Grandma Faked Dementia So My Sister Could Steal My Fiancé. Chapter 01

Grandma Faked Dementia So My Sister Could Steal My Fiancé. Chapter 01

Grandma Margaret had Alzheimer’s.

Whenever she had an episode, I was the only person she recognized.

The day I was supposed to have my wedding-dress fitting with my fiance, Ethan Walker, Grandma had another episode.

She clung to my hand and wouldn’t let go, so I had no choice but to cancel the fitting and stay with her.

That night, as I passed Grandma’s room, I heard her speaking in a low voice to my younger sister.

“How’d I do today? The whole family’s covering for you. Your sister won’t suspect a thing. So where’d Ethan take you?”

Lily sounded almost giddy.

“He took me to try on wedding dresses. Said I looked like the bride of his dreams.”

So every time Grandma happened to have an episode right when Ethan and I had plans, she’d been faking it.

Everyone in my family knew. Everyone but me. Like an idiot.

I pulled out my phone and accepted the overseas assignment my company had offered me.

After this, there’d be miles between us. I was done playing the fool in their little show.

******

Lily spoke again. “Grandma, I need you to fake another episode later. Ethan wants to take me out again tonight.”

Grandma said, “Sure. I’m an old pro by now. Is Ethan getting impatient?”

“No. He said he’s taking me to see the lights along the Chicago River.”

“Then hurry up. Don’t keep him waiting.”

Lily practically cooed. “Grandma, you’re the best.”

Grandma huffed. “Of course. You’re my favorite. Your sister can make one little sacrifice.”

I slowly stepped away from the door.

My phone lit up just then.

A text from Ethan: “How’s Grandma?”

Another followed. “Don’t wear yourself out.”

I stared at the messages for a long time.

Finally, I replied, “She’s doing okay right now.”

He answered immediately. “Good.”

I stared at that one word.

Suddenly, I wanted to laugh.

Grandma started calling again. “Claire? Claire, where are you? I want Claire.”

At the same time, Lily slipped downstairs.

At least they could have their riverfront date tonight without me getting in the way.

Ten minutes later, I heard a car start outside.

I stepped onto the balcony.

Ethan’s black sedan was parked at the curb.

Lily jogged over and opened the passenger door.

Before getting in, she glanced back at our windows.

As if she were afraid I’d catch her.

Or maybe she was just making sure I was really trapped inside.

As the car pulled away, I could still hear the television and Grandma’s cries from her room.

I ignored it all and stood on the balcony until the cold wind numbed my face.

For the past three years, I hadn’t been needed.

I’d been controlled.

I didn’t sleep that night.

Lily came home at one in the morning.

She eased the door open, her shoes barely making a sound across the floor.

I sat on the living room couch in the dark.

She jumped when she saw me.

“Claire? Why are you still up?”

I looked at her.

She still had her makeup on, her lipstick bright, and a man’s scarf looped loosely around her neck.

Ethan’s.

I recognized it.

I asked, “Why are you home so late?”