She was beautiful in a polished, expensive way. Her hair fell in glossy waves over her shoulders. Her beige coat looked simple but clearly costly, the kind of clothing that seemed quiet only because it knew exactly how expensive it was. Her makeup was flawless, her nails pale pink, her heels elegant.
Beside her, I suddenly felt very plain.
“Nice to meet you,” she said. “I’m Rebecca. I’m dating your brother.”
“Nice to meet you too,” I said. “I’m Elizabeth, his younger sister.”
“Oh,” she said. “So you’re the little sister.”
Her eyes moved over me slowly. My face. My dress. My stomach. Back to my face.
It lasted only a second, but something cold passed through her expression.
I told myself I was imagining it.
Pregnancy had made me sensitive. Perhaps she was nervous. Perhaps she was simply the kind of woman who looked at people directly.
But then she turned to Robert, and her entire manner changed.
“You must be Robert,” she said warmly. “Thomas told me you work at Harrington’s Department Store.”
Robert smiled politely. “Yes. I’m in sales and buying.”
“That’s amazing. Harrington’s has such a refined atmosphere. I haven’t been able to shop there recently. Next time I come, could you recommend something that suits me?”
Robert looked a little surprised but answered professionally.
“Of course. We’d be happy to help.”
“Thank you. I’ll be expecting you.”
The difference was not dramatic enough to accuse her of anything. She did not flirt openly. She did not touch Robert. She did not say anything improper. But with me, her answers were short. With Robert, she smiled fully. With me, she looked as if I were furniture in the wrong place. With Robert, she leaned forward and listened.
Thomas did not notice.
He watched Rebecca with an expression so gentle that I swallowed my discomfort.
This was the woman he had chosen.
Just as Thomas wished for my happiness, I wanted him to be happy too. I would not ruin his joy over something as vague as a cold glance.
So I said nothing.
After that meeting, Rebecca began visiting Robert’s department store frequently.
At first, Robert only mentioned it casually.
“Rebecca came by today.”
“Really?”
“She bought a scarf.”
The next week, it was a handbag. Then a coat. Then accessories. She made purchases worth thousands each time. Technically, it was good for the store and good for Robert’s numbers, but his expression grew more troubled each time he came home.
One evening, he loosened his tie and sighed.
“Rebecca came to my section again today.”
“Again? I think she was there yesterday too.”
“She was. I appreciate that she’s spending money, but even when I’m assisting other customers, she interrupts without any consideration. It’s causing trouble for the other salespeople too.”
“That sounds tough.”
“It is. And honestly, even if she’s the president’s daughter, her sense of money seems concerning. She doesn’t compare prices, doesn’t ask about practicality, doesn’t even seem to want the items that badly. It’s like she buys because she enjoys being served.”
I touched my stomach, suddenly uneasy.
“Did you tell Thomas?”
Robert shook his head.
“I don’t want to worry him before the wedding.”
I understood that too well.
No one wants to be the person who puts a shadow over someone else’s happiness.
Several months passed.
My belly grew rounder. Robert started talking to the baby every night. Thomas sent messages asking if I was eating properly. Our mother mailed tiny socks even though she lived close enough to bring them herself. Around us, life seemed to be moving toward two happy events: my child’s birth and my brother’s wedding.
Finally, the wedding day arrived.
By then, I was in the later stages of pregnancy. Walking took more effort, and I tired easily, but I had been looking forward to the ceremony for weeks. It was my dear brother’s once-in-a-lifetime wedding. I wanted to see him standing in his formal suit. I wanted to tease him afterward if he cried. I wanted to welcome Rebecca properly, despite my private unease.
I wore a pale blue maternity party dress that Robert helped choose. It was soft, elegant, and comfortable enough for my body. Robert looked at me before we left and smiled.
“You look beautiful.”
“You’re just saying that because you’re my husband.”
“I’m saying it because I have eyes.”
The venue was bright and elegant, with glass walls, white flowers, and staff moving quietly through the lobby. Guests in formal clothes laughed and greeted one another. My heart felt full.
Robert held my arm as we walked to the reception desk.
“I’m Elizabeth Smith,” I said. “The groom’s sister. This is my husband, Robert.”
The receptionist checked the guest list.
Then her brow furrowed.
“You’re the sister, correct?”
“Yes. Thomas Harris’s sister.”
“That’s strange.”
A small chill moved through me.
“What is?”
The receptionist looked uncomfortable.
“We were informed that his sister would not be attending.”
For a moment, I could not understand the sentence.
“What are you talking about? I’m the groom’s sister. Of course I’m attending.”
“We were told the groom’s sister had other obligations and would not be able to attend.”
“There must be some mistake. My husband and I are both supposed to attend.”
She checked again.
“Mr. Smith is on the guest list. The cancellation was only for you.”
Only me.
My mouth went dry.
Robert’s face stiffened.
“Who informed you about my wife’s absence?”
The receptionist hesitated.
“The bride, Rebecca.”
Robert’s voice became dangerously calm.
“Please call Rebecca here. Now.”
A few minutes later, Rebecca appeared with a woman who looked like an older, sharper version of her. Her mother, I assumed.
Rebecca was dressed in a stunning wedding gown. Lace, pearls, delicate embroidery, the kind of dress that made people turn instinctively. She looked beautiful. She also looked pleased.
“Rebecca,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “What’s going on? I’m marked as absent.”
“Oh,” she said lightly. “Is that so?”
“I never said I wouldn’t attend.”
She snickered.
“I don’t care about your opinion. I marked you as not attending because you’re a nuisance. Do you get it?”
The lobby seemed to blur around me.
“What are you saying?”
“To begin with, I never liked you.”
Her voice was clear enough for nearby guests to hear.
“Just because you have a somewhat handsome husband and a brother who dotes on you, you act all high and mighty. From the first time I met you, I didn’t like you. Your plain face doesn’t match your name, Elizabeth. You’re a hindrance to my happiness.”
I could not move.