Fate at Work: A Love Compelled

"Jared" Tee squealed loudly while we all turned towards his voice with shocked faces.

"Have you all seen a ghost?" Jared asked laughing while Tee sprinted towards him. It was Jared, our big brother.

"I guess only one sister missed me then." He said smiling. The shock wore off and I leaped to go to him. I haven't seen him in ages.

"Long time no see, little sis" he said reaching out to hug me. I've really missed him.

"That's not fair Old man. I came to you first. It's clear that I missed you more, not her" Tee said sourly.

"You're being a baby Tee." He said "Need I remind you that you spent the whole of last month at my place? I haven't seen Jess in a year you know," he said

"Whatever" Tee huffed still tugging at his arm.

"You look different, Jess. I must say you're definitely living a good life" he said and I suddenly felt more conscious of my body. I didn't think I changed. But I just smiled back at him.

"I've changed too Old man. Can't you even notice?" Tee huffed again and I was glad she did.

"At least let him have a seat, Tee," Mum called out. "He's had a long flight," she added. We all took our seats at the table while he chatted with Mum and Dad. Mum brought him a plate so he could join us.

Jared hasn’t changed a bit, not a single thing is different about him from the last time I saw him, which was a year ago. He moved to Europe last year to handle the business expansion there while Dad managed operations back home. Our family has been running a chain of high-end restaurants for three generations and with Dad only a few years away from retirement, most of the responsibility falls on Jared, which is why he’s always traveling.

The morning of the party came too quickly and we'd all been busy since morning. Mum woke everyone up very early that morning with various tasks. She didn't want anything going wrong at her party that evening. Talk about a perfectionist.

Tee and I reviewed the guest list while Mum bustled around, ensuring every detail was perfect. I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. This party was a big deal for mum and I knew she had high expectations.

Just then, Mum approached us, her eyes scanning the list. "Girls, have you confirmed the catering?"

Tee nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, Mum. Everything's taken cared of."

Mum's gaze shifted to me, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Jess, you look a bit... distracted. Is everything okay?"

I forced a smile, hoping to deflect her concern. "Yeah, Mum. Just a bit tired from all the preparations." I said.

But Mum's intuition was hard to shake off. I knew that very well. I could tell she didn't buy it. She studied me for a moment before turning back to Tee. "Tee, help Jared with the outdoor setup, please."

As Tee skipped off, Mum's voice lowered. "Jess, can I talk to you for a minute?" She asked and my heart skipped a beat. Had she noticed something?

"Of course, Mum," I replied, trying not to sound nervous.

Mum's eyes locked onto mine, her expression turning serious. "I noticed you've been a bit... different since you came. Is everything alright, sweetie?" She asked

I hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. But before I could respond, Jared appeared, interrupting her.

"Mum, let's not bother Jess with questions now. There's a lot to do for the party, remember!" He said while I prayed to God she agrees to drop it.

Mum's gaze lingered on me before she nodded. "Later, then." She said, and I couldn't be happier.

I breathed a silent sigh of relief, happy that I got out of her questions unscathed. But my mind raced with worries. How long could I keep this secret?

As the party preparations reached their final stages, I couldn't shake off the feeling that my world was about to come crashing.

Later that evening, the party swung into full gear, with laughter and chatter filling the air. I pasted on a bright smile, determined to keep up appearances.

As I mingled with guests, I found myself dodging offers of drinks left and right. "Jess, have a champagne!" "Try this cocktail, it's delicious!" Each refusal earned me curious glances, but I played it off with a laugh. I was a known wine lover, so I would have been surprised if I were in their shoes too.

"Just pacing myself," I'd say, or "Need to keep my wits about me tonight."

Jared, ever the protective big brother, kept a watchful eye on me. I could tell.

"You okay, little sis?" he whispered during at one time.

I nodded, grateful for his concern. "Yeah, just a bit overwhelmed."

Just then, Don arrived with his parents. His mum beaming with pride looks my direction and I had to go over. We exchanged a warm hug, and I felt a pang of guilt. His parents were dear family friends. They chatted with mine. All of them oblivious to the complicated dynamics. Ray appeared soon after, his eyes locking onto mine with a mixture of warmth and joy. He looked happy to see me. I wish I felt the same.

As the night wore on, I found myself navigating a balancing act. Laughing with Don's family, exchanging pleasantries with Ray, and avoiding drinks offered by well-meaning guests.

Thank God for Tee. She kept me occupied with silly jokes and stories, providing a much needed distraction.

Mum swayed in her designer gown, gliding through the crowds, ensuring that everyone was having a fantastic time and Jared, ever the charmer, worked the room with ease.

As the music picked up, Ray pulled me onto the dance floor. Our bodies swayed in sync, but my mind wandered to Don, standing across the room, his eyes meeting mine.

For a fleeting moment, I felt trapped in a web of secrets and desires.

As I twirled to the music, Ray's warm smile and gentle spins made me forget, if only for a moment, the weight of my secret. Laughter bubbled up, and I felt carefree.

But then, I sensed Don's gaze. His piercing stare made my skin prickle. I tried to ignore it, focusing on Ray, but couldn't shake the feeling. What's wrong with him?

I scanned the room, searching for Don, but he'd vanished. Panic fluttered in my chest. Where did he go?

Ray noticed my tension and leaned in. "Hey, everything okay?"

I forced a reassuring smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just need some air."

Concern etched Ray's face, but he released me. "Go take a break. I'll grab you a water."

I nodded, grateful, and slipped away.

As I climbed the stairs to my room, my heart pounded. What was Don thinking? Did he want to talk?

I pushed open my door, seeking solitude. The music and laughter faded, replaced by silence.

In my room, I took deep breaths, trying to calm down. Why did Don's stare unsettle me so much?

Just as I began to relax, a knock on the door made me jump.

"Jess?" Ray called softly. "You sure you're okay?"

I opened the door, attempting a convincing smile. "Yeah, just needed a minute."

Ray handed me a glass of water. "You're not overdoing it, are you?"

I shook my head, feeling guilty for worrying him. "No, I promise."

Ray's eyes lingered, searching for reassurance. I leaned in, kissing him softly.

"Go back to the party. I'll join you soon."

Ray nodded, though his expression remained concerned.

As he descended the stairs, I closed the door, my thoughts swirling.

Where's Don? What did he want?