Her Fiancé Chose Her Step-Sister, Leaving Him Chasing Regret novel
Asteria Mitchells voice trembled as she spoke, the weight of her decision pressing down on her. The call reached her mother, far away overseas.
Isabelle was silent for a moment before her voice came through, steady but with an undertone of acceptance. Alright. I'm growing older, and my health isnt what it once was. This family business will soon fall into your hands. The sooner you return, the sooner you can adjust.
Asteria's voice cracked, her attempt at feigned lightness falling short as a small sob escaped.
Her mother didnt ask any more questions, only letting out a long, heavy sigh. "I thought that child was different, but in the end he still walked the same path your father and I did."
Asteria stayed silent; her heart weighed down with sorrow.
Before tonight, she had truly believed Primo Chromos was different. They had grown up together as childhood sweethearts, their bond sealed at eighteen, a promise they both thought would last forever.
Primo was a rare gem in their social circle, standing as a beacon of virtue.
As the heir to the Chromos family, he was a far cry from the usual picture of indulgence and arrogance. Instead, he was known for his discipline, courtesy, and unwavering integrity.
Over their ten years together, Primo had never once been involved in any scandals, nor had he ever raised his voice in an argument with Asteria.
It was commonly said that, despite Primos quiet nature, his love for Asteria was unwavering, his devotion apparent in every unspoken gesture.
Yet, that night, the engagement party tore apart Asterias ten-year-long fantasy and laid bare the reality she hadnt wanted to face.
Primo had made the fateful decision to invite the one person Asteria wished to avoidher stepsister, Yesha Foster.
The moment Asteria saw Yesha, a flood of painful memories swept over her.
She remembered the day Yesha and her mother came, seeking to provoke them, her own mother breaking down in tears on the sofa, then leaving without a second glance.
Those two had slowly stripped away everything from herhumiliating and bullying her, day after day.
Overcome by a tidal wave of emotions, Asterias hand trembled, causing her wine glass to shatter. In a rush of instinct, she sought refuge behind Primo.
But this time, Primo shoved her aside, his voice cold and sharp as he reprimanded her, Asteria, look at yourself! Apologize to Yesha right now!
Asteria stood frozen, her mind reeling.
Following Primo's gaze, she noticed the faint stain of wine on Yesha's shoes.
The sight was more than Asteria could bear. With a sharp command, she called for security to drag Yesha out.
But Primo, his temper flaring for all to see, accused her of being drunk and losing control. He declared her unfit to be the future Mrs. Chromos.
In front of everyone, he left her standing there, humiliated, and walked away with Yesha.
Whether it was the alcohol or the sting of public humiliation, Asterias face burned with shame.
Unable to endure the mocking gazes and cruel whispers, she fled the engagement party, her heart heavy with disgrace.
She wandered aimlessly through the streets for over three hours, the biting wind seeping deep into her bones and her head pounding with every step. Finally, she found her way back to Willowcrest Manor.
If anyone else had appeared today, Asteria might have thought it was all just a misunderstanding.
She might have even been willing to give Primo another chance, to spend another decade or two at his side without expecting a thing in return.
But it had to be Yesha.
Yesha, the one who had stolen everything from her. Yesha, the person she despised more than anyone else in the world.
As Asteria made her way home, she struggled with the decision of whether to end the relationship.
When she reached the bottom of the stairs, two familiar figures caught her eye through the window.
There, in her bridal chamber, was Primo, holding the woman she hated most in a tight embrace.
Her heart pounded in disbelief as Asteria pulled up the surveillance footage on her phone, revealing a sight that would haunt her forever.
Primo held Yesha in his arms, his voice thick with regret. I regret it. If youll come back, Im willing to call off the wedding.
The words hit Asteria like a freight train, and she felt the world tilt beneath her. She crumpled to the ground, unable to support herself any longer.
When she regained her bearings, a sharp pain in her feet pulled her attention. She looked down to find her high heels soaked in blood.
These were the heels Primo had given her as an engagement gift. She had adored them, even though they were a size too small. After the long journey back, her feet were now covered in painful blisters, each one a cruel reminder.
After only a brief moment of hesitation, Asteria slipped off the shoes and tossed them into the trash.
