MY SISTER HUSBAND IS MY EX

"Where are my keys?"

I checked the kitchen counter for the third time, even though I was almost certain I had left them there.

My handbag was open on the sofa, one shoe was under the coffee table, and my phone kept vibrating beside a half-finished cup of coffee.

Perfect. Just perfect.

I had barely started my morning, and I was already running late.

"Found you!"

I picked up my keys from the dining table and quickly slipped them into my handbag. After checking that I had everything, I grabbed my jacket and headed for the door.

My phone rang just as I was about to leave.

Isabella.

I smiled when I saw her name. My younger sister had a habit of calling at the most inconvenient times, but I never really minded.

"Good morning, troublemaker," I answered, locking my door behind me.

"Wow. Is that how you greet your favourite sister?"

"Do I have another sister?"

"Amelia!"

I laughed as I made my way towards the lift. "Okay, okay. Good morning, my favourite sister. What do you want?"

"Can't I call just to check on you?"

"You can, but we both know you rarely do that without a reason."

She laughed, and I could hear the excitement in her voice.

"Actually, I have something to tell you."

I pressed the lift button. "I'm listening

"I'm engaged!"

I stopped walking.

For a moment, I wasn't sure I had heard her correctly.

"Wait. What?"

"I'm engaged, Amelia!" she repeated, almost shouting. "I'm getting married!"

My mouth fell open before a smile spread across my face.

"Isabella! Are you serious?"

"Very serious!"

"Oh my goodness! Congratulations!"

"Thank you!"

I stepped into the lift, still smiling. "When did this happen? And why am I just hearing about it?"

"It happened yesterday evening. I wanted to tell you myself before Mum starts calling everybody and announcing it to the entire world."

I laughed. That sounded exactly like our mother.

"I'm happy for you, Bella. Really happy. So, who is the lucky man?"

There was a little pause.

"You'll meet him soon."

I frowned slightly. "That's all you're going to tell me?"

"Don't start. I'll tell you everything when we see each other."

"Is he treating you well?"

"Amelia, please. He's wonderful."

I could hear the smile in her voice, and something about it made me smile too. Isabella had always been expressive. When she was happy, the whole world was supposed to know.

"Well, I hope he knows how lucky he is."

"He does," she replied confidently.

I shook my head, smiling as I stepped out of the lift.

"Anyway, I have to get to work. Tell me when we're celebrating."

"That's actually why I called. Mum wants us to have dinner together on Saturday. Just the family and my fiancé."

"Saturday?"

"Yes. Please don't tell me you have work."

"I don't work on Saturdays, Bella."

"Good. Then it's settled. I'll send you the restaurant details."

"Alright. And congratulations again."

"Thank you, big sister. Love you!"

"Love you too."

The call ended, and I slipped my phone into my bag.

I stood beside my car for a moment, still thinking about the news.

Isabella was getting married.

It felt strange, in a good way. Not long ago, she was the same girl who used to borrow my clothes without asking and deny it even when I caught her wearing them.

Now she was someone's fiancée.

I couldn't wait to see her.

******

By the time I arrived at the office, I had already received three messages from Isabella.

The first was a picture of her engagement ring.

The second was a series of heart emojis.

The third simply said, Saturday. Don't be late.

I laughed to myself as I put my phone away.

My office was already busy. Samples of fabrics and wallpaper covered part of my desk, while photographs of different interior designs were pinned to the board beside it.

I loved my job. There was something satisfying about taking an empty or poorly designed space and turning it into somewhere people could feel comfortable.

I had worked hard to build my career, and I wasn't about to let a busy morning ruin it.

I settled into my chair and opened the project file I had been reviewing the previous evening.

A hotel renovation project was waiting for my final design proposal. The client wanted something elegant without making the rooms feel cold or unwelcoming.

I studied the floor plans again, made a few adjustments and wrote down some ideas.

My phone buzzed.

This time, it was Isabella sending another message.

I hope you're already planning what to wear on Saturday.

I shook my head.

Should I come in a wedding gown?

Her reply came almost immediately.

Don't tempt me. You're helping me with the wedding preparations.

I laughed.

Of course I was.

Being the eldest daughter came with certain responsibilities, and apparently, I had just been given another one.

I returned to my work, but I couldn't stop thinking about my sister's engagement. I wondered how they had met, how long they had been together and what kind of man had managed to win her heart.

Whatever the answers were, I hoped he would make her happy.

That was all I wanted for her.

****

Saturday arrived sooner than I expected.

I spent most of the morning working on a few personal tasks before finally deciding to get ready for dinner.

I stood in front of my wardrobe, staring at the clothes hanging inside.

"Why is choosing an outfit suddenly so difficult?"

I pulled out a navy-blue dress and held it against myself.

Simple. Elegant. Perfect.

After getting dressed, I fixed my hair, picked up my handbag and checked my appearance one last time in the mirror.

My phone rang.

"Where are you?" Isabella asked immediately.

I glanced at the time.

"I'm getting ready. Relax."

"Please don't take forever. Mum is already on her way."

"I'm leaving soon."

"Good. And Amelia?"

"Yes?"

"I'm really happy you're coming tonight."

Her voice softened, and I smiled.

"Of course I'm coming, Bella. I wouldn't miss it."

"Love you!"

"Love you too."

I ended the call, picked up my keys and headed out.

The restaurant was a little farther than I expected, and traffic slowed me down along the way. By the time I arrived, I was nearly twenty minutes late.

I hurried inside and gave the receptionist my sister's name.

"Miss Carter? Your family is already seated. Please follow me."

I adjusted my handbag on my shoulder and followed her through the restaurant.

As we approached the table, I spotted Isabella first. She was practically glowing, and our mother sat beside her, looking just as pleased.

I smiled and began walking towards them.

Then I noticed the empty chair beside my sister.

Someone was supposed to be sitting there.

I looked up at the man standing behind it.

Isabella turned towards me, her smile growing wider.

"Amelia! Finally. Come here. There's someone I want you to meet."

And just like that, I realised this dinner was going to be more interesting than I had expected.