Bridges Burned

June yelled at her, then stormed off to the car, shutting himself inside without a second glance.

Sushi, feeling utterly helpless, sat in the car, tears silently streaming down her cheeks. Not a word passed between them for the rest of the journey.

As they drove, Sushi's heart sank when she realized they were heading in the opposite direction of their home.

"This isn't the way to home. Where are we going?" she wondered aloud, her confusion growing.

Then it hit her. "That's the road to the airport. Chloe's arrival. He remembered her amidst all this chaos," she realized.

They arrived at the airport, and Sushi's heart skipped a beat as she saw Chloe approaching.

"Sushi! Sushi!", Chloe's excitement was palpable as she embraced Sushi.

They embraced, but before Sushi could speak, June interjected, "How was your journey? Did you manage to have breakfast on the plane? It might not have been great. Shall I go grab some good food for you?"

Witnessing June's caring demeanor towards Chloe only deepened Sushi's distress.

"Thank you, June, for picking me up. You really didn't have to. I could've managed on my own," Chloe said gratefully.

"It's okay, I know you act independent, but I'm here, so don't worry. Let's head home," he said, taking charge of her bags and leading the way.

The sisters followed him, discussing their journey as they walked. Once all of Chloe's luggage was loaded into the car, they set off.

As they drove, Chloe broached the topic. "How's everything going with you two, the new couple?"

They both hesitated, unsure how to respond.

Trying to change the subject, Sushi asked, "Did Vin not come with you?"

"Vin? Why does that name sound familiar?" June pondered to himself.

"Is Vin the guy who used to visit you in high school?" he asked, trying to recall.

"Oh, June, you remember him?" Chloe exclaimed in surprise.

"How could I forget? He used to annoy me endlessly. Whenever your personality disorder kicked in, you used to go to him. I never realized you were committed all these years," June reflected silently, a sudden realization dawning on him.

As they arrived at Chloe's home, the sisters ran to hug their parents in excitement.

"Thank you, June, for picking up Chloe. I would have gone, but I had work, so I apologize for the trouble," Sushi's father expressed his gratitude.

"No trouble at all, Father. You guys go inside; I'll handle the luggage," June offered, attempting to unload the bags.

Sushi tried to assist, but June seemed indifferent to her help.

"You guys talk; I'll prepare the breakfast," her mother said before heading to the kitchen.

"I'm going to freshen up; the journey has left me feeling irritated," Chloe stated, leaving only June and Sushi in the living room.

Awkwardly, they sat beside each other on the couch, unable to communicate, their recent argument still fresh in their minds.

"Sushi, make some coffee for June," her father's voice interrupted.

"Sure, Dad," Sushi replied, about to head to the kitchen.

"No need; I got it for you. Here, June, have some coffee," her mother-in-law interjected, offering him a cup.

Later, everyone gathered at the table for breakfast. Despite sitting beside each other, June and Sushi remained silent, avoiding eye contact.

"How's your business going, June?" her father-in-law inquired.

"It's going well, Father. I'm considering expanding it," June replied, taking a bite of bread.

"Do you think there's a place for Chloe in your office? She's skilled in art; she could create excellent character designs for you," her father-in-law suggested.

Chloe interjected, "No, Dad. Sushi is there to handle that for him. I'll start learning to manage our business. Who will help you as you grow older? You don't have sons; your only son is me, and your daughter is Sushi. So I need to manage our business."

"Yes, that's true, Father. Chloe would excel in managing your business. You have such a remarkable daughter," June added.

Sushi's heart sank at the praise lavished on Chloe. She thought, "He has such high expectations for Chloe, yet he doesn't even have the slightest trust in me."

"By the way, my car won't be delivered for another two days. Could you give me a ride when you both leave? I need to make a stop somewhere," Chloe requested.

"Why inconvenience them? You can take my car," her father-in-law suggested.

"It's okay, Dad. Besides, it's on their way; they can manage," Chloe replied.

"Of course, I'll drop you off. After all, Sushi will be staying back for a few days," June informed them.

Stunned, Sushi halted mid-bite and looked at June, unaware of his sudden decision.

"What? You're staying back?" Chloe questioned.

"Yes, she asked me last night if she could stay with you for a few days. She mentioned that it's been a while since you've spent time together and she missed you," June explained, covering for his unexpected decision.

"I guess he doesn't even want to see me. That's why he made this decision," Sushi thought to herself before speaking up. "Yes, that's correct. I'll stay for a few days," she affirmed, masking her disappointment.

After Chloe and June left in the car, Sushi's heart was broken as she watched them go. She stood at the door, wondering why her relationship with him was getting worse and worse. "He had never smiled at her like he did at Chloe", she couldn't help but feel left behind.

As June drove, he broached the subject. "So, are you planning to marry Vin?"

"Yeah, June, probably this year. We haven't decided how soon, but it's definitely happening this year," Chloe replied.

"What's he up to now? I remember he went abroad after high school. Is that why you left after rejecting me?" June asked, curious.

"I guess your disorder got fixed now", he murmured.

"That's part of the reason." Chloe said.

She continued, "He's become a renowned artist. Many of his works have received global acclaim. He's even managing an art gallery now," said proudly.

"I guess you never gave me a second thought once you got to know me," June muttered.

"Let's not make things awkward between us again, June. You're my sister's husband now, which makes me your sister-in-law," Chloe interjected.

"I know where the boundaries lie, Chloe. There's no need to remind me," June responded bitterly.

"Why can't we let bygones be bygones? You're happy with Sushi, and she's just like me" Chloe pressed.

Suddenly, June pulled the car over.

"Happy? Do you think I can be happy with your sister? Your replica? She's the complete opposite of you. You have no idea what she's been up to. Don't blindly support her without knowing what's happening in our lives," he exclaimed, his anger noticeable.

"June, calm down. Are things really that bad between you two? What happened exactly? Why are you so furious with Sushi?" Chloe asked, her voice tense.

"She's a liar. She's always scheming, and I can't make heads or tails of her plans or what she wants," June added, frustration evident in his voice.

"Are you still hung up on her pretending to be me? Are you still treating her like that?" Chloe shot back, her tone rising.

"If that were the case, I wouldn't have let her step foot in my house," June retorted, starting the car again.

"Then what's really going on between you two?" Chloe pressed.

"She's your sister, right? Why don't you ask her instead of me?" June responded sarcastically.

"It appears that Sushi hasn't yet told him the whole truth." Chloe asked herself, "What is stopping her and causing her life to be such a mess?"