My Sister’s Ex Is My Secret Husband

The guys who wanted her treated me like a prized stepping stone.

The guys who wanted me were usually her faded leftovers.

I had spent my entire life trying to escape my sister, Victoria.

Until her favorite ex-boyfriend looked at me and asked, Marry me?

Staring into the sharp, perfectly sculpted face of Rhys Thorne, I heard myself say, Yes.

Six years into our secret marriage, Tori came home.

Everyone waited for their epic reunion.

I calmly booked a flight.

I have other plans. Youll have to excuse me.

1

I heard about Toris return in our old high school alumni group text.

Liam Chase, the class president, posted screenshots of their chat, excitedly announcing:

Our queen, Victoria Sterling, is coming home! Whos in for a welcome party?

Tori was always adored.

Within ten minutes, the thread was at 99+ messages.

I dont know who started the frenzy, but the next message that caught fire was: We have to get Rhys in on this!

And just like that, the entire group exploded.

Rhys and Tori were the Northwood High power couple.

I still remember them winning the State Debate ChampionshipRhys on first argument, Tori on secondthey wiped the floor with the competition.

And that campus promotional video they shot? Every frame dripped with pure gold.

They were so perfect. How did they break up right after college?

I heard theyre both single. The Golden Girl and the CEO, maybe they can finally pick up where they left off.

They shared memories.

Someone recalled Tori playing her violin on the rooftop at sunset, claiming all the world's beauty gathered just for her.

Someone else remembered countless girls crying over Rhys, only for him to remain completely unmoved.

What none of them knew was that Rhys, the untouchable golden boy, was my husband. My secret husband.

My old lab partner, Mia, was the only one who remembered me. But her @ was a complaint.

Eliza, youre awful.

Youre the goddesss sister! You didnt give us any heads-up? Those of us out of state barely have time to fly back!

I stared at the screen, speechless.

Was I supposed to tell her that Tori and I were practically strangers, and my relationship with our parents was colder still?

My sisters homecoming was news to me, too. My parents hadn't bothered to call.

I started to type a reply, but stopped. I hadn't asked Rhys what he thought.

This year marked Toris seventh year abroad, and my sixth year married to Rhys.

I wanted to text him, but decided to wait until he was home.

What would I even say?

Your Golden Girl is back. Do you want me to gracefully exit?

The silence of the house became heavy with anticipation.

I started dinner.

Rhys likes his rice slightly softer than average. The scallops and bamboo-pith soup needs to be just-off-the-boil.

The soup wasnt ready when my phone rang. It was Rhys.

Your mother called me, he said. She mentioned feeling under the weather. If you have a moment, could you check on her for me?

He used the phrase for me, not you should. A small kindness, and I was grateful.

Rhys knew my relationship with my mother was fractured. In the last few years, hed paid more attention to her than I, her own daughter, had.

It made sense.

He and Tori were childhood sweethearts. Our families were intrinsically linked.

When they dated, everyone celebrated. When they broke up, everyone mourned.

When Tori left for her advanced studies in Europe, my mother tearfully declared, It is the great regret of my life that I wont see Rhys as my son-in-law.

If she knew her greatest regret was that I was the one who married himthe daughter she barely toleratedshed probably be even more devastated.

2

I picked up a few groceries at the corner market, walking slowly toward my childhood home.

As I tapped on the door, I heard a light, melodic voice from inside.

Rhys, you made it!

Toris radiant smile vanished the moment she saw me.

My parents peeked out from the kitchen.

We called Rhys, my mother, Anne, said, a note of disappointment sharp in her voice. Why are you here?

I placed the bag of groceries on the floor, vaguely replying, I just came home to check in.

I was still their daughter. No one could legally tell me I wasnt allowed inside.

My mother sighed, taking the bag from me.

All this time, and you bring these?

The hallway wall was stacked with gifts, clearly from Europe, that Tori had brought back. My humble store-bought fruit was instantly pathetic.

I ignored her look of disdain. Rhys said you werent feeling well, but hes swamped, so he asked me to come instead.

My mother didnt pause to wonder why Rhys would contact me at all. She simply turned and called out to my father, Robert.

Call Rhys again, honey.

Tori is finally home. He simply has to see her.

Thats when I noticed the table. It was laden with all of Rhyss favorite dishes.

This wasn't an ailing parent's request; it was an ambush. A carefully orchestrated family meeting to reunite Rhys and Tori.

My mother pulled me aside, her voice dropping to a harsh whisper.

Eliza, when Rhys gets here, you need to behave. Dont you dare mess this up for your sister, or I swear Ill skin you alive.

