"Girl, now I need to go back home," I said, grabbing my bag and carefully packing the results.
"Hold on, young lady. We're going out before that," she said.
"I just want to sleep," I mumbled, giving her my best pity face.
"And you think you'll sleep once you get home?" she shot back with that knowing look.
Yeah… she had a point. A little fresh air wouldn't kill me.
"Come on," I sighed.
We walked through the mall, and I couldn't resist the baby clothes section. Tiny outfits, soft colors… I couldn't help reaching out to touch them. Pregnancy was definitely kicking in.
"I see that look," she laughed.
"You can't blame me," I smiled, trying to hide my nerves.
"All right, let's check them out," she said, gently taking my arm.
The baby section was even more amazing up close everything was so delicate, so perfect.
"Want to buy some?" she asked, holding up a tiny dress.
"I don't even know the gender yet," I said, scanning the clothes.
"Gender neutral works," she suggested, holding up a soft little outfit.
"It's beautiful. Yeah, let's grab a few," I said, adding more pieces to our pile.
We paid, and she turned with a mischievous grin. "Now, let's see what's new."
"Wait…" I frowned.
"What?"
"The gown section. I have a date with Jonathan this weekend," she said, practically glowing.
"Is he proposing?" I raised an eyebrow.
"I think so," she said, shaking my arm like a kid on Christmas morning.
"Girl, I'm happy for you," I said, smiling.
The boutique itself stole my attention. Soft lights made the gowns sparkle like jewels. Velvet curtains framed each display. Silk, satin, lace… every detail screamed elegance. Faint roses and perfume lingered in the air. Classical music played softly, and for a moment, I felt like we'd stepped out of the mall entirely.
I smiled faintly, remembering life before Dad's company started slipping into bankruptcy.
"Sis."
I turned and froze.
"What are you doing here?" my sister asked, clinging to Mike's arm.
Two months, and she'd transformed. Hair, style, confidence… even their relationship was out in the open. Interesting.
Mike still looked the same composed, neat, perfectly put together.
"What does it look like to you?" Florence replied, crossing her arms.
"I'm just asking," Janie said with that fake innocent smile. "This place is expensive. Where did my little sister get the money?"
Always the victim.
"Some of us actually work," I said calmly.
"Oh… my sister is misunderstanding me," she whispered to Mike, clinging to his arm, teasingly. "I just wanted to help as a big sister."
Mike gave me a disappointed look. "She means well, but you're always harsh toward her."
"We never asked for help," Florence snapped, rolling her eyes.
"Sis, don't be angry. I can give Mike back… and I'll leave the country," Janie said, voice trembling, tears rolling down her cheeks.
Wow. Drama queen material. She really should've been an actress.
"Don't say that," Mike said quickly, pulling her closer. "I love you. Claire, you know I only ever saw you as a little sister. Don't be selfish."
…Selfish?
After six years… just a sister?
For a second, my chest tightened, like something inside me had cracked.
"Wow. So now I'm selfish?" I asked.
"Sister, we're in love. I hope you understand," Janie said softly, rubbing her flat stomach while Mike held her closer.
Pregnant.
So she's pregnant, Stupid hormones made my eyes sting. Mike looked at her like she was everything. I felt Florence's hand wrap around my arm, gentle but grounding. I forced myself to breathe.
"Well… congratulations," I said, trying to walk past them before emotions betrayed me.
Her smug, victorious look followed me. Like she'd won. Maybe she had. But that? That wasn't going to break me.
"Come on, Florence," I muttered, pulling her along.
As we passed, Janie's voice cut through. "Sis… what are you carrying?" she asked, eyeing the shopping bags with fake innocence.
Damn. I Forgot to hide them.
But since it's already out… no point hiding now.
"Clothes. What else?" I said, meeting her gaze calmly.
"Those are… baby clothes?" she asked slowly. "Sis… are you pregnant?"
"Shocking?" I said, unfazed.
From the corner of my eye, I saw Mike's shock mixed with something darker… anger.
"You're pregnant… with a bastard?" she hissed.
That did it.
"Don't you dare call my child a bastard. And what about yours? Aren't you pregnant before marriage too?"
Her eyes filled with tears, right on cue.
"Oh… so now you're crying because I said the truth?" I dryly laughed, Florence smirking beside me.
"Don't talk about my child like that," Mike said coldly, his jaw tightening as he stepped forward, his gaze flicking between us. "So it's true… you've been sleeping around. Wait until Mom and Dad hear about this. They'll be disappointed."