my name is Scarlet and at the beginning of last year I enjoyed gourmet meals a bit too much resulting in a weight gain of 5 kilog now at 43 I'm on a diet in preparation for the upcoming holiday season my plan is simple lose the weight now so that indulging over the holidays won't set me back it seems like a perfect strategy doesn't it with the tempting treats from Christmas to New Years it's a delightful Dilemma to face I might even tree myself to some Valentine's chocolate yes I'm already salivating at the thought it looks
like this year like every other might end with a few extra pounds today I want to share a winter tale with you one from when I was 23 after dating for several years my engagement to my boyfriend David was on the horizon the time had come for him to meet my parents a formal introduction that hinted at upcoming nuptials my parents were fond of David Paving the way for smooth discussions about our future however an unexpected twist occurred when my older sister Amara who is 3 years my senior returned from work it was clear from
the onset that she was inexplicably drawn to David sisters have a way of reading each other and it didn't take long for me to realize that Amara had fallen for David at first sight I hoped it was a fleeting Crush but during their introduction she blushed deeply and clung to his hand her dreamy Expressions didn't Escape me as inappropriate as it it seemed for her to act this way towards my fiance I chocked it up to an uncontrollable crush and chose to overlook it believing Amara wouldn't act on her feelings but things escalated after David
left fresh out of the shower and wrapped only in a towel Amara confronted me demanding I break off the engagement she accused David of being a philanderer and insisted I could find someone better despite her claims she had no evidence to back them up relying solely on a woman's intuition considering Amara had never been in a relationship I found it hard to take her intuition seriously after years of knowing David I trusted him and his Integrity choosing to focus on our relationship rather than the drama unfolding with my sister of course I didn't take my
sister's warnings too seriously and just brush them off with a nonchalant yeah I'll be careful since that conversation David began visiting our house more often he expressed a genuine desire to foster a strong bond with my family which I found endearing I was hopeful that this would help him build a positive relationship with my parents as they were quite pleased with him and I envisioned a harmonious future together however things took a rather awkward turn due to my sister's actions according to David whenever I was not around she would behave overly familiarly with him grabbing
his arm pressing close and even questioning my my maturity to him asking don't you think Scarlet is a bit immature she went as far as to ask for his contact details and once accidentally fell in a way that exposed her underwear David found these Antics more comical than alluring which was a relief because it could have been concerning if he were the type of man to respond to such advances despite her forwardness my sister perhaps believed she had a chance with David because he couldn't outright reject her without causing a family issue considering she was
my sister each time they met she would sweetly call out hey trying to win him over not just because it was love at first sight for her but also because David worked at a reputable large company she seemed to think he was the perfect catch who could provide a secure future he's Dependable has the kind of face I adore and is a good man she would say clearly Smitten by him amidst all this my parents didn't say a word about her inappropriate behavior this silence wasn't new they have always been somewhat passive when it came
to addressing my sister's Antics historically she has been The Sibling who never quite got things right for example when asked to heat side dishes she'd mistakenly use a plastic dish that wasn't heat resistant and end up melting it academically and athletically she also fell short often skipping swimming classes with a variety of excuses whether it was a hurt foot feeling unwell or skin issues and household chores were no different she never had a knack for those either in truth her looks were nothing extraordinary either but despite all these shortcomings my sister had always managed to
be the center of some kind of drama just like now with David as the eldest daughter my sister has always received special treatment from our parents they seem to have Sly assigned me the role of supporting her behind the scenes I've often been encouraged to Let Her Shine while I remain in the background a directive I find quite unfair it appears that my parents might view her as somewhat incapable and perhaps pity her more because of this which only drives their Indulgence I on the other hand have always been efficient and capable of handling tasks
swiftly perhaps for the adults there's no allure in mentoring someone who already excels independently thus making my sisters needs a priority and occasionally downplaying my abilities in public became second nature to me however as I matured and realized the importance of my achievements especially when it came to academics I began to resist this family Dynamic if I had continued to conform to their expectations I might have ended up undermining my capabilities my slight Rebellion seemed to cause a rift with my sister as she felt a loss of support yet our relationship wasn't deeply strained we
could still Converse normally and I often offered her advice on various matters our family Dy damic had its quirks with overprotectiveness toward my sister and some resentment Brewing from her end but I still considered us a perfectly normal family however the equilibrium was Disturbed when David my fiance did not return my sister's affection her frustration peaked on the eve of our wedding when she expressed a common sentiment about sibling marriage order to our parents lamenting I can't accept that my younger sister is getting married before me my parents tried to see her assuring don't worry
you'll find a good partner soon too Amara despite their reassurances the idea that the elder sister should marry first and that it was too soon for me to do so was a point of contention that lingered in the air but the wedding is tomorrow isn't it what are you saying mom don't you care about me I'm going to be the pitiful older sister who gets surpassed by her younger sister my sister lamented that night I overheard the heated discussion between her and our parents from the hallway was it really necessary for her to marry before