I couldnt help the bitter laugh. What if Rhys isnt single anymore?

My mother glared at me. Dont you speak such nonsense.

Your sister has carried a torch for him all these years. Her returning now is her attempt to get him back.

A heavy feeling settled in my chest.

Before I could speak, my father had already placed the call.

Rhyss polite refusal was audible. But then Tori snatched the phone.

Its me. Im back.

Rhys, I need to see you.

Her voice was soft, yet the slight tremor in her tail end held a dramatic vulnerability that was impossible to ignore.

The line was silent for a moment. Then Rhyss simple reply:

Im stuck at the office. Ill be there in an hour.

Tori hung up. She ran a practiced hand through her long hair and smiled at my mother.

See? I knew he wanted to see me, too. Hes just too proud to admit it.

We were young and stubborn back then. We let small things tear us apart. Her eyes were bright with absolute certainty. But Ive learned to compromise.

Tori had always been the famously spoiled princess. But Rhys was equally sharp-edged and self-possessed. Their combined intensity had led to inevitable friction.

I sat on the sofa, quietly eating a handful of strawberries, trying to disappear.

The doorbell rang again. Everyone rushed to greet him.

Over their heads, my eyes met Rhyss.

3

He still wore the black suit hed worn to the office, which only accentuated his height and his cool, reserved demeanor.

Rhys was the kind of person who projected a faint, untouchable aura even in the most crowded room. Few were ever allowed into his inner circle.

My sister, clearly, was an exception.

We sat at the round dining table. Tori strategically placed herself closest to him.

She was naturally beautiful and always the center of attention. But the three years shed spent in Europe had polished her sharp edges.

Every gesture was thoughtful, every word perfectly placed.

She smoothly transitioned from discussing her European travels to his recent business dealings. When she brought up funny old memories, I saw the hard line of Rhyss brow relax slightly.

I sat in the corner, a transparent presence.

But that was how it had always been for over a decade. I was accustomed to it.

My mind drifted to a childhood memory: I was huddled in the hallway, twisting my dress hem, watching Rhys and Tori, constantly surrounded by well-wishers and admiration. They were born to stand in the light.

A dull ache started in my stomach.

My grip slipped, and my teacup crashed to the floor.

Rhys was the first to snap out of his conversation with Tori.

His gaze landed on my bleeding finger, and his brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.

Ill take you to get that bandaged.

But my mother immediately stepped forward, pressing Rhys back into his chair.

You two stay and talk. You havent seen Tori in so long, you must have so much to catch up on.

She dismissed me with a wave. Eliza is clumsy. Let her handle it herself. Dont pay her any mind.

It wasn't a deep cut, but the pain felt profound, cementing my silence.

The dinner ended quickly and unpleasantly.

Rain was falling outside.

Rhys announced he had an early flight and had to leave. I vaguely recalled his business trip was scheduled for tomorrow. Had it been moved up?

I stood up, too. Rhys, Im leaving with you.

Before I could reach him, my father grabbed my arm.

Ill take you. Let your sister see Rhys out.

I understood. They were desperate to manufacture a moment for the two of them.

I clenched my fists and slowly released them.

I watched them both disappear into the entryway.

Dad, I said, defeated, just drop me off at the subway station.

He thrust an umbrella into my hand.

Walk yourself. Its late; I dont want to go out.

My throat tightened, a familiar, acrid burn. I opened my mouth to protest, but stopped.

I had known my place in this house since I was four.

When I was little, I had snuck out to play. Tori went looking for me and was tragically abducted. She was found three years later.

My parents spent the next two decades compensating her for the trauma.

I was the careless initiator of her suffering, and therefore deserved to be cold-shouldered.

In that house, I wasnt allowed new clothes or toys; I took Toris hand-me-downs. I couldn't object to anything she told me to do. If I did, I was punished.

Once, she tried to use a toilet brush to clean my teeth. I begged my parents for help.

They only shook their heads.

You are the sinner in this house. Did you forget?

4

I walked into the downpour without opening the umbrella.

The night was a thick, ink-dark blur.

When I got back to my apartment, my clothes were soaked through.

Rhys wasnt home.

I thought about texting him, asking when he would return, but decided against it.

Let it go. He was reconnecting with his past. I shouldnt be the one to interfere.

I took a long bath, then tidied the kitchen.

Rhys finally returned.

It was impossible to read his face; his typical aloofness made it hard to tell if his time with Tori had been enjoyable.

I kept my head down, pretending to be busy.

But he walked over and gently touched my wet hair.

Im sorry, he said.

I truly was busy today. Otherwise, I wouldnt have sent you.