Shoes that didnt fit, no matter how beautiful, werent worth holding on to.
And a marriage that wasnt right, no matter how much love had once been there, was no longer worth the fight.
With a steady resolve, Asteria made the difficult decision to release the man she had loved for over a decade.
But this wedding, the one she had dreamed of for years, had been her labor of love. Every detail had been carefully crafted, every moment planned with precision.
She couldnt bear the thought of letting her hard work be a gift for those two.
After a moment of deliberation, Asteria chose to bide her time. On the wedding day, she would expose their shameful betrayal, delivering a surprise that would haunt them forever.
She forced herself to appear unaffected, pretending the betrayal didnt sting.
Yet, her hands betrayed her, instinctively reaching for the surveillance footage once again.
Yesha, drunk and flushed, sprawled on the sofa in an almost pitiable state.
The very same Primo who had earlier scolded Asteria for her drinking, calling it beneath her, was now lovingly preparing sober-up soup for Yesha, feeding it to her with the kind of tenderness Asteria had once longed for.
Yesha refused to drink, a mischievous gleam in her eyes as she playfully kicked Primo. "Are you really going to marry Asteria?"
Primo, unfazed, gently took Yesha's foot in his hands and began to massage it, his touch tender and deliberate.
Yesha smiled, her expression one of satisfaction. "You dont even need to say it. I already know youre still angry with me. Everything youve done has been to push me away just so you could bring me back to you."
"All these years, youve never truly let go. This bridal chamber, decorated just the way I like it, the wedding ring you chose, and the high heels Asteria wore are all reminders that none of it ever really left me."
As she spoke, Yesha pressed her foot against Primos chest, a coquettish laugh slipping from her lips. "All along, the one youve truly loved has been me."
Asteria gripped her phone, her fingers tightening with an almost painful urgency.
Her heart felt as if it were being shredded in slow motion.
The most agonizing part? Even though she knew the truth, a small, foolish part of her still clung to the hope that Primo would stand by his principles in the end.
And then, as if to crush that fragile hope, Primo, who had been silent all this time, leaned in, capturing Yeshas lips with a kiss.
It was slow, lingering, a kiss drenched in longing, in love that had festered beneath the surface for far too long.
Asteria couldnt hold it in any longer. Her body trembled, a flood of tears spilling uncontrollably down her cheeks.
She remembered their ten years together, each attempt she made to kiss Primo, how hed always turn his head away, just shy, just reserved.
Back then, Asteria believed it was nothing more than his modesty and quiet nature.
She never imagined that all the passion hed kept locked inside was reserved for Yesha.
For ten years, they had shared a bed, countless stolen moments of closeness, yet Primos heart had remained firmly tied to his first love.
Asterias nails dug into her palms, the sharp sting a bitter reminder, each breath a struggle against the suffocating pain.
She couldnt stand it any longer. With a shaky breath, she forced herself to her feet and stumbled toward the roadside.
Just as she was about to hail a cab, a voice cut through the air, sharp and familiar. Primo called her name, his voice sending a jolt through her heart.
Asteria turned slowly, her heart pounding in her chest.
The instant their eyes locked, Primos face flushed with a mix of surprise and guilt. He quickly dropped Yeshas hand, stammering to explain himself.
Y-You know, Yesha drank too much. Its late, and its not safe for a girl to be out alone at night, so I just... brought her back here.
Shes your sister, after all. Its only natural for me to look out for her. And, well, shes a considerate girl. She left early, worried you might think the wrong things when you came home.
Primo, usually a man of few words, suddenly became an open book whenever it came to Yesha.
Each sentence was a shield in her defense, a testament to his unwavering loyalty.
Asteria stared at him, the man she had known for over two decades, and in that moment, he felt like a stranger, someone unfamiliar, someone lost.
They were supposed to be childhood sweethearts, bound together through years of shared memories and promises. She was the fiance who had stood by his side, weathering every storm and supporting him as he built his empire.
Yet, here she was, nothing more than a placeholder, a mere stand-in for the woman he had truly loved.
Asteria pressed her palms to her temples, the pain in her head overwhelming. The situation was too much to comprehend, and she couldnt bear to think about it any longer. Her gaze fixed on Yesha, contempt boiling in her chest.
