Chapter 3My Sister

It was past nine by the time I finished talking business with Sadie.

When I got home, I found my sister, Rosalie, sitting on the sofa with David. She was dressed in something light and revealing, and they were sitting very close together.

When he saw me, a flicker of panic crossed David’s eyes.

But it was quickly replaced by irritation.

In the past, the mere sight of him with Rosalie would have sent me into a hysterical fit, making everyone miserable.

So, out of habit, he immediately went on the defensive. “What are you thinking now? Leo wouldn’t go to sleep without someone comforting him, so I asked your sister to come over…”

“Oh. Is he asleep now?”

I cut him off.

No accusations. No arguments. No temper tantrum.

My calm unnerved him. He opened his mouth, then closed it, finally mumbling a sullen, “Just fell asleep.”

“Good. I’m going to go wash up.”

I started to walk past them.

The annoyance on David’s face deepened. He suddenly grabbed my wrist. “Elara, I told you, your sister and I…”

“Did I ask you anything?”

I looked at him, genuinely confused. Why was he getting angry when I wasn’t even questioning him?

Suddenly, Rosalie let out a sharp cry.

David’s attention snapped back to her. “Rosalie, maybe you should head home.”

Rosalie looked at him with wide, pleading eyes. “David, I think I twisted my ankle. Can you give me a ride?”

David glanced back at me, checking my reaction.

I pulled my hand from his grasp. “It’s late. It’s not safe for her to go home alone. You should take her.”

David stared at me, his eyes searching my face. “Elara, you…”

“What about me?”

His brow, which had been tightly furrowed, slowly relaxed. “I’m glad you can be so understanding. It was my idea to have her come over, so I should be responsible for getting her home safely. But don’t worry, I’ll be right back.”

“Oh, it’s fine,” I said, not wanting to drag out the conversation. “I’m tired. If there’s nothing else, I’m going to bed.”