I’m Flawed but Real

1
The night before my sister was set to marry into the prestigious Ashton family, she finally spoke her mind.
Lindsay, she began, her voice soft as ever, I dont think you should be my maid of honor tomorrow.
I was in the middle of fastening a bracelet Id strung myself onto her wrist, and for a moment, I wasn't sure I'd heard her right.
Her voice was a familiar, fragile whisper.
I know youre my only sister, but the vitiligo on your face She let the words hang in the air. People will talk. I dont want Liam to think Im like a flawed gem.
She finally dropped the act. Frankly, having you stand next to me is embarrassing.
My hands froze. I never imagined she could think of me that way.
Our mother draped a cashmere shawl over her shoulders, her silence a clear endorsement of Rachels words.
Youve been good to me, Lindsay. Youve always given me everything since we were kids, Rachel continued, as if that made it better. But tomorrow is the most important day of my life.
Liams family is so prominent. I cant have his friends mocking him saying my family isnt presentable.

My gaze fell to the bracelet in my hand, a string of one hundred and eight lustrous pearls. I had chosen, polished, and threaded each one myself. It was supposed to be a part of her dowry, a gift from my heart.
Now, it seemed, it was just another imperfection.
Slowly, I unclasped the bracelet from her wrist and placed it back into its velvet box.
Alright, I said, my voice barely a whisper.
Rachel let out a visible sigh of relief.
Oh, Lindsay, youre the best. I knew youd understand.
Mom stroked Rachels long, silky hair, her eyes brimming with pride. Thats enough standing around. Go get some rest. You need to be the most beautiful bride tomorrow.
I quietly gathered the accessories I had prepared for the bridal party, packing each piece away.
I should have been used to it by now.
It all started when I was thirteen.
That summer, after a severe illness, a coin-sized white patch appeared on my left cheek. At first, my parents were frantic, taking me to every specialist they could find.
But six months later, my eleven-year-old sister, Rachel, noticed a similar patch on her back while bathing.
The atmosphere in our home turned heavy overnight.
The doctors called it an autoimmune disorder. The treatment would be long, expensive, and offered no guarantee of a cure.
I was thirsty late one night and overheard my parents arguing in their room.
Treat them both? my fathers voice was strained. The business is barely off the ground. Where are we going to find that kind of money?
My mothers reply was a low, chilling whisper. Then we choose one.
Rachel is still so young. Her life is just beginning.
Besides, she added, hers is on her back. Its hidden. The chances of a full recovery are much higher.
And Lindsay? my father asked.
Lindsay shes the older sister. Shes sensible. She should let her sister have this. Her voice dropped even lower. And honestly, hers is on her face. The damage is done. Why throw good money after bad?
The glass of water slipped from my hand and shattered on the floor.
I didnt cry. I just cleaned up the shards, went back to my room, and pulled the covers over my head.
From that day on, I was the sensible older sister.
Every resource, every ounce of attention, was funneled toward Rachel.
All I ever got was the same tired refrain: Youre the older sister. You have to look out for Rachel.
As I was ignored, the patch on my face grew from the size of a coin to cover nearly half my cheek, like a permanent flaw carved into porcelain.
Snapping back to the present, I put the last piece of jewelry away.
Mom, Im heading out.
She finally glanced at me, a slight frown on her face. Be here early tomorrow to help. Even if youre not the maid of honor, theres still a mountain of things to do.
I know.
I walked out of my sisters room. In the living room, my father was laughing with his future son-in-law, Liam Ashton.
When Liam saw me, his smile faded slightly. He gave a curt nod, a silent acknowledgment.
His eyes flickered to the patch on my face for less than half a second before darting away.
We had grown up together, inseparable childhood friends.
Before he left for college abroad, hed held my hand and promised, Lindsay, wait for me.
But when he returned, he found a me with a scarred face, and a brilliant, beautiful sister by my side.
He was disappointed.
And I never explained that the groundbreaking proposals at the company, the ones that made Rachel shine, had all originated on my desk.
Because, as my mother always said, the older sister has to support the younger one.
I stepped out into the night. The wind was cool against my skin.
I looked up at the moon. It was bright, round, and perfectly whole.

