Love, curves and heartbreak Chapter 22

And suddenly... everything changes.

My boss told me that I was getting a raise and a promotion. Clark even told me that he'd be hiring someone more junior to help me. That was really unusual. The company's finances must have really improved with the arrival of Ethan and his client portfolio.

The extra money came in handy to pay off my debts and even save a little. It was a really comforting experience, I honestly felt happy.

Of course that situation with Ethan was awkward, but it's true that I hardly saw him anymore, and he was extremely professional.

He never messages me again, just a few mails that were right and polite. In meetings, he wouldn't even look at me. We didn't talk anymore. If I enter a room, he leaves it, if we had lunch or dinner related to work... he usually disappears.

He was like a ghost. I felt... weird. But nevertheless, my life was improving.

On the other hand, I couldn't get away from Lily and the Fairfaxes. Lily was getting nicer every day and her parents were adorable. The wedding plans were well and it was going to be a amazing event, the kind you always remember.

They were so focused on this event that the whole family was fully involved. And one day Lili came to me with an interesting proposal.

"We want your design services for my wedding" Prissy.

"Mmm... Yes, that's why I'm helping you, you know you can count on me," I told her. Why would I deny it? I wouldn't be able to get out of it.

"I mean exactly that I want to hire your services" she said smiling, and I was stunned, by the looks that her parents gave me, it was obvious that they agreed with this.

"But really this is not necessary... you know I do it because I appreciate you all very much" I say. At least, almost every Fairfax.

"We know, and we adore you for that, but we believe that every work has to be rewarded, that's why we want to give you a salary" she ays. What?

"No no please... really. My help could be my wedding gift to you.... plus it would help me for future references, I'm earning on this too"

"I'm sorry dear this is a family decision, and we are firm" said his mother and left me with no options.

"It's already decided!" Lily happily says and talk about the flowers for the wedding.

So now I had a new good income, and it wasn't bad at all, my work with Lily included brunches in nice restaurants with Maggie and Lily, visits to the best suppliers of fabrics, furniture, decorations and so on.

And being with them was fantastic. Ethan was rarely in sight. He went to family meetings and always left early. Sometimes I would catch him looking at me, or even trying to get closer, only to regret it and turn away. I must confess that my heart would race like crazy when that happened.

It was weird, but really... my life was getting better. So when my mom invited me to a family dinner over the weekend, I thought it was a good idea. After all, I had some good news. Lunch was just the three of us.

"Did you get a raise? asked my mother in amazement.

"Yes, my boss is happy with my work and I have more and more responsibilities," I say happily.

"Are you fucking kidding me? Your work is nonsense. A child could do it" my sister says. I really couldn't let that go.

"Actually there are so many responsibilities that my boss is looking for add another designer... so can help me" I add, and she looks unhappy.

"Your boss must be an idiot..." she says bitterly, and I add.

"Ohh and Lily also wants me to help her with the wedding, she even hired me. Is she a idiot too?" I say proudly, and this seems to astonish her even more. Her face looks in shock.

"You?... What?"

"Yes, she said she needs me. So far, Maggie has liked my ideas," I explain.

"But why didn't she tell me? I am her best friend! Besides, everyone knows my style is impeccable, and my taste is exceptional. Everyone says so!" I don't know who "everyone" is, but I don't care. Her expression is bitter.

"Caroline, your sister is a designer, of course Lily wanted to hire her! Besides, I'm sure Lily will be looking for us when she decides on her hairstyle for the big day," my mother says, then looks at me and says happily.

"Congratulations, dear! Ahhh, the Fairfaxes are so elegant and unique," he says, clapping his hands happily.

"I still can't believe it. I'm the maid of honor. I'm special! She needs me! I think she may have told me that she hired you, but I thought it was a joke" my sister continues grumbling. Dear Lord.

"Sure you do, go talk to her, dear" my mother insists while Caroline keeps throwing daggers at me with his gaze.

We talk a little more about the Fairfaxes and my mom comes out with a comment I didn't see coming

"You know? I think Ethan has a lot to do with this," she says, and I get lost for a second. What does Ethan have to do with this?

