My Stepsister, My Mate, My Curse

Eleanor Roy's POV

"Dad! Where are you?" I shouted, running through the house, searching for my father to tell him the shocking news.

He emerged from his workshop, looking at me in confusion. "I'm here, Eleanor. What's going on?"

I rushed to him, breathless, and handed him my phone so he could read the message I had received just ten minutes ago. His eyes widened, and he stared at the screen for a long moment, trying to absorb what he was seeing. Then he looked up at me in astonishment and said, "Is she serious?!"

I nodded, disappointment weighing heavily on me. "It looks like she's found the person she wants to spend the rest of her life with."

The sadness in his eyes mirrored my own, and a wave of depression washed over me. This meant my dream of reuniting my parents was officially over. I had to face reality...

I sighed and hugged my father. He wrapped his arms around me and said softly, "You should go, Eleanor."

I pulled away abruptly, my voice rising with emotion. "No, I won't go! She turned her back on us and decided to start a new life without us!"

Ten years ago, my mother had grown bored of our-what she called-"ordinary" life. She left me and Dad one night without warning and later sent him divorce papers. She refused any settlement and said she wanted to start over. Yet, that didn't stop her from texting me occasionally to ask how I was doing...

My dad always urged me not to ignore her-"She's still your mother," he'd say. Sometimes I listened to him, other times I didn't, depending on my mood. Still, I missed her. I missed the warmth of a family, the comfort of togetherness we once had. But all of that was meaningless now... She had sent me her wedding invitation.

My father wanted me to go, but I didn't. It hurt to imagine my mother walking down the aisle in a wedding dress-for another man.

"Eleanor, please," he said with a gentle smile. "She needs you. Be part of her happiness. Don't break her heart."

My throat tightened, and I whispered hoarsely, "Are you trying to get rid of me too?"

He chuckled, his voice soft and kind. "Of course not, sweetheart. I just don't want your mother's heart broken because you didn't show up."

Oh, Dad... Your heart is so big. You care more about her happiness than your own sorrow. You still love her, despite the wound she left behind.

I exhaled sharply. "I'll think about it," I muttered, then walked away toward my room.

Alright, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Eleanor Roy. I'm seventeen years and ten months old. In just two more months, I'll be eighteen and finally able to start living independently. My dream is to study medicine and become a pediatrician.

I'm not an animal lover, but if you asked me what I hate most in this world, the answer would be dogs. Actually, I don't hate them-I fear them. If you gave me a choice between being locked in a room with an angry, horned demon or a teacup-sized dog, I'd choose the demon without hesitation. I have a phobia of dogs-any kind, whether tame or wild.

This all stems from an incident that happened when I was six, a year before my parents' divorce...

I was playing in the garden with my friend, as usual, when a rabid dog escaped from the dog catchers and came charging at us like a lion ready to pounce. My friend saw it first and, in a moment of pure selfishness, turned and ran, leaving behind nothing but a cloud of dust. I hadn't even seen the dog yet, so when it attacked me from behind, I was completely unprepared. I screamed and cried as its teeth sank into my shoulder. It was a neighbor who came running at the sound and managed to pull the dog off me. Since that day, dogs and I have walked separate paths entirely.

Anyway, back to the story.

I only have one friend-Courtney. She's a wild spirit who loves shopping, makeup, and dating older guys. I have no idea what she sees in them, but whatever. Unlike me, Courtney adores dogs, which is why I never visit her at home.

My dad, Wendy Roy, is a mechanic at one of the local car factories. He's really good at what he does, and everyone loves him because he's kind and easy to talk to. My mom, Maria, is a beautiful and ambitious woman. She used to be obsessed with Dad, but over the years, her passion for him faded, and she decided to leave him and live life on her own terms.

That night, I lay in bed after changing into my pajamas, staring blankly at the ceiling. "Should I go to the wedding?" I murmured aloud.

I tried to recall any memory of my childhood with my mother, but unfortunately, nothing vivid came to mind.

"I was too young. It's not my fault," I whispered again, speaking to myself.

I got up and headed to the kitchen to make dinner for Dad and me. When he returned from his workshop, we sat together at the table, eating in silence-just like always.

After a while, my father broke the silence, asking eagerly, "Have you made your decision?"

He seemed eager to hear my answer, but I shook my head.