And your parents they gave you a hard time again, didnt they?

The tears Id held back all day finally spilled over.

In that moment, I knew Rhys did care about me.

But how much did he care about Tori?

That thought felt like a rusted saw blade, scraping against my most fragile nerves.

I was afraid to ask, but the words slipped out anyway.

Rhys, Tori is back. Are you going to get back together with her?

When we got married, wed agreed not to ask questions about each other's past.

But if I didnt know the answer now, I thought I might actually lose my mind.

Rhys abruptly took a lock of my hair, his voice serious, as if speaking a vow.

I would never do something that disrespectful.

Eliza, you can trust me.

The heavy breath Id been holding finally released.

I watched silently as he used a towel to dry my hair.

He gently pulled me into his arms, his fingers tracing my face. From my brow bone to my lips. Then lower.

My face flushed, and I tried to pull away.

He held me tighter. Dont move.

Rhys was rarely so forceful. It was difficult to resist.

And then, as my world began to spin, I heard his low murmur.

I dont want her anymore.

Eliza, you are enough.

I was still wide awake when the city finally went quiet.

I was three years younger than Tori, yet Id been forced into her class.

When she was finally recovered, she was mentally fragile, sensitive to noise and bright lights. My parents, unable to constantly monitor her, ordered me to skip two grades to be her academic companion.

I was too young to keep up. My grades plummeted, my physical education was the worst in class, and I made no friends. I cried myself to sleep countless times.

But my parents needed me to keep tabs on Tori.

In those years, my academic record was always at the bottom. Toris was always at the top.

When people asked, my parents would beam.

Our elder daughter is exceptional.

Our little one simply cant compare.

My entire adolescence was spent in that kind of suffocating shadow.

5

The year I was supposed to graduate, Tori was accepted into a prestigious music conservatory in Vienna.

My own grades were abysmal.

I had to repeat the year before I finally got into a decent state university.

I thought my mother would finally be happy for me.

She merely said, Repeating a year and still only managing that school isnt exactly a badge of honor.

I should have known. I was not meant to be favored.

I didnt argue. I went straight to a nearby coffee shop and applied for a job.

Over the next four years, I paid for my tuition and living expenses entirely on my own, never asking my family for a penny.

I was too busy, and I rarely went home.

I saw Rhys less often. In those days, he was a big brother figure.

He helped me correct my math. He lent me inspirational books. If we took a nice photo together, hed send me a copy.

But most of the time, his attention was fixed on Tori.

Once, on a rare visit home, Rhys looked at my wind-chapped hands and tired eyes. His brow furrowed. Eliza, I never see you. What are you always doing?

I told him I was working three part-time jobs and my schedule was completely full.

Rhys looked at me for a long time, his voice barely a whisper. Arent you tired?

My eyes instantly welled up.

No one had ever asked me that.

My parents occasionally muttered, Our younger daughter is sensible, she doesnt cost us anything. They never wondered how hard it was for a college student to maintain decent grades while working constantly.

I was exhausted. I was holding on by sheer willpower.

Thats the thing about a woundyou can bear the pain alone. But the moment someone offers a single word of genuine care, all the walls collapse.

Looking back, that was probably the moment. That one sentence from Rhys.

I stammered through some incoherent response.

He actually smiled at my panic.

My company needs an administrative assistant. Why dont you come help me?

Rhys had started his own company in college. It was small, but profitable.

Every Friday, my job was to run out and buy the team afternoon treats.

One time, I bought the pastries and went to deal with something else. When I came back, the platter was empty.

I was staring at the crumbs when Rhys called my name.

I saved you the strawberry one. Your favorite.

I hid in the corner and ate that slice of cake. It tasted sweeter than anything Id ever had.

But soon after, Tori showed up at Rhyss office. She smiled brightly. Eliza is too clumsy to help you. Let me take over.

Just like that, I lost the job.

It had always been this way. The moment Tori appeared, anything that was mine was taken.

Now, she was back again.

Would Rhys be taken from me too?

6

Rhys left for his business trip.

I fell back into a routine of managing the apartment and my own freelance work.

Something felt wrong.

Before, no matter how busy he was, Rhys always found time to text me, a brief update on his status.

This time, my messages vanished into a void. Days went by with no reply.

The silence made me uneasy.

Finally, I called his assistant, Mr. Davies.

Rhys was a private, measured man. He didn't believe his marriage was public business. Mr. Davies was the only person who knew we were secretly wed. Per Rhyss instruction, he always referred to me as Ms. Thorne externally.

I rarely interfered with Rhyss affairs, but Mr. Davies was usually upfront when I asked.

