He Proposed to My Sister

The morning of my sons sixth birthday, I woke up thinking it would be a perfect day.

I had planned everything down to the last detaila private VIP tour of Ocean Park, an exclusive lunch by the dolphin exhibit, and a custom-made cake waiting for Noah at the end of the day. As the wife of Jason Romano, the mafia boss of the Romano Empire, money had never been an issue.

But love? Loyalty? That was another story.

The hospital visits had drained more than just my energy. Stage four brain cancer was a slow, cruel thief, stealing my time, my future. But I had kept it a secret from Jason. He had made it clear he didnt have time for meaningless worries.

"Dont waste my money on hospitals, Emma," he'd said, barely looking up from his phone. "You always overthink things."

I wasnt overthinking. I was dying.

But today wasnt about me. It was about my son.

By noon, Ocean Park was filled with excited children, the scent of saltwater and fried food lingering in the air. Noah pulled me toward the giant shark tank, his small fingers warm in mine. Mommy, look! Its so big!

I laughed, pressing a kiss to his curly hair. Bigger than you?

He nodded eagerly, his excitement making my exhaustion worth it. Then, out of nowhere, his voice lit up with even more excitement.

"Mommy! Look! Daddys here too!"

I frowned. Jason? That wasnt possible. He had told me he was handling business. That he was too busy to even call Noah for his birthday.

I followed my sons gazeand the world beneath me crumbled.

There, in the middle of the plaza, Jason was on one knee. Holding a ring. For Lily.

My younger sister. The one who had cried to me about her failed relationships. The one I had comforted after every heartbreak. The one who had sworn Jason was like a brother to her.

She stood there with wide, teary eyes, hands covering her mouth.

"Marry me," Jason said, his voice clear, steady. Like this was the most natural thing in the world.

Lily let out a shaky sob, nodding furiously. "Yes! Oh my God, Jason, yes!"

My entire familymy mother, father, aunts, unclesstood around them, clapping. Clapping. As if this was something to celebrate. As if I wasnt standing right here.

The ring slid onto Lilys finger, and I felt something inside me snap.

Noah tugged at my sleeve, confused but excited. Mommy! Is Daddy giving Auntie Lily a present? Can I go too?

I couldnt breathe. Then, as if she had just noticed me, my mothers smile faltered. The applause faded.

One by one, their gazes turned to me. Jason slowly rose to his feet, locking eyes with me. There was no guilt. No shame. Just the same mild irritation he always had when I inconvenienced him.

Lily, on the other hand, had the audacity to look annoyed.

Jason crossed his arms, exhaling like I was exhausting him. "Emma, lets not do this here."

"Do what, Jason?" My voice shook with barely contained rage.

"Make a scene," he cut in, rolling his eyes. "God, youre always so dramatic"

The slap echoed through the plaza.

For a moment, everything froze. The sting on my palm was nothing compared to the burning rage in my chest.

Jason's head snapped to the side, his jaw tightening. When he turned back, there was no shame, no remorsejust irritation. "Really, Emma?" he scoffed, rubbing his cheek. "Was that necessary?"

The sheer audacity left me breathless. The sting of betrayal wasnt just in Jasons eyesit was in the shocked gasps of my family, the disapproving frown on my fathers face.

"Emma!" my father, Edward Moretti, barked. "Dont ruin your sisters happiness."

My stomach dropped. Edward Moretticapo of the Moretti syndicate, a man feared in all of New Yorkhad just dismissed me like I was a nuisance.

Happiness?

I let out a hollow laugh, my vision blurring. Is this a joke? My hands trembled at my sides. You all knew?

My mother, Isabella Moretti, smoothed out her designer dress. "Emma you and Jason have been distant for a while. We thought it was for the best."

"For the best?" My voice cracked. "For the best? You mean betraying me behind my back?"

Jason exhaled, exasperated. "Emma, stop making a scene."

"A scene?" My voice rose. "You proposed to my sister in public, surrounded by my own family, on my sons birthday! And Im making a scene?"

Lily had the audacity to step forward, pouting like she was the victim. "Emma, I love him." She reached for my hand, fake sympathy in her eyes. "I didnt plan this, but"

I jerked away like her touch was poison. "Dont touch me."