Shes not my sister, Asteria hissed, venom dripping from every word. Shes the product of a mistress and now a mistress herself.
Yesha fell quiet, but Primos anger ignited.
He moved swiftly, placing himself between Asteria and Yesha, his voice rising in a roar. Asteria! What madness are you speaking? Apologize to Yesha, now!
No wonder your parents abandoned you. With that sharp tongue and poisonous attitude, its clear no one could ever love you. You deserve to spend your life alone!
In the ten years they had shared, Primo had never once raised his voice at Asteria. Yet, in a single day, he had scolded her twice, both times for Yesha.
Asteria could hardly believe what she was hearing. These cruel words, so sharp and biting, came from the man she had trusted with her heart.
Each word felt like a dagger aimed straight at her deepest, most vulnerable spots. It pierced through her, leaving scars that wouldnt fade.
She stared at Primo in disbelief, her tears falling freely as the weight of his words crushed her.
Her mind wandered back to years ago when they were just children.
Every time Asteria was scolded or hurt by Yeshas parents, Primo was there rushing to her side, his small body shielding hers.
When her tears fell, it was Primo who would whisper, Asteria, youre the best person in the world. If they dont want you, I do. No matter what happens, Ill always stand by you and protect you.
But years later, that once-vibrant promise had withered into nothing more than an empty jest.
Now, the one Primo wanted to protect wasnt Asteria, but Yeshathe very one who had caused her so much pain.
The blade that tore through Asterias heart was one she had handed over herself.
Seeing the sorrow in Asterias eyes, Primo realized, too late, that he might have pushed her too far.
A wave of guilt swept over him, and he quickly averted his gaze, his eyes falling to her bloodied feet.
Youre hurt?
Despite the years that had passed, Primo still couldnt fully harden his heart against Asteria.
He sighed, his voice heavy with frustration. Forget it. Lets just pretend everything you said tonight was because you were drunk. From now on
Theres no from now on. Asteria interrupted, her voice soft but resolute.
What?
A hint of unease crept into Primos voice as he sensed something was off with Asterias tone.
But the weight of the day had drained him, and his thoughts were consumed with Yesha, leaving him little room for Asteria.
Just as he was about to push further, he heard the unmistakable sound of Yesha crying.
Turning swiftly, he saw her running toward the middle of the road, tears streaming down her face.
He no longer cared about the doubts gnawing at him and rushed after Yesha, his footsteps urgent.
Asteria was left behind, knocked to the ground by Primo, the small stones digging into her already bleeding wounds.
She sat there, dazed, her gaze drawn to something that gleamed in the dim light.
It was a cheap crescent moon necklace. The chain was tarnished, and the design faded with age as if it had been lost to time.
Asteria reached for the necklace, and the more she studied it, the more an unsettling sense of familiarity washed over her.
Something clicked in Asteria's mind as the moon disappeared behind a veil of clouds: Primo had the same moon tattoo on his chest.
"So thats how it is..."
The scattered pieces, once overlooked, now connected like a thread weaving through her thoughts.
Cold and heavy, the truth settled in her chest: those ten years of love had been nothing more than a one-sided devotion.
Childhood sweethearts were no match for fates cruel hand.
In the years they had shared, Primo had only ever loved Yesha.
Asteria stood, her fingers tightening around the crescent moon necklace, the weight of realization pressing down on her.
With that realization, Asteria knew there was nothing left to hold on to.
She chose to walk away to make room for the lovers who could never truly be together.
After booking a flight ticket abroad, she returned to her room and discarded all the wedding preparations she had so carefully selected.
When her eyes fell on the wedding countdown in the living room, she paused, a flicker of doubt crossing her mind.
But then, with a quiet resolution, she tore off the word "wedding" and silently replaced it with "departure countdown."
Asteria decided that the next two weeks would be her farewell to everything from her past, ensuring she had no regrets left to carry with her.
Asteria had spent the night sorting through endless scattered belongings, only managing to finish around four in the morning.
After barely three hours of rest, the sharp, insistent ring of her phone shattered the fragile silence, pulling her abruptly from sleep.
