Chapter 1: Her Shadow

I adjusted my thick, black-rimmed glasses, squinting to get a clearer view of the woman speaking on stage. Catching my reflection in the glass wall beside me, the striking similarity between us couldn't have been more obvious. 

That was what they always made sure I remembered.

Even though a few people still complimented me, despite my simple, casual dress at this grand event, I could never believe I’d ever stand out the way she did. And honestly? I didn’t want to outshine the woman of the hour.

“Thank you all for coming to my event,” Celeste Everhart, my sister, said, adopted sister to be exact. Her sweet, melodic voice echoing through the grand hall.

I smiled a bit. I’ve always adored her voice — soft, confident, and charming. Everything about Celeste was captivating. She exuded confidence and grace that people couldn’t help but love.

That I can never do or be. So, I silently support her from the side. 

“Tonight marks the start of something new in my life. I want to thank my father, who has always supported me in everything I do. At first, designing was just a hobby, but I realized it was my true passion. And I’m grateful to have parents who guide me every step of the way.”

Celeste’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she turned toward our mother, Ophelia Everhart, who was already dabbing at her own eyes. The audience applauded, the sound filling the room.

Everyone was mesmerized by Celeste—her elegance, her beauty, her perfect figure—everything about her.

“And, of course, to all of you. I couldn’t have done this without your support. I hope that opening this boutique will bring me even closer to all of you.”

And then, there it was—that radiant smile that could light up the entire room. Celeste thrived on admiration, on the envy she stirred in others. She lived for it.

Everyone adored Celeste Everhart, the only daughter of Simeon and Ophelia Everhart. A star admired by all.

Unlike me.

Eloise Everhart. Always in Celeste’s shadow. A woman destined to stay in the background.

As expected, the event went perfectly. Celeste was the star. And I, as always, was invisible.

—

After the event, I quietly gathered Celeste’s belongings, stopping now and then to take sips of water and nibble on the bread I had prepared this morning. I hadn’t eaten or even drunk anything all day, and my throat was so dry that I almost choked when I finally took a gulp of water.

Coughing, I tried to dislodge the piece of bread stuck in my throat when a voice suddenly spoke from behind me.

“Are you okay?”

I jumped, spinning around to see Celeste approaching me. For a second, I was frozen. Even off the stage, she still managed to shine.

Her silk dress clung perfectly to her curves, and the light caught the sparkle of her diamond earrings as she walked closer.

Something I could never be.

I cleared my throat and tried to steady myself. “I-I’m okay, Sister. Thank you for asking.”

Celeste smirked, raising an eyebrow as she crossed her arms.

“Well, you should be. I don’t want you dying here, Eloise. My boutique just opened, after all.”

I fought the urge to grimace. The sweet, demure persona Celeste showed the world was nothing like the person she was behind closed doors.

And there was nothing I could do but endure it in silence.

“Yeah… You did well, by the way. Everyone loved you. Congratulations on your new boutique!” I forced myself to sound cheerful.

Celeste’s smile grew, but the glint of amusement in her eyes told me she wasn’t fooled.

“Of course they did! Duh. Who wouldn’t love me, Eloise? Use your brain, will you?”

The smile slipped from my face. “Yes. Sorry.”

“And did you see how amazed they were by my designs? They absolutely loved them!”

I stiffened.

Yes, I had seen their admiration. I had heard their praise. But it was all based on a lie.

Because those designs were mine.

The gowns showcased tonight had been made by my hands. But what did it matter? Our mother had made it clear—I was to hand them over to Celeste.

“O-Of course. They loved it.”

Celeste stepped closer, her face just inches from mine, her eyes narrowing.

“You know it’s mine, right?” she whispered, her voice soft but laced with threat.

I blinked, feeling myself shrink under her gaze, even though we were the same height.

Before I could answer, the door to the dressing room opened, and one of Celeste’s assistants stepped inside.

“Miss Everhart, your car is ready.”

Celeste straightened up, brushing imaginary dust off my shoulder like I was something dirty.

“You know, Eloise, you should stick to what you’re good at—staying in my background. My shadow. Who knows? Maybe one day you’ll actually make something of yourself. But I doubt it. You’ll always be nothing.”

Her words cut deep, and when she finally walked out, I was left standing there, hollow and trembling.

My legs gave out, and I sank onto the nearest stool, trying to catch my breath.

It had been like this for years.

And maybe people would wonder why I stayed. Why do I put up with it?

But I didn’t have a choice.

The Everharts had been my lifeline. They had taken me in when I had no one.

I still remember the day I met the Everhart family.

I had just turned eighteen, aging out of the orphanage. But even then, I couldn’t leave the place that had raised me, especially when a fire destroyed it shortly after I left.

I had been working multiple part-time jobs to support Mother Celine’s hospital bills while putting myself through college. The orphanage had some sponsors, but it was never enough.

Mother Celine had been more of a parent to me than anyone else. I loved her dearly.

It was pure coincidence that I met the Everharts—an accidental food delivery to their estate. Ophelia Everhart noticed my striking resemblance to her daughter, Celeste.

At first, I didn’t believe it. I was nothing like Celeste. But when Ophelia dressed me up like her daughter, the resemblance was undeniable.

That was when she made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.

They would adopt me, and in return, I would pretend to be Celeste in public when she couldn’t be bothered.

Celeste had always been reckless—skipping important events, disappearing for wild nights out. Ophelia needed someone to step in and maintain their perfect family image.

I had refused at first. I was terrified, unfamiliar with their world. But when Ophelia promised I would remain invisible, only stepping in when needed… and when the orphanage burned down, and Mother Celine needed surgery…

I had no choice.

And so I became Celeste’s shadow.

The other Everhart daughter.

The one the world wasn’t supposed to see.

I exhaled shakily and shook my head, forcing myself to finish packing Celeste’s things. I was almost done when my phone buzzed with a reminder.

“Oh, gosh!” I gasped.

How could I forget? I had planned to surprise Adrian today!

I hurried out of the building, stopping at a nearby bakery to buy his favorite cake.

Adrian Duvall—my long-time boyfriend. We had been together since our fourth year of college. He had always been my rock, my support when no one else was.

He was the only one who made me feel loved. Seen.

And now, it was my turn to support him.

Adrian had just been hired at Everhart Enterprises—his first step toward his dream of becoming one of the world’s top CEOs.

I couldn’t have been prouder.

With the cake in hand, I took a taxi to his apartment, using the spare key he had given me long ago.

But the moment I stepped inside, something felt… off.

The lights were dim. The scent of his cologne lingered in the air.

And then I heard it.

A soft, muffled sound. A moan.

My heart pounded as I moved toward the bedroom.

And I saw it.

My hands trembled as the world around me shattered.

The silk gown I had carefully picked for her earlier lay crumpled on the floor, along with the heels and stockings I had so thoughtfully prepared for her.

The boxers I had gifted him were discarded near the door, the shirt tossed carelessly beside them.

Their clothes were scattered across the floor — a damning, undeniable mess.

Celeste’s golden hair spilled across the pillows as she clung to Adrian—the man who had promised me forever. And his arms were wrapped around the woman who had already taken everything from me.