Staircase accident

Ashley

That started our betrayal of the same woman we both loved. Even though Marco didn’t say it, I knew he felt guilty too. Maybe he fought his feelings for me hard, so he was angry at me first whenever I was around.

I don’t blame my twin sister, but her constant absence allowed Marco and me to be together. Marco couldn’t leave her because she was just too kind. It hurt me whenever they kissed in front of me. Yes, Marco couldn’t refuse, or else Ashlyn might suspect us. So, I often chose to stay in my room whenever they were both in the penthouse, even now in their mansion.

After Marco and I were together for the first time, I decided to look for a job. But he stopped me, saying he preferred me to stay at home. So, I thought of doing freelance work instead. Now, I’m a novel writer. I met an artist online, and we partnered to create a web novel, a romance story, which is what I write. Marco and my twin think I work as a virtual assistant, and I’m not the type to share much about myself, so I didn’t bother explaining the details.

“Ashley,” Ashlyn called as she entered my room. I was in the middle of writing and didn’t really want to be disturbed.

“Yes?” I asked, confused. I usually leave the door unlocked. Marco wasn’t home, he was at the office and Ashlyn had no work today, which was rare.

“It’s lunchtime, sis. Let’s go eat. Marco’s not here, and you’re not even joining me.” She sounded like she was sulking. “I’m leaving for a three-day trip later, so I want you to eat with me before I go,” she added. I thought she didn’t have work today but had another out-of-town trip?

“I’m not hungry. Besides, the housemaids usually eat with us, so why not join them this time?” I replied. Even though Marco was very wealthy, we always ate with the housemaids whenever he wasn’t around. That was Ashlyn’s idea so they wouldn’t feel uncomfortable. She wanted them to feel like part of the family.

She was close to them, too. They often praised her, especially when she wasn’t around. I frequently overheard how kind she had been to them since her marriage to Marco began. I felt so proud of her, but that only made me feel guiltier, like my conscience was eating me alive.

“I want to eat with you, Ash. We’re the only family here,” she said, trying to guilt-trip me, and it worked. I stood up from my chair but put my laptop on sleep mode first. Nobody usually entered my room, but I didn’t want anyone messing with my personal things.

“Alright, let’s go. You’re acting like a child,” I teased, which made her smile. “Aren’t you the older one? Why do you act like a kid?” I added as we walked towards the stairs. She turned to me, laughing as she spoke.

“It’s nice to be a kid sometimes--oh!” I saw her about to trip down the stairs, so I quickly reached for her raised hand. But just as I was about to grab her, she caught the banister instead, not noticing my outstretched hand. Unfortunately, I lunged forward too hard and tumbled down the stairs.

“Ash!” I heard my sister scream just before everything went black.

When I woke up, my whole body hurt, especially my back. I realized I was in my room. Soon after, the door opened, and Ashlyn came in, followed by Marco. “How do you feel?” Marco asked, clearly worried.

“I’m really sorry, sis. You tried to save me, but you’re the one who got hurt,” Ashlyn cried, tears streaming down her face.

“It’s okay. I kind of lost my balance, too,” I replied. “Stop crying, it’s not your fault.”

“I still can’t stop blaming myself. I was too careless. I shouldn’t have been walking backward.”

“It’s fine. I was there, and we were talking happily. We didn’t mean for this to happen,” I said, trying to comfort her as she continued crying, and I started to feel sorry for her.

“Do you feel any pain?” Marco asked.

“My body feels a bit sore, which is normal since I fell. But I don’t think I broke any bones,” I answered, trying to ease his worry. “I’ll just get a check-up to be sure.”

“How about I take some time off and go with you?” Ashlyn offered. “I’ll apply for leave. I don’t want you going alone.”

“No need, Ash. I feel like I can move around just fine. You and Marco should focus on your work; don’t worry about me.”

“Why are you saying that? You’re injured and don’t want anyone to go with you?” Marco snapped. I knew he was angry, though he tried to hide it from Ashlyn. I wasn’t sure why, but I could quickly tell when his mood changed.

“I just don’t want to be a burden or make you worry about me when you have important things to do,” I explained.

“Fine, do whatever you want,” he said, leaving the room. I didn’t say a word. I didn’t know what else to say.

“I’m sorry for my husband’s behavior. He’s just worried about you like I am.”

“It’s okay. How about this, just to make you feel better, I’ll ask one of the helpers to come with me to see the doctor,” I suggested. She nodded in agreement.

“That’s better; at least you won’t be going alone. That way, I’ll feel more at ease knowing someone is helping you.”

“So stop worrying now, okay?”

“Yes, sis. And thank you for trying to save me from falling,” she said emotionally, hugging me. “You haven’t had lunch yet, and the doctor said you can eat once you wake up. I’ll have your food brought up here.”

“Okay,” I smiled as she left the room. Only then did I take a deep breath. What happened earlier could’ve been much worse. The staircase in this mansion is really steep. I’m just grateful nothing serious happened to me.

I think I’m fine. The pain I’m feeling is just like I’m bruised. Ashlyn already called the family doctor, and I was checked. No need to worry, but I’ll still go to the doctor to ease Marco’s mind. I know that’s what he wants.

A few moments later, one of the maids came in with a tray of food. “How are you feeling, ma’am?” she asked.

“I’m doing okay, Ana,” I said with a smile. She is kind and easy to talk to and one of my few companions here in the mansion.

“Please eat to fill your stomach,” she said while setting the food on the bed table.

“Thank you,” I replied. She wanted to feed me, but I declined, saying I could do it myself. So she just stayed and chatted with me as I ate.

It took me longer than usual to finish, but the important thing was that I ate everything. Ana cleaned up the dishes and left.

Now alone, my thoughts wandered back to what happened earlier. I was so scared for Ashlyn, which made me realize I love her. But then, how could I be betraying her like this? What would she feel if she learned about my relationship with her husband, Marco? If it were me, I wouldn’t know what to do. But I’m sure I’d be furious if we switched places.

I can see the sincerity on her face, whether she’s happy or sad for me. She always tries to be with me and spend time whenever she’s home and Marco’s not around. She keeps reminding me to take my medicine so that we can both get better together. My conscience haunts me because of that. Actually, it’s been haunting me for a long time. But I’m weak and don’t know what to do anymore.