This time, he only said, I need to check with the CEO and then Ill call you back.

Moments later, his voice was apologetic. Ms. Thorne, Mr. Thorne had a minor car accident. He didnt want to worry you, so he kept it quiet.

When hes feeling better, you can come see him.

I couldnt wait.

I went to every major hospital, using the vague details I had.

I finally found him at the third hospital.

A group of nurses was clustered around the station, whispering excitedly.

Theyre so in sync, are they really just friends?

Their energy together is insane. The mogul and the violinist, and they were high school sweethearts

The blood in my veins turned to ice. The answer Id been dreading was right there.

Through the slightly ajar door, I saw Tori spooning food from a thermos into a bowl.

Rhys had a bandage wrapped around his forehead. His voice was flat. Thank you for your effort, Tori, but you dont need to do this for me.

Besides, you just returned. You must have a lot to do.

Tori's eyes were full of unconcealed tenderness. I do have a lot to do. But, I cant focus on anything until I know youre okay.

I stood frozen in the doorway, a clumsy, abrupt intruder.

Rhys finally saw me. He raised an eyebrow.

Why are you here?

Tori looked at me, a flicker of surprise in her eyes, quickly replaced by a dramatic sigh.

Did Mom and Dad tell her about this, too?

I forced myself to stand still, my insides churning. Rhys, how did you get hurt?

7

Rhys didnt answer.

Tori answered for him.

I was meeting a friend nearby and happened to run into him.

Then we got into an accident.

The hospital room window showed the reflection of Tori and me.

She was wearing an elegant, fitted designer sheath, poised and graceful.

I was in a messy sweatshirt and jeans, my hair wild from running, my makeup smeared.

The contrast was brutal.

I had a ridiculous thought: I want to know if the way Rhys looks at me is different from the way he looks at her.

But I couldn't get an answer.

Rhys looked down at the documents he was reviewing, not meeting either Toris eyes or mine.

I hadnt been in the room for long when Tori urged me to leave.

Rhys is tired and needs rest. Ill stay. Eliza, why dont you go?

I turned to Rhys, my voice barely a whisper. Do you want me to stay?

Our eyes locked.

Rhyss Adams apple bobbed.

He said, Yes.

Tori immediately positioned herself in front of me. Rhys, dont. You have me. Shes too clumsy and useless to take care of anyone.

But then, Mr. Davies knocked and walked in, saying a video conference was about to start. He politely asked us both to wait outside.

Tori and I stood in the small waiting room.

I felt awkward. I reached for a cup of water, but Tori suddenly stepped in front of me.

She tilted her head back, looking down her nose.

Eliza, you are so stupid.

Dont think I havent figured out what youre trying to do.

But you need to look at yourself. I may have been apart from Rhys for a few years, but all it takes is one word from me, and hell stop liking you.

I clenched my fists. Would you say that in front of Rhys?

Tori let out a cold laugh. Do you think I wouldnt?

Rage pulsed through my chest.

Then, an interruption.

Mr. Davies opened the door, smiling politely. Ms. Eliza, Mr. Thorne would like to see you.

Tori looked genuinely shocked.

Her? Not me?

Mr. Daviess smile became even more courteous.

That is the CEOs request. I wouldnt presume to question it.

Rhys was alone in the room.

He looked at me, his voice soft. I had Mr. Davies send your sister home. Stay and eat something with me.

I followed his gaze. A thermos sat on the bedside table.

It wasn't the one Tori had brought.

Rhys explained. I know you dont eat their food. I had the staff send a different one.

8

I had no appetite.

Rhys, however, was patient. He scooped up a spoonful of soup and brought it to my lips.

Just a little. Your lips are completely drained of color.

His voice was gentle, coaxing.

Seeing this side of the usually distant, self-controlled man was heartbreaking.

My eyes burned, and I burst out, reckless with pain, When are you going to tell Tori, and my parents, that weve been married for years?

The smile vanished from Rhyss face.

He stared at me intently. Eliza, we had an agreement.

Years of suppressed emotion came boiling up. I asked, my voice trembling, Then why did you marry me in the first place?

Rhys didnt speak for a long moment. He chose his words carefully. Why did you say yes?

Eliza, over the years, youve started wanting more.

He was right. I was greedy.

At 19, I only wanted Rhys to notice me.

Now, I was greedy enough to want to walk fully and completely into his world.

Rhys must despise me for this.

He had to.

Something dense and painful lodged in my heart.

I looked down, choked up. Im sorry. I shouldnt put you in this difficult position.

But Rhys gently stroked my hair.