Her face twisted with irritation. "God, Emma, why are you being so selfish? You never appreciated Jason. You were always running off to your little hospital visits, leaving him alone. What did you expect?"

My stomach lurched. "Youre blaming me for your affair?"

Lily shrugged, her lips curving into a smirk. "You pushed him away. I was just there for him."

"You mean you threw yourself at him like a desperate slut," I snapped, shaking with fury.

Her eyes darkened. "Careful, Emma."

"Or what?" My voice dropped to a whisper. "Youll steal something else from me?"

Jason sighed, as if he was tired of my tantrum. "Emma, lets be adults here."

"Adults?" I let out a sharp, humorless laugh. "You mean like how you crept around behind my back? Lied to me? Destroyed our marriage?"

His expression didnt change. Not even a flicker of guilt.

Lily, however, smirked. "You and Jason were over long before this, Emma." She held up her hand, flashing the diamond ring. "He chose me."

The words sliced through me like a blade. And then my mother spoke, her voice filled with pride.

"Emma, this is for the best," she said smoothly. "Lily is pregnant. With Jasons child."

The words hit me like a wrecking ball. I staggered back, bile rising in my throat. Proud. She sounded proud.

"What?" My voice was barely a whisper.

Lily placed a hand on her stomach, her smirk widening. "Thats right, sis. Youre going to be an aunt. Isnt it wonderful?"

A cold chill ran down my spine. Jasons child. The man who ignored me when I was sick. The man who never once took me to a doctor. The man who hadnt even cared enough to ask why I was always exhausted. And my sister carrying his child.

My mother smiled, as if this was wonderful news. "You should be happy for them. Theyll finally have the family Jason always wanted."

Noah, who had been quiet, tugged at my sleeve. His big, innocent eyes blinked up at me. I like Aunt Lily too, his voice filled with childlike hope. If Daddy loves her, you should be happy, Mom. Plus, I want Aunt Lily to be my mom too!

I couldnt breathe.

The world blurred around me.

Lily's victorious smirk. Jason's blank indifference. My parents silent complicity. And my sonmy babysmiling up at me, completely unaware of the betrayal tearing me apart.

Before I lost control, I turned on my heel, gripping Noahs small hand like a lifeline.

Emma, Jason called, sounding bored. Where are you going?

I didnt answer. I walked away, my legs trembling beneath me, my sons warm fingers clutching mine. I didnt stop. Not even when Noah kept looking back. Not even when I heard Lilys voice, dripping with false pity

Shell get over it.

I wouldnt. I would never forgive them.

***

The Romano estate was eerily silent when we got home. Noah fell asleep almost instantly, exhausted from his birthdayhis birthday, the one his father had chosen to celebrate with someone else. I tucked him in, brushing his curls from his forehead. His peaceful face made my chest ache. He didnt understand. He still believed his father was some kind of hero.

I wished I could protect him from the truth.

Once his breathing evened out, I left his room and collapsed onto my bed, sobbing until my body felt empty. Jason Romano. Mafia boss. My husband. The father of my child.

And Lily?

She was my baby sister. The one I never imagined would be the cause of mine.

I squeezed my eyes shut, but the memories came anywayuninvited, relentless, cruel.

Jason had pursued me relentlessly, the way only a man used to getting what he wanted could. When the Moretti Empire sent me to Paris for business, Jason booked a last-minute flight just to be with me.

I couldnt live without you for a whole week, he had said, standing in the hotel lobby with a bouquet of tulips.

I had called him crazy. He had just kissed me and said, Crazy in love.

That was Jason.

Affectionate. Possessive. Mine.

Then we got married.

On our honeymoon, he whisked me away to Sydney, where we spent a month indulging in luxury, walking along the harbor, and making love under city lights. He had promised me forever. When Noah was born, he became even more protective, refusing to let me lift a finger. Every night, he held me close and whispered, I love you more than anything in this world.

I had believed him.

Then Lily came back.

She had been studying fashion design abroad for years, and when she returned, she was more beautiful than everelegant, stylish, the kind of woman people admired. Jason noticed.

