The suburban neighborhood of Chicago was wrapped in autumn twilight. Caroline Foster picked up the mail from her doorstep as she returned home from the hospital. Among the letters, an invitation printed on expensive paper caught her eye. It was from her sister Vanessa, the younger one of the two. Caroline had often been compared to her sister. This had been happening since childhood.
Caroline was serious and responsible, raised to meet her parents’ expectations. On the other hand, Vanessa, five years younger, was bright, active, and full of confidence. Their parents often told Caroline, «You should learn from Vanessa.»
«I’m home,» Caroline called out, and seven-year-old Aiden came running from the hallway.
«Mom! Today I drew a dinosaur at school. The teacher said mine was the best.»
Caroline smiled as she stroked her son’s head. «That’s wonderful. Will you show me?»
From the kitchen, she could see ten-year-old Emma doing her homework. Her husband, Jason, had just returned from work, loosening his tie while making coffee. A perfect family portrait was right before her eyes.
Caroline was proud of the home she had built during fifteen years of marriage.
«Any interesting mail?» Jason asked.
Caroline picked up the invitation. «It’s from Vanessa. Probably.»
She opened the envelope and was momentarily speechless. «She’s engaged. To Richard Grant.»
«The developer?» Jason asked, looking somewhat surprised. «He’s a big shot in the industry, isn’t he?»
Caroline nodded. Richard Grant was a successful real estate developer, well known in local business circles. She continued reading the invitation.
«The wedding is in three months. It looks like our whole family is invited.»
That night, after the children were in bed, Caroline was looking at the invitation in their bedroom. Vanessa always seemed to be one step ahead. She had graduated top of her class from law school and was working at a prestigious law firm.
Now, she was marrying a successful businessman. Jason came out of the shower and noticed her expression.
«What are you thinking about?»
«Just… Vanessa. Everything always works out for her.»
«Caroline,» Jason sat beside her. «You have a wonderful life. A good job, lovely children, and me.» He winked at her.
Caroline smiled. «I know. But…»
«But what?»
«Nothing,» she said. «I’m just tired.»
The next morning, Caroline called Vanessa. «Congratulations on your engagement.»
«Thank you!» Vanessa’s voice was filled with excitement. «I can’t believe it. He’s perfect. You’ll help with the wedding preparations, right? We’re sisters, after all.»
Caroline smiled. «Of course. Just tell me what you need.»
«Wonderful. Lunch tomorrow. I want to tell you all the details.»
Caroline checked her work schedule. «That sounds good. I’m looking forward to it.»
After hanging up, Caroline felt mixed emotions. She was genuinely happy for her sister, but at the same time, she was struck by a strange feeling. She reflected on her own marriage.
Fifteen years ago, she and Jason had married for love. The first few years were passionate, but after the children were born, their life had settled into a routine. Nothing was particularly wrong, but the thrill had faded.
At lunch the next day, Vanessa was radiant. She shared every detail, from how she met Richard to their engagement, and Caroline listened attentively.
«Caroline, I’ve always wanted to be like you,» Vanessa suddenly said. «Always your parents’ pride.»
Caroline was surprised. «Me? But you’re much more successful.»
Vanessa shook her head. «In my career, maybe. But you have a happy family. That’s what I’ve always wanted.»
Those words made Caroline pensive. The sister she had been envying was actually envying her. Ironically, she had recently begun feeling something was off in what she thought was her perfect family.
Several weeks passed, and Caroline was helping with wedding preparations between work and family responsibilities. One night, Aiden said to her before bedtime, «Mom, I don’t like Uncle Richard.»
«Why not?» Caroline asked, kissing his forehead.
«Because he always hides his phone when he sees me. Like he’s doing something bad.»
Caroline chuckled softly. «I’m sure that’s not the case. Uncle Richard is a busy businessman who deals with important information. It’s just your imagination.»
Aiden didn’t seem convinced but said nothing more. Caroline told herself not to worry too much about a child’s intuition. It was probably just stress from the wedding preparations.
When she got home, Jason was talking on his cell phone in the living room. When she entered, he quickly hung up.
«Who were you talking to?» Caroline asked.
«Oh, just a work call,» Jason answered, looking somewhat uneasy. «Sorry I’m late. The project is running behind.»
Caroline had noticed that her husband had been coming home late more often lately. Sometimes, he would go out on weekends for emergency work meetings. She told herself it was just the stress of Vanessa’s wedding making her nervous.
Their family was happy. At least, that’s what she wanted to believe.
The day before the wedding, the hotel lobby was bustling with preparations for the rehearsal dinner. Caroline had just finished a final meeting with the hotel staff. The children were supposed to be playing in the hotel pool.
As she crossed the lobby, something caught her eye through the large windows facing the parking lot. Aiden was in the parking lot, prowling around Richard’s luxury car. He was peering into the car as if looking for something.
Caroline hurried outside. «Aiden! What are you doing?»
She approached her son. «You shouldn’t be looking into other people’s cars without permission.»
Aiden turned around, looking startled. «Mom, I was just checking something.»
«Checking what?»
Aiden kicked the ground with his toe. «Nothing,» he mumbled.
Caroline was puzzled but didn’t pursue it further. «It’s time to get out of the pool and take a shower. We have the rehearsal dinner tonight.»
That evening, the rehearsal dinner went smoothly, with relatives from both families enjoying a pleasant time together. However, during the dinner, Caroline noticed Jason checking his phone several times and once leaving the table to make a call.