For You

🌠8🌠

Shattered Lines

I blinked—once, twice, a third time—trying to make sense of the scene in front of me. Was I hallucinating? Was this some twisted dream?

To be sure, I pinched myself. Hard.

Nope. Still here. Still breathing.

Still watching her—my cousin Anna—kiss Carver like she hadn’t destroyed me once already.

She cheated on Carver… with Eric?

Everything around me blurred for a moment as the truth settled like lead in my stomach. Carver's girlfriend—the girl he had just introduced with so much pride—was the same woman my Eric had cheated on me with.

And the worst part? Neither of them knew. Carver had no idea Anna was my cousin. Anna had no clue about my bond with Carver. She’d moved to Australia five years ago, and with her went the drama I’d buried. Until now.

As soon as their sickening little embrace ended, Anna caught sight of me. Her face drained of color.

"A...Am...Amelia?" she stuttered. "W-what are you doing here... with my boyfriend?"

Carver turned to me, confused. "Wait—you two know each other?"

I folded my arms and said coldly, "No. I don’t like remembering people like her."

"Melissa, behave," Carver whispered, leaning toward me.

“Baby,” Anna said, slinking closer to him like she owned the moment. “Unfortunately, she’s my cousin. The most annoying one. But what are you doing with her?”

"Actually, Anna, she’s my best friend. Do you have a problem with that?" Carver asked pointedly.

She smiled sweetly, too sweetly. "No, of course not."

"You just know how to destroy people's lives," I snapped before I could stop myself.

Carver glared. "Melissa—"

“She’s not worth it,” I muttered, stepping back. “Carver, go with her. I’ll take a cab. I can’t breathe the same air as her.”

He stared at me like I’d grown two heads. "Melissa, what did she do to you?"

Before I could speak, she did.

"Baby," Anna said with venom wrapped in sugar, "I only took what was never hers to begin with—and never will be."

I glared. If looks could kill, she’d be ashes on the ground.

"I’ll buy you a new one, Melissa. Just let it go—for me," Carver said softly.

I stared at him, horrified. "So, if someone stole your girlfriend and said they’d buy you a new one, how would you feel?"

"WHAT?!"

Before he could explode, his phone rang. He checked the screen and sighed.

“We’ll talk later. Right now, get in the car. Mom just got back from her trip—they have something important to discuss."

Reluctantly, I followed. I didn’t want to make a scene—yet. I rolled my eyes at Anna, who had the audacity to smirk at me.

At Home...

Surprisingly, the car ride wasn’t as horrible as I’d imagined. But being home didn’t ease the tension—not with her around.

And now, the cherry on top? Anna was staying with us. Why? I had no idea. But I had a bad feeling.

No proof. No screenshots. Just heartbreak. But I knew she’d ruin Carver like she ruined me. I had to stop her before she destroyed him too.

Carver nudged me from my thoughts.

“Are you going to stand there all day, rolling your eyes? Everyone’s waiting.”

“Coming,” I sighed.

In the family room, everyone was gathered—Mom, Aunt Elizabeth, Dad, Uncle Rick.

“Come in, children,” Aunt Elizabeth said warmly. “We have something important to discuss.”

“I didn’t expect Anna to be your girlfriend,” Mom said to Carver, hugging Anna first with a smile. She didn’t even glance at me.

That stung.

Aunt Elizabeth noticed and pulled me into a hug with a kiss on my cheek. At least she remembered I existed.

"So, I guess everyone's here," Uncle Rick began. “Elizabeth, brace yourself. You’re about to be shocked.”

“What is it?” she asked, looking between Dad and Carver.

“Your son Carver is getting married before taking over as CEO,” Dad announced. “He’s agreed to it.”

A stunned silence followed.

“You’re joking,” Aunt Elizabeth said, standing. “Carver—is this real?”

“Yeah, Mom. I’m marrying Anna,” he confirmed.

She wobbled, and I rushed to steady her.

“Carver, you can’t marry her. She’s a liar—a cheater!” I burst out.

"Amelia, behave!" Mom snapped.

“No, Mom! I won’t stay quiet while we throw Carver’s life away! She was with another guy just days ago! She’s not here for love—she’s here with a motive!”

“AMELIA! APOLOGIZE RIGHT NOW!” Mom yelled.

“I won’t! I’ve done nothing wrong!” My voice cracked. “Why would I apologize to her?!”

Dad held up a hand. “Amelia, do you have any proof?”

“The proof is me, Dad! Eric—he cheated on me with her!”

Gasps echoed around the room. Even Dad looked shaken.

But then came the blow I didn’t expect—from him.

“Amelia,” Carver said gently. “Maybe it’s just... you and Anna never got along. I’m not saying you’re lying, but I know her. She wouldn’t do that.”

My heart shattered. A tear slipped out before I could stop it.

“D-Do whatever you want. I’m done,” I whispered and turned to leave.

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