Chapter 4

I shook off his hand. "I told you, this house belongs to me and Grandpa. I'm never giving it up!"

Damian looked taken aback by my refusal. His frown deepened.

"Zoe, stop throwing a tantrum. Look at Chloe. Don't you have any compassion or gratitude?"

Chloe slumped against the couch, sobbing weakly.

"Damian, don't. Please, all of you, stop pressuring Zoe. It's just my rotten luck! I don't want the house anymore...

"Don't fight with Zoe because of me."

Her face was deathly pale. Her chest heaved, and she coughed so violently it looked like she might breathe her last at any moment.

Everyone rushed to comfort her.

My father yanked a property transfer agreement from a drawer and slammed it down. "Zoe, you'll sign this house over today, whether you like it or not!"

He grabbed my wrist and forced my thumb onto an ink pad.

"Let go of me!"

He twisted my wrist until pain shot up my arm. I fought with all my strength and looked to Damian, still hoping he'd help me.

But he only stood beside Chloe and quietly averted his gaze.

The last of my hope shattered, leaving only a bone-deep chill.

My thumbprint sat in glaring red on the signature line. Just like that, they'd taken the house Grandpa left me...

My mother immediately handed the agreement to Chloe.

Glee flashed in Chloe's eyes. Then she smiled sweetly. "Thank you, Zoe. Don't worry. I'll take good care of the house Grandpa left you."

I wanted to lunge at her and claw her face, but my father still held my arm in a vise grip.

My mother stood beside Chloe. "You saved Zoe's life. Giving you a house is the least she can do. There's no need to thank her.

"You must be hungry after all this. Come on, I'll take you out to celebrate your new house."

They surrounded Chloe and left, chatting and laughing. I was alone on the floor where they'd shoved me, ink smeared across my hand.

I had no idea how long I'd sat there when my phone lit up with a text from Damian.

"Zoe, I know you're upset about the house, but your sister's recovery comes first. Don't be mad. Once we're married, I'll buy you a new place with only your name on the deed."

My heart softened a little. Maybe he did care that they'd hurt me. After years of leaning on him, I wanted to believe it.

Before that warmth could settle, another message appeared.

"Chloe says her biggest regret is never having a real wedding. I want to let her have ours tomorrow. She can be the bride for a day."

"She doesn't have much time. Just be her maid of honor for one day. It's only for show. Afterward, you'll still be Mrs. Crowley."

The warmth vanished, replaced by a cold stab of pain.

My heart seemed to freeze. I couldn't even feel the pain anymore. I could only see how absurd it all was.

I gave her my dress. I gave her my honeymoon. Now she wants my wedding too. Fine. She can have the groom while she's at it!

I texted back a single word, "Okay," then called Lucas.

He picked up almost at once, his voice deep and low. "Ms. Lambert, have you thought it over?"

I looked at the wreckage around me. "Yes. I'll take the position in Paris.

"There's something else I need your help with..."

After we hung up, I booked a flight to Paris for first thing the next morning and started packing.

They came back from their celebration late that night, talking over one another about how Chloe should style her hair and which necklace she'd wear. Not one of them came upstairs to check on me.

I listened in silence, feeling nothing.

Early the next morning, everyone was busy getting Chloe to the hotel ballroom. No one noticed me slip out the back door with my suitcase.

The wedding car arrived on time. Damian, dressed in a white suit, stepped forward and tenderly helped Chloe out.

He looked past my parents and frowned when he didn't see me. "Where's Zoe?"

My mother stepped forward. "Don't worry about her. I haven't seen her since we got up. She's probably throwing another tantrum!"

Chloe dabbed at her eyes. "It's my fault. Zoe must be angry..."

Damian looked like he wanted to say more, but the ceremony was starting. He murmured a few words to comfort Chloe, took her hand, and led her slowly toward the officiant.

Just then, the image on the big screen changed. Every guest turned to look.

The moment she saw what was on it, the color drained from Chloe's face...