The Envious Sister

Chapter 1: The Arrival

Noelle Sewlal stood at the threshold of her family home, her heart a mixture of excitement and trepidation. The heavy door creaked slightly as a cool breeze swept through, carrying the scents from the nearby gardens. She watched with bated breath as her husband, Kellen, maneuverer the car into the driveway, his sister Seraphina beside him. News of Seraphina preceded her—she was known as the black sheep of the family, always stirring up trouble, craving attention like a moth drawn to a flame. Noelle held on to the hope that perhaps this visit would be an opportunity for healing, a chance for all of them to reconnect and mend the fractures of the past.

Kellen stepped out first, his bright smile instantly soothing Noelle's worries. "We're back!" he exclaimed, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her close. His warmth enveloped her and she felt momentarily reassured.

As Seraphina emerged from the car, Noelle stepped forward, forcing a beaming smile. "Welcome to our home, Seraphina! We've missed you!" she said, her voice cheerful yet cautious.

Seraphina paused, her lips thin and unamused as she took stock of the house. "Hmm, well it looks... cozy," she replied, her tone dripping with insincerity as her emerald eyes flickered over the freshly painted walls adorned with family photos. "How quaint," she added, rolling her eyes.

Kellen frowned slightly but shrugged it off, leading Seraphina into their home. Noelle's heart sank at the dismissal in Seraphina's voice, yet she remained steadfast. **"Let's get dinner started!"** she called, trying to inject cheer into the evening.

Days morphed into weeks with Seraphina in residence, and the atmosphere grew charged with tension. During a dinner one evening, Noelle overheard Seraphina critique her culinary skills, again. "What is this supposed to be? It's not gourmet by any means, you know," Seraphina scoffed, narrowing her eyes at the pasta that was a little overcooked.

Noelle's heart dropped but she forced a smile. **"I was trying a new recipe from that book I told you about,"** she replied, her voice tinged with measured patience. **"I thought you might like to try something different."**

"Different doesn't always mean good," Seraphina retorted, smirking as she pushed her plate away, showcasing the untouched food. Kellen looked between them, his brow furrowing.

**"Come on, Seraphina, it's not that bad. Noelle worked hard on this,"** Kellen interjected, attempting to diffuse the tension.

Seraphina flicked her wrist dismissively. **"Oh please, Kellen. We all know I could cook circles around Noelle if I wanted to!"** she shot back, her voice a mix of challenge and condescension.

Noelle felt a wave of frustration swell within her, but she took a deep breath, reminding herself of her goal to keep the harmony at home. **"Let's just enjoy the evening together,"** she murmured, trying to steer the conversation to less tumultuous waters.

However, the discord did not fade. Each day brought more snide remarks, subtle comparisons that cut deeper. Noelle found solace in her time with their young daughter, Elara, who giggled and filled the air with laughter, a reminder of the love in her life. Yet even that joy felt tinged with sadness, knowing Seraphina's eyes were always watching, ready to strike. She caught Seraphina sneaking glances at Elara, her expression a mixture of envy and longing.

One afternoon, Noelle took Elara outside to play in the garden, sunlight dancing over the flowerbeds. As they engaged in a game of tag, Seraphina's shadow fell across them.

**"Shouldn't you be supervising your daughter better? Kids need boundaries,"** Seraphina said coldly as she approached.

Noelle raised her chin defiantly, determination flashing in her eyes. **"Elara is perfectly fine, Seraphina. She's enjoying herself. Maybe you could join us instead of criticizing from the side-lines?"**

Seraphina laughed, her tone saccharine and mocking. **"That's cute, Noelle. But honestly, I wouldn't want to ruin my pristine reputation getting down and dirty in a garden. Besides, I think it's safer if I stay on the periphery,"** she replied, her words laced with sarcasm as she turned on her heel to leave.

A knot tightened in Noelle's stomach at that, and a growing sense of isolation engulfed her. Each night, as darkness enveloped the house, whispers of Seraphina's malice echoed in her mind. Then came the evening that would change everything.

While preparing dinner in the kitchen, Noelle suddenly felt a wave of dizziness pull her down, and she barely managed to brace herself against the counter before collapsing onto the cool tiles. A sharp pain pierced her chest, and the world spun around her ominously. It was then that she saw Seraphina standing nearby, her expression alarming.

With a twisted grin, Seraphina leaned closer, her voice a low whisper. **"Looks like you're not quite cut out for this life, are you? Maybe you should think about taking a step back."**

Noelle's heart raced as realization dawned on her—the sinister undertones of Seraphina's words now made sense. In that moment of vulnerability, she understood that Seraphina was indeed intent on causing her harm, using dark forces to disrupt the peace she had worked so hard to build. The kindness she had showered upon her sister-in-law now felt like a futile effort, drowned in a sea of envy and malevolence.

It was Kellen's voice calling from the other room that broke Noelle from her reverie, his tones confused and anxious. **"Noelle? Are you alright?"**

With every ounce of strength she gathered, Noelle pushed herself to her feet, forcing the dizziness to recede. She looked into Kellen's eyes as he rushed in, concern etched across his face. **"I... I'm fine, just a little dizzy, I think,"** she stammered, not wanting to alarm him further.

But Kellen's gaze shifted to Seraphina, who stood like an ominous shadow in the doorway, arms crossed, an all-knowing smirk tugging at her lips. **"Did something happen?"** he asked, worry palpable in his voice.

**"Oh, I just think Noelle needs to learn that not everyone can have a perfect life,"** Seraphina interjected breezily, casting a sideways glance at Noelle, her voice dripping with malice.

Noelle realized she was standing at a precarious juncture. She couldn't allow Seraphina's darkness to engulf her family; she needed to confront Seraphina's manipulative ways and reclaim her life. She squared her shoulders, determination coursing through her.

**"Kellen, we need to talk,"** she declared, her tone steady yet resolute. **"About your sister. The way she's been treating me..."**