Asteria, are you awake? I had your favorite soup delivered. I wont make it back today; well need to reschedule the wedding photos. Something urgent came up at the company, and I really cant step away.
Asteria pressed her fingers against her throbbing temples, her voice low but steady. Alright.
Perhaps her agreement had come too quickly, or maybe the faint sorrow in her tone was impossible to ignore.
Primos heart stirred with unease, prompting his voice to soften.
Dont let yesterdays incident trouble you. Ive already apologized to Yesha on your behalf.
Okay.
Yesha thinks the wedding is just a formality. She said we dont need to put too much effort into it. Our bond doesnt rely on grand gestures or ceremonies to prove itself. Something simple will do.
Ill go along with whatever you decide.
But within her, Asterias resolve had already taken shape.
This wedding would be the simplest in historyand perhaps, for her, the most bittersweet.
No wedding photos, no marriage certificate, no officiant.
And certainly, no bride.
After hanging up the phone, Asteria stood up and, with a heavy heart, crossed off the wedding photo appointment on the calendar with a thick black marker.
Primo had always been buried in his work, and Asteria had never found it in herself to disturb him.
So, when preparing for the wedding, she had bought a wish calendara token of all the dreams shed hoped to fulfill through this marriage.
Now, those once-cherished wishes were smudged out, swallowed by marker ink, leaving only the weight of unspoken regrets.
Asteria sighed softly, her gaze drifting around the room. Once bright with anticipation, the walls now seemed suffocating in their blinding red.
It had taken her the entire day to strip away the carefully crafted wedding room, piece by piece, until all that was left was the emptiness she felt in her heart.
By evening, Asteria saw Primo trending on the hot search.
Devoted husband Primo spends 8 million dollars on a vintage moon brooch to make his beloved smile.
The photo was grainy, but everyone assumed the woman beside Primo was Asteria.
Asteria let out a bitter laugh, the sound dry and hollow.
So, the wedding savings had found their way here, and they were spent on this absurdity instead.
In the days that followed, Primo never once returned home.
Asteria didnt ask about his whereabouts like she once had, always trying to handle everything for him.
She submitted her resignation, quietly saying goodbye to the few colleagues who had become close friends over the years.
In the following days, she began reaching out to others, gently letting them know about her plans to leave for abroad.
Her friends exchanged knowing glances as she shared her decision, sighing in unison.
We all suspected it, actually.
One of them pulled up Primos Instagram and handed the phone to Asteria.
Anyone unfamiliar would think thats you in the photo, but we know better. Its Yesha.
Only then did Asteria realize that, for quite some time, Primo had been with Yesha.
Primo, who had always been sparing with his social media posts, was now sharing updates several times a day.
They spent carefree days at the amusement park, tried on wedding dresses at a bridal shop, and went to the mountaintop to watch the moon and stars.
Primos love for Yesha was no longer a secret; it was clear and open for all to see.
The only thing he kept hidden was Asteria.
Seeing Asteria fall silent, her friends grew worried.
Asteria, are you alright?
You dont need to waste your tears on someone like him. Primo isnt worth your love. If he knew the truth about Yesha, hed regret it deeply.
Asteria smiled faintly, her gaze drifting to the busy street outside the window.
Im fine. I dont care anymore. But theres one thing I need to ask of you
In just a few days, she would be gone for good.
Asteria had no more room in her heart for anger or sorrow over Primo.
So when he finally showed up after days of absence, Asteria didnt flinch.
Primo looked genuinely overwhelmed.
Upon his return, he couldnt tear his eyes away from his phone, his hands restless and always moving.
Asteria sat beside him, quietly working on her laptop, transferring files from the surveillance videos to a USB drive.
Midway, Primos gaze lifted, sweeping the room.
Why does the house feel so bare? Didnt you decorate?
You said it yourself; keep it simple. Asteria wasnt concerned about Primo noticing anything.
Ever since Yesha had come into the picture, Primo seemed to see nothing else.
But this time, he caught sight of the countdown in the living room.
He smiled. Time flies. In seven days, well be married.
Asteria stood, tearing off two more pages from the calendar.
Our wedding is in five days.
The two pages were filled with wishes: Ride the Ferris wheel together and Watch the stars together.
