My Greedy Sister-in-law is My Enemy

When I stepped off the plane, the crisp scent of home hit me, and I couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement. After the wolfsbane pandemic, I have been studying abroad for so long, and the thought of reuniting with my family excites me.

Rocco, my brother, picked me up from the airport, and the whole drive home, we laughed and talked like old times. But as we pulled into the driveway, someone unfamiliar stood on the porch next to my parents, arms folded and a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

“Kaia,” Rocco started, pulling me out of the car and towards her, “this is Bonnie, my girlfriend…”

Rocco paused and the girl added, “Your future sister-in-law.”

Rocco smiled shyly and continued introducing us. “And this is Kaia Rivers, my sister I’ve been telling you about.”

I blinked, trying to process the sudden shift. She’s already sure she’s my ‘future’ sister-in-law! It’s a clear intention to be part of our prestigious pack. I glanced at Bonnie, who gave me a practiced, polite smile and extended her hand.

"Nice to meet you, Kaia," she said sweetly but faked.

I shook her hand, nodding politely but unable to shake off the strange feeling gnawing at me. The excitement of being home was still there, but now, something felt off. After catching up with my parents that night, I pulled my mom aside to ask about this Bonnie girl.

"She’s an intern at the company Rocco manages," my mom explained, giving me a knowing look. "Your brother brought her home a few months ago and said she’s the one. He’s completely smitten with her."

I sighed. Rocco had always been too trusting, especially with women. But something about Bonnie just didn’t add up.

The next morning, jet lag hit me hard, and I didn’t wake up until the afternoon. I dragged myself downstairs, still groggy, looking for food. While pouring myself a bowl of cereal, I heard her familiar voice behind me.

“Sleeping in, huh? Rocco’s been at work for hours,” Bonnie said from behind me, her arms crossed as she leaned against the doorway.

I raised an eyebrow and thought, ‘What’s with the attitude?’

“Were you talking to me?” I asked, more confused than anything.

She rolled her eyes, the sweet act completely gone now. “Who else would I be talking to?” She walked towards me, her gaze calculating. “There’s no one else here, is there?”

I stared at her, half-amused, half-annoyed. “Look,” I said, my tone sharp. “We’re not that close, so don’t call me ‘sister.’ I don’t have an older sister in my family.”

Her eyes narrowed, but before she could snap back, the front door opened. Bonnie’s expression shifted in an instant.

“Oh, I didn’t mean to upset you,” she cooed, her voice dripping with false innocence. “If you don’t want me to call you that, I won’t. I just thought it would bring us closer.”

My jaw nearly dropped. ‘Is she for real? She had flipped the switch so quickly, I almost didn’t recognize her.’

This was textbook manipulation, the kind you see in movies, not real life. Before I could respond, my mom and Rocco walked in.

Seeing Bonnie looking all fragile and upset, my mom immediately rushed over. “What’s going on?” she asked.

Rocco went straight to Bonnie. “Babe, are you okay?”

Bonnie sniffled, managing to squeeze out a tear. “It’s nothing,” she said, shaking her head. “Kaia just... doesn’t want me to call her ‘sister.’ I thought it’d be nice, but it’s fine. I won’t do it anymore. I just want us to get along.”

I stood there my mouth opened, dumbfounded. ‘Wow. Turning the tables against me, huh.’

My mom tried to smooth things over. “It’s just a misunderstanding. Kaia’s probably still tired from the trip, that’s all.”

Rocco gave me a look like I had somehow wronged Bonnie by not falling in line with her act. “Kaia has been such a grumpy pup since she was younger. She might not have adjusted to the time difference yet. But, Kaia, just take it easy, alright? Don’t take it out on Bonnie.”

Rocco started guiding Bonnie out of the dining area to go to their room upstairs.

I didn’t need to say anything. I could see it now—this wasn’t just about Bonnie trying to cozy up to the family. This was about being part of the pack.

I lost my appetite and threw my plate on the sink in the kitchen.

“Bonnie, what happened between the two of you?” My mom asked.

But I knew it was too late to say anything so I said, “Nothing. I’ll go back to my room.”

Walking to the stairs, I thought, ‘I’ll wait and see what else she has on her sleeve.’