2
I arrived the next day before dawn.
Even stripped of my title, my duties were endless.
From the final check of the floral arrangements to confirming the details of the banquet menu, to running through the guest reception protocol one last time, I was a spinning top wound tight, never stopping for a moment.
My mother was pleased with my compliance.
She pulled me into the dressing room, directing the makeup artist on Rachels final touches. Our Rachel is a natural beauty. Look at that skin. A little makeup and she looks like an angel.
She turned to me, a tight smile on her lips. Lindsay, you should have the artist put some concealer on you, too. There will be a lot of guests today. Dont let it be too obvious.
The patch on my face was too large. No amount of concealer could hide it; it only made my skin tone look uneven and more jarring. Id tried once and given up.
Its fine, Mom. I have to be backstage. Theres no time.
I could feel the pity in the eyes of the makeup artist and the other bridesmaids. I pretended not to notice.
When the ceremony began, I stood in the darkest corner of the ballroom, a walkie-talkie in my hand, ready for any emergency.
Rachel, wearing the gown I had picked for her, walked down the aisle on our fathers arm, toward Liam waiting at the center of the stage. She was breathtaking, a true princess.
When my father placed Rachels hand in Liams, his eyes were red. He choked back a sob. Liam, Im entrusting you with our familys most precious treasure. You have to take care of her.
The hall erupted in applause.
I felt like a complete outsider.
Every detail of this wedding had consumed the last six months of my life. Even the down payment on the red sports car Rachel received as a wedding gift came from my savings.
My parents had told me the familys finances were tight after years of paying for Rachels treatments. They couldnt look cheap in front of the Ashtons. Youre the older sister, theyd said. Its your duty to help out.
But in this moment, no one remembered me.
The officiants voice boomed from the stage. Our beautiful bride, Rachel, is not only stunning but also one of Mr. Ashtons most capable executives! She has single-handedly spearheaded several of the companys most critical projects. A true talent!
I looked down, a bitter taste in my mouth. Those projects, those sleepless nights they had all become jewels in her crown.
During the reception, they moved from table to table. When they reached Liams friends, one of them let out a low whistle.
Hey, Liam, he said, loud enough for everyone to hear, your new sister-in-law is something else.
His eyes landed squarely on my face.
A hush fell over the room.
Rachels face went pale, her hand tightening on Liams arm.
My mother quickly jumped in, forcing a laugh. Oh, shes always been a tomboy, all work and no play. The workhorse of our family.
Liam raised his glass, his gaze sweeping over me with a cool indifference. Dont be an ass. This is Lindsay, my wifes sister.
I picked up my own glass, drained it in one go, and offered a thin smile. Enjoy yourselves. Im going to check on the kitchen.
As I walked away, I heard the whispers behind me.
Such a shame. I heard Liam and the older sister were childhood sweethearts
Yeah, but who would marry that? Its humiliating to even be seen with her.
The younger one is gorgeous and capable. She and Liam are a perfect match.
I slipped into the empty backstage area, finally able to breathe. My phone screen lit up with an old photo of Liam and me from high school. In it, the patch on my face was still small enough to be covered by makeup, and I was smiling, fearless.
Liams eyes in the picture were full of me.
Lindsay, you you werent like this before.
Thats what hed said when he came back, after seeing my face and meeting my "talented" sister.
He was right. I wasnt.
The bright, defiant girl I used to be had been murdered long ago by my parents mantra: Youre the older sister, you have to give way.
I deleted the photo, erasing a memory that had already rotted away.

