My anger at Nathan takes a back seat, replaced by sadness and longing so strong it threatens to drown me.
Bianca must be battling similar emotions because she visibly shakes, digging her nails into Dash’s arm that’s wrapped around her waist. He senses her apprehension, a concerned frown marring his forehead as he peers down at her. Following the line of her gaze, he lifts his head in my direction and understanding clicks.
I wait for the inevitable fury to descend on his angular features that darkened Rosalie’s face when we last met.
It doesn’t come.
Is that bad or good?
I bring my hands forward, fidgeting on the spot.
Dash bends, whispering in her ear and stealing her attention for half a breath. Stepping out of his embrace, sheslowly struts toward me. Like she’s approaching a cornered animal, unknowing whether it’ll attack or welcome her.
The purple embroidered and sequined sari she’s wearing beautifully accentuates her curvy shape. She used to complain about them, feeling a little insecure and wishing she were as slim as me, while I envied her figure.
Tonight, she looks exceptionally riveting.
Proudly owning her hourglass body.
A glow and serenity on her face that only being hopelessly in love can bring. Stopping a foot away from me, she gives me a small and tentative smile. “Arya.”
Hearing her tender voice after so long brings tears to my eyes.
Turning my head, I rapidly blink them away before she can notice. However, I’ve forgotten that my big sister possesses a radar that reads my emotions like an experienced palm reader.
“A-Arya,” she whispers with a hitch in her throat.
I open my mouth to reply. A low sniffle slips out instead. I lower my gaze from embarrassment.
Bianca rushes closer, grabbing my shoulders. “Hey.”
“I… I…” Oh gosh! Everyone’s going to see me break down.
Sensing I’m seconds away from falling apart, she intertwines our hands and tugs me toward the back door. “Let’s go.”
I let her guide me outside to the hallway and away from the party. We keep walking for several minutes until I can no longer hear the music. I look up in time to see her opening the door to a lavish restroom.
It has a cherry red couch fixed to the wall.
Pulling me down to sit on it, Bianca plops down beside me and holds my clammy palm between hers. “Take a deep breath, Arya. It’s just us now.”
I scratch my temple with my free hand as I squeeze my eyelids shut to suppress the tears. A dry laugh climbs up my throat but spills out as a sorrowful sob. “I-I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay.” She squeezes my hand.
“N-not about this, Bee,” I murmur, spilling out every feeling I’ve been keeping inside for years. She’s treating me caringly, as though we haven’t been separated for ages. “For every terrible thing I’ve done to you till now. For pushing you to get married. For not taking a stand for you in front of Mommy and Papa. For not telling you about my engagement and inviting you to my wedding. I’ve treated you horribly, acted so, so selfishly. You didn’t deserve it.”
“Look at me, sweetie.”
I don’t, too ashamed to meet her eyes. I can’t handle her staring at me lovingly. “I’ve been the world’s worst sister ever.”
“No, you’re wrong.” Touching my chin, she turns my face to her and pushes away the wetness rolling down my cheeks. Shaking her head, her eyes torn with pain, she murmurs, “I shouldn’t have cut you off because of what happened between me and Papa. It’s my fault.”
“How can you say that? You never would’ve fought with him if it wasn’t for me. I sacrificed you for a man who didn’t love me.”
She jerks back in horror. “Is that what you believe?”
“I coerced you into an arranged marriage even though I knew you weren’t ready.”
