Cracks in the mirror

Sophia’s POV

********

Some betrayals happen in an instant—a single moment, a single choice that shatters everything.

But others?

They unfold slowly, carefully, like a game of chess. Move by move. Step by step. Until you realize too late that every piece has been set against you.

---

The next morning, something was different.

Serena was awake before anyone else.

I smelled her perfume before I even stepped out of my room—a rich, intoxicating scent, heavier than usual. When I entered the kitchen, she was already dressed, standing by the counter in a crisp white blouse and a black pencil skirt that fit her like it had been made just for her. Her makeup was flawless, her hair sleek, and for the first time in years, she looked like she had somewhere important to be.

Our mother blinked in surprise. “Serena, you’re up early.”

Serena smiled, pouring herself a cup of coffee. “I figured I’d get an early start at work today.”

I paused, watching her. This wasn’t like her. Serena rarely cared about being early—if anything, she always took her time, strolling into the office whenever she pleased. But today, she was acting like she had something to prove.

Or maybe—someone to impress.

My father walked in, flipping through his newspaper, completely unaware of the tension building in the room. “That’s good to hear,” he said approvingly. “It’s about time you take work more seriously.”

Serena’s smile faltered, just for a second.

I knew that look.

She hated being compared to me.

She downed the rest of her coffee, grabbed her keys, and turned to leave. “I’ll see you all later.”

“You’re not eating?” my mother asked, concerned.

“I’m fine,” Serena said, brushing it off.

And just like that, she was gone.

I watched through the window as she pulled out of the driveway.

Something was happening. I could feel it.

And I wasn’t sure I liked it.

---

I was finishing up breakfast when the doorbell rang.

I opened it, only to find Danny standing there, leaning casually against the doorframe with his hands in his pockets. His dark curls were slightly tousled, his sharp jawline making him look effortlessly handsome.

He smiled. “Morning.”

I frowned. “What are you doing here?”

“I figured I’d give you a ride to work.”

I hesitated. “That’s... unnecessary.”

Danny chuckled. “It’s not a big deal, Sophia. Just a ride.”

I glanced over my shoulder, as if Serena would suddenly appear, demanding an explanation. But she was already gone.

Still, something about this felt wrong.

What did he want?

Was he just being nice, or was he playing some kind of game?

I searched his face for answers, but Danny was impossible to read.

Is he planning on using us both?

I wouldn't let that happen.

So I forced a smile. “Fine.”

I grabbed my bag and followed him to the car.

But even as I got in, a quiet voice in my head whispered—

This is exactly what she didn’t want to see.

---

Serena was already at the office, sitting at her desk, flipping through documents she probably wasn’t even reading.

Her mind was elsewhere.

She was waiting.

And when she finally saw him—saw us—her stomach twisted into knots.

Danny.

Driving in with me.

Her grip tightened around her pen.

She had left early to make sure she saw him first. To make sure she got his attention today.

But now—now I had stolen the moment without even trying.

She felt something she hated feeling—powerless.

She watched as he parked. Watched as we got out. Watched every single step we took toward the entrance.

And she hated every second of it.

---

The moment we walked in, Serena was waiting.

She didn’t waste a second.

“Danny,” she called, standing up with a bright smile. “Good morning. You’re looking extra handsome today.”

Her voice was smooth, her tone dripping with admiration.

I froze.

It was too obvious. Too deliberate.

She was trying to make a point.

Danny smirked. “Thanks, Serena. You’re looking nice yourself.”

I studied her carefully. What was she doing?

Was she just being friendly? Or was this another one of her games?

I didn’t have time for this. I had actual work to do.

So I turned and walked away.

But as I did, I caught the faintest whisper from Serena—so soft, so quiet, I almost missed it.

“You can’t always have it all.”

I stiffened.

Her words weren’t for Danny.

They were for me.

---

As I sat in my office, I tried to shake off the feeling gnawing at me.

Serena had always been competitive. Always jealous.

But this?

This was different.

She wasn’t just envious anymore.

She was fighting.

For what, exactly?

Danny?

My position?

Or was she just trying to prove something to herself?

I tapped my fingers against my desk, staring at the city skyline through my window.

Serena was up to something.

And I needed to find out what.

---

That afternoon, as I stepped out for a meeting, I glanced toward Serena’s desk.

She wasn’t there.

And neither was Danny.

Something tightened in my chest.

I didn’t want to be the paranoid type.

But maybe it wasn’t paranoia if you were right.

Maybe it was just the truth waiting to be revealed.

---

Final Question: What’s more dangerous—jealousy that lingers in the shadows, or jealousy that finally steps into the light?