These were moments Primo had already shared with Yesha.
A sudden jolt ran through him as if something important had slipped through his fingers.
He opened his mouth to speak, but Asterias phone rang, cutting him off.
When she saw it was her mother calling, Asteria took the phone and stepped out onto the balcony.
By the time she returned, Primo was once again lost in conversation with Yesha.
"Whose phone was that? I think I heard something about a visa."
"Its nothing, just work-related," Asteria casually dismissed it, her tone light.
Primo let out a quiet sigh of relief. "Thats good. Youd better not be planning a honeymoon trip. I dont have time for that."
"I know."
Since Yesha had returned, Primo had been glued to her, leaving little room for anything else.
They sat side by side, but the air between them grew thick with unspoken words.
Asteria felt the growing awkwardness and decided to break the silence. She went to the bedroom and returned with the moon necklace, offering it to Primo. "How did it end up with you? Ive been looking for it everywhere."
"I found it on the road. Only realized it was yours after I saw your lost item post online, she replied.
Two million spent searching for an old moon necklace. And yet, the total cost of their wedding combined barely reached five hundred thousand dollars.
Primos obvious favoritism toward Yesha left Asteria in stunned silence.
He eagerly snatched the necklace from her.
Asteria glanced at his bare ring finger and suddenly asked, "Wheres your wedding ring?"
He froze, caught off guard. "I dont know when I lost it..."
Seeing the cold indifference on Asterias face, Primo felt something stir inside him, something he couldnt quite place.
It wasnt just the missing ring. It was something deeper, more significant.
An unsettling sensation crept through him, leaving him uneasy. Just as he opened his mouth to explain, his phone buzzed with a new message.
It was from Yesha.
Primo stood abruptly, the tension in his shoulders betraying his thoughts. He walked toward the door, only to stop mid-step.
Turning back, he leaned in and pressed a fleeting kiss to Asterias forehead.
"Sorry, my wife. Ive been so caught up lately, and youve had to handle everything."
"I promise, once this busy patch is over, Ill make it up to you. Ill make you the happiest woman in the world!"
In all their years together, Primo had never spoken to Asteria with such tenderness.
He knew women craved sweet words, but Asteria was different. Too understanding, too patient to demand anything. It was easier to shower the needy, demanding Yesha with affection.
Asteria stood there, watching his retreating figure in silence.
Had this been in the past, she would have been elated, believing she had finally broken through the cold walls of the man she loved.
But today, she simply washed her face with a look of disdain, brushing off the lingering bitterness before continuing with her routine.
Time moved at a crawl.
Soon, the day before the wedding arrived.
Only two thin pages remained on the calendar.
The wish for today read, [Have a reunion dinner together.]
It was a wish Asteria had held close to her heart for over twenty years.
But deep down, she knew it would never come true.
Her mother would never forgive Connor, her father, just as Asteria could never forgive Primo.
She didnt linger on the thought.
Instead, she applied a light touch of makeup and slipped into her favorite white dress, ready to face the day.
She went to the movies alone, ordering a full couple's meal just for herself, then took a solitary ride on the Ferris wheel.
When the Ferris wheel reached its highest point, the sun began its slow descent.
The golden orb sank beneath the horizon, and the city shed known her entire life was bathed in a warm, red glow.
A gentle breeze kissed her face as Asteria opened her arms, embracing the moment.
In that fleeting instant, it felt as though all the memories drifted away with the evening wind, leaving nothing but peace.
Asteria bought her last ice cream by nightfall and strolled out of the amusement park.
She sat on a nearby bench, savoring the ice cream, her eyes tracing the constellations above.
The night sky was her sanctuary, the one constant she could always count on.
During the countless times shed been cast out of her home, young Primo always held her hand, lying together on the grass, watching the stars.
But it no longer mattered. People around her would come and go, but the sky would remain unchanged.
No matter where Asteria went, the stars above always shone for her.
Once she finished the ice cream, she stood up to head home. Just as she prepared to leave, a message from Yesha appeared under the twinkling sky.
[Dads sweet and sour fish is amazing; you mustve never tried it.]
Asteria clicked open the video. The two families sat down to dinner, the table decorated with festive double happiness symbols.