I saw itthe way her eyes lingered on him, the way she laughed just a little too much at his jokes, the way Jason suddenly had so much to say to her. But I told myself it was nothing. Lily was my sister. Jason was my husband.

Then one night, I walked into our master bedroom and saw themcurled up in bed together.

My heart stopped.

Jason? My voice barely came out.

Lily sat up immediately, pulling the blanket around her. Jason, on the other hand, didnt even look guilty.

Relax, Emma, he had said, rubbing his temples like I was the one being unreasonable. Lily fainted. I was just helping her.

And Ilike a foolhad let it slide.

Because Noah was in the room. Because I didnt want to believe it. Because I was a goddamn idiot.

But now?

Now I knew the truth.

They had been screwing behind my back for who knows how long.

I let out a sharp breath, shaking my head. The worst part? I still loved him. Even after all this, my stupid heart still ached for him. I wanted to scream. To throw something. To hurt the way I was hurting.

And as if the universe wasnt done tormenting me, my phone rang.

Mom. I should have ignored it, but the pathetic, desperate part of me still wanted to believe shed be on my side.

I pressed answer. H-hello.

Her voice was calm, like she wasnt the mother of the woman whose life had just been shattered. What now, you're still crying? Come on, Emma, stop being dramatic!"

I choked on my own breath. What?

Lily is younger than you, she continued. She deserves happiness too.

My grip tightened around the phone. And what about me? My voice was barely above a whisper. Dont I deserve it?

A sigh. Then my fathers voice, Dont be selfish, Emma. Think about Noah. Jason is going to be Lilys husband now. Its best if you cooperate.

Something inside me snapped.

I threw the phone across the room. It hit the wall with a crack before falling to the floor. And then I buried my face in my pillow and screamed until my throat felt raw.

This wasnt just Jasons betrayal. It was everyones. My mother. My father. My sister. My husband. Every single person I had ever loved had thrown me away like I was nothing!

But if they thought I would just accept this?

If they thought I would just cooperate?

They were dead wrong.

I woke up to an eerie silence. I hadnt noticed when exhaustion pulled me under, whether I had cried myself to sleep or simply passed out. My body ached. My head throbbed like Id been hit by a truck. But none of that mattered. Because the moment I sat up, I realized

Noah wasnt in his bed.

My heart dropped. I bolted out of the room, calling his name. Noah? I ran down the hall, checking the bathroom, the living roomeverywhere. Noah!

Silence.

My hands shook as I grabbed my phone and dialed my mother.

She picked up after the third ring, her voice calm, almost bored. Oh, Emma. Finally awake?

I could barely breathe. Wheres Noah?

With us, of course. Were celebrating his birthday.

I nearly dropped the phone. What? Without me?

Well, you were asleep," she sighed. Lily and Jason planned a little party for him. Hes having so much fun.

I clenched my jaw, my nails digging into my palm. You took my son while I was sleeping? Without telling me?!

She tsked. You were exhausted. We didnt want to wake you.

My pulse pounded in my ears. Give him the phone. Now.

A pause. Then a dismissive chuckle. Emma, dont ruin this for him. Let him be happy for once.

Happy? My voice cracked. Hes my son!

Then stop making his life miserable just because your husband chose your sister.

I nearly blacked out from rage. Excuse me?

Emma, she said slowly, like I was a child. Lily will love Noah more than you ever could. Youre always so busywith work, with your endless hospital visits. Maybe this is for the best.

I gripped the phone so tightly I thought it would shatter. I swear to God, if you dont bring my son back

Enough, Emma. My mothers voice turned cold. Stop being selfish.

Click. The line went dead.

I stared at my phone, my body shaking with rage, with helplessness. I wanted to scream, to throw something, to hurt the way I was hurting. Instead, my fingers moved on their own.

I opened Instagram. And then

My breath caught in my throat. The first post on my feed was Lilys. A photo of her and Jason, hands intertwined, her engagement ring front and center.

"Fate brought us together. Love kept us strong. Cant wait to be Mrs. Romano! ?"

Thousands of likes. Hundreds of comments.

Omg! Congratulations!

