Chapter 4

I was completely in the dark. I had no idea she was the sister we'd lost long ago. I'd always believed I treated her well, both as a sister and sister-in-law. Her words hit me like a ton of bricks, leaving me reeling and speechless.

Nicole begged, "Amanda, I'll behave from now on, I swear. I won't try to outshine you. Please stop doing this to me. I miss Mom, Dad, and my brothers. Can I come home, please?"

Dad slapped me hard. "I can't believe you were so cruel at such a young age. Nicole was just five then. How could you do that?"

Panicked, I tried to explain, "That's not how it was! I didn't push her, I swear…"

"Why would your own sister tell such a huge lie to trick us? Nicole, my poor girl, you've been through so much," Mom cried, holding her tightly.

Yes, she's my sister! Why would she set me up like this? My engagement party had devolved into a dramatic family showdown, and I was stuck with the label of the wicked sister—a title I felt I could never shake. I cried so much my makeup was ruined, and my voice was hoarse from trying to explain, but no one would listen.

Davin, usually so gentle, gave Chase a look and nodded for him to take me away to fix my makeup. I could tell from his eyes that he thought I was an embarrassment.

Clinging to Chase's hand like a lifeline, I tried to explain. He pulled me close, gently patting my back. "I believe you. How could I not? You're the sweetest, kindest girl in the world."

How had the man who once stood so firmly by my side changed so drastically?

I watched them on the bed, my heart heavy with grief. Even in death, I realized, heartbreak leaves eyes dry and hollow. Though my heart felt long gone, it was as if a cold wind swept through my chest.

I tried to move away but couldn't get more than ten feet from him. I was forced to watch them get up. Nicole was wearing my new dress and sitting at the vanity. She picked up an eyebrow pencil, playfully asking Chase to do her eyebrows, as if they were the real couple. Chase glanced at our wedding photo and hesitated. "Cut it out, Nicole. Didn't we agree to go back to how things were after last night?" "Yes, I understand. I won't interrupt you and my sister," Nicole replied, her voice dripping with mock sadness.

Chase pulled out his phone to call me, but no one answered. If he'd called the police, they might have tracked me down. But he didn't. Instead, he put away his phone, looking frustrated.

I heard him mutter, "Amanda, it looks like I've spoiled you too much."

"Yeah, she knows how to play hard to get. Don't worry, Chase. Maybe she's back home, ignoring your calls just to make you sweat," Nicole chimed in.

Chase's expression turned icy. "Today's the day we meet the elders. It's a big deal. Amanda will definitely be there. Let's head back. I want to see what kind of stunt she's pulling!"

Chapter 5