CHAPTER FOUR
WHISPERS BEHIND MY BACK
Myra's POV
Jeremy and I had grown so close in such a short time that it surprised me. It became our daily ritual—after work he would stop by my place, and we would spend hours together talking, laughing, and sharing little details about our lives. The evenings stretched into nights, and each time he finally left for his home, I found myself replaying every word he had said, every smile he had given.
What I felt for him was beyond mere admiration; it was a deep pull that made me feel alive in ways I had never known before. My heart leapt whenever his name flashed on my phone screen. His presence filled me with warmth, and my emotions felt like they had finally found their rhythm. Every glance he gave me felt deliberate, every smile like a treasure wrapped just for me. It was as if I was experiencing love for the first time in my life—raw, pure, and consuming.
One quiet evening, while I sat lost in thoughts of him, my phone buzzed with a message.
> "I have something to tell you. I'm at your door."
My heart skipped a beat. Without hesitation, I leapt up, hurried to the door, and pulled it open. There he stood, his familiar frame silhouetted against the dim evening light.
"Hey Jeremy," I greeted with a nervous smile, brushing stray hair away from my face. "How are you doing? Please, come in."
He stepped in and settled on the couch. I sat beside him, trying to mask my anticipation.
"I'm good, Myra. And you?" he asked gently.
"I'm fine," I replied, still smiling. "You said you had something to tell me?"
He hesitated, rubbing his palms together nervously. "Hmm… I don't know how to put this."
I leaned forward. "Come on, Jeremy, you can tell me anything. I'm listening."
Taking a deep breath, he began. "Myra, I've been in several relationships before, but none of them worked. All the women I dated cared only about money—what they could get from me. They never loved me for who I am. But you… you're different. In the month we've been friends, not once have you asked me for a single thing. You've shown me that your heart is pure, and that means everything to me."
My lips curved into a smile as I nodded, encouraging him to continue.
"I still remember the day I saw you at the beach," he said softly. "Your friend was dressed so glamorously, makeup and all, but you stood there in your modest outfit, with no pretenses. And somehow, my heart chose you. From the moment I got your contact, you've given me happiness and peace of mind. That's why today, I have to tell you—I love you, Myra. Please… will you be my girlfriend?"
My chest swelled with emotions I could hardly contain. Words failed me, so instead I leaned forward and pressed my lips against his. The kiss was tender but filled with unspoken promises. Pulling back slightly, I gazed into his eyes and whispered, "Yes, Jeremy. I'll be your girlfriend."
He smiled, relief flooding his face, before kissing me back with renewed passion.
And then—
"Wow, what a lovely story! I'm getting jealous now," Lyla's voice rang out, startling us.
We pulled apart quickly, both turning to face her. She walked in with her usual dramatic flair, grinning from ear to ear.
Lyla cupped my cheeks playfully. "I'm so happy for you, Sissy. Finally, you've got a boyfriend—after twenty-five long years!"
"Please, Lyla, don't start," I said, blushing furiously.
The three of us burst out laughing, and for the first time, I felt like my life was beginning to blossom in the way I had always dreamed. Deep inside, a small voice whispered that Jeremy might be the one I would marry someday.
---
Lyla's POV
Myra went out shopping today, and I stayed home alone. I should have felt at peace, but instead my mind kept circling back to Jeremy. As much as I tried to ignore it, jealousy gnawed at me.
Why him and Myra? Why not me?
With my beauty, my charm, and everything I had to offer, how had Jeremy overlooked me for her? The other day, when Myra was doubled over with cramps, he left his busy office just to take care of her—like she was a fragile child in need of constant attention. And me? I was invisible, as though I didn't exist.
I could almost hear my father's voice echoing in my head: "Daughter, whatever you want in life, fight for it. No matter the cost, don't let it slip away. Effort brings reward."
And in that moment, I made a vow. Jeremy would be mine. Whatever it took, I would not stop until he belonged to me.
---
A few days later, Myra returned home looking unsettled.
"You look worried," I remarked as she sat down.
She frowned. "I got the job."
I gasped, clapping my hands. "That's wonderful! But… why do you look so sad about it?"
"Because it's not here," she murmured. "The hospital is too far away. Haven Care Hospital, four hundred miles from here. It's a seven-hour drive. I'll barely have time to come home. I'll be leaving you… and Jeremy."