Didnt see this coming, but you two look perfect together!

I always thought Jason married the wrong sister, tbh.

Crazy how life works! Werent we just at his wedding a few years ago?

People I knew. People who had attended my wedding were congratulating them like this was some kind of fairytale.

I wanted to smash my phone. But then

Another photo.

My vision blurred. It was Noah. Sitting on Jasons lap, laughing, arms wrapped around Lilys neck. They looked like a happy, perfect family. Like I never existed.

A sharp, stabbing pain tore through my skull. My vision spun, the pounding inside my head unbearable. With shaking hands, I reached for the nightstand, fumbling for the bottle of pain relievers. My fingers barely managed to twist the cap off before I popped two pills into my mouth, swallowing dry.

But the pain didnt stop. A metallic taste filled my throat. My lip trembled as something warm trickled down my upper lip.

I wiped at it absentmindedly. Red. Blood.

Panic gripped my chest. My breaths came out shallow, uneven. I grabbed my phone and dialed my mothers number.

No answer. I tried my father. Nothing. My heart pounded as I scrolled down and pressed Jasons contact.

The call rang. Once. Twice. Then straight to voicemail.

I let out a weak, bitter laugh. Of course. Tears blurred my vision as I desperately pressed 911.

H-hello? My voice shook.

911, whats your emergency?

I My body swayed. My fingers trembled as I tried to steady myself against the wall. I need help. Please... I

The phone slipped from my grasp.

The last thing I heard before darkness swallowed me whole was the faint voice of the operator, calling my name.

***

Bright lights. The steady beeping of a monitor. The sharp scent of antiseptic. I woke up in a hospital bed. Alone.

A nurse walked in, startled to see me awake. Ms. Romano, you're conscious! How are you feeling?

My throat was dry. How long was I out?

You were admitted last night, she said gently. The paramedics found you unconscious at home. Do you have any family we should contact?

Family.

The word twisted like a knife inside me.

I let out a weak, hollow laugh. No. Theres no one.

The nurse gave me a sad look but said nothing.

The next morning, after I was discharged, I went home. The moment I stepped inside, I felt it. Hes here. And then I saw him.

Jason. Sitting on the couch like he still owned the place. Legs crossed, fingers tapping impatiently against the armrest.

My chest tightened. What... what are you doing here?

He stood up, pulling a stack of papers from his briefcase. A pen clipped to the top. He held it out to me.

Sign it.

I blinked. My fingers twitched. What?

His eyes were empty, void of anything remotely resembling guilt. The divorce papers. Sign them now.

I stared at the divorce papers in Jasons hand, my whole body trembling.

Sign it, he repeated, his tone void of emotion, as if the past years we spent together meant nothing.

I took the papersthen tore them apart. Jasons eyes darkened slightly, but instead of anger, he smirked. With calculated ease, he pulled out an ATM card and tossed it onto the coffee table.

Theres a million dollars on that, he said. Your severance pay.

My breath hitched. Severance pay? Like I was just some employee who had outlived her usefulness?

Like I had been nothing more than a burden he finally got rid of?

Fury boiled inside me. I slapped him. Hard.

The sharp crack of my palm against his cheek echoed through the room.

Jason barely flinched. He slowly turned his head back, touching his cheek with mild amusement.

"Feel better now?" he murmured.

I picked up the ATM card and flung it back at him. "Go to hell, Jason."

His smirk deepened. "Already there, sweetheart."

Then he leaned closer, his breath cold against my skin.

"You know," he said, his voice smooth but taunting, "Noah has already chosen Lily as his new mother."

My blood ran cold.

The kitchen door creaked open, and Lily stepped out, holding Noahs tiny hand. They were both smiling.

My stomach twisted as I took in the sight before me. Noahmy babywas cradling a giant robot toy in his arms, one I knew cost more than what I could ever afford. His eyes sparkled as he looked up at Lily, pure admiration shining in them.

Thank you, Mommy Lily! he beamed.

Mommy Lily?

My throat tightened.

Noah baby I'm..." I whispered, my voice barely audible.

He turned to me, but there was no excitement in his eyes when he saw me. Just mild curiosity.

