After Stepping Aside for My Husband and His Sister-in-Law

chapter 1

Married for six years, Charlie Simpson finally agreed to hold a wedding for me, Evelyn Hayes.

But our adopted son, Oscar Simpson, suddenly fell seriously ill, and Charlie and Oscar hurriedly flew abroad for treatment.

Worried, I rushed over, only to find Charlie and his elder brother's wife, Juliet Harrison, holding a wedding on the street.

He knelt on one knee and said to Juliet, who was wearing a wedding dress, "Once we're back home, life will push us forward again."

"No one knows us here, so let's be reckless just this once."

I watched Oscar call her mom, the three of them looking so happy together, and quietly returned home, changing the bride's name at the wedding venue to Juliet.

Then, I called my teacher Valerie Harvey. "May I still have a chance to play a supporting role in your newly rehearsed musical?"

"Have you figured it out?" On the other end, Valerie's voice paused for a second, then was filled with excitement and joy.

"Of course! You were my chosen successor back then. The troupe is heading to Paris for an exchange in half a month. Can you join us?"

I said, "Mm, I'll be there on time."

After hanging up, the wedding planning team quickly called to confirm. "Ms. Hayes, do you want to change the bride's name to Juliet Harrison?"

After receiving my confirmation and double-checking, they cautiously asked, "Has the bride changed? What about the plans..."

"I'll have the bride communicate with you in a few days," I said calmly.

After hanging up, that ache in my chest resurfaced.

Charlie and I had been in love for years and were about to get married when his brother, Paul Simpson, passed away unexpectedly.

Juliet was already pregnant at the time, and Charlie's mother, Hazel Simpson, couldn't bear to see her widowed so young, so she suggested that Charlie marry her too.

At that time, I also found out I was pregnant and caused a big scene. Only then did Hazel back down and instead suggested adopting Juliet's child to Charlie.

Later, Juliet went abroad, and Charlie and I quickly got our marriage certificate. I became a stepmother at a young age and faced a lot of criticism.

Charlie kept postponing the wedding, using Paul's recent passing as an excuse.

I was joyfully preparing for the wedding.

But worried about Oscar, I dropped everything for the wedding and searched for a long time at the hospital address they gave me.

But on the bustling street, I ran into Charlie, who was supposed to be waiting outside the operating room.

In my shocked eyes, the reflection showed Charlie holding Juliet, dressed in a wedding gown.

She covered her mouth, tears in her eyes, staring in disbelief as Charlie knelt on one knee, offering her a ring.

I was stunned too.

I never expected Charlie to have such feelings for Juliet.

"Dad, Mom, I want you to stay together forever." Oscar rushed over to hug them, his little face scrunched up. "I don't want Dad to marry that woman."

Mentioning me, Charlie's smile faded slightly, but his gaze at Juliet was filled with helplessness and pain.

He said, "I don't want to either. But there's no choice."

"Your mom and I can't be together. We each have our own lives."

He turned to Juliet, his gaze becoming gentle yet firm. "But now, we can let loose for once."

The crowd's cheers erupted, like thunder splitting the sky above me.

I staggered back two steps, watching them embrace and kiss deeply.

The camera captured them, taking one wedding photo after another.

Afterward, Charlie lifted Juliet's gown for her.

I followed behind them like a ghost.

Juliet suddenly started sobbing, her affectionate eyes full of reluctance. "I'll get married someday too, what will Oscar do then?"

Charlie saw her tears and immediately got nervous. "Don't cry, Oscar still has me."

"You know that's not what I mean," she said, biting her lip, aggrieved.

Charlie said, "Don't worry, Evelyn won't have children. I've been giving her birth control pills all these years. When we return, I'll get a vasectomy. From now on, she can only treat Oscar well."

Hearing Charlie say this, Juliet finally broke into a smile through her tears.

At that moment, it felt like a bucket of ice water was poured over me, chilling me to the bone.

For six years, Hazel had mocked me countless times for being "unable to conceive."

Each time, Charlie would stand up for me. "It doesn't matter if Evelyn has children or not, I won't force her. Besides, we have Oscar."

The words that once moved me now send chills down my spine.

I didnt dare to keep watching and had to flee back home in embarrassment.

I looked at the carefully chosen gift boxes lined up, just waiting for Charlie to come back and pick one with me.

Looking at the half-written wedding invitations, the joy and excitement I once felt turned into a pain that tore at my very soul.

I stayed alone in my room, crying for days until my throat went hoarse and I could no longer make a sound.

Today, I finally informed all the guests and let out a deep sigh.

Since they can't be together, I'll give them a hand.

Im willing to step aside and let them be.