Chapter 3

3

When I was eighteen, I realized my feelings for Logan were more than just childhood friendship. I was sure I loved that bright, cheerful boy.

One night, after Lindsey and I finished our homework, we were curled up under the blankets. She noticed I was distracted and asked me what was wrong.

Blushing, I told her how I felt about Logan. Lindsey stayed silent for a long while before finally rolling her eyes.

"That idiot? How dare he try to steal my little sister away!"

"He's not good enough for you. I'll find you someone way better!"

Back then, I didn't see the inner turmoil hidden behind her teasing. But from that day on, she seemed to hate Logan even more.

The day before I planned to confess to him, Lindsey asked me, "Do you really love him that much?"

I nodded, telling her it was Logan or no one.

Lindsey looked like she wanted to cry and laugh at the same time. She ended up getting into a physical fight with Logan that afternoon.

When she came back, she hugged me tightly. "If he's what you want, I'll support you. I'm your sister; I'll always have your back."

Their relationship only got worse after that. Even when they ended up working in the same department as adults, they were always at each other's throats.

I was always the peacemaker, trying to smooth things over between them. Because of me, they eventually stopped screaming at each other, but the atmosphere remained cold.

The ice only seemed to melt after Logan nearly died on a mission. Lindsey took me to the hospital.

The moment she saw him lying in that bed, she slapped him across the face. Her eyes were bloodshot. "Don't you care about your own safety? If something happens to you, what is my sister supposed to do?"

"I might hate you for taking her away, but we grew up together. I don't want you dead."

"She loves you so much. She's waiting to marry you. Think about her for once!"

Logan's eyes were red, and for the first time, he didn't fight back. He just bowed his head and whispered, "I know. I'm sorry."

I was so happy that day. I thought the two people I loved most were finally making peace.

On my wedding night, Lindsey held me and cried for a long time. She touched my lace veil with such longing. "It's so good. My sister finally has her happiness."

When she found out I was pregnant, she went above and beyond to prepare everything for the baby. She gently rubbed my belly. "You and Logan have to stay happy together."

Seeing how lonely she was, I tried to play matchmaker. "Lindsey, you've been alone for so long. Is there really no one you like?"

"A new guy just started at my office. He's an MIT grad, a manager, handsome, and single. Want me to introduce you?"

The words had barely left my mouth when Logan slammed his glass onto the table. "Linnea, stop meddling in her business. She can do whatever she wants!"

His tone was so harsh it actually startled me. Lindsey let out a cold laugh. "What, is Logan jealous that my own sister cares about me?"

Logan snapped back, "My wife is pregnant and she's spending all her energy worrying about you. Can't I be annoyed by that?"

I just sat there and smiled at them. Looking back, the signs were everywhere. I was just blinded by the roles we played.

I didn't see the restraint in their eyes. But now, I saw everything.

I looked at Logan kneeling by my bed and softly closed my eyes. "I'm tired."