*Chapter 2: The Past Revealed*
Sophia's words hung in the air, and I felt like I was drowning in a sea of uncertainty. My sisters had betrayed me, stealing my company and my fiancé. I wanted to know more about what had happened.
"Tell me everything," I said, my voice firm.
Sophia nodded, taking a deep breath. "It started a few months ago," she said. "Rachel began to manipulate the company's finances, using your resources to fund her own projects. She sabotaged your reputation, spreading rumors and lies about you to your clients and partners."
I felt a surge of anger and betrayal. How could Rachel do this to me?
"And Emily?" I asked, my voice cold.
Sophia's expression turned somber. "Emily started seeing your fiancé, Alexander, behind your back," she said. "She manipulated him, playing on his vulnerabilities and turning him against you."
I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. Alexander, the man I was supposed to marry, had betrayed me with my own sister.
"Why?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. "Why would they do this to me?"
Sophia's eyes filled with tears. "I think they're jealous of you, Clementine," she said. "You've always been the favored one, the one with the talent and the drive. They've always felt like they're living in your shadow."
I felt a pang of sadness. My sisters had always been competitive, but I never thought they'd turn against me like this.
"What about Alexander?" I asked, my voice firm. "What's his story?"
Sophia hesitated. "Alexander is a complex person," she said. "He's always been a bit...lost, unsure of himself. Emily played on that, using her charm and beauty to manipulate him."
I nodded, taking it all in. I would have to confront Alexander, to find out if he was truly sorry for what he'd done.
As Sophia finished her story, I felt a sense of determination. I would get my life back, and I would make my sisters pay for what they'd done.
But first, I needed to get out of bed and start taking control of my life. I threw off the covers, feeling a sense of purpose.
"Let's get started," I said, my voice firm.
Sophia smiled, helping me out of bed. "I'll be right behind you, Clementine," she said. "Together, we'll get your life back."