The villa buzzed with subtle tension as Meixiu and Ye Chen's connection became undeniable. While Meixiu seemed to glow with newfound happiness, Jiayi and Lianyi couldn't ignore the pangs of jealousy creeping into their hearts.
Jiayi sat in the study, staring blankly at the financial reports on her desk. Her mind, however, was far from work.
"It's ridiculous," she muttered, leaning back in her chair. "Why am I letting this bother me?"
But no matter how much she tried to suppress it, Jiayi couldn't shake the growing ache in her chest every time she saw Meixiu and Ye Chen together.
She thought back to the small moments—Ye Chen handing her a cup of tea during a late-night work session, his thoughtful smile when he noticed she was stressed. Those moments had planted a seed she'd never fully acknowledged until now.
"I've always admired him," Jiayi whispered to herself. "But that doesn't mean I—" She stopped mid-sentence, her heart betraying her thoughts.
Jiayi sighed, burying her face in her hands. "This is complicated."
Meanwhile, Lianyi found solace in her garden, her hands busy tending to the flowers she loved so much. But even the vibrant blooms couldn't distract her from the pangs of longing that had taken root in her heart.
She remembered the quiet conversations she'd shared with Ye Chen, the way he always listened to her with genuine interest. He had a way of making her feel valued, seen—something she hadn't realized she craved until now.
But seeing him with Meixiu brought a sharp clarity to her emotions.
"He's happy with her," Lianyi murmured, her voice tinged with sadness. "And that's what matters, isn't it?"
Yet her heart clenched every time she saw them together, and she couldn't help but wonder, What if things had been different?
One morning, as the three sisters gathered in the kitchen for breakfast, the tension was palpable. Meixiu chatted happily with Ye Chen, recounting a funny story from her workout routine, while Jiayi and Lianyi exchanged glances.
"You seem very chipper today," Jiayi said, her tone calm but laced with an edge.
Meixiu paused, sensing the undercurrent in her sister's voice. "It's been a good week," she said cautiously.
Lianyi remained silent, her eyes focused on her cup of tea.
Ye Chen, oblivious to the tension, smiled at Meixiu. "I told you that routine would work. You've been killing it lately."
Jiayi's jaw tightened, but she forced a smile. "It's good to see you so supportive, Ye Chen. You always know just what to say."
He glanced at her, his expression puzzled. "I just try to help where I can."
Lianyi finally spoke, her voice quiet. "You're very thoughtful, Ye Chen. I'm sure Meixiu appreciates that."
Her words were polite, but the sadness in her tone didn't go unnoticed.
Later that day, Jiayi found Lianyi in the garden, kneeling by the rose bushes.
"You've been quiet lately," Jiayi said, sitting on the bench nearby.
Lianyi sighed, not looking up. "So have you."
Jiayi crossed her arms, her gaze fixed on her younger sister. "We're both thinking the same thing, aren't we?"
Lianyi hesitated before nodding. "It's hard not to."
Jiayi exhaled deeply. "I've always prided myself on being composed, rational. But seeing them together… it's harder than I thought it would be."
"I feel the same," Lianyi admitted, her voice trembling. "I want to be happy for her, but part of me wonders… what if?"
Jiayi leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. "It's not just admiration, is it? We both feel something for him."
Lianyi's silence was answer enough.
That evening, Jiayi decided to address the elephant in the room with Meixiu. She found her sister in the living room, scrolling through her phone while Ye Chen was outside.
"Meixiu, we need to talk," Jiayi said, sitting across from her.
Meixiu looked up, her smile fading at Jiayi's serious tone. "What's wrong?"
Jiayi took a deep breath. "I want to be honest with you. Seeing you and Ye Chen together has made me realize something… about myself."
Meixiu frowned, confused. "What do you mean?"
"I care about him too," Jiayi admitted, her voice steady despite the turmoil in her heart. "I didn't fully realize it until recently, but it's true."
Meixiu's eyes widened, and she sat up straighter. "Jiayi, I… I didn't know."
"I'm not saying this to make you feel guilty," Jiayi said quickly. "I just needed to get it off my chest. You're my sister, and I support you. But this hasn't been easy for me—or for Lianyi."
"Lianyi?" Meixiu whispered, her heart sinking.
"She feels the same," Jiayi said softly. "You're not the only one Ye Chen has touched with his kindness."
Meixiu stared at her hands, guilt and confusion swirling in her chest. "I never wanted this to happen. I didn't mean to hurt either of you."
Jiayi reached across the table, taking her sister's hands. "You didn't do anything wrong, Meixiu. None of us did. Emotions are messy, and we can't control them. But we can decide how we handle them."
Meanwhile, Lianyi stood on the balcony, watching the stars. When Ye Chen joined her, she smiled faintly but didn't say anything.
"Is something on your mind?" he asked gently.
She hesitated before speaking. "You've always been so kind to me, Ye Chen. And I've always admired that about you."
His smile was warm but cautious. "Thank you, Lianyi. That means a lot."
She looked down, her fingers brushing against the railing. "I just wanted you to know that I'm happy for you and Meixiu. You make her smile in a way I haven't seen in a long time."
Ye Chen's brows furrowed slightly. "Lianyi, I don't want you to feel like you're being left behind."
"I don't," she said quickly, though her voice trembled. "I just… needed to say that."
He reached out, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You're important to me too, Lianyi. Never forget that."
Her heart ached at his words, but she managed a small smile. "Thank you, Ye Chen. That means more than you know."