A Heart Broken by Time

As if completely oblivious to the tension in the room, Bianca strode toward us and greeted me.

Freddie's eyes softened almost instantly the moment he saw her. "What are you doing here?"

"I missed you." She leaned into his arms naturally and pouted.

As she spoke, she glanced at me, her eyes glinting with triumph.

Freddie wrapped an arm around her slender waist and tapped her nose affectionately. "Once we move in together, we can see each other every day."

Bianca blushed as she pulled a wedding invitation from her purse. She handed it to me and asked, "Rosy, will you be my bridesmaid on our wedding day?"

I took the card and stared at the gold lettering. My heart ached terribly as if something had seared a hole right through my heart.

Just before I wanted to turn her down, Freddie beat me to it.

He shot me a look full of disdain. "Forget it. She's not the right fit."

I forced a smile. "He's right. I'm really not."

It wasn't exactly usual for the groom's sister to be the bridesmaid.

Bianca didn't press further. She simply let out an exaggerated gasp. "Oh dear, Rosy, your nose is still bleeding. Should I have Fred take you to the hospital?"

Before either of us could speak, she suddenly pouted again. "Though I guess he'd have to miss the lunch I prepared with love."

Instinctively, I looked at Freddie. His eyes lingered on me for only a brief moment before his voice turned cold. "She's old enough to go on her own."

For a second, I was speechless. Of course, nothing about me mattered anymore when Bianca was around.

"No, thanks." I lowered my eyes, fighting back tears as I covered my nose and walked out of the room in embarrassment.

Back in my room, I immediately took my special medication, which barely stopped the nose bleeding.

Just as I was hiding the pills and the diagnosis slip, the door swung open. Bianca strode in and looked at me with a mocking smile.

After glancing around the room, she said, "Once Freddie and I get married, I'm turning this place into storage."

I recalled all the cruel things she'd been saying to me in private. I couldn't hold back anymore and asked, "Why do you hate me so much?"

She scoffed. "Because you're shameless!"

Her answer didn't surprise me.

Bianca was sharp. It was no wonder she could tell I had feelings for Freddie.

"You don't have to act like this. I'm not trying to come between you two," I said.

To be honest, I'd given up the day Freddie got back together with her.

Even if it hurt so much that I could barely breathe, I'd still wish them happiness. Because over the years, Freddie had treated me well.

Whether as someone who loved him or as his sister, I wanted him to be happy.

Bianca suddenly laughed. "How is that even possible?"

I frowned. When I was just about to explain, Freddie suddenly walked in. The words stuck in my throat.

"What are you two talking about?" he asked.

At the same time, he eyed me warily, as if I might harm Bianca.

A bitter feeling rose in my chest. I didn't say a word.

Bianca suddenly grabbed my arm and smiled at him. "I was asking Rosy to help me with the lunch."

Freddie glanced at the two of us in confusion. But in the end, he didn't ask any questions.

Looking at Bianca's warning gaze, I didn't protest since I knew some things had to be made clear eventually.