Chapter 3

Sienna finally got down to seventy-seven pounds.

Dad was over the moon.

He threw a celebration dinner at home and invited every aunt, uncle, and cousin he could think of.

Among the guests was Owen Clarke, a big-time shrimp farmer from our hometown who walked with a limp.

Dad quietly told me, "Mr. Clarke's family is loaded.

"His right leg's a little lame, that's all.

"But who cares about a limp? As long as the family has money, right?

"You're not like your sister. You don't have the looks to be picky! Just aim for a comfortable life and be done with it!"

I was so angry I laughed. In Dad's eyes, even a man with a limp was out of my league!

"What if I say no?"

"Don't be ridiculous! You're lucky he's even willing!"

While Dad and I were locked in a standoff, Sienna came out of her bedroom in flawless makeup, and the relatives' chatter stopped dead.

One aunt's eyes went wide, a handful of nuts frozen halfway to her mouth.

Another aunt covered her mouth and nearly cried out.

Sienna thought everyone was stunned by her beauty, and a faint blush rose to her cheeks.

The first aunt opened her mouth, but when she saw how proud my parents looked, she didn't say anything after all.

Dad started bragging.

"Sienna's boyfriend comes from one of the most prominent families in Harbor City. Those rich families set the bar high, and their weight standard is straight out of the supermodel world. Luckily, she's a hard worker. After three months of strict body management, she finally made the cut. They'll be getting married soon.

"Sienna's future is as good as settled. Erin's the one we worry about now."

Dad changed course, his gaze landing on me and Owen.

"Erin may not have her sister's figure or looks, but she's been independent since she was little. She knows her own mind. She's the type you can build a life with."

It was the first time in two lifetimes Dad had ever praised me, and it felt worse than being cursed out.

Independent since I was little?

That was because once Sienna came along, I was the big sister, and I had to act like one.

I did my own chores, and I did my sister's chores for her too.

Owen quickly spoke up.

"Mr. Blake, don't say that. Erin's a great girl. If this works out, I'll be the lucky one."

I rolled my eyes at him in disgust.

My cousin had told me Owen was a weirdo. He was over thirty and had never had a girlfriend. He might even be gay.

He was also supposed to be a gambler. His leg had been broken by people he owed after losing too much and not being able to pay up.

The relatives all looked like they were waiting for a show.

There was no way I'd agree.

"Well! She and Sienna can't even compare..."

"Let's exchange numbers. We can keep in touch."

Owen cut Dad off and held his QR code out in front of me.

Since he'd just stepped in for me, I scanned it, saved him in my contacts as "Limpy," and never paid him any attention again.

The entire meal was nothing but my parents showing off, as if Sienna had already become the richest woman in the country.

The day we went to Harbor City, Sienna deliberately picked a skintight red slip dress.

It drew strange looks the whole way there.

Sienna put on her sunglasses, lifted her chin high, and looked my slightly chubby figure up and down with disdain.

"Every single head turns when I walk by. Being thin really is everything."

I nodded like a bobblehead.

"Totally. Real beauty's in the bone structure!"

Sienna was thrilled to hear it.

As soon as we reached Harbor City, she headed straight for the five-star hotel where Damon kept a long-term suite.

She wanted to surprise him.

The elevator doors opened, and there was Damon, on his way out.