HIS FIRST LADY(SANDRO MARCOS)

Chapter 39: She's Lying

It takes several long moments for me to fully grasp what Kaylee is saying. I'm in shock, struggling to process it all. For so long, I've tried to give Kaylee the benefit of the doubt, seeing her as someone manipulated by Samuel. But now, I realize she's not just a naive young woman caught in his web—she's an active participant in this betrayal.

I've directed most of my anger at Samuel, not seeing that my sister was equally determined to get what she wanted.

"She's lying," I say, first to Kaylee and then to our mother. "She's lying, Mom."

"Don't start this, Rafha," Mother says, her voice quivering. "My heart can't take it."

"But it's the truth. I never cheated on Samuel. He's the one who's been unfaithful," I insist. I turn to Thea. "With her."

"That's nonsense," Kaylee snaps.

"Language," Father corrects.

"Kaylee has been involved with Garnar for who knows how long," I say. "I only found out recently when they stopped hiding it. Ask anyone at the club—Samuel's been introducing her as his girlfriend."

"I've been offering Samuel comfort in his heartbreak," Kaylee says, feigning sympathy. "We've always been close friends, and I couldn't stand by and watch what you did to him. You've broken him, Rafha . He truly loved you."

"That's the lie!" I shout.

"Girls, enough with the language!" Father scolds again.

As Mother covers her face with her handkerchief, I look to my aunt and uncle for support. Uncle George is lost in his own world, smoking a cigar and staring out the window. Aunt Barbara, however, is staring directly at me, a small smile on her lips—but it doesn't reach her eyes.

She doesn't believe me. I can see it before she even speaks.

"If Kaylee lying, why didn't you say anything sooner, Rafha? You never mentioned her betrayal."

My decision to protect my family, to shield them from the truth and keep us all together, has backfired horribly.

"I didn't want to burden anyone," I admit.

Aunt Barbara's pitying smile grows more pronounced. "You can tell us the truth now. There's no reason to keep secrets any longer."

"I am telling the truth, Aunt Barbara. Mom, please believe me."

"You're asking me to choose between your story and Kaylee's," Mother says through her tears. Father begins to pat her shoulder gently. "We can't believe both, Rafha."

They're choosing Rafha. Their biological daughter over their adopted one.

I shouldn't be so surprised. This dynamic has always been there whenever Kaylee and I were at odds. Why did I think it would be different this time? Maybe deep down, I knew it wouldn't be. Perhaps that's why I didn't come forward with the truth right away.

But it still hurts.

Davis steps into the room. "Dinner is served."

We all glance at each other, none of us moving for a moment. I contemplate leaving altogether, but then Father stands. "Let's eat," he commands, and we obediently follow him to the dining room.

At the table, I'm seated between my mother and Kaylee, with Aunt Barbara and Uncle George across from us. Father takes his usual place at the head.

"How can you do this to me?" I whisper to Kaylee.

She scoffs. "You're no saint. It's time they finally see that."

I've never claimed to be perfect, and I'm sure my parents don't think so either. But Kaylee has always been the golden child—the one who could do no wrong. I've always been the one needing correction, discipline.

Maybe Kaylee doesn't remember what it was like when we all lived together.

But that's no excuse for her betrayal now.

Davis and the cook bring out the first course—soup. It's delicious, as usual, but I'd rather be anywhere else than here, trapped in this tension, silently judged by the people who are supposed to love me unconditionally.

If this were any other group, I'd flee. But this is my family—the only one I've ever known. They took me in, raised me, gave me an education. Despite their disbelief and coldness, I can't abandon them. I love them, even Kaylee, despite what she's done.

We finish our soup in silence. Davis and the cook clear our plates and serve the main course. It's steak and potatoes, Father's favorite. When I cut into my steak, I notice it's cooked exactly how I like it—a small comfort amidst this tension. It's a reminder that, despite everything, I still belong here.

"How's Samuel?" Aunt Barbara asks, clearly trying to break the silence.

"He's fine," Samuel and I respond simultaneously. We exchange a quick glance before looking away.

Aunt Barbara seems embarrassed by her question and lowers her head.

There must be something I can say to redeem myself in their eyes. They never liked Samuel, and surely they aren't thrilled he's with Kaylee now. But I need something to win them back, even just a little.

Then I remember my job.

"Father," I begin, clearing my throat. "I was trying to tell you earlier—before we got sidetracked—I've landed a new job."

Father stops cutting his steak and looks at me. "Oh?"

"Vincent offered me a position at his news company," I say, deciding not to get into the details. Father wouldn't be impressed that I got the job as a reward for winning a golf contest. "I'm going to be a journalist again."

"You never had a real job before you were married," Father says dryly. "So you can't say 'again.'"

I swallow my pride. "No... I suppose not..."

"But," Father continues, "I see the potential in this—if it's something you can sustain."

"Of course I can," I say quickly. Now, it seems, I need to prove myself to him too. "Vincent has faith in me, and I intend to show him he's right."

Father studies me for a moment before replying, "Time will tell."

My heart sinks. He doesn't believe in me either.

"I can do it, Father. You remember how well I did in school..."

"There's a big difference between school and the real world, Rafha," Father says. "You've been out of the workforce for ten years. You can't expect to jump back in and succeed."

Maybe he's right. It won't be easy.

But I'll prove him wrong. I'll prove them all wrong.

I'm going to succeed.