“You’ve really grown wings, haven’t you, Sarah?” Lena sneered, stepping closer with a dangerous edge in her voice. “Flapping around like you own the place.”
Sarah smiled, unflinching. "I've always had wings, Lena. Maybe you're just finally looking up."Lena's expression darkened, her voice turning venomous. “You think Andrew cares about you?”Sarah tilted her head, playfulness creeping in. “Who said I needed him to care?”Caught off guard, Lena blinked.“I’m not after Andrew’s heart,” Sarah said, her tone sharp, unwavering. “And I’m not obsessed with a title. But don’t push me, Lena.” She leaned in, their faces inches apart. “If you make me fight for either… I won’t lose.”Lena’s jaw clenched. “You think Andrew is some prize to win over with fluttering lashes and fake smiles?”Sarah's smile remained. “You sound scared.”“This marriage—” Lena hissed, “is just a punishment.”“Is it?” Sarah’s brows raisedParty HallAndrew's car rolled up to the mansion, Carmelita's car right behind them. The gravel crunched under their tires as they parked.They all got out and walked toward the big entrance. Mia looked around - wow, this place was something else. The party hall was buzzing with people, mostly older men in expensive suits talking business and laughing loudly."There's so many people here," Sarah whispered to Mia as they walked in.Mrs. Toby spotted them the second they stepped through the door. She practically rushed over, her face lighting up."Oh my goodness, I'm so glad you made it, Carmelita!" She pulled her into a tight hug, the kind that old friends give each other.Carmelita hugged her back, smiling. "Of course I'd come. When it's about our Anthony, you know I wouldn't miss it.""Hello, ma'am," Sarah and Mia said at the same time, trying to be polite.Mrs. Toby's smile got even bigger when she looked at Mia. There was something in her eyes, like she was really taking her in."O
The Next MorningThe day had gone by surprisingly quickly, and now as nightfall approached, there was an excitement in the air that was almost palpable. Today was finally the day of the welcoming party for Mrs. Toby's son, the event that everyone in their social circle had been talking about for weeks.Carmelita had already sent Sarah and Mia's dresses over to them earlier in the afternoon, along with matching shoes and accessories that she had personally selected from some of the most exclusive boutiques in the city. She had spared no expense in making sure both girls would look absolutely stunning tonight."You sure look stunning," Mia said as she watched the professional stylist work her magic on Sarah's hair. The woman was clearly an expert, the way her hands moved through Sarah's locks with such precision and artistry was mesmerizing to watch.Sarah caught Mia's eye in the mirror and smiled. "You look more like the host of the occasion," she replied, making Mia burst out laughin
The taxi came to a stop right in front of Andrew's mansion. Mia stepped out, fumbling through her purse for the fare. Her hands were still shaking a little from everything that had happened with her mother. She handed the driver his money and watched as he pulled away before turning toward the house.The front door felt heavier than usual as she pushed it open. Maybe it was just her mood, but everything seemed to require more effort today. She climbed the stairs slowly, her bag feeling like it weighed a ton on her shoulder.Sarah's bedroom door was slightly open, and Mia could hear the familiar sound of Netflix playing. She pushed the door wider and found Sarah sprawled across her bed, a bowl of popcorn balanced on her stomach, completely absorbed in whatever show she was watching."You're back," Sarah said with a bright smile, pausing the show and turning to face her friend. The smile faltered when she got a good look at Mia's face. "Wait, what happened? You look like someone just to
Mia's hands trembled at her sides as she watched Kate's cold expression, the same expression that had greeted her countless times throughout her twenty-three years of life whenever she dared to express her own desires.Fresh tears traced silver paths down Mia's flushed cheeks, each drop carrying the weight of years of suppressed frustration and disappointment. Her dark eyes, usually bright with hope despite everything, now reflected a weariness that seemed far too old for her young face. The silence between them stretched like a taut wire, ready to snap at any moment."Mother," Mia's voice cracked with emotion, the single word carrying more pain than any scream could have conveyed. She wiped at her cheeks with the back of her hand, leaving streaks across her pale skin. "When are you going to stop making decisions for me?"The question hung in the air like smoke, heavy and choking. Kate's face remained impassive, her thin lips pressed into a hard line that
The drive continued in heavy silence, broken only by the soft hum of the car's engine and the distant sounds of city traffic filtering through the windows. Mia sat rigid in the passenger seat, her hands clasped tightly in her lap, knuckles white with tension. The familiar streets of her neighborhood passed by in a blur, each turn bringing her closer to whatever storm was waiting at home.Anthony glanced at her from the corner of his eye, noting the way she held herself like she was bracing for impact. Her usually bright demeanor had been replaced by something fragile and withdrawn, and it bothered him more than he cared to admit."Are you okay?" he asked finally, his voice cutting through the oppressive quiet.Mia turned to look at him, her eyes reflecting a mix of anxiety and something else – fear, maybe, or resignation. For a moment, he thought she might actually tell him what was troubling her, but then her walls went back up."I'm fi
Andrew looked at Anthony for a long moment, his expression unreadable. The silence stretched between them like a taut wire, filled with years of history and unspoken words. Then, unexpectedly, he chuckled – a sound that held no real humor, just exhaustion and resignation."I don't want to talk about it," he said, his voice carrying a finality that would have stopped most people in their tracks.But Anthony wasn't most people. He'd known Andrew long enough to recognize the walls going up, the way his friend retreated behind that carefully constructed mask whenever things got too emotional. It frustrated him to no end."Gosh, Andy," Anthony muttered, running his hands through his hair in exasperation. "I never knew you to be like this. Just let go of the past already."The nickname slipped out without thinking – Andy, the name only his closest friends had ever used. It was a remnant from their childhood, from simpler times when their bigge