"Dad, I need some time," I replied with a huff. He chuckled and said, "I know, but you'll have to decide soon so you can start preparing for the wedding."

I gave him a sly look and said, "You just want to get rid of me!"

He looked a bit flustered and stammered, "Of course not, you silly girl! I just-"

I cut him off with a sigh, "Alright, Dad. I'll go. But only for you."

He smiled softly and patted my head. "Good girl, my little one."

---

Two days later...

I packed my bags, and Dad helped me gather everything I needed. He advised me not to argue with Mom and to be kind to Grandma.

Oh-did I forget to mention? Mom lives with Grandma in her hometown. I bet the old lady was the one who insisted I be invited!

"Be nice to your mother and her soon-to-be husband, okay?" Dad said gently, though I could hear the pain he tried to hide behind his words.

"Sure," I replied dully. "I'll be nice to the trees, the birds, even to the watermelons if I must."

He laughed and ruffled my hair fondly.

"Have fun, and take lots of pictures!" he shouted, waving as I disappeared among the travelers. I smiled softly... How I love you, Dad.

---

On the plane...

I sat down, buckled my seatbelt, and tried to calm my racing heart. At last, I was on my way to see my mother-after ten years apart.

"Don't overthink it, Elinor. Just enjoy the trip," I muttered to myself.

The flight attendants were kind and checked on me several times. A middle-aged woman sat beside me, and we chatted for a while before I drifted off into a deep sleep...

I only woke up to the voice of one of the attendants, informing me that we had landed and it was time to disembark. I took a deep breath, thanked her, and grabbed my backpack.

I was the last passenger to exit the plane and step into the arrivals hall. I piled my bags onto a trolley and pushed it forward, scanning the crowd for a sign with my name, just as Mom had told me. Apparently, Grandma was supposed to pick me up.

I rolled my eyes in annoyance. Of course, Mom couldn't even bother to come herself. What a mother!

At last, my gaze landed on a sign that read: "Elin Roy."

I muttered under my breath in irritation-how I loathe it when my name is shortened like that.

I approached the sign, only to find a woman in her mid-sixties wearing youthful clothes, with short hair and familiar features... Grandma, of course! Just like Mom-always trying to look younger than they really are.

"Elin! There you are! My little girl, you've grown so much!" she exclaimed with excitement as soon as she saw me, pulling me into a tight hug. I returned it half-heartedly.

"Hello, Grandma... I hope you're well."

She pulled back proudly, striking a pose. "I'm perfectly fine, as you can see!"

I offered a faint smile and followed her out of the hall, pushing the trolley ahead of me.

We reached her old car, and she opened the trunk. I placed my luggage inside and shut it, then walked around to the passenger seat and climbed in as she started the engine.

"Your mother was really excited to see you, but something urgent came up and she couldn't make it," Grandma said as we drove through the narrow streets.

I rolled my eyes discreetly and replied in a falsely sweet tone, "It's fine. I'm not mad at her."

She laughed, "You're such an understanding child, little Elin."

If only she knew I was just following Dad's orders, you old bat...

After a while, I asked curiously, "Who is Mom's fiancé?"

"Harold Chandler. He's wonderful! You'll love him the moment you meet him."

I muttered under my breath, "Highly unlikely..."

She didn't hear me, of course, and turned to ask, "Did you say something?"

"No, nothing!" I shook my head quickly, flustered. Curse this habit of mine!

We continued driving through the clean, charming streets of the town. It was beautiful-especially for a small city. I smiled at the scenery and began asking Grandma about everything I saw, and she answered cheerfully.

After a short drive, we arrived at her two-story home. She parked the car in front, and I gazed at the place with childlike awe... A neat garden with trimmed grass, a large apple tree shading the gate, and a low white fence that gave the house a cozy, welcoming feel.

I stepped out of the car and took a moment to take it all in before waiting for Grandma to catch up. She walked toward the gate, and I followed.

She opened the gate and motioned for me to go first, which I did reluctantly.

But the moment I stepped onto the threshold-I froze.

A small dog was lying near the front door, as if waiting for Grandma. The moment he saw her, he stood up, barked twice, and ran toward us.

My heart started pounding wildly. I couldn't breathe.

The dog dashed toward us-he was small, but to me, he looked the size of a skyscraper!

When there were only two steps left between us, I let out a blood-curdling scream...

Then everything went black.