I Watched My Fiancé Marry His So-Called Sister

My father forced me into an arranged marriage, and I quickly called my boyfriend, Pietro Moretti.

He gave a cold laugh. “You’re still trying to trick me into meeting your parents again? Aren’t you ashamed?”

“I’ve told you already. Luna has no one to look after her now. Until she finds another man, I don’t want to talk about marriage.”

“I’m busy with work and I’m hanging up.”

The call ended.

The light in my eyes slowly faded as I looked at my father and said, “I lost the bet. I’ll go along with the arranged marriage.”

——

“I’ll come to get you in three days.”

After my father left, I sat alone in the corner, drinking quietly. Tears clung to my lashes as I stared blankly ahead, until two familiar faces caught my eye.

Pietro and Luna Palma were walking hand in hand through the cool autumn breeze, their steps crunching on fallen leaves.

They were talking and laughing together, looking so carefree, so happy.

A rush of anger rose inside me, and before I could stop myself, I ran straight toward them.

When our eyes met, and he saw the anger and disappointment on my face, a flicker of guilt passed through Pietro’s expression. He quickly pulled his hand away, but then, to my shock, he started blaming me instead. “Why are you here? Were you secretly following me?”

“Didn’t you say you were busy with work?” I asked, my fists tightening.

Before Pietro could answer, Luna jumped in to defend him. “Gaia, you can’t blame Brother Pietro completely. He only hid it because he didn’t want you to get jealous or upset.”

“Enough!” For the first time, I shouted that loudly.

“Pietro, your so-called little sister is already twenty-four, she’s no longer a child. She’s grown up and can take care of herself. Does she really need you around all the time?”

“What does her breakup have to do with our marriage? Just because she’s single now, does that mean she can hold your hand every day?”

“If anyone saw you two, they’d think you were the real couple!”

“Have you ever once thought about how that makes me feel?”

When I looked into Pietro’s eyes again, he looked startled at first, then slowly regained his calm and said coldly, “Are you done talking?”

I stood frozen, unable to say a word. Pietro’s face stayed calm, as if my feelings meant nothing.

“Brother Pietro, maybe I should say sorry to Gaia. You shouldn’t come see me anymore; I can handle myself.”

Luna spoke again, pretending like she was making some huge sacrifice, her eyes turning red. It was the same usual trick. Every time Pietro and I argued because of her, she would act pitiful, putting on that “I might as well die” look.

“No need, it’s not your fault. Let’s go watch a movie.”

Just like always, Pietro stood up for her and led Luna away. But after walking a few steps, he stopped.

For a brief moment, I thought he was finally feeling guilty.

“Gaia, even married couples break up, even those not married yet. You’re being too controlling.”

It felt like cold water poured straight over my heart. I stared at Pietro’s back as he walked off, my nails digging deep into my palms, the pain spreading through me.

My whole body shook.

This time, I didn’t run after him like before, pretending nothing happened. I quietly turned around.

“Pietro, there aren’t many seven-year stretches in one’s life, and I won’t waste any more of mine.”

When I got home, a message from Pietro popped up. [I won’t be coming back tonight.]

[Luna wants to see the meteor shower. I’ll stay with her.]

Almost at the same time, Luna posted on her Instagram Story. [Who doesn’t have someone to watch a movie with?]

[Who doesn’t have a thoughtful brother waiting under the night sky for the meteor shower to appear?]

The photo she shared showed their movie tickets, and their shadows forming a heart shape.