Chapter 3 Violet's Kiss

I pulled out a blank sheet of paper and began sketching a new jewelry design.

Once I'd mapped out the structure and materials, my pencil started moving almost on its own.

I didn't know how long I'd been at it when I finally looked down.

A delicate ring had taken shape on the page, its band made of fine strands of rose gold, gently intertwined. A platinum violet bloomed at the center, set with a rare purple gem that gave off an air of mystery and quiet luxury.

I named it "Violet's Kiss."

Suddenly, a voice rang out from across the office. "Wow! Melody's got another new design, and it's gorgeous!"

My brows furrowed. A new design?

"Oh my gosh, this is stunning!"

"Charlotte, your sister's so talented. I'm jealous!"

One after another, their voices filled the room with admiration.

Everyone was holding their phones. I picked up mine and opened my social media app.

Right at the top of my feed was Melody's latest post. 'I'll keep working hard to create even more beautiful designs for everyone. This one, "Violet's Kiss," is for you all.'

My heart dropped as I stared at the photo. It was my design, the one I'd just finished sketching. And somehow, Melody had posted it first.

Then, someone passing by my desk grabbed the sheet I'd been working on. "Hey, look! This is the exact same design Melody just posted!"

People crowded around.

"It really is identical!"

My pulse spiked. I started to stand and snatch my drawing back, but someone shoved me away. "Charlotte, don't tell me you're trying to copy your sister's design?"

Gasps and whispers rippled through the office.

"I can't believe it. She always looked so proper, but she's actually a thief?"

Someone's voice rose above the noise. "Come to think of it, Charlotte's old designs all look kind of like Melody's, don't they?"

Before I could react, people started pulling out my past sketches, comparing them to Melody's.

I used the moment to snatch my paper back. "This was mine to begin with. Melody's the one copying me. She always has."

Just then, Melody walked in from the hallway. She stood in the center of the crowd, wearing a short white dress.

Her eyes were red, tears sliding down her cheeks as she spoke in a trembling voice. "Charlotte, why would you steal my work? I know you don't like me, but those designs mean everything to me. I worked so hard on them. Ever since you came home, you've hated me. Is this because you're mad at Mom and Dad?"

Her soft, pitiful tone made everyone's sympathy instantly swing her way.

The air turned heavy with judgment. Someone behind me gave a hard shove.

I lost my balance and fell forward, my head slamming against the edge of a desk. Warm blood trickled down my cheek, dripping onto the floor.

Melody rushed toward me, crouching as if to help, then suddenly fell backward in an exaggerated stumble.

'Oh, come on,' I thought. 'Is she serious? In front of everyone?'

She looked up at me, eyes wide and watery. "Charlotte, why did you push me? I was just trying to help you up."

Everyone ran to check on her instead of me.

Someone pointed a finger at me and barked, "Charlotte, that's too much! You plagiarize and then act violent when you're caught?"

"Exactly! Melody, don't bother with her. Someone that shameless deserves it."

Melody slowly stood, her voice soft and trembling. "No matter what, she's still my sister. I'll be fine."

A smile tugged at the corner of my mouth. I looked her straight in the eye. "I'm sorry, Melody. Come closer. I just want to tell you something."

Melody hesitated, then stepped toward me, still looking wounded and meek.

I smiled sweetly back, and the moment she got close, I slapped her hard across the face. The force sent her sprawling to the floor.

"Oh dear, Melody, how could you be so careless? I only gave you the gentlest little push."

Melody sat there clutching her face, her hair falling forward like a curtain. Through the strands, her eyes glared at me, dark and furious.

Then, as if remembering her audience, she lifted her head again, wide-eyed and innocent.

I'd had enough of her act.

While everyone's attention was still on Melody, I stood up, ignored the murmurs and glares, and walked out, leaving that poisonous crowd behind me.