In the center of it all, Primo and Yesha sat, the picture of joy as they discussed the wedding, laughter echoing around them.
Asteria didnt let Yeshas petty games upset her; after all, shed endured far worse.
Instead, she found it almost laughable.
The wedding? Whose wedding were they really talking about?
Was it hers, or was it Yeshas?
Without a second thought, Asteria deleted and blocked Yesha, then opened her chat with Primo.
The last time they had spoken was a week ago.
Asteria scrolled through the endless chat history, her eyes skimming over messages she had sent, each one an attempt to share something of herself with Primo.
She had poured her thoughts into those messages, from grand plans to the smallest details, like what she had for lunch.
But Primo rarely replied, and when he did, his words were all about Yesha.
Asteria felt her desire to message him slip away.
After all, with no response for so long, why continue trying?
When it rang, she was about to slip her phone back into her pocket. Primos name flashed on the screen.
"Where are you? Why arent you home yet? Its so late; why havent you come back?"
Primos voice held a hint of reproach as though she were the one at fault.
Asteria glanced at the clock; it was already 8:20 p.m. She couldnt understand why he was so eager for her return.
Primo often worked late, sometimes disappearing for the entire night.
Every time, Asteria would leave a light on for him, waiting in silence.
If hed been drinking, no matter how exhausted or aching, Asteria would always make him hangover soup.
But what had he ever done for her?
She couldnt recall a single thing, and irritation began to creep into her voice.
"Cant I have a life of my own?"
The words slipped out before she could stop them, and suddenly, she remembered Primo had once said the same thing to her.
There had been a time, not too long ago, when Primo hadnt returned home, and when she couldnt reach him, Asteria had panicked, searching for him in the pouring rain.
It was then that Primo had coldly spoken those very words to her.
At that moment, she realized that love and indifference often hid in the smallest of details, and she had loved so deeply in the past that she hadnt noticed the quiet signs of distance.
Now, Primos voice softened, a tinge of regret lacing his words.
"Asteria, its been so many days since Ive seen you. I miss you."
"Tomorrow were getting married. Im just worried something might happen to you. Please dont be mad, where are you? Ill come pick you up."
Seeing Primos message, Asteria didnt respond with much more than a simple share of her location.
It wasnt long before he arrived, the roar of his favorite Cayenne cutting through the night air.
Asteria opened the front passenger door as usual. Still, this time, her eyes caught a pink cushion resting where she would sit.
The safety charm she had once begged for was replaced with a couples pendanta moon and stars twined together.
Suppressing the urge to confront the obvious, she moved the cushion aside, pretending not to notice.
Yet, when her eyes fell on a piece of lace lingerie, its shoulder strap was torn, and the bitter taste of hate rose in her throat.
She wiped her hands swiftly with a tissue, then silently moved to the back seat, eager to escape the mounting tension.
As Primo busied himself with replying to messages, he didnt notice anything amiss in Asterias demeanor.
He asked, almost absentmindedly, "So, what made you go to the amusement park? Did you wrap up all the wedding stuff?"
"Almost done."
Tomorrow, she could walk away from it all, forever.
Primo smiled, a hint of fondness in his voice. "I remember how much you always wanted to ride the Ferris wheel. When I get the chance, Ill take you out for some fun. I didnt want to interrupt today, though. It was my mom who wanted to see you."
"Its fine."
Asteria fastened her seatbelt, her silence thick with unspoken words. She wasnt eager to engage with him any further.
To Primo, the wedding seemed like something that only mattered to Asteria, a duty she had to fulfill.
Primo only seemed to remember her when there was something he needed.
After sending the last message, he started the car, casually playing a song that Yesha liked.
Asteria turned her gaze toward the bustling streets.
The city was alive with beauty, neon lights dancing along the streets, perfectly complementing the starry sky above.
But after a while, the wind stung her eyes, and she felt a discomfort settle in, as though even the beauty around her could no longer soothe her.
When they reached the old house, Primo strode ahead, not even glancing back to see if she was behind him.
She followed into the living room, where the remnants of a forgotten meal sat cold on the dining table.
The maid bustled about, cleaning as both families exchanged casual pleasantries while Primo and Yesha shared lighthearted conversation.
