EVELYN

I buried my head into my pillow, screaming as if that alone could drown out the chaos in my mind. The image of Dave, my sweet brother kissing someone else, touching her the way he used to touch me, wouldn’t stop clawing at my brain, wanted to make me go crazy. No matter how tightly I squeezed my eyes shut, it kept replaying. I didn't just push him away, I pushed him away aggressively. I know that. I told him I needed space. But now? Now, the thought of him moving on, living his life without me, was unbearable.

It wasn’t just anyone he was with. It was her. Kate. I couldn’t escape the endless comparisons. Her perfect hair and her annoyingly perfect body. She was fucking rich compared to me who lived on Dad’s money that‘s going to finish any moment from now. Dave would probably love showing her off. I tried to convince myself it didn’t matter, but my stomach twisted at the thought of how many times they’d probably sucked each other’s tongues, bitten each other’s lips, and fucked each other in styles meant for just me.

Was he kissing her the same way he kissed me? Was his hand gripping her waist as he pulled her closer, just like he did when it was us? Did she make those little sounds I used to make when he kissed my neck? My breath hitched as a pang of jealousy shot through me. I felt like my head had been tossed into a burning fire, and I was suffocating in the heat of my own thoughts.

I rolled over onto my back, staring at the ceiling as my chest heaved, releasing a deep sigh. My fingers tugged at the edge of my blanket, twisting the fabric as I wrestled with the agony. I couldn’t stop imagining their lips crashing together. Dave’s hands on her, her fingers tangled in his hair. It was a torturous cycle that I couldn’t escape.

After what felt like hours of torment, I couldn’t take it anymore. I swung my legs off the bed and sat on the edge, staring blankly at the floor. “No,” I whispered to myself. “I can’t just sit here.” I wasn’t invited to the party, but that didn’t matter. I needed to see him. Needed to confirm if my worst fears were true, even if they would shatter me.

I grabbed my phone and scrolled through my contacts, pausing when I reached Mike’s name. I didn’t want to go alone, and I needed a guy I could use to see if it’d get Dave jealous, at least if it did, I still have a chance. Someone to make my presence seem casual. Mike will do.

“Would you like to go to a house party with me?” I texted him.

Almost instantly, my phone buzzed. Mike’s reply was short and simple, as I knew it would be, but I was shocked he didn't bring in his nerdy attitude.“Yes. When? Just text me the details.”

I didn’t hesitate. “Right now. Sorry, I’m reaching out late. Please come over to pick me up.”

Mike was reliable, even if he was a bit clueless. I get he's really into me but he should've asked me why I suddenly needed him, for someone who knows I’d rather fetch water into a basket than spend time with him. He just said he was on his way. While I waited, I went to my closet. I had to look my best not for who I was going with, but for who I was going to see, Dave.

I rummaged through my wardrobe, tossing aside anything that didn’t scream irresistible. Finally, I settled on a black mini-bodycon dress that hugged my curves. The neckline was low enough to catch attention but not so low that it looked desperate but the back was exposed right to my waist. I paired it with thigh-high boots and a silver chain that rested just above my collarbone. My makeup was flawless— smoky eyes, a little blush, and red lips that screamed confidence, even if I didn’t feel it. I added a splash of perfume, the particular one Dave used to compliment.

By the time Mike arrived, I was ready. As we pulled up to the party in his Lambo, I could feel the weight of stares. Girls glanced at Mike, clearly impressed by his sharp jawline, his luxury car and effortless charm. They could have him for all I cared. My focus was singular: Dave only.

The party was already packed, the air heavy with the scent of alcohol, weed, and bodies pressed too close together. I checked in the direction where the smoke smell was coming from, but he wasn't there. Music pounded, but it was just white noise to me. My eyes scanned the room, searching for him.

And then, I saw him.

He was across the room, standing near the bar with Kate by his side. My heart clenched as I took in the sight of them together. Kate’s laugh was loud and obnoxious, her hand lingering on Dave’s arm as she leaned into him. He looked… happy. Carefree in a way I hadn’t expected him to be, or could it be because I was watching from afar?

“Isn't that the guy who came to pick you up on our last date?”

“Yes, he's my brother,” I responded.

“Please let's go and say hi to him,” he said cheerfully.

Who the fuck is this clueless guy that's trying to be nice after what Dave did to him? “Really, Mike?”

“Sure,” he said holding my wrist and ready to walk, expecting me to follow

“He won’t appreciate it. He’s with his girlfriend.”

God! Referring to her as his gf made me want to run crazy.

I tried to play it cool, staying near Mike as I sipped my drink, but my gaze kept drifting back to Dave. Watching him with her was like swallowing glass.

The final blow came when I saw her grab his hand, pulling him through the crowd. My stomach dropped as I watched them disappear down a hallway. My feet moved before I could think, trailing after them at a distance.

And that’s when I saw them.

Dave’s hand was on her waist, guiding her into a room. Kate pushed the door open and they stepped inside, the door clicking shut behind them.

My chest tightened, and my breathing became shallow. There was no mistaking what I’d just seen. My mind raced with possibilities, each one more painful than the last. Were they kissing right now? Was he pinning her against the wall, his lips on her neck? Was she running her fingers through his hair the way I used to?

I clenched my fists, my nails doing wonders to my palms as I tried to steady myself. Part of me wanted to walk up to that door and bang on it until it opened. I wanted to cause a scene, to scream at him for moving on so easily, for choosing her.

But what would that make me? Crazy? Obsessed? Maybe I was.

I stayed frozen in place, staring at the closed door as the music from the party faded into the background. My thoughts spiraled, and for a moment, I considered walking away. But as much as I wanted to convince myself that I didn’t care, that I could move on too, I couldn’t tear myself away.

Dave had been mine once, and he's still mine because he’s my brother. He wasn’t supposed to be hers.

My fingers itched to knock on the door, to demand answers, to pull him away from her. But deep down, I knew. Even if I caused a scene, even if I confronted them, it wouldn’t change the truth and it's her party, it wouldn't take a minute before I get bundled out. Losing in all ways.

Still, the thought still danced in my mind: Would I really look mad if I did it?

As I stood there, torn between pride and heartbreak. Whatever decision I made, one thing was clear: I’d hate myself for life if he ever moved on.