Chapter 3 Trouble's Back

Katy stared at Julia, puzzled by her sudden question. Why now? Why this? She searched her mind for the right response but found herself hesitating. Did she truly know how much she loved Tom? She was certain she loved him, wasn't she? But why did Julia's question leave her feeling so uncertain?

"I'm marrying him, Julia. That must mean I love him," Katy replied, her voice measured and uncertain as she turned her focus back to the computer screen on her desk.

Julia leaned back in her chair, folding her arms with a smirk. "Took you long enough to answer. And that look on your face? It tells me there's something you're not saying. What is it?"

Katy avoided eye contact, pretending to study a spreadsheet. Julia wasn't one to let things slide, though.

"Listen, Katy," Julia began again, her tone softer. "I know we're not the closest of friends, but I've been around long enough to notice when something's bothering you. You're the type to keep things bottled up. But now's not the time to hold back. What's on your mind?"

Katy sighed deeply, the weight of Julia's words pressing on her. Finally, she turned to face her friend.

"I love Tom," Katy admitted, though her voice wavered. "That's why I'm marrying him. But..."

"But?" Julia interjected, leaning forward.

"But sometimes, I feel like something is missing. It's not about Tom; he's amazing. Sweet, thoughtful, reliable. I just... I don't know if I've figured myself out yet. Maybe getting married will help me understand what I want, who I want to be."

Julia gave her a long, contemplative look before shaking her head. "That's a risky gamble, Katy. Marriage is a big deal, and if you're not completely sure, you need to think carefully. But hey, who am I to talk? I've married no one, dated everyone, and love my single life!"

Katy chuckled, grateful for Julia's levity. "No harm in being single and exploring the world, huh?"

"None at all," Julia grinned.

Their laughter was interrupted by a knock on the door. Katy's assistant, Sam, peeked in. "Sorry to interrupt, Katy, but your mom is on the line."

Katy turned to the phone on her desk. "Hi, Mom," she answered.

"Katy, we need you home tonight," Lucy's voice came through, cheerful but insistent.

"Is everything okay?" Katy asked, a hint of worry creeping into her tone.

"Oh, yes! It's just that Sonia's back from Alaska. She arrived earlier today."

Katy froze. "Sonia? She's back?"

"Yes! Isn't it wonderful? We're having a family dinner. You'll be here, right?"

Katy forced a polite reply before hanging up. She turned to Julia, her expression shifting from surprise to irritation.

"You don't look too thrilled about your sister being home," Julia remarked.

"That's because she's always bad news," Katy muttered.

~~~

Later that evening, Katy pulled into the driveway of her parents' home. Her heart sank as she stepped out of the car. The sight of her younger sister, Sonia, waiting by the front door, brought back memories she'd rather forget.

Sonia looked stunning as always, her tall frame accentuated by tight black leather pants, a sleek blue jacket, and towering six-inch heels. Her dark hair was pulled into a perfect ponytail, and her confident smile oozed trouble.

"Hey, big sis!" Sonia greeted, striding forward to embrace Katy in an overly enthusiastic hug.

"Oh... hey," Katy replied, keeping her tone neutral.

"I've missed you so much," Sonia gushed, hugging her again just as their mother, Lucy, appeared in the doorway.

"Look at you two, just like old times!" Lucy beamed. "Come on in, dinner's ready."

Inside, the dining table was set, and the rest of the family was already seated-Katy's father, James, and her older brother, Ric. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken tension as everyone settled down.

Katy focused on her plate, determined to avoid unnecessary conversation, but Sonia had other plans.

"So, Katy," Sonia began, her voice dripping with faux sweetness, "how's the wedding planning going?"

Katy glanced up, meeting her sister's calculating gaze. "It's going well," she replied carefully. "Tom and I are getting married in four days."

"Four days?" Sonia gasped theatrically. "And you didn't think to tell me?"

Katy shifted uncomfortably, glancing at her father, who seemed oblivious to the growing tension. She opened her mouth to explain, but Sonia wasn't done.

"You know, I would've made an amazing maid of honor," Sonia continued, feigning hurt. "But I guess you didn't think I'd care. Why wouldn't you tell your own sister about your wedding?"

Katy's frustration bubbled beneath the surface. "Sonia, you're never around for family events. I didn't think you'd be interested," she said, trying to keep her tone calm.

"Oh, Katy, that's not fair! I would never miss your big day," Sonia said with a sly smile. "You should always feel free to include me in these things. I'm your sister, after all."

Katy clenched her jaw, but before she could respond, Ric interjected.

"All right, Sonia. Let's not make this a big deal. The important thing is you're here now. Right?" Ric said, his tone firm but diplomatic.

"Of course," Sonia replied with a saccharine smile. "I'll be there every step of the way for my dear sister."

Katy forced a smile, knowing full well that Sonia's presence would be anything but supportive.

~~~

After dinner, Katy retreated to her old bedroom, her mind swirling with frustration and unease. Sonia's return felt like a storm cloud hanging over what should've been a joyous time.

As she stared out the window, her phone buzzed. It was a text from Julia: "Survived dinner? Call me if you need to vent."

Katy smiled weakly. She would need all the support she could get in the coming days.