From Their Stand-in to Center of His Universe

Finn's expression was dark, and his voice sounded terrifyingly cold. Fighting back tears, I clenched my fingers tight around the bedsheet. My throat felt strangled, and I could barely get a word out.

He frustratedly rubbed his temples and murmured, "I barely even recognize you anymore, Emma."

How could he not?

I remembered the first time I stepped into one of those grand ballrooms, and how Cole had formally introduced me as his sister to a hall of distinguished guests.

The news that Cole, who was the CEO of Mitchell Corporation, suddenly had a mysterious new sister, erupted like a bombshell. Whispers drowned me, and I felt small and completely lost.

That was until Finn took the first step forward to clink my glass amidst the hushed debates.

"Why does Cole get to have such a pretty, adorable little sister? Stick with me, Em. I'm way more fun to hang out with than Mr. Stoneface Cole!"

He'd been the first elite to accept me, other than Cole, and the first guy to give me a nickname. But now, he stood by my hospital bed and defended Zoey. It felt like something inside me was slowly draining away, leaving my heart hollow and cold.

Zoey tugged at Cole's and Finn's arms and said, "There, there. Let's not give Ms. Fletcher a hard time just for me. I'm sure she'll eventually understand."

Cole nodded as if that settled it. "Think about what you've done. We're taking Zoey out for food, but you're staying here since you're not well yet."

I just wanted it all to be over. Forcing down my discomfort, I lowered my head and nodded. They finally seemed satisfied and left.

Before I had time to collect my thoughts, I heard footsteps at the door—Zoey had come back.

Gone was her polite, careful smile as she stood by my bed and lifted her chin high. The look she gave me was as if she were looking at filth.

"Why didn't you just die up there in the attic, Emma?"

I looked up at her and saw my pitiful reflection in her eyes. Then, as if pleased with my reaction, she smirked and continued, "Fine. Since you're still alive, watch and see for yourself who Cole and Finn really care about.

"Aren't you curious why they turned so cold the moment I came back?"

Even if I hadn't found the answer yet, Zoey wasn't the best person I could ask the question to. I stared at her like she was some foolish clown desperate for attention. For some reason, she was acting a little too annoying and laughable.

"Did you come back just to tell me all this, Ms. Hart?"

She sneered and slapped a photograph on my face in disdain.

"You're not worthy at all! You don't deserve Cole's or Finn's love, and you're not worth me wasting a single thought on you!

"From the very beginning, I was the one they were supposed to love! You were just my stand-in, a thief who stole what wasn't hers!"

In the picture, ten-year-old Cole and Finn stood on either side of a girl standing between them. She was tilting her head and smiling at the camera. The girl wasn't me, but she looked so much like I had back then, with the same bright eyes and dimple at the corner of her mouth.

As I held the photograph, my hands started shaking violently.

I remembered when Finn confessed to me, I'd asked him what he liked about me. He'd said it was my eyes when I smiled, and that he wanted to protect that smile.

That night, Cole had gently brushed the corner of my eye and said, "Eyes this pretty shouldn't know sadness. Since I've brought you home, I'll take responsibility for you."

In truth, Finn hadn't meant to protect my smile, and Cole's promise had never been for me either.

Zoey's mocking grin widened as she watched my composure crack. Then, she aggressively yanked the photograph from my hands, the edge slicing a thin line across my fingertips.

"I came back to take everything that was mine all along. If you know what's good for you, get lost and make sure I never catch you near them again!"

"Fine." My voice came out hoarse but steady. After receiving the answer she wanted, Zoey turned and swaggered out proudly.

I let out a dry, bitter laugh. So, that was why Cole barely came home since she showed up, and Finn stopped taking me out. It was no wonder they took her side without question and always expected me to back down.

Oddly enough, knowing I'd just been a stand-in didn't hurt as much as I'd imagined it would. If anything, I felt free.

For over ten years, I'd grown up alongside Cole and Finn and seen them as the most significant people in my life. But since I was never needed in the first place, that fact wouldn't change even if given another few decades.

…

Three days later, I was discharged.

In all that time, Cole only called me once and told me to rest well before he hurriedly hung up. Finn didn't even bother to text me.

On Twitter, I saw a tweet of Zoey and Finn on vacation, diving in crystal water. Her caption read. "Thanks for the yacht, @Cole_Mitchell. We're waiting for you."

In the tweet, Zoey wore a bikini under the summer sun, smiling widely and carefree. Finn stood beside her, watching her with a soft, gentle gaze. I figured he must be happy to protect such a brilliant smile.

I went home, grabbed my ID and a few pieces of clothes. Then, I took a train straight to Reedybrook.

That was when my phone buzzed with a call, and Cole's name appeared on the screen. Without hesitation, I hurled it out the window.

In that moment, I truly felt free, knowing we'd never see each other again.