Chapter 3

My fingers tightened around my phone, my pulse thundering in my ears.

Then, just as panic began to rise, the deliveryman's phone rang—it was my best friend.

She firmly reminded him that the package contained private materials and must be signed for by me personally. The courier immediately withdrew the delivery and called to confirm my new address.

I exhaled a long, shaky breath of relief.

That night, when I returned home, Connor rushed over the moment he saw me, his face lined with worry.

"How's the baby?" he asked anxiously.

His nervous expression pierced straight through me. Wordlessly, I handed him the medical report.

When he saw the words "normal", the tension melted from his face. He sat beside me, reaching for my hand.

"Darling, are you sure you're not mad at me?"

I caught the tentative note in his voice and gave a gentle shake of my head.

"Of course not. You're just working hard to give me and our baby a better life. I understand."

Relief washed over him. He pulled me into his arms, pressing a kiss to my cheek.

"Thank you, baby. I swear, nothing like this will ever happen again."

Then, as if remembering something, he asked casually, "Oh, by the way, what was in that mysterious package today? Why couldn't I sign for it, even as your husband?"

My heart nearly stopped, but I forced a calm smile and summoned every ounce of acting skill I had.

"It's a film script from the production company. The project's confidential, so it's private by contract."

He nodded, fully convinced, and the last trace of suspicion faded from his eyes.

Leaning in, he kissed my forehead.

"Darling, your birthday's coming up. I've prepared a surprise for you," he said with a smile. "I promise—it'll be a birthday you'll never forget."

I nodded, keeping my expression soft and trusting. Just a few more days. I could keep pretending that long. If nothing else, I wanted to give our doomed love story a fitting final scene.

When my birthday arrived, the venue was filled with lilies and balloons—romantic and delicate.

Only, Connor had forgotten one small detail: my favorite flowers were vibrant red roses. Lilies were Lindsey's favorite.

My silence must have given me away, because realization dawned across his face.

"Sorry, Rachel," he murmured, guilt creeping into his tone. "I must've mixed it up."

I steadied my emotions, forcing a faint smile.

"It's fine."

The moment my calm expression registered, the remorse vanished from his eyes.

I brushed off his attempt to take my hand. "I'll go change," I said, slipping away.

But before I could reach the dressing room, Lindsey emerged—wearing my custom-made gown and the jeweled crown that was meant for me. She stood there, radiant and smug, like a queen basking in stolen glory.

The fury I'd been holding back finally ignited.

I strode toward her. "Who gave you permission to wear my things? Take them off. Now."

That gown and jewelry had been personally designed for me by a world-renowned designer—a private gift, crafted for my birthday. They meant something.

Lindsey pouted and ducked behind Connor, her tone soft and sugary.

"I just wanted to try it on, that's all. Rachel, you have so many beautiful dresses. I thought you wouldn't mind."

Her shamelessness made my blood boil.

"I do mind," I snapped. "Give them back."

Her lips trembled, and tears welled up as she whimpered, "Rachel, why are you so mean? I just wanted to try something pretty. I didn't mean any harm…"

I was done listening. I stepped forward and yanked the crown off her head.

Her eyes flickered with calculation. Then, all at once, she stumbled backward—deliberately knocking over the towering champagne display and collapsing to the floor in a cascade of broken glass and foam.

"Enough, Rachel! How could you treat your sister like this?"

Connor rushed to Lindsey's side, gathering her up with visible tenderness.

"Rachel, give the crown back to Lindsey and apologize to her!"

He stood before me, his tone commanding, his presence oppressive.

A bitter laugh escaped me as tears slipped down my cheeks.

"Today is my birthday. You got the decorations wrong, and now you expect me to give her my gown and crown too? Don't you think you've gone too far?"

Guilt flashed briefly in his eyes.

"I'm sorry," he said, "I was wrong. I can apologize to you, but you should also apologize to Lindsey."

I met his gaze.

"She wore my clothes without permission. Why should I apologize?"

"Because you're her sister," someone snapped. "You should be the bigger person!"

And just then, I looked up to see my parents walking in arm in arm.