Broken Promises

The quiet morning turned into an anxiety that hung over my chest. Last night, I could barely sleep thinking about what happened at the hospital. Ashton quickly decided things without involving me, and I still couldn't accept that fact.

After breakfast, I went to Ashton's house because Rosalind Said that Elena was back at the apartment. I needed answers. I needed clarity on what was going on. If we were going to get married, he should be able to prioritize me, not Elena.

However, Ashton wasn't there when I arrived at his house.

"He left early this morning, Claire," said Iyan, the housekeeper who knew me well.

Disappointed, I turned back to the car. My heart was pounding. I knew this might cross the line, but I had to do it. Without thinking, I decided to go to Elena's apartment.

***

Arriving at the apartment, I headed straight for the door. I had access to this place because Elena had given it to me with the excuse of 'just in case there was something urgent.’ Today, I felt that reason was very appropriate.

The apartment door opened quickly, indicating Elena hadn't changed the access code. I stepped inside. The apartment was tidy, with no signs of disorder. However, to my surprise, neither Elena nor Ashton were in sight. Where had they gone? Wasn't Elena acting like the sickest person in the world?

Evil thoughts started to fill my head. I walked down the room until I reached Elena's room. My hand trembled as I opened the door.

Inside, everything seemed so ordinary, like there was nothing to hide. But my gaze fell on a small box on the dressing table. The box looked familiar, something that instantly made my heart sink. It was a box from a famous jewelry store- the same store where Ashton bought me a bracelet as a birthday present, which I wear today.

I walked over to the box, my hands shaking as I reached for it. I opened it slowly and inside was a bracelet that was completely identical to mine. My eyes widened, and nausea crawled into my stomach.

I thought I was just jealous of their closeness, but I saw this gift.

However, the thing that broke my heart the most was the greeting card inside the box. With trembling hands, I read it. Ashton's familiar handwriting was emblazoned on it.

"To Elena, the woman who has always been by my side. Thank you for being an important part of my life."

My knees felt weak. So, all this time, Ashton has been buying similar bracelets for Elena? His words, the attention I thought was only for me, were also given to my step-sister?

Tears started growing in my eyes, but I wasn't done yet. I saw another note on the dressing table, a more explicit message. The words it contained broke my heart into pieces. The message was full of expressions of love from Ashton to Elena.

I couldn't breathe. What did this mean? Why would Ashton involve me in such an unclear relationship?

The apartment door rang Just as I tried to understand it all. Panicking, I immediately slipped under the bed. My breath catches in my throat when I hear footsteps entering the room.

---

The door to Elena's room was open. From under the bed, I saw a pair of feet that I recognized immediately. The black leather shoes were Ashton's, and the high heels were Elena's.

"How's your wrist?" Ashton's voice sounded soft, too soft.

"Elena," he continued, "you need to be more careful. I don't want you to get hurt again."

I clenched my fists, trying to hold back the pain and anger that mixed in my heart.

"You're too kind, Ashton," Elena replied in a spoiled voice that made me sick.

They walked to the side of the bed, and I heard a conversation that made me want to scream.

"Elena, you didn't have to force yourself to attend yesterday's wedding. Your health comes first."

Elena chuckled. "That was my plan. I knew this accident would make you cancel the wedding. I couldn't let you marry Claire.”

Ashton was heard sighing. "Elena... I know you did that, I just want you not to hurt yourself again."

"I love you, Ashton. I'm not willing for you to be her."

Those words made my chest feel like it had been stabbed. I couldn't take it anymore. With all my might, I pushed my body out from under the bed.

"Elena!" I exclaimed, startling both of them.

Elena jumped back, her face pale. "Claire What are you doing here? this isn't what you think."

"Ashton, explain!" I glared at him, hoping he would defend himself. But he just stood there, silent as a statue.

"Elena, you've gone too far," I said shaky. "I've been trying to understand and be patient with all your behavior. But this? Interrupting my wedding? Claiming to love my fiancé? This is crossing the line!"

Elena looked panicked. She knelt in front of me, clasping my hands. "Claire, I'm sorry! I just... I can't accept reality. I…”

I brushed her hand away roughly until elena fell down "Stop pretending, Elena! I've suffered enough because of you."

“Stop it Claire! You're really going too far, your sister is sick!" Ashton snapped.

Ashton, who had been silent, immediately helped Elena who started acting in pain again on the floor.

I could only laugh sadly at the incident.

"She's not my sister, she just came to live with my father!"

"Stop your nonsense!" Elena yelled pointing at my face.

Ashton pulled Elena and sat her on the bed, then whispered something that I couldn't hear, after which she seemed to be silent..

"Elena was a part of my life. Don't be rude to her,” he finally said quietly.

"And me? Am I not a part of your life? What do you think I am? It's like you're standing by Elena's side. Do you love her?" I asked, my voice full of emotion.

“I only care about her now. We did have a relationship, but that was long before I knew you. I'm sorry, this is a fact that you shouldn't know."

The truth that came out of Ashton's mouth made my blood boil. I don't know why they were so sneaky to cover all this up. And why did Elena even introduce me to him?

Everything that happened felt like a puzzle piece to me. No wonder he gave me the same gift, apparently his relationship with Elena wasn't that simple.

"You have destroyed me so cruelly. You should be able to choose well the person you want to prioritize. You can't hold two hearts in one hand, Ashton. You're rotten!”

"I can't choose. You mean everything to me. Elena is my past, but I can't leave her because she's fragile. She needs someone who can understand. I'm the only one, Claire. We have to help Elena."

“You're lying, you don't just care about her! I already know everything about your feelings for Elena. Stop saying nonsense. I'm sick of hearing it all!”

"Do you still care about her that much? You still love her, right?”

Ashton was silent. He didn't answer. That was the thing that hurt me the most.

I wiped away my tears and braced myself. "You guys don't have to worry about the wedding. I canceled it. I don't want to marry a man who can't tell who he should prioritize."

Ashton looked surprised. "Claire, wait-"

"I've had enough," I cut in.

However, just as I left, Elena suddenly ran towards the balcony. Panicked, she said, "If you cancel this wedding and complain to Dad, I'll jump off the balcony!"

I twisted my body, staring at her with a sharp gaze. "I'm not afraid of your threats, Elena. You've ruined my life enough already. Do what you want; I don't care anymore, even if you die in front of me!”