She is Like the Beauty of Moonlight

The Shane Group was in full swing, rebuilding its empire. Ethan rarely made it home before midnight.

Despite Ms. Ward's protests, I waited up, reheating dinner multiple times.

It was our anniversary, after all. Life needs its rituals.

At the stroke of twelve, the door finally opened.

"Ethan..."

My joy evaporated as Mia trailed in behind him.

Her eyes were red, yet her fingers were laced with Ethan's.

She cowered behind him upon noticing me.

Ethan shielded her instinctively. "Gia, I asked you to look after Mia. Why are you bullying her into the storage room?"

Mia chimed in, "Brother, we agreed not to be mad at Gia, remember? She's just upset I'm stealing your attention."

Her words, seemingly in my defense, only reinforced the narrative of my mistreatment.

"Mia, don't make excuses for her," Ethan said, his tenderness for Mia a stark contrast to his coldness towards me.

"Gia Shaw, you're really disappointing me."

The use of my full name stung.

"Mr. Shane, how exactly have I bruised your ego?"

Ethan frowned. "Mia just got back and has nowhere to go. Can't I even offer my sister a room?"

"Sure," I said, watching his face relax before dropping the bomb.

Then, I gently burst his bubble.

"But not my studio."

He fiddled with his prayer beads, as if dealing with trivial matters.

"It's just furniture. I'll have movers relocate you tomorrow."

"Mia needs the sunny room upstairs for her health."

Every word was for Mia's benefit.

That room was crucial for my astronomical work, chosen specifically for me.

Now he was handing it over without a thought.

I scoffed.

"So, a sunny room will save her life? I didn't realize she was a plant. Can't she use the garden you designed if she needs sun? Does she need you to fight all her battles?"

Ethan snapped, "When did you become so cruel? Mia's suffered enough. How does helping her inconvenience you?"

Mia patted Ethan's chest, all worried smiles.

"Brother, stop. Don't fight because of me."

Her apparent selflessness only irked Ethan more.

"Mia, you're too kind. If Gia won't welcome you, I'll make sure you're comfortable elsewhere."

Before leaving, Ethan glanced at the untouched feast.

"Seems we won't be enjoying your grand meal, Gia. Keep it for yourself."

Blinded by his sister, Ethan had forgotten our anniversary entirely.

He only cared that Mia was back, unwilling to let her suffer even slightly.

After they left, I picked at the now-cold dinner.

Ethan having a soft spot for Mia was the least of his mistakes.

I vowed it would be his last.