In the midst of it all, Asteria stood like an outsider, unnoticed and forgotten in the grand house.
After a moment, Isabelles gaze finally found her.
"Asteria, come sit with me," Amanda said with a smile, tugging her hand gently. "Youre such a good girl. It's so simple, so beautiful, and you care so much for the family. A girl like you is rare these days."
Asteria offered a polite smile, the weight of her situation sinking in. Yes, a fool like her, willing to give without asking for anything in return, was indeed a rare breed.
Amanda continued, her eyes flickering over to Yesha. "Though with Primos position, he could have found someone more... suited, Ive always told him to value what he has."
"Youve been with him all these years without a word of complaint; you deserve more than this."
Asterias response was brief, a hollow smile playing on her lips.
Then Amanda spoke, her words cutting through the silence like a blade. "Asteria, youre not getting any younger. Why not quit your job and give the Chromos family a strong, healthy child? Stay home, care for your husband, raise childrenbe the dutiful wife and mother."
If Asteria werent leaving tomorrow, she would have shouted back.
To them, she wasnt a person. She was a mere tool to climb the social ladder, a womb to bear children, a decoration for their respectable image.
Most painfully, it dawned on her that none of them saw her as a real individual.
They all assumed Asteria should be grateful to marry Primo and take on the title of Mrs. Chromos.
Feeling an overwhelming surge of frustration, Asteria was about to walk out when someone arrived with several dresses.
Primo smiled, his voice laced with a tone that almost seemed like an afterthought. "Asteria, I know youve been busy lately, so I had Yesha pick a wedding dress for you. After all, her taste is always better than yours."
Yesha cheerfully skipped over, her voice bright as she spoke.
"Sis, Im your bridesmaid. Well make our grand entrance at the wedding, and everyone will see how stunning our Foster familys daughter is!"
Connor lovingly ruffled Yesha's hair.
Primo smiled, too, watching the father and daughter with affection.
But Asteria couldnt take her eyes off the wedding dress laid out before her.
Its yellowed fabric, cheap to the touch, and the large tear at the chest screamed of neglect and carelessness.
Yeshas bridesmaid dress was a delicate lace mermaid design that perfectly hugged her figure, making her look more like a bride than Asteria.
She twirled around, her smile gleaming with excitement.
"Its so perfect! If I had a crown, it would be the finishing touch!"
Primo didnt hesitate, smiling, "Thats easy. Asteria has one; shes the older sister and wont mind sharing with her younger sister"
His gaze shifted to Asteria, noticing the torn wedding dress she held.
"What happened here?" Asteria glanced at Yesha, and Primo quickly moved to shield her.
"Its just a mistake from the shop staff; it has nothing to do with Yesha. Ill have someone fix it right away."
Yesha pretended to show concern, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "But the bridal shop is closed now... Maybe we should just find a second-hand dress for you to wear, just for now? After all, you did say you wanted a simple wedding."
The room fell silent as everyone turned their gaze to Asteria.
Primo followed up; his voice was casual but firm. "Yesha makes a fair point. Asteria, dont be too stubborn."
With the power of the Chromos family, getting a new wedding dress wouldve been easy.
But they didnt feel Asteria deserved that kind of attention.
Rather than making a fuss, they figured it was easier to let her be, accustomed as she was to be the one to suffer.
Asteria smiled faintly. "Its fine. I dont want to be a bother. You all have your things to do. Ill take care of it."
With Asterias smile, the tense atmosphere seemed to dissolve instantly.
The conversation resumed, coffee cups clinking and laughter filling the air. At the same time, no one seemed to notice the silent weight of Asterias frustrations.
Primo knew how much the wedding mattered to Asteria, and he feared she might linger on the issue.
To ease the tension, he handed her a bank card.
"Dont worry about the cost. As long as youre happy, thats all that matters."
Asteria paused, then reluctantly took the card, offering a quiet "thank you."
That simple thank you seemed to widen the invisible gap between them.
Primo shifted uncomfortably, unsure of what to say next.
Yesha watched Asteria for a beat before heading to the bedroom to fetch a camera.
