Chapter 3 Betrayal and Sacrifice

Riley felt like she'd been punched in the gut. She couldn't believe that Aaron, the guy she'd had a crush on for years, was now dating her sister. She felt betrayed, like he'd stabbed her in the back.

But as she looked at Rose, she saw how happy she was. Rose was glowing, and Riley knew that she'd do anything to keep her sister happy.

"I'm happy for you, Rose," Riley said, forcing a smile onto her face.

Rose hugged her tightly. "Thanks, Riley. I know this may be weird for you, but I really care about Aaron."

Riley nodded, trying to push aside her feelings. "I know, Rose. Just be happy."

Years went by, and the girls' dad passed away. But before he died, he was able to tell Rose how proud he was of her, despite her party lifestyle.

Riley, on the other hand, graduated with a first-class degree, while Rose graduated with a third-class degree. But Aaron was able to use his connections to send Rose abroad, where she studied and got a job.

When Rose returned, Aaron proposed to her, and they got married in a beautiful ceremony. Riley was the maid of honor, and she smiled and laughed throughout the wedding, hiding her true feelings.

As she watched Rose and Aaron exchange their vows, Riley couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. She'd thought that she and Aaron would end up together, but now he was married to her sister.

Riley pushed aside her feelings and hugged Rose tightly. "I'm so happy for you, sis," she said, trying to sound sincere.

Rose smiled and hugged her back. "Thanks, Riley. I couldn't have done it without you."

As the wedding reception came to an end, Riley smiled and waved, pretending to be happy for the newlyweds. But deep down, she was hurting, and she knew that it would take a long time to heal.

As time passed, Riley struggled to find a job in her field. Despite her impressive qualifications, she was met with rejection after rejection. Eventually, she had to settle for a teaching job at a local school.

While it wasn't her dream job, Riley was determined to make the best of it. She threw herself into her work, earning a reputation as a dedicated and passionate teacher.

However, her personal life was a different story. Riley still lived in their father's old house, which was starting to show its age. She felt stuck, like she was going nowhere.

Rose, on the other hand, was living a life of luxury with Aaron. They had a beautiful home, a successful business, and a loving relationship. But despite all the trappings of success, Rose wasn't happy.

She couldn't bear the thought of Riley struggling to make ends meet, living in a run-down house with no financial security. Rose decided to take matters into her own hands.

She convinced Aaron to help her get Riley set up in a better apartment, one that was comfortable and secure. They also bought Riley a brand-new car, one that would make her daily commute to work much easier.

Riley was overwhelmed with emotion when she saw the apartment and the car. She had never expected Rose to do something so generous and kind.

"Rose, I don't know what to say," Riley said, tears streaming down her face. "This is too much."

Rose hugged her tightly. "You're my sister, Riley. I want to take care of you. You deserve it."

As Riley settled into her new life, she finally felt like she was getting back on her feet. She had a good job, a comfortable home, and a loving sister who looked out for her.

But despite all the good things in her life, Riley never did find love. She never got married, and she never had children. She was content with her solitary life, but sometimes, in quiet moments, she couldn't help but wonder what could have been.

As the years went by, Riley became a respected and beloved member of her community. She continued to teach and inspire her students, and she also started volunteering at a local charity that helped underprivileged children.

Rose and Aaron would often visit Riley at her apartment, and they would spend hours catching up and laughing together. Despite their different lives, the sisters remained incredibly close.

One day, Rose and Aaron came to visit her with a surprise. They had been talking about starting a scholarship fund in their father's name, and they wanted Riley to be involved.

"We want to name it after Dad," Rose said, her eyes shining with excitement. "And we want you to be the one to run it."

Riley was touched and honored by the request. She had always been passionate about education, and she knew that this scholarship fund would make a real difference in the lives of young people.

"I'd be happy to do it," Riley said, smiling at her sister and brother-in-law.

And so, Riley spent the next few years running the scholarship fund, using her teaching experience and passion for education to help young people achieve their dreams.

As she looked back on her life, Riley knew that she had made a difference. She had touched the lives of countless students, and she had helped to create a lasting legacy in her father's name.

And even though she had never found romantic love, Riley knew that she had been loved and cherished by her sister and her community.

As Riley grew older, she began to slow down. She was still sharp as a tack, but her body wasn't as cooperative as it used to be. Rose and Aaron would visit her often, bringing her favorite foods and helping with household chores.

One day, as Rose was helping Riley with her gardening, Riley turned to her and said, "You know, Rose, I'm proud of you."

Rose looked at her in surprise. "What do you mean, Riley?"

"I mean, you've built a wonderful life with Aaron," Riley said. "You've got a beautiful home, a loving husband, and a successful career. I'm so proud of you."

Rose's eyes welled up with tears. "Thanks, Riley," she said. "That means a lot coming from you."

Riley smiled and patted Rose's hand. "I mean it, Rose. You deserve all the happiness in the world."

As the sun began to set, Rose and Aaron helped Riley back into her house. They sat down with her in the living room, and Rose took Riley's hand in hers.

"Riley, I want you to know that I'll always be here for you," Rose said. "No matter what happens, I'll always be your sister and your friend."

Riley smiled, feeling grateful for the love and support of her sister. "I know, Rose," she said. "And I'll always be here for you too."

As the three of them sat there in comfortable silence, Riley knew that she had lived a good life. She had made a difference in the world, and she had been loved and cherished by those around her.