me if I had waited for her I would have lost Precious Years her Outburst seemed a bit extreme to me after voicing her concerns I thought she would calm down but instead she made a startling demand Mom and Dad will not attend the wedding tomorrow so please be satisfied with that Amara I was shocked both my parents had agreed not to come to my wedding to appease my sister it felt like they were adherence of a cult where my sister wielded undue influence this was beyond simple Indulgence fine I'll compromise let her have a wedding
that nobody acknowledges my sister grudgingly conceded it was clear she didn't want me to marry David likely because she harbored feelings for him herself the reality set in a wedding without my parents present all due to my sister's unrequited affection the wedding day was anything but joyful for me anxiety kept me awake the night before not anticipation but dread from recalling the distressing conversation between my sister and my parents I couldn't erase the image of my sister's smug smile when she heard our parents wouldn't attend at the venue I had the painful task of explaining
to David and his parents why mine wouldn't be there I apologize but my sister opposes this marriage so my family will not be attending I told them it was a heart-wrenching announcement to make my in-laws were stunned hardly believing that there were parents who would choose not to attend their daughter's wedding they were silent absorbing the weight of the situation feeling the heavy atmosphere my mother-in-law took my hand and my father-in-law placed his hand on top of ours remember that your family is here don't make this day a sad one come on why don't you
smile my mother-in-law said warmly offering the support and love that was missing from my own family at at that moment as I stood there on my wedding day tears began to well up in my eyes but David came to my side gently stroking my head and reassured me Maryanne I'm here as your husband so please don't worry about who isn't here seeing me start to cry my in-laws and David quickly tried to lift my spirits don't cry you're the bride and your makeup will run they said half joking to lighten the mood then my mother-in-law
looked at me earnestly and advised Maryanne it might be tough with your family situation but you're starting a new life today a wonderful beginning let's focus on building your own family despite feeling abandoned I felt a firm Embrace from my mother-in-law followed by David and my father-in-law joining in I reassured myself just as my mother-in-law had said this was a new beginning I resolved to build my own happy family that day David and I got married marking the start of our life together 13 years have passed since then David and I have been blessed with
three children a capable daughter who seems to handle anything that comes her way and two mischievous sons who love to stir up a bit of chaos around the house sometimes I catch myself shouting stop it now and it surprises even me how much I sound like a mom in command David's career has flourished we've bought a house and we've been living a stable contented life then one day unexpected figures appeared on our doorstep my father mother and sister after the wedding I kept my distance from my family and didn't share my new address with them
but somehow they found us and showed up unannounced of course the words that greeted them weren't warm like long time no sea but rather what do you want to which my sister replied I have a favor to ask of you my parents chimed in it's something only you can do for us looking at me earnest ly I was bewildered wondering what they could possibly need from me after 13 years of estrangement I remained silent half curious and half fearful as my mother spoke up we want you to give David to your sister both David and
I were shocked by her words wait a minute what do you mean I need to give David away I asked utterly confused and alarmed by the bizarre request when I sharply questioned them my parents looked away guiltily while my sister stood there smug and proud despite being 40 and still single she seemed unfazed by her circumstances which now included unemployment since her company had recently folded it's tough my father explained we're worried about your sister's future being single and jobless we hope you understand as sisters you should feel the same internally I rebuffed their reasoning
with a firm no I don't think so but remained outwardly silent curious to see what they would say next my frustration grew as my father spoke slowly each word more absurd than the last she's always like David and she's still alone because of that you've had your time with David haven't you could you please let your sister have him for the rest of her life what do you mean I asked incredulous David was equally shocked struggling for Words Meanwhile my parents continued to plead and my sister maintained her hotti demeanor convinced she would get what
she wanted given my parents history of indulging her it wasn't surprising she believed this ludicrous request would be fulfilled as I stood there dumbfounded David pulled me aside and whispered this might actually be a chance to put an end to all this remember that joke you made when you were drunk it's like it's coming to life emboldened we faced my family again do you really love David that much I asked her taken aback by my direct question my sister stammered visibly shocked yes I really have loved him all this time that's quite a long time
to continue loving someone who's married to another I noted her response was filled with conviction it's been very painful watching you two together it should have been me stunned by her intense words David and I struggled to maintain our composure I decided to play along with the charade a bit longer if you love him that much I'll step aside I declared shocking everyone especially our parents really don't you love David too my mother quickly interjected no actually David chimed in playing his part to tell you the truth I've always had feelings for Amara my sister's