"With what, Mom?" my sister asks before me.

"With the good news from Prissy, of course. Ethan brings important clients to the company Prissy works for, doesn't he? And I'm sure he told Lily about your great work," she says, leaving me speechless.

"Ethan?" Caroline looks at me strangely, I think her mind cannot conceive of Ethan and me doing anything together. Neither do I... at least a few weeks ago.

"Ethan has always been such a nice and thoughtful boy. And handsome! My God... he really gets all the looks. I guess it won't be long before he brings us a beautiful girl, a model, or a celebrity, can you imagine?. I'm sure he's got several women crazy about him" she continues, all this babbling.

He... with someone. A model, a celebrity, a stunning woman. The idea hits me like a bucket of cold water, even though I don't have the right to be angry. I pushed him away, didn't I?

"Oh yeah, Ethan is fucking hot. I mean the sexiest man in high school... and now he's looking even better" my sister says smiling.

"Caroline! don't talk about him like that!" my mom yells.

"But is true! He is gorgeous... and successful and rich" Caroline continue.

"Well, yes...but what I mean is that he always tried to help us. I think he has a special place in his heart for us, don't you? I must call him to thank him" my mom adds.

I want to die. How is it possible that my accomplishments are now due to him? I am the one who is a workaholic. It is unbelievable.

"I really don't think Ethan did this, Mom... he's barely at the wedding rehearsals and even less at work" I say nervously.

"But of course he was! I've seen him in meetings with Lily...coincidentally when you're not there" Caroline says with self-confidence and all bad intentions.

"I think he hates you, little sister, he never even mentioned you" she says, giving me an unpleasant look.

"Don't say such things Caroline, you know that Ethan has always adored your sister" oh God no, please let's stop talking about Ethan. I have no peace, even in my own family.

"Please Mom, Ethan has always been an important guy, he is not going to waste his time on... Prissy. In fact, I think he was interested in me. He tried to reach me, always looking at me, going where I'm going. But you know... he's the brother of my best friend, it's impossible" she says confidently.

I choked with my soda. What? My sister's imagination is really very fertile. Although... I'm not sure, maybe he dated the whole school as a teenager, I don't know. I want to throw up just thinking about Ethan and my sister.

"I'm sure dear... you are such a beautiful woman. But well... you're with your new boyfriend Alexander, right? When are we going to meet him, honey? My mom asks, raising her eyebrows, but not looking at my sister.

"Ohh very soon. He is... very busy with his work on a very famous television series where he works. In fact, he is on a trip to Europe! He soon will send me money so we can choose where to live. I mean... he's rich" she says, smiling excitedly.

"Shouldn't you meet him in person first?" I ask. It seems obvious, but my sister's brain works differently.

"I thought you had already met him, Caro! Haven't you seen him on your travels?" asks my mother, very surprised.

"I didn't know you traveled" I add in shock.

"Well, yes... I traveled to Los Angeles, but he couldn't see me in the end. His job is very demanding. Don't you understand? I don't blame him, we agreed to see each other very soon"

Los Angeles? WTF? And she doesn't even know him? Either my sister is very stupid or... yeah... that must be it.

"But you have to be careful, Caro" I say, worried.

"Enough! You do not understand! He's a wonderful man, and you... what advice are you going to give me about relationships? Is this a joke? If you can't attract a fly or have any luck with men, you shouldn't rain on my parade! Fucking fat loser!" she yells at me.

What the hell is wrong with her? But as always, she managed to get under my skin and make me feel bad.

"Dear... we're just worried about you. Stop fighting, you two. I'll bring you dessert" says my mother.

It's always like this, when my sister goes out with her mistreatment, she avoids confrontation as much as possible. We eat our piece of cake in awkward silence, my piece is especially small. When I try to take more, my mother stops me.

"Oh no, my dear, I know you need to be able to get into the dress for Lily's wedding. I already know you did a pitiful show, with Lily's friends present! Oh, God! no...no more sugar for you," she says, patting my hand.

Of course, my sister must have told her in great detail.

"Fat ugly loser” my sister whispers to me looking at me with hate.