Rebirth After Being Betrayed by My Husband by Isabella Reed

Chapter 23

“Ahickey!”

finished

Rose froze, her hands instinctively flying to the spot on her neck where the mark was visible. Panie flickered across her face as she realized she hadn’t concealed it properly. She had been too careless, assuming everyone knew Ryan was her boyfriend. Lily’s unexpected presence and all the chaos had thrown her off, making her forget such a crucial detail.

Ryan standing beside her, felt his stomach twist. A flash of irritation passed through him as he mentally cursed Rose Before they had come down, he’d reminded her multiple times to hide the mark, warning her not to leave room for suspicion. Yet, here they were. If Lily grew suspicious, it could jeopardize everything he’d worked so hard to maintain.

Rose quickly composed herself, though a hint of embarrassment lingered. She offered a nervous laugh before speaking. “Elder Sister, this isn’t what you think. It’s just… a mosquito bite”

“A mosquito bite?” Lily asked, tilting her head as if genuinely confused.

“Yes, Elder Sister,” Rose confirmed, nodding firmly.

Ryan smirked slightly, watching the interaction. This was what he appreciated about Rose–her quick thinking and ability to spin a situation to her advantage. She could be quite crafty when the moment called for it.

However, Lily shook her head and let out a small chuckle. “Rose, that’s not a mosquito bite. It’s unmistakably a hickey.”

Rose’s composure wavered as her face flushed. “Elder Sister, you’re mistaken!” she insisted, her voice a bit sharper than intended.

Lily raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Oh, I know what a hickey looks like, Rose. There’s no mistaking it.”

That statement hit Rose like a slap. Her grip on Ryan ‘s arm tightened, a surge of anger and jealousy coursing through her. How does she know what a hickey looks like? The thought sent her mind spiraling. Could she and Brother Ryan.? No, that’s impossible. He couldn’t possibly like her, right?

Ryan wasn’t faring much better. His eyes widened as doubts began creeping into his mind. Does Lily have another man in her life? Is she cheating on me?

Seeing their reactions, Lily calm exterior.

almost laughed aloud. Their discomfort was satisfying, but she maintained her

you know?” Rose finally asked, her tone laced with

Lily replied

relaxed at her explanation, speaking in unison, “Oh, you’ve seen it in

out a relieved sigh and nodded, choosing to confess, “Fine, Elder Sister. You’re right. It’s a hickey. I’m sorry

hand dismissively, her smile warm but unreadable. “It’s fine, Rose. But tell me, who’s the lucky

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Chapter 23

me deeply and would do anything for me.”

Finished

hear. It’s important to be with someone who treats you well. So, who’s this amazing

“It’s a surprise, Elder Sister! I’m not telling you just yet.” In her mind. she thought smugly. If I told you, Lily, you’d be too

smiled indulgently. “As you wish. But do be

confusion. “Careful? What do you mean, Elder Sister?”

men today aren’t as loyal as they seem. Some are skilled at weaving a web of lies, trapping innocent, naive girls while keeping

his discomfort. Lily’s words

voice tinged with nervousness. “Don’t worry, Elder Sister. He’s not

a story about two stepsisters who fell in love with the same man. The guy was infatuated with the younger sister, but the older one–who was quite cunning–seduced him. She managed to carry on

laughter dying

turned ashen, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

their inner turmoil. The story sounded eerily familiar. Too. familiar. It was as if she

did you come across that story? Ryan finally asked, his voice

novel, Lily replied nonchalantly, a

“Lily, you shouldn’t compare fiction to

nonsense.”

tilted her head slightly, her eyes glinting with amusement. “Is that so, Ryan ? Don’t you: know that many stories are inspired by real–life events? I’ve even heard of countless tales about sisters betraying each other for the same man. Some men are so vile they toy with both siblings

do something like that!” Rose forced an awkward laugh, her