I sighed dramatically, though inside I was secretly pleased. "Come on, Myra, this is exactly what you've been praying for. Tell me—what's the salary?"
"One hundred thousand dollars a year."
I widened my eyes. "Sissy, are you even thinking about rejecting it? The hospitals here don't pay half of that! You must take it. Remember, you promised me vacations, shopping, everything! Please, Myra, accept it."
She hesitated but eventually nodded. "Alright, I'll accept. But how am I going to break the news to Jeremy?"
"You'll explain to him calmly," I advised. "At least you can visit once a month."
She shook her head. "No, that's too long. I'll come back every weekend. I'll leave Friday evening, arrive Saturday morning, and return Sunday night. That way we won't be apart for too long."
"Fine," I said quickly, hiding the thrill building inside me. If she was gone most of the time, Jeremy would slowly drift my way. This was my chance.
---
Myra's POV
Breaking the news to Jeremy wasn't easy. I cooked his favorite meal and carried it to his office for the first time. I wanted the moment to be perfect. He was surprised but delighted to see me.
After we ate, I told him about the job. His face darkened instantly.
"You're leaving?" he asked, his voice heavy.
"Yes, Jeremy. The pay is too good to turn down. I'll come home every weekend though."
He frowned, running a hand over his hair. "It's too soon, Myra. I don't want you away from me."
I reached across the desk and held his hand. "Please don't be upset. I'll make it work. We'll make it work."
Finally, he sighed and smiled faintly. "Fine. I'll support you. Just… promise me you'll take care of yourself."
That Friday, with Lyla's help, I packed my bags. Jeremy drove me the long seven-hour journey to my new apartment. He stayed until Sunday, helping me unpack, and only left reluctantly.
Monday morning, I rose early, prepared breakfast, and walked the short distance to Haven Care Hospital. The moment I stepped into the hospital wearing the gown I had once promised my father I would wear, pride filled my heart.
---
Lyla's POV
Two weeks passed. Myra hadn't returned home. She didn't even pick my calls anymore.
I, however, had landed my own job as a journalist at a media house. It was my dream, and my parents would finally be proud of me.
One evening, a knock echoed at the door. When I opened it, my heart nearly stopped—Jeremy stood there.
"Jeremy…" I breathed, my eyes tracing his features, his lips, his perfectly trimmed beard.
"Lyla!" he called my name impatiently. "Aren't you going to let me in?"
I snapped out of my daze and smiled. "Of course. Please, come in."
I hurried to pour us glasses of wine, adjusting my outfit to appear more appealing.
But Jeremy waved it off. "That's not why I came. Lyla, I haven't heard from Myra in weeks. What's going on?"
I sipped my drink and forced a calm smile. "I don't know either. I'm sure she's fine."
He frowned. "She's your sister, your best friend. How can you say that so casually?"
I wasn't listening anymore. My eyes were fixed on his lips, and before I knew it, I leaned in and kissed him.
For a second, he responded—but then he pulled back sharply.
"Lyla, what's wrong with you? I'm your sister's boyfriend!"
"That's the problem," I whispered, trembling with passion. "I love you, Jeremy. I've loved you all along. Can't you see it?"
He shook his head in disbelief. "No. I love Myra. Only Myra."
I laughed bitterly. "Myra? That slut? Do you even know who she really is?"
His eyes narrowed. "What do you mean by that?"
I smirked, pulling out my phone. "Listen."
I played him a voice note I had saved.
> "Hi Sissy, I know Jeremy must be wondering why I haven't come back yet. Well, I'm with someone special. Jeremy isn't much of a man—he can't even satisfy me. I was glad when I got this job because it gave me freedom. Tell him you haven't heard from me. I've left the apartment he knows. My new man gives me everything I want, morning and night. Don't worry, I'm fine. I'll be back at the end of the month."
Jeremy's face turned pale. "No… not Myra. Not her."
Without another word, he stormed out of the house.
I touched my lips, still burning from the kiss I had stolen. His taste lingered like fire, intoxicating and unforgettable. A sly smile spread across my face as I poured another glass of wine and leaned back on the couch. My day had been exhausting, but in that moment, one thought comforted me—Jeremy and I had shared a kiss, and sooner or later, he would be mine.