophia what she’d witnessed.
Elizabeth paced anxiously all night outside her daughter’s hospital room. The wedding reception was ruined beyond repair—which was exactly what Emily had aimed for. She succeeded, but never imagined she’d fall into her own trap.
That tea Emily drank saved her in a way. The poisoning could have been far worse if not for the laxative she’d meant for her sister. She wanted to ruin the newlyweds’ first night, though it held no special meaning.
Sophia and Michael had lived together for ages. Wedding or not, it was the same. The stamp in the passport just formalized their solid bond.
Only at dawn, with no news from Elizabeth, did Victoria Parker, who’d been up all night, tell her daughter-in-law everything, shocking her.
- So what does this mean? Sophia exclaimed.
- Emily tried to poison me? That witch! And she was so groveling, apologizing, swearing she’d make amends. But look what it was. She couldn’t resist revenge.
- I never trusted her, Victoria Parker sighed. It’s written all over her face.
What sisterly love? She hates you, and it wouldn’t change overnight. She’s a hypocrite! What do you expect? She seized the chance to sabotage you. Wonder what crap she used— no word from the hospital yet.
Must be serious. Anyway, forget her; just hope she doesn’t croak. Call your mom, find out what’s up—after all, I switched the cups.
- What difference does it make? Sophia waved off. If you hadn’t, I’d have drunk it and be in the hospital instead.
- Fine, whatever. Once she recovers, I’ll tell her exactly what I think of her, sis.
I even started believing her over time, thinking she really repented. Didn’t want to upset Mom, and look what happened. Okay, we’ll see—I’ll handle her once she’s better.
Sophia had never felt such rage toward anyone, which was understandable. Her sister, whom she’d forgiven after everything, turned out so vile, brazen, and unscrupulous.
And she’d actually done it to Sophia without hesitation. Sophia couldn’t wait to tell her mother about Emily’s stunt. She counted the minutes until Elizabeth called with news.
Sophia planned to rush to the hospital and confront both Emily and her mother. After this horrific incident, she’d made a final, irrevocable decision. She’d never let her sister—who took kindness for weakness—or her enabling mother near her or her family again.
- Enough, she said firmly, sharing her feelings with Michael. No more chances for her to pull something else. This is ridiculous.
I won’t let them near us anymore. Let them live their lives and do what they want. But we won’t be part of it ever again.
Michael agreed with Sophia; he felt guilty too, though why? He’d fallen in love and wanted to build a life with her. What’s so wrong? But it wasn’t that simple.
If back when it started, Michael had broken up with Emily properly, they might have avoided this mess.
- Oh, come on, don’t invent things, Sophia dismissed when her husband shared his regrets. Found something to fret over—she was always selfish, her «love» was superficial.
It just hurts her ego that you chose me, so she’s lashing out. And we have to put up with it? I was a fool to forgive her out of kindness.
To spare Mom’s feelings, and look what came of it. Now I’ll be smarter and never let them interfere again.
Elizabeth was skeptical of her daughter’s words, refusing to believe Emily would spike her sister’s tea.
- Mom, who are you trying to convince? Sophia exploded. Victoria Parker saw it all; she can confirm. Enough defending Emily—time she faces consequences. What’s this? She’s always innocent, but really, my dear sister hates me as much as ever.
And you know it—we both do. Why keep pretending? What’s the point of this charade?
Elizabeth didn’t know how to respond to her daughter, whom she secretly saw as a betrayer. After all, Sophia stole her sister’s boyfriend.
Without batting an eye. And Michael was no saint either. Of course, like any mother, she wanted to believe Emily would find her own path.
But if the love was so strong that she couldn’t live without Michael and was ready to fight to the end, what could be done? On the other hand, Sophia deserved happiness too. That thought haunted Elizabeth.
She was torn between her daughters. Sophia resented her for siding with Emily, while Emily, unable to forget Michael or accept the rejection, vented on her mother. The situation was unbearable, so tangled it seemed hopeless.
No matter which way you turned, it was a dead end, with no resolution in sight. She understood why her daughter caused a huge scene at the hospital upon arrival. Sophia knew talking to Emily was pointless, but when she expressed a desire to chat, Sophia couldn’t refuse.
Since she’d decided to set things straight, she had to act. Sophia expected only blame and accusations from Emily, but instead, she confessed to wanting to ruin the wedding.
- Yes, I did it, Emily admitted when Sophia bluntly asked for the truth.
- What else could I do? Just accept you stole my guy, married him, and live happily ever after? How could you, Sophia? Why? You knew how much I loved Michael, that I waited for his proposal—which he never gave me.
- So what, I should’ve dumped him? Given up my happiness? Why on earth, Emily? Get it already—you can’t force love. If Michael chose me, he had reasons.
That’s how it is, and you have no right to meddle in his choice or our family, got it?
In a fury, Sophia stormed out of the room, slamming the door. Her nerves snapped. She couldn’t take it anymore.
It was exhausting. The worst was her mother’s stance, ready to do anything for darling Emily, while ignoring Sophia.
