Chapter 1

After everyone left, my mother pressed the silver chain into my hand.

"Don't make that face. People might think we've mistreated you."

The rough metal bit into my palm. I asked her softly:

"Mom, do you remember the twin-star pendant you designed for me?"

Three years ago, when we were picking necklace designs, Bella chose the laurel pattern from the family crest. I chose the twin-star knot.

My mother said back then that the twin-star knot suited my quiet nature best. She said she'd set the two interlocking stars in gold, to show that I'd always be connected to the family.

My mother paused, then frowned.

"Your sister's earrings still need a circle of diamonds. Don't bother me with old news."

She turned and walked into her design studio.

Through the half-open door, I saw it: set beside the diamonds on Bella's earrings were the two interlocking stars.

The design was exactly what my mother had drawn for me.

She hadn't forgotten. She'd just given what was mine to Bella.

Back in my bedroom, I found my closet empty. My jewelry box was gone too.

I asked Matteo. He said impatiently:

"Bella's having friends over to get ready for the ball. She needed extra clothes and jewelry. You weren't using them anyway."

My mother called me immature. She said Grandmother would have wanted Bella's ball to be perfect.

My father pointed to the storage room.

"Bella's old clothes are down there. You're twins—there's plenty for you to wear."

Bella's eyes turned red.

"If you mind, I'll give everything back. But the Harrisons are coming to the ball. If my friends and I don't look right, people will laugh."

My mother rushed to comfort her.

"Your sister has always been sensible. She wouldn't make you feel bad over a few things."

Everyone waited for me to say it was fine.

I walked up to Bella and reached for my jewelry box.

Matteo grabbed my wrist and yelled at me for making the whole house miserable.

The next afternoon, my mother called Bella and me into the study to distribute our coming-of-age gifts.

She gave Bella the deed to the Boston jewelry store first.

Then my father handed Bella the trust fund certificate. Matteo gave her a set of Cartier diamond jewelry.

When the box opened, the room filled with light.

When it was my turn, the table was empty.

The butler carried in two old blankets. Yellowed fibers fell from the torn edges.

My mother acted like she didn't see it.

"Sophia, you're staying home anyway. These will be fine in your room."

I didn't take them.

"Where's Grandmother's diamond bracelet?"

Bella instinctively hid her wrist, but I'd already seen the flash of diamonds.

My mother explained:

"Bella can't just have one necklace for the ball. She needs other pieces too. I had the jeweler reset the bracelet so she could use it."

I looked at Bella. "Do you think it should be yours?"

She quickly took it off. "If you want it, take it."

The moment I reached out, my mother held her back.

"It's yours. You don't have to give it away."

Matteo blocked my hand. "Bella's just borrowing one piece. Are you really going to fight her for it?"

They all spoke over each other, as if the heirloom hadn't been stolen from me.

I lowered my hand.

"If we're all one family, then I should get half of the Boston store, too."

Bella clutched the deed tighter. My mother slammed the table.

"How can you compete with your sister? She's marrying into the Harrison family!"

I looked at their identical angry faces. The last hope in my heart slowly died.

When they took from me, it was sisterly love.

When I asked for anything of Bella's, I was greedy.

I went to my room and opened Grandmother's jewelry box.

At the bottom, under the tools, was a yellowed note.

"What your family won't give you, you must earn for yourself."

I read it for a long time. Then I opened my email and saw Columbia's enrollment reminder.

I clicked Confirm.