My family laughed when I arrived alone at my sister’s wedding, and my father made sure everyone heard him say, “She couldn’t even find a date.” A few minutes later, after he shoved me into the fountain and the applause finally faded, I looked him straight in the eye. “Remember this moment.” Because the secret I had protected for three years was already walking toward the ballroom doors.

The limousine screeched to a halt, the tires sliding on the wet pavement. Julian shoved me down onto the floorboard, covering my body with his own. "Stay down!" he ordered, his voice sharp and commanding. Outside, Sophie was screaming, waving the gun wildly at the bulletproof glass. "This is all your fault, Clara!" she shrieked, her voice cracking. "You took everything from me!" Julian reached under his seat and pulled out a sleek black handgun. He didn't hesitate, his face set in a cold, deadly mask. "Julian, wait, she's my sister," I pleaded, grabbing his arm. "She's a threat," he replied calmly, his eyes locked on Sophie. The driver, a heavily armed ex-military guard, had already drawn his weapon. "Boss, give the word," the driver said, his voice steady. Sophie aimed the gun directly at the window where Julian and I were sitting. Her hands were shaking so violently, she could barely hold the weapon steady. "I have nothing left!" she cried, tears streaming down her face. "If I can't have my life back, neither can you!" Suddenly, the sound of approaching sirens pierced the night air. Sophie froze, her eyes wide with panic as police cars surrounded the estate. Julian rolled down his window just a fraction of an inch. "Drop it, Sophie," he ordered, his voice echoing in the darkness. "Or you will die on my driveway." Sophie lowered the gun, her shoulders slumping in defeat. As the police tackled her to the ground, she looked directly at me. "You think this is over?" she sneered, a wicked smile spreading across her face. "Mother says hello."