Once the Forgotten Wife, Now His Biggest Regret

Chapter 10: Chapter 10: Breaking the news

"What are you doing here?" I hissed.

This was supposed to be a dinner with just me and my father. Yet there she was, my sister, standing in front of me, looking more arrogant than ever as she flipped her hair over her shoulder.

The corners of her lips curled up even further than before as she innocently batted her lashes. "What? Can’t I come back to my own home? What can I say? I miss mom and dad."

I couldn’t help but let out a scoff. But before I even had the chance to say anything, my father showed up at the door.

I haven’t seen him since last Christmas. It had only been a couple of months since then, but he seemed to look older—more wrinkles, more white strands hiding beneath his blond hair, even his usually sharp blue eyes looked more tired than usual.

Jessica immediately took this chance to make herself the victim. "Dad, I was just welcoming sister home, but I think she’s unhappy with me for some reason..." Her voice trailed off as her lips fell into a pout.

My father finally looked my way. "Evelyn, when are you going to grow up and stop making things difficult for your sister?" ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com

A humourless laughter left my lips. Of course, he would immediately take my sister’s side. It had always been this way, ever since he and my stepmother had Jessica. I had to be the older sister and give up everything I liked or ever wanted.

"It’s nice seeing you too, dad," I answered sarcastically before walking past both of them as my father sighed loudly behind me.

"Don’t mind your sister, she has always been this way."

"Of course, dad, I understand," my sister’s sickly sweet voice reached my ears, and an involuntary shiver went down my spine.

The place still looked the same as before—huge white marbled tiles lined the floors, floor-to-ceiling windows that showed off the view of Brooklyn, and huge abstract paintings filled the empty walls.

The dining table was already filled with a variety of dishes prepared by our very own private chef. Buttery lobster balls, seared salmon fillets, grilled vegetables and many more. I couldn’t help but notice that they were mostly Jessica’s favourite dishes.

I pulled the chair from underneath and sat myself down. My stepmother was already sitting across from me.

She carried the same arrogance as her daughter.

Aside from the tiny wrinkles that lined the corners of her eyes, the mother and daughter practically looked the same. They had the same long, golden blonde hair and deep green eyes with naturally sharp features.

Eleanor barely glanced at me before looking away to give Jessica a bright smile. "Come here, darling. Dinner’s ready."

I watched as my sister sat in the chair next to me, and my father took a seat beside my stepmother.

Soon, the sound of heavy metal utensils clinking filled the air as we dug into our food.

I heard my name leave my father’s lips. "Evelyn, didn’t you say there was something you wanted to discuss with me?"

I lifted my head to meet his deep blue eyes, and quickly swallowed my food. "I would prefer if we discuss this in private."

He frowned. "Why? We are all family here. There’s nothing private between family."

I hardly consider them family after everything they’ve put me through, but I didn’t say that. Instead, I kept my gaze steady and sat up straighter as I cleared my throat. I wasn’t planning on wasting my energy on another argument.

"Fine. I want to work in the Hart Group," I announced without a hint of hesitation in my voice. If I couldn’t get back to the OR yet, working at my father’s company was the next best option.

All three of them were looking at me with wide eyes, as though I had just told them that I murdered someone. Heavy silence fell upon us like a thick blanket.

"What?" My father’s voice finally broke the tension lingering among us. "You want to work at Hart Group? But you have no experience."

"Then let me learn. You know I’m a quick learner."

"But there’s no—"

I cut him off. "You promised me when I was eighteen, you told me that you would let me work there as long as I asked. Are you going back on your word now, father?"

His features twisted into an unreadable expression as he let out a breath. "No, I always keep my promises." He paused, contemplating his next words. "The position for marketing lead has been vacant for a while now. Why don’t you start there?"

My lips curled into a satisfied smile. I’ll take what I have. "Great. That’s settled then."

Beside me, Jessica was pouting, obviously unhappy with this new arrangement.

"Jessica, darling, what’s wrong?" My father asked in a concerned voice.

A soft huff escaped her parted lips as she crossed her arms over her chest, like a toddler throwing a temper tantrum.

"Why does Evelyn get to work at Hart Group? I want to work there too."

"Oh...I—um—"

As my father pondered his response, an idea popped into my head. This was step one in my revenge plan. Knowing how much my parents, especially my father, valued his reputation, it was bound to cause some cracks between them.

I pushed the smile sneaking up onto my lips and feigned a concerned look as I turned to my sister and broke the news.

Two can play this game.

"But Jessica, shouldn’t you be resting at home instead of working? After all, you are pregnant."