Im the one who failed to consider your feelings.

I will choose the right time to tell your parents about us.

Rhyss voice held a natural certainty, the kind that could instantly relax my coiled tension.

I forgave him in a rush.

I leaned my head against his shoulder and cautiously asked, Can you promise me not to see Tori again?

He didnt hesitate. He kissed the top of my head.

Yes.

Rhys kept his word.

He went home to recover the next day. I dont know what he told Tori, but after that, she was silent for a few days.

The peace didnt last. The class group chat suddenly exploded again.

Toris welcome dinner was finalized. A dozen local classmates would attend.

Even I, the perennial wallflower, received an invitation.

I held my phone and asked Rhys, Are you going? Tori will be there.

He was in a rare, good mood, and he pinched my cheek playfully.

No.

Someone told me Im not allowed to.

9

I hadn't expected the scale of the reunion.

Liam Chase had rented the hotels largest private room and ordered a bespoke cake.

The room was noisy. Everyone was gathered around Tori, showering her with praise.

She wore a classic white silk blouse and a pencil skirtelegant and poised.

Someone nudged her playfully. We heard Rhys said hed seen you already! Youve only been back a few days.

Spill it. Whats the status?

Tori smiled lightly, feigning embarrassment. Its nothing, really. Its just that weve actually seen each other every year for the past seven years.

My mind went instantly blank.

The words burst out before I could stop them.

Youre. Ly. Ing.

The atmosphere instantly plummeted to freezing.

Mia tugged at my sleeve under the table. What are you doing? Thats your sister!

I knew she was my sister. But why was she lying?

Tears stung my eyes. My voice was stubbornly defiant. Victoria Sterling, do you have proof?

Tori glanced at me, a mocking smile playing on her lips.

She opened her phone, pulled up a picture, and handed it to me. Does this count?

The photo showed Tori and Rhys standing side-by-side by a river. They werent touching, but they were both smiling at the camera.

Tori spoke with a nostalgic sigh. Weve met up in Paris, in Switzerland.

He even flew to Vienna to hear me play at the Golden Hall.

This one is from the apartment I rented. He came to visit, and we took this picture.

My heart felt like it had been violently ripped apart. I couldnt breathe.

I suddenly remembered Rhyss laptop wallpapera similar landscape photo.

Every time he opened his computer, he was looking at a memory Id never been part of.

I bit down hard on my lower lip, forcing myself to find logic.

Maybe the photo was taken before we got married?

Maybe it was right after, when he hadn't fully fallen for me.

Maybe he never fell for me.

Maybe he married me just to survive that difficult time.

That year, he had broken up with Tori, endured the sudden death of his parents, and had to keep his massive company afloat alone. He was desolate.

And I happened to be there.

A man as reserved and controlled as him, once hed been intimate with me, felt obligated to give me a name.

The dinner was half over, and Rhys still hadn't shown up.

The group decided they needed a plan to force him to appear.

Liam called him.

Get here now! The goddess is drunk, you have to take her home.

The phone was on speaker. Rhys sounded like he was at a loud business dinner.

He asked, Is Eliza there?

10

Liam looked momentarily stunned, but quickly recovered and played along. Yes. Shes drunk, too.

Rhys didnt hesitate. Fine. Im coming to pick her up.

The phone went silent, and the entire room erupted in excitement.

Rhys still cares about Tori!

Hes just playing hard to get.

I think well be drinking their wedding wine this year!

But a few people still whispered, Why did he even bring up Eliza?

A brief, heavy silence descended. All eyes slowly turned to me.

Toris face was a mixture of triumph and confusion.

Liam suddenly slapped the table and burst out laughing. Why would he? Because Eliza is Toris sister!

When you love a woman, you put her family first.

Is that what it was?

I poured myself another glass of wine and took a silent, bitter drink.

I overheard a couple of classmates chatting, saying Liam had really splurged on this dinner.

Liams smile was wide and sincere. Its nothing. Toris story has always inspired me! Without her, I wouldnt be who I am.

He was talking about Toris high school speech, the one that made her a campus legend.

Shed detailed her abduction experience. It was rousing and tear-jerking, cementing her status as a genuine goddess.

But soon after, someone found out that Tori had been kidnapped because she was searching for me after Id wandered off.

Furious students left a bloody knife on my desk. I was too terrified to attend school.

It was Tori who publicly intervened.

My sister was only a child then, she said.

I truly believed she had forgiven me.

But later, I stumbled upon her diary. It read, starkly:

If only I didnt have a sister.

Those words felt like a dull blade, carving me to pieces. I hated myself for being alive.

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