The Thorns of Love

"All the clothes and luggage are packed. Thanks to you, I've lost the mood to go anywhere. Just stay home and don't go anywhere from now on!" Sean spat out these words angrily before driving off with Mischa, leaving me with several heavy suitcases.

It was the height of summer. Under the blazing sun, I dragged each suitcase back into the apartment.

In Sean's eyes, perhaps I would never be as understanding as Mischa. The way he looked at her was as intense as if he were in the throes of a new romance. When she smiled, he couldn't help but smile too.

I let out a bitter laugh and looked coldly at Sean, "Now you remember I'm her sister? Every time you bring her home without a word, have you ever asked for my opinion?"

At this, Sean's face darkened and he threw the towel at my face and shouted, "Krystal, what's wrong with you today? It's pouring outside, where do you expect Mischa to go?"

"Where she goes is her own issue. You're the one who insists on caring for her, she might not even appreciate it!" I replied.

Slap! Without hesitation, he slapped me across the face, snapping my head to the side.

Mischa hurriedly approached me, pretending to inspect my face and advising me earnestly. "Krystal, don't argue with Sean anymore. He only cares about me because he loves you."

Her words made me feel sick and I pushed her away. Mischa stumbled, nearly falling into Sean's arms.

He caught her, his expression turning even darker. "Are you deaf? Mischa understands the situation, why don't you? How dare you lay a hand on her? Are you looking for trouble?"

He stormed toward me, but Mischa held him back. "Sean, please … forgive Krystal. She didn't mean to upset you," she said.

The next second, her eyes filled with tears and she pouted in distress, "Krystal, I didn't know my visit would make you so angry. If you don't want me here, you could've just told me to leave. Why did you push me? I'm sorry, Krystal. It's my fault. I shouldn't have come home with Sean and made things uncomfortable for both of you."

She looked up with tear-streaked cheeks, her voice catching slightly. "Sean, your clothes are wet, go change before you catch a cold. You care about me and I care about you too."

"If Krystal doesn't like me being here, I'll leave now." She turned, intending to leave.

Sean tried to hold her, "Mischa, don't go!"

The rain outside grew heavier, pounding against the leaves. In the darkened sky, a flash of lightning lit up the room, followed by loud thunderclaps.

It seemed that when you're down on your luck, things only get worse. Even the heavens were aiding Sean in keeping Mischa here.

She screamed, covering her ears and threw herself into Sean's arms.

Holding her tightly, he frowned impatiently, "It's too dangerous for Mischa to go back tonight. If you don't want to see her, she can stay in my room."

I chuckled bitterly, "Do you remember that I'm your wife? Isn't your room my room? If you're staying with her, then where am I supposed to sleep?"

"A good wife would be understanding, wouldn't she? There are plenty of rooms here, what does it matter where you sleep? Clean up the study room and you can sleep there. If you still don't want to, go stay at a hotel!" With that, Sean held the still-shivering Mischa and headed up to the second floor.

In Sean's eyes, Mischa couldn't go out in the rain, but it was fine for me to be out on the streets searching for a hotel.