The weight of success

Sophia’s POV

*********

Some victories don’t come with applause. Some come with silence, resentment, and the slow realization that happiness can feel like a crime to the wrong person.

---

The morning light streamed through my window, painting soft golden streaks across my bedroom wall. I was already awake, lost in my thoughts.

Why did Serena hate me so much?

We had shared everything since birth—the same home, the same parents, the same opportunities. Yet, no matter what, it never seemed enough for her.

I sighed, rubbing my temples. Maybe I was overthinking again. Maybe I just needed to focus on my work and ignore her bitterness.

A knock on my door interrupted my thoughts.

“Sophia, are you up?” My dad’s voice.

“Yes,” I called back, sitting up straighter.

“Come down to the sitting room.”

His tone was calm, but something about it made my stomach tighten.

---

I walked into the living room to find my parents seated on the couch, their expressions unreadable. Serena was already there, sitting stiffly, her nails digging into the cushion.

I glanced between them. “Good morning, Mom. Good morning, Dad.”

Mom smiled warmly. “Good morning, sweetheart.”

Dad’s face was serious. “Sit down, Sophia.”

I hesitated but obeyed. My heart pounded as I searched their faces for an answer. “What’s going on?”

Dad leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “I’ve been thinking a lot about the future of the company.”

Serena’s head snapped up, her eyes narrowing slightly.

“I’ve watched you both work hard,” Dad continued, his gaze settling on me. “Especially you, Sophia. You’ve proven time and time again that you’re responsible, dedicated, and capable.”

I swallowed, unsure where this was going.

“And because of that,” he said, his voice firm, “I’ve decided to make you the CEO.”

Silence.

My breath caught in my throat.

“Dad… why?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

He smiled. “Because you’ve earned it. You’ve worked tirelessly for this company. You’ve never let anything distract you, and you always put the business first. You’re ready.”

A storm brewed in the air.

I didn’t have to turn to know Serena’s reaction—I could feel it.

Her rage was thick, suffocating.

I forced myself to look at her.

She was stiff, her knuckles white from how hard she was gripping the armrest. Her jaw was clenched, her lips pressed into a tight line.

But then, as if sensing my gaze, she forced a smile.

A fake smile.

“Wow, Sophia,” she said, her voice coated with sugar. “That’s… great news.”

I could hear the lie.

Could see it.

Serena wasn’t happy for me.

She was furious.

And I knew, deep in my bones, that she wasn’t going to let this go.

---

At the Office

The moment I stepped into the building, applause erupted.

“Congratulations, Sophia!”

“CEO! That’s incredible!”

“You deserve it!”

I was surrounded by smiling faces, colleagues and employees who genuinely seemed happy for me.

Except for one person.

Serena.

She stood by her desk, her arms crossed, her expression unreadable.

I met her gaze.

For a second—just a second—I thought I saw something else beneath the envy.

Something darker.

But then, just like before, she masked it.

I turned away, trying to shake the uneasy feeling creeping up my spine.

---

Danny’s Invitation

Danny approached me with his usual confident stride, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.

“I think this calls for a celebration,” he said. “I want to take you out for your new position.”

I hesitated. “Danny, I don’t think—”

“Oh, come on,” he interrupted, grinning. “I knew you were going to say no, but I’m not taking that for an answer.”

I sighed, shaking my head. “Fine.”

Serena was watching.

I knew it without even looking.

I could feel her eyes burning into me, filled with resentment, anger—maybe even something worse.

She wasn’t happy.

And I didn’t care.

---

Serena’s Interruption

Just as Danny and I were heading toward the door, Serena’s voice rang out.

“Hey, Danny.”

We both turned.

She was standing by the receptionist’s desk, smiling sweetly.

“Would you like to take a walk with me?” she asked, tilting her head ever so slightly, her voice soft, almost innocent.

I clenched my jaw.

She was doing it again.

Trying to take what was mine.

Danny glanced at her, then at me.

“Sorry,” he said, his voice smooth but firm. “I’m going out with Sophia. Maybe next time.”

The way Serena’s smile cracked for a split second—

The way her fingers twitched, her jaw tightened—

It was almost satisfying.

Almost.

Because I knew Serena.

And she wasn’t the type to let something like this slide.

She turned to me, her lips curling at the edges, though her eyes were filled with something cold.

Her smile was a lie.

And as she walked away, I heard her whisper under her breath, so softly that only I could hear—

You can’t have it all, Sophia.

A chill ran down my spine.

She wasn’t just angry.

She was planning something.

And I had no idea what it was.

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Final Question: What happens when the person closest to you is also your greatest enemy?