3
Rachel and Liam spent two weeks honeymooning on a private island.
For those two weeks, the office was blissfully quiet. I poured all my energy into my new project: the Aura smart home system.
The day Rachel returned, she walked straight into my office.
Ugh, the honeymoon was so exhausting, she complained, though her tone was dripping with pride. Liam insisted on dragging me everywhere.
I nodded. You should get some rest.
Rest? No time for that. She sat down across from me and picked up my project proposal. Liam says the Aura project is critical. Its the companys core strategy for the second half of the year. There cant be any mistakes.
A cold dread washed over me.
And? I asked.
Rachel looked up, flashing an innocent smile. And so, Liam has decided that I will be taking the lead.
Lindsay, you have so much experience. You can be my second-in-command, help me steer the ship. Okay?
My fingers clenched into a fist, my nails digging into my palm.
On what grounds?
The words burned in my throat, but I couldnt force them out. I looked at her, and her eyes held the same entitled glint as they did when she was ten, snatching the only imported doll Id ever owned from my hands.
Back then, my mother had said the same thing: Rachel wants it. Youre the older sister, just let her have it.
Is this a company decision, or Liams decision? I asked numbly.
Is there a difference? Rachel laughed, clutching the proposal to her chest. Dont worry, sis. When the project succeeds, I wont forget your contribution. Were family. Whats yours is mine. Why draw lines?
She swept out of the room, leaving me alone in the suffocating chill.
That evening, I went home. My parents were on the couch watching TV.
Did you eat? my mother asked without looking up.
I cut straight to the point. The company gave Rachel the lead on the Aura project.
My mother paused, then a wide smile spread across her face. Really? Thats wonderful! Our Rachel is so capable. Such a huge responsibility right after getting married. Liam really knows how to pick them.
My father nodded in agreement. Rachel has the drive, and with her big sister helping her out, the project is sure to be a success.
My heart sank into a black abyss.
I was the one who developed that project. From start to finish.
I know, my mother said, her tone infuriatingly matter-of-fact. But youre her sister. Isnt it your job to support her? Shes the bosss wife now. If shes secure, your life at the company will be easier too. Why cant you see the big picture?
The big picture? I laughed, a hollow sound. Is my big picture just handing over everything Ive ever worked for to her?
Lindsay! my fathers voice was sharp, his face darkening. Is that any way to speak to your mother? After all the sacrifices this family has made for your sister over the years, you cant handle a little setback to help pave her way?
He stood up, his voice rising. Has that disease on your face twisted your personality, too? Made you this bitter and jealous?
I stared at the two people I called my parents, and they felt like complete strangers. They couldnt see my hard work, couldnt see my pain. All they saw was my flaw, and Rachels perfection.
I took a deep, shaky breath, swallowing the lump in my throat.
Fine. I get it.
I turned to leave.
Where are you going? my mother called after me.
Work.
I didnt look back. I couldnt let them see the tears in my eyes.
I stayed at the office all night. I compiled every core file, every piece of research for the project, and I bundled it all into an email to Rachel.
At the very end, I wrote a single line:
This is the last time I will ever step aside for you.

4
For the next month, I was Rachels subordinate.
I watched as Liams eyes filled with admiration and love every time he looked at her. Occasionally, his gaze would pass over me, and the disappointment seemed to deepen.
Then one day, my father called, his voice frantic.
Lindsay, get to the hospital, now! Your mother she collapsed!
By the time I arrived, my mother was already in the emergency room. My father was pacing outside, his face ashen, while Rachel sobbed in Liams arms.
A doctor emerged, his expression grim. Shes in acute liver failure. She needs a transplant immediately.
A transplant? My fathers voice trembled. But a donor?
Weve registered her on the national network, but theres no telling how long the wait will be, the doctor explained. The best option is a live donation from a relative. Her blood type is B-negative, RH-negative. Its extremely rare. Are any of you a match?
We all looked at each other. Dad was Type A. Liam was Type O.
Rachel and I were sent for blood tests.
Every second in that waiting room felt like an eternity. Rachel clutched my hand, her palm icy and shaking. Lindsay, Im so scared
I squeezed her hand back, patting it gently.
An hour later, a nurse returned with the results.
Who is Lindsay?
I am, I said, standing up.
Your blood type is a perfect match with the patients. After a preliminary evaluation, you are a viable donor.
Every eye in the room fixed on me.
Rachels hand slipped from mine as she let out a long, shuddering breath of relief.
The nurse then turned to her, her tone clinical. Miss Rachel, your blood type is B-positive. You are not a match.
Rachel froze.
We all knew Mom had what they called golden blood, the rarest type. Wed always assumed at least one of us had inherited it.
No one ever imagined the lucky one would be methe flawed, forgotten daughter.
My mother was moved to the ICU. The surgery was scheduled for the next morning.
I went in to see her beforehand. She was a frail figure in the hospital bed, hooked up to a web of tubes. When she saw me, her clouded eyes brightened, and she weakly reached out her hand.
I walked over and took it.
She opened her mouth, her voice a faint rasp. I leaned in close, my ear next to her lips.
Rachel, my sweet girl I knew I knew you would save me
She called me by my sisters name as she squeezed my hand.
In that instant, I felt the blood turn to ice in my veins. At deaths door, the only person in her heart was her perfect, flawless daughter.
I wasnt even worthy of being named.
Slowly, deliberately, I pried her fingers from my hand. I looked at her, my face a blank mask.
When I stepped out of the room, my father and Liam rushed toward me.
Lindsay, how is she?
Seeing the same desperate hope on their faces, I almost laughed.
The surgery can happen, I said, my voice clear and cold.
But I have a condition.

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