face lit up with delight really I knew it this surreal exchange left everyone reeling as David and I watched their reactions barely keeping ourselves from laughing at the absurdity of the situation we had orchestrated the reality was of course that David and I were securely United but sometimes going along with a ludicrous scenario was the only way to highlight its Ridiculousness as I hugged David I noticed his eyes shimmering with a playful love I've been waiting for this moment he said his voice quivering with suppressed laughter beside me David feigned crying but his shaking shoulders
gave him away we just have to get through this little performance I whispered we'll always be together from now on suddenly my sister began to speak to David as if they had been intimate for years it sounded so natural as if in her mind she had been living a romantic Saga with David for the past 13 years Amara I'm happy please be my support from now on David said with a grin yes absolutely she replied eagerly so I'm going to quit my job really David's announcement wiped the blush from my sister's face replacing it with
shock I want to be with you Amara all the time so I'm quitting my job to always be by your side I won't even go outside anymore I'll follow you to the bathroom and watch you do housework David's cheerful tone left my sister flustered and panicking our parents too couldn't hide their disturbance but I'm not working either and this is troubling she stammered what's troubling if we're together we have nothing to fear we don't need money to be happy David continued pushing the absurdity further but nowadays we need to pay for insurance right it's not
like the old times we can't love each other if there's no money seizing the moment I chimed in David if we do end up divorcing I'll be taking a generous share of the assets so you better pay up don't worry your sister and parents will take care of the payments David replied with a laugh hearing this our parents went pale and looked at each other in disbelief Amara this is hard to say but this isn't right stealing a husband from your sister exactly Amara that is indeed the case but where had all the previous passion
gone it was as if our parents had suddenly come to their senses what are you talking about you promis to give David to me Amara protested but Amara that was before I don't want to hear it our mother interjected doesn't anyone support me as my sister ranted she grabbed our mother's hair and my father struggled to mediate the chaos in the commotion David calmly captured everyone's attention honestly you are not my type I respect you as Maryann sister but apart from that I don't want to interact much with you especially that upward gaze you give
it actually turns me off the thought that someone Harbors unrequited feelings for me is quite difficult David's candid remarks left both my sister and our parents speechless but David what was all that earlier Amara demanded please stop being so casual with someone else's husband there's no way he could fall for you I concluded firmly putting an end to the absurdity that had spiraled far beyond a mere family dispute as I watched my sister walk towards David with a pale face I intervened we have a family and we are living happily her steps halted as she
turned to face me what you tricked me she exclaimed how can you think someone who hasn't contacted you for 13 years loves you isn't that unrealistic I challenged her hoping to inject some sense into the situation her face flushed red and tears of frustration welled in her eyes if you were truly an attractive Prospect maybe but no one finds charm in someone unemployed dependent on their parents and lacks any self-sufficiency because her mother has always done everything for her I continued my words sharp and unyielding David snickered quietly behind me understanding the reality of the
words struck by the truth my sister's frustration turned to loud crying her tears Unstoppable our parents attempting to console her looked on with expressions of dawning realization and confusion as if finally acknowledging the harsh truth of the situation therefore I'm not handing over David please give up Amara I stated firmly at this my sister's crying intensified her sobs childlike and unseemly for an adult take this experience as a lesson and please don't involve yourself with us again no matter how much trouble you find yourself in the future don't expect any help from us I declared
feeling the finality of my words as I slowly closed the front door when my children asked what had happened I responded lightly it's Halloween season so it seems a ghost came early my eldest child suggested let's exercise the spirit although I dismissed the idea it almost felt real with the Echoes of my sister's whal sounding like a tormented ghost outside another four years passed and my sister remained single she managed to find a job but her inappropriate behavior eventually led to her dismiss missile her rush into marriage and the result in troubles got her banned
from matchmaking events it seems likely she might stay single for life my parents are still working part-time tirelessly saving money for her sake they probably realize now that they can't rely on her for their future care I hope they understand the consequences of their Indulgence after all their hard work as a homemaker I've been fortunate not to worry about my children's school fees thanks to their Brilliance and my my husband's stable job sometimes I do wonder if having a job outside the home would help me shed the extra calories I tend to gain during the
festive season my daughter who is naturally slim and now hitting her growth spurt has started talking about dieting but I encourage her to hold off think about that when you're older like me I tell her my two sons are passionate about dancing and have recently made a splash at a local event bagging several Awards brimming with confidence they dream of one day joining BTS so I find myself hoping that the band stays together long enough for my boys to have a shot at their dream we are blessed with regular visits from my in-laws who are
as dear to me as my parents we relish the delightful meals we share with spring break on the horizon we're planning a spa trip eagerly anticipating some quality family time despite the challenges I faced before marriage my life now is brimming with happiness strengthening the genuine bonds of family I cherish the happiness that fills my days and look forward to many more years of health and togetherness hoping to share countless Precious Moments with our loved ones
