Hidden Ties

I remember as if it were yesterday that tumultuous time when Taylor entered our lives. From the moment I first saw him, I felt an inexplicable aversion. It was as if he were stealing the attention of my brother, Andrew, and sidelining me.

We were at a family dinner, and he was seated at the table, smiling and chatting animatedly with Andrew. I couldn't contain my irritation and decided to confront him.

"So, you're Taylor..." I said, crossing my arms and giving him a cold look.

He smiled gently, trying to ease the tension in the air. "Yes, that's me. It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Kate."

I couldn't disguise my disdain for him. I always saw him as an intruder, someone who stole my brother's attention and left me aside. And now, there, face to face with him, I couldn't hide my feelings.

"Pleasure? Sorry, Taylor, but I can't share that sentiment. On the contrary, since you entered Andrew's life, I feel he's growing more distant from me," I said. He seemed surprised by my frankness but didn't back down.

"Kate, I understand how you feel, but I assure you it was never my intention to cause any separation between you. I'm just a friend, someone who stands by your brother when he needs support."

I let out a sarcastic laugh. "That's precisely the problem, Taylor. You're always there, occupying a space that should be mine. You've become so close to Andrew that it feels like there's no room for me. And I won't accept that." He looked into my eyes, with a calm and understanding expression.