"Mommy, why are you mad?" he asked innocently. "Mom Lily bought me this! Shes the best!"

Lily laughed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Oh, Noah, sweetie, I just want you to be happy." Lily then look at me, "Emma, don't look so hurt. Noah's just being honest. I'm the one who's been taking care of him lately, after all."

Noah nodded eagerly. Mommy Lily is nice to me, Mommy. She plays with me, she makes Daddy happy. You should sign the papers so we can be a happy family.

I felt the air leave my lungs. Thenbefore I could reactshe turned to Jason. And kissed him. Right in front of me. A deep, slow kiss, as if they had all the time in the world.

Noah giggled. "Mommy Lily and Daddy love each other!"

Something inside me snapped. But I couldnt move. I just stood there. Frozen. Like a fool. Like an idiot. Watching my husbandmy first lovekiss my sister while my son cheered them on.

This wasnt real.This couldnt be real. But it was.

It was all real.

Jason pulled away from Lily with a satisfied smirk. Then he turned to me, his eyes gleaming with cruel amusement.

"Now, be a good girl and sign the papers, Emma," he said, his tone mocking and gave me another copy.

Noah, still holding his toy, turned to me with pleading eyes. "Yeah, Mommy. Sign it. Sign it now, please!"

Happy?

They already looked happy.

Like a perfect family. Double betrayal. A knife straight through my heart.

I stumbled backward, my vision swimming with unshed tears.

II need to be alone, I choked out.

Without waiting for a response, I turned and rushed to my room, slamming the door behind me. And then I broke. I collapsed onto the floor, my body wracked with silent, gut-wrenching sobs.

I had lost everything. My husband. My son. My family.

Why? Why wasnt I enough?

Why was I the one suffering while they got to be happy?

I curled into myself, the pain in my head throbbing violently, mixing with the unbearable ache in my heart. I didnt know how long I lay there, drowning in despair, before I fumbled for my phone.

There was only one person left I could call. With shaking hands, I dialed. The line rang twice before a familiar, steady voice answered.

"Emma?"

A choked sob escaped me. "Ethan please help me."

There was a sharp intake of breath on the other end.

"Emma, what happened?" His voice was tight with concern.

"Jason Noah they" My throat tightened. "They dont need me anymore. I have nothing left, Ethan. Nothing."

"Emma, listen to me," Ethan said firmly. "You have me. And Im not going to let you go through this alone."

Tears spilled down my face.

"Come to me," he urged. "Ill help you disappear. Ill get you out of there."

A pause. Then his voice softened.

"And theres something else. I didnt want to tell you over the phone, but you need to know."

I wiped my tears, trying to focus. "What is it?"

"Our hospital is running a clinical trial," Ethan said. "A new experimental treatment for brain cancer. Its risky, but its your best chance."

I froze.

"You knew?" I whispered.

"I had a suspicion," he admitted. "I saw your medical records, Emma. I know youve been trying to fight this alone."

My chest ached.

Come to me, Ethan pleaded. Let me help you, Emma. Not just with the trialbut with everything. Let me take you away from all of this.

I clutched the phone tightly, my heart pounding. This was it. My chance to leave. To escape this nightmare. To fight for myself. I took a deep breath, my decision made.

"Im coming, Ethan.

The house was silent. Too silent.

Jason, Lily, and Noah were gone. They had packed up and moved into their newly bought mansiona home filled with luxury, laughter, and a future that didnt include me. They had left me behind without a second thought.

It should have broken me. Maybe a part of me had broken. But as I sat in the empty living room, staring at the divorce papers I had rewritten myself, something inside me hardened.

I wasnt going to fight for a marriage that was already dead. I wasnt going to beg for a son who had already chosen another mother. I wasnt going to cry for a family that had never truly loved me.

No. I was going to disappear. And one dayI would return as someone they would all fear.

With Ethans help, I moved in silence. I made sure the new divorce papers were finalizedtaking nothing from Jason. Not a single cent. I wouldnt owe him a damn thing.

Then, I did something even more drastic. I reached out to an underground contact Ethans colleagues had helped me findsomeone who could provide me with what I needed. An unclaimed corpse. It had belonged to a woman of similar build and ageanother forgotten soul discarded by the world.

