Chapter 2

2

They lavished on her the special love I never had.

They demanded that I atone, giving her everything.

If there was something Polly wanted, if I had it, I had to give it to her.

Little things, like a pen or a doll.

Big things, like scholarships or chances to compete.

Even my fiancé.

I'd met Tom Riley in graduate school. It was like we were meant to be together. We fell in love, and just like most college sweethearts, we were planning to get married as soon as we graduated.

But during our last year, Polly also enrolled at our school and became Tom's classmate.

She always needed help with something from her "big brother-in-law" and would always vent to him when she was upset, always so blatant about it.

She was dependent on him, idolized him. The way she looked at him was… intense.

Watching them grow closer, I spoke up, trying to put a stop to it.

But they both denied it, like they had a secret pact.

Then Tom, to show his loyalty, proposed to me.

I wanted my own family so badly. After everything, I still had feelings for him, so I said yes.

But on my wedding day, Polly showed up.

Tearfully, she wished me well. "Jenny, even though I'm devastated to lose the one I love, I still wish you and Tom all the happiness in the world."

I was stunned.

Usually, it's "big brother-in-law" this, and "big brother-in-law" that, and now she's calling him "Tom."

It was my wedding day, I didn't want a fight, so I let it go.

But then, she sobbed and collapsed!

My parents were distraught.

"Jenny, you can't get married! Give Tom to Polly," Dad insisted.

"Yes! She has depression. Losing a love like this will only make her worse. What will happen to her?" Mom cried.

"You're her older sister, it's your duty, just say you agree!"

They were all agitated, just like they always were, with not a single one on my side.

I was the one who had been wronged.

My eyes stung. "If I also had depression, would you let me have what I want?"

My father exploded with rage. "What is that supposed to mean? Are you mocking Polly? You really need to be taught a lesson!"

He clenched his fists. If it wasn't for the guests, he probably would have hit me.

Then Polly started crying.

She'd fainted, but she was still crying with her eyes closed?

My mom's heart broke. "Jenny, just let your sister have Tom, I'm begging you."

And she went down on her knees.

I panicked, pulling her up.

But she wouldn't get up, she just knelt there, torturing me.

And then Tom looked at me with guilty eyes. "Jenny, I don't want anything to happen to Polly. Let me take her away, I promise I'll come back."

I knew him well enough. He would never come back!