"Its not often were all together. Lets take a family photo now, before the wedding tomorrow. Itll be too chaotic then, and the pictures wont do justice."
Primo immediately agreed, pulling Asterias hand and guiding them to the center.
Just as the shutter clicked, Yesha stepped in front of Asteria. Before Asteria could react, she stumbled and lost her balance.
"Asteria!"
Primo was startled, his instincts kicking in as he reached to catch her.
But at that moment, Yesha began crying, her sobs filling the room.
Primo hesitated for a brief three seconds, the weight of the situation pulling at him. Yet, ultimately, he chose Yesha, his arms moving toward her while Asteria crashed into the nearby rack.
Primo gently pulled Yesha aside, his hands soothingly brushing away the tears that stained her cheeks.
"Dont cry. Your sister understands; she wont hold this against you."
The others gathered quickly, their voices concerned, pointing to the camera as they tried to lift Yeshas spirits.
Meanwhile, Asteria could only struggle to rise on her own.
A warm trickle ran down her face, and she couldnt tell if it was tears or blood.
As she wiped it with a tissue, a streak of bright red appeared, staining the fabric.
But no one seemed to notice. All attention remained on Yesha.
It wasnt until the blood on Asterias forehead had finally stopped that Primo came over with the camera, looking down at her.
"The photo didnt capture your face, and Yeshas pose doesnt look quite right. Should we retake it... Asteria, what happened to your face?"
Her forehead bled, but their primary concern was how unflattering Yeshas pose appeared in the photo.
Asteria shrugged nonchalantly. "Its nothing. Dont worry about the photo. Its getting late; Ill head home now."
What did it matter anymore?
The thought of capturing one more smile for the camera had already faded from her mind.
When Asteria made a move to leave, Yesha was quick to follow, her voice full of desperation.
"Sis, dont be angry. Its my fault. Im so hopeless that I cant do anything right. Ill find a way to make it up to you, I promise!"
"Ill go out and search for a new wedding dress for you; Ill cover the whole city if I have to, just to see you smile!"
With those words, Yesha rushed out, crying as if her heart had been torn to pieces, making Asteria feel even more guilty.
Primo, his patience thinning, snapped, "Asteria, what exactly did Yesha do to upset you? Why are you constantly causing her trouble? Ive really misjudged you."
Primo didnt spare Asteria another glance as he hurried to catch up with Yesha.
Asterias gaze lingered on his retreating figure, and a faint whisper escaped her lips. "Who exactly misjudged who?"
Her question hung in the air, unanswered and ignored.
Everyone always found fault in Asteria, blaming her for failing to care for her younger sister.
This was a scene she had endured countless times before, so familiar that she had grown numb to it.
Her eyes drifted to the clock ticking softly on the wall.
In just 24 hours, she would be gone.
There was no point in wasting her breath.
She brushed past Connor with the torn wedding dress clutched in her hands, walking out of the Foster familys old house without sparing a glance behind her.
Tomorrow, it would all be over.
When she returned to the villa, once decorated with festive charm, the bridal room now felt as lifeless as a forgotten model home. Its cheerful aura had been replaced by the chaos shed created.
The wedding dress landed in a heap by the door as Asteria pulled out her suitcase, methodically packing away the last of her belongings.
She had known Primo for far too longlong enough that their shared memories had seeped into almost everything around her.
But memories held no value now. She left behind everything but the essentials, unwilling to carry the weight of their past into her future.
She knew Primo wouldnt be coming back tonight, so she searched through their belongings without hesitation.
Deep in the safe, she stumbled upon a diary. Its faded pages carried Primos thoughts from eight years ago.
Reading it now, each word felt like a dagger, reopening wounds she thought had long scarred over.
Eight years ago, Primo, desperate to break free from the shadow of his "second-generation heir" identity, ventured out alone to build his own empire. Yet, his ambitions were betrayed, leaving him teetering on the edge of bankruptcy.
In the bleakest chapter of his life, he had crossed paths with Yesha at a modest youth hostel, a chance meeting that seemed to anchor him in a storm of misfortune.
Asteria stared at the diary, her fingers trembling as she turned the page. She yearned to uncover the truth, the story of what had unfolded between Primo and Yesha during those turbulent years that bound him to her even now.
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