I dressed the body in one of my favorite dresses. Then, with shaking hands, I placed my wedding ring on its finger. And finallyI unclasped the delicate gold necklace Jason had given me when he still loved me. The one I had cherished even after everything. The one Noah used to tug on as a baby while giggling, his small fingers tracing the pendant.

"Mommy, I like this! Is this magic?"

"No, sweetheart," I had laughed. "But Daddy gave it to me, so its special."

"Then its magic!" Noah had grinned, curling up in my lap.

A lump formed in my throat. That was years ago. Now, Noah clung to Lily instead.

I draped the necklace around the corpses neck, swallowing the pain. It was done. The woman on the bed was no longer a stranger. She was Emma Romano.

That night, before I set the house ablaze

I picked up my phone with trembling fingers, hesitating only for a second before dialing Jasons number.

Ring.

Once. Twice. Three times. No answer.

Of course. I already knew why. My mother had told me everything when she called me earlier.

"Oh, Emma I didnt know how to tell you, but Jason, Lily, and Noah they left for Paris this morning."

Paris.

A honeymoon for Jason and Lily. A family vacation for my sonwithout me. A sharp, hollow ache spread through my chest, but I crushed it down.

I called again. And again. Still, no answer.

Finally, I opened my messages and began to type.

To Jason Romano

Thank you for teaching me the most painful lesson of my life. Thank you for showing me how little I meant to you. Thank you for making it so easy to let go. Congratulations on your new family. I hope Lily makes you happier than I ever could.

I hesitated, then added one final line.

Goodbye, Jason.

Then, with a steady breath, I pressed send.

That was the last message he would ever receive from me.

I made sure the flames consumed everything. The memories. The pain. The Emma Romano that had been discarded like trash.

As the fire spread, I stood outside in the shadows, watching the flames engulf the place I had once called home.

The laughter that once filled these walls was gone.

Noah used to run through those hallways, calling my name in excitement.

"Mommy! Mommy, look at me!

He used to crawl into my lap, his small arms wrapping around my neck as he whispered, "I love you, Mommy."

But nownow he was in Lilys arms.

Now he called her Mommy.

Now he loved her more.

A sharp, hollow ache spread through my chest, but I crushed it down. Emotions had no place in my new life.

By the time the fire department arrived, it was too late. The body inside was burned beyond recognition. And just like thatI was dead.

The next morning, the news spread like wildfire.

+++

JASON'S POV

The private jet touched down smoothly, and I rolled my shoulders, cracking my neck as I stepped off. The trip had been good. No bullshit. No drama. Just business and pleasure.

Lily was glowing, still high off our honeymoon. Paris had suited herdesigner clothes, fancy dinners, the whole fucking dream shed always wanted. She clung to my arm like the perfect little trophy wife, soaking up every second.

Noah had been happy too. Kid didnt hesitate to call her Mommy. Didnt even fucking look back. And for the first time in years, I felt something close to peace.

Emma was gone. Not dead, of coursejust out of my life. The past. A fucking ghost. Shed served her purpose, and now she was just another chapter I had no reason to reopen.

As my car pulled up to the estate, I exhaled slowly, rubbing my temples. My phone buzzed in my pocket. I ignored it. Business could wait.

It buzzed again. And again.

I sighed, pulling it out, ready to snap at whoever the fuck was blowing up my line. Dozens of missed calls. A shit ton of unread messages.

I frowned, scrolling. Most were from unknown numbers. Some from business associates. But one message caught my eye.

Emma Romano.

My grip tightened around the phone as I opened it.

"Thank you for teaching me the most painful lesson of my life. Thank you for showing me how little I meant to you. Thank you for making it so easy to let go."

"Congratulations on your new family. I hope Lily makes you happier than I ever could. Goodbye, Jason."

A strange fucking feeling settled in my gut, something sharp and off. But before I could process it, Lily grabbed the remote and turned on the TV.

The news anchors voice filled the room.

"Emma Romano, Former Wife of CEO Jason Romano, Found Dead in Fire."