Only later did she realize it wasn’t true. After Emily’s discharge, Sophia cut off contact with both for six months. She thought she’d erased them from her life.
The hurt faded. Sophia barely thought about it, too busy with life.
She was so happy with Michael that other issues vanished. It would’ve continued if she hadn’t gotten pregnant. Then the question arose of reaching out to her mother and sister.
Again, all that «it’s not right» stuff. Sophia hadn’t expected it from Michael. We agreed never to bring it up.
She flared up.
- Or do you want them messing with my pregnancy too? Michael, I don’t get you. Why tell them about the baby? We’ll say after it’s born.
Maybe not even then—I might not want contact. We’ve been fine without them for so long. Why ruin it? Or does your past still haunt you?
Michael had no answer; he just felt they should call and slowly mend ties with the family.
- Six months have passed; things change, time heals.
But Sophia disagreed, and Victoria Parker backed her. She thought her daughter-in-law shouldn’t reconcile.
- You don’t need this, son, she lamented. Why? What’s gotten into you? Leave it be. We’re fine without them, or is guilt over dumping Emily resurfacing?
Her mother was spot on, but Michael wouldn’t admit it. Sophia wouldn’t have called if Elizabeth hadn’t reached out first, surprising her.
- What do you want? Sophia asked bluntly, barely answering the call. She hesitated but thought, what if someone’s sick or, God forbid, died—life happens.
Her shock was total when Elizabeth said she wanted to invite her to her daughter’s wedding.
- Emily’s getting married? Sophia smirked. Why didn’t she call herself?
- She was scared, her mother sighed. You know your relationship. I thought it wouldn’t be right not to invite you.
Especially since Emily and Christopher love each other so much—you can’t imagine. I’m so happy for her; you should be too.
Sophia couldn’t believe it.
Emily marrying, and for love, per Mom. Had she really moved on from Michael? Hard to buy. But Sophia was wrong to doubt Elizabeth.
Emily had fallen hard, unexpectedly even for herself. She’d pined for Michael endlessly, thinking it’d never end. She’d hole up in her room for hours.
Sometimes her mother forced her out for walks. But Emily returned quickly, and this lasted months until she met Christopher. At first, she responded without interest.
- What do you want? she asked when a guy sat by her at the cafe where she’d stopped for coffee.
- Nothing much, Christopher smiled, idling that day and looking to pass time. Seeing a girl as bored and alone as him, he decided to chat.
- Why not, he thought. Especially since Emily looked so sad and downcast, he couldn’t ignore her.
After two hours in the cafe, Christopher walked her home and got her number, hoping it wasn’t their last meeting. Emily saw him initially as just a distraction.
- You seeing someone? her mother asked when Emily came home late again.
Emily wasn’t eager to share details of her personal life.
She didn’t want to talk, and Elizabeth didn’t pry. If her daughter found happiness, she’d be thrilled. What mother wouldn’t? Maybe the family could heal, Elizabeth hoped, watching Emily bloom.
She so wanted to believe that with new love, Emily would forget Michael and drop her grudges against him and her sister.
- What news! Michael exclaimed when Sophia told him Emily was marrying. Who’d have thought? I worried she’d stalk me forever, haunting my dreams.
- I think you’re overestimating yourself, Sophia chuckled. Sure, you’re dream husband material, but not that much. Unrequited love is a sickness to cure, not nurture.
Good she realized and stopped indulging it. Emily was glad too. Meeting Christopher started a new chapter; everything before seemed trivial.
Naturally, she regretted mistreating her sister. She and Sophia needed a heart-to-heart, to forgive the tough past, and Michael should join, as Sophia told him straight—it started with him, so he owed an apology too, which he knew.
- God, it’s all nonsense, Emily dismissed. What grudges? It’s over; what’s past is past. Main thing, you’re happy. And fate sent me the best guy ever.
Chris is so caring, polite, attentive, sensitive. And his mom’s amazing—you wouldn’t believe. We hit it off right away, though I was terrified of meeting her.
What if she hated me and ruined things? But luckily, it worked out.
Elizabeth was overjoyed the family was mending.
She’d dreamed of her daughters ending their feud. But amid it all, a strange sadness gnawed at her. She knew she’d soon be alone.
Sophia had moved out long ago; soon Emily would too. And Elizabeth had nothing to fill her days. She couldn’t imagine life without her daughters, or at least one.
Sophia noticed right away why her mother was down.
- Oh, come on! she encouraged. Upset Emily’s moving to her husband’s?
- Yes, Elizabeth admitted with a sigh, fighting tears. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy she found her person. God bless them, as they say.
But I’ll have no one left. How will I manage alone?
- You’ll have grandkids! Sophia beamed, patting her barely showing belly. Don’t worry, Mom—you won’t be bored. Michael and I will give you plenty, and Emily won’t lag, right, sis? she winked, spotting Emily in the doorway.
She’d come to reassure their mother too, promising no loneliness. And it proved true nine months later when Sophia had a son, needing help with the toughest job: motherhood. Then Emily and Chris followed suit.
Elizabeth stayed busy and was thrilled, unused to solitude and fearing it most.