Chased by my Ex Husband novel Chapter 2

Grace

When I arrive at the venue, dressed in a green cocktail dress, the birthday party is already in full swing. People are mingling and the soft piano tune is playing in the background.

After I step inside the Hall of the Whitlock’s Mansion that is my home, several eyes turn to me. Most of them are family members who are aware of Lily’s side of the story. They hate me for trying to ruin their reputation three years ago by forcing Lily to make a run.

They won’t believe me either because my elder sister is the beloved child. She is excellent at everything she does, and her beauty can charm a stone heart.

That’s what she is doing even now. She is standing in the middle of the Hall with a group of people around her.

Her dark locks cascade down her back in waves, complimenting her fair skin and small face. Her grey eyes are enchanting, unlike my black eyes and simple features. Confidence reeks off her. She commands attention wherever she goes.

In comparison, I don’t feel comfortable among people. I like staying in and doing things with the people I love instead of socializing. It just shows and people think I hate them.

“ Gracie! ” Her sweet voice rings in my ears all of a sudden.

I blink, shifting my attention to her. All eyes are on me.

My parents who are beside her share a look of anger and disappointment. While the other family members look me up and down in a humiliating way.

I told myself that I am used to this treatment but every time, they look at me like I should have died a long time ago, something breaks inside me. Yet, I endure everything in hopes that soon, Ethan will come to his senses and return to me. The world doesn’t matter as long as he is there.

“ Come here! ” Lily smiles widely, her red lips looking alluring.

With a heavy heart, I saunter over and stand beside her. Instantly, Lily embraces me tightly.

“ What took you so long, Baby sis? Do you hate me so much that you didn’t want to attend my birthday party? ” She whispers sadly.

“ What kind of sister are you? After doing all those evil deeds, you are still arrogant. ” Mom snaps angrily

“ Mom, please don’t be angry with Gracie. You know she just loved Ethan too much. I left because she wanted him but it’s not her fault. It was my choice. ” Lily pulls apart and turns to our mother who is glaring me down.

She is good at blaming me and acting innocent at the same time. It’s nothing new. All our lives, Mom and Dad cherished her like their treasure.

Whenever she wanted something, they got it for her. Even if that thing belonged to me, even if it was something I loved and would cry days over, my parents would snatch it away and give it to her.

In the end, they would tell me that my sister needed it more than I did, that I was strong and would get over it but Lily wouldn’t.

Lily is innocent. Lily is sensitive. Lily’s heart is weak. You should give up everything for your elder sister. Don’t compete with her.

“ Such a shameless sister! Wanting your sister’s man and yet acting innocent! ” Aunt Maria scoffs from the side.

A self-deprecating smile plays on my lips. How does my husband belong to her? I don’t understand that.

These people were grateful when I married Ethan in place of Lily who abandoned him without a thought but now, they hate me for it because she is back.

“ She was always like this. It’s my fault for not correcting her before. ” Mom sighs, placing a hand on her chest.

“ Salma. It’s fine. It’s not your fault. The children are responsible for their mistakes. ” Dad embraces Mom and shoots me a glare.

His eyes tell me that he hates me. Everyone does.

“ What are you waiting for? Apologize to your Mom and sister! ” Dad adds.

“ Dad, please don’t be too harsh. Gracie didn’t mean to upset us. ” Lily rushes to their side and hugs Dad’s arm.

Like this, they look like a perfect family—the three of them. I don’t exist anywhere.

What have I done?