Chapter 2 - THE MAID OF HONOR
Sydney entered carrying two coffees and wearing the soft pink satin robe Meline had ordered for the bridal party.
She looked radiant.
That was the cruelest part.
Her blond hair was curled perfectly.
Her makeup was flawless.
One hand rested casually over her stomach.
There was no visible bump yet.
No sign that the child growing inside her might belong to the man Meline had been preparing to marry.
Sydney smiled too brightly.
“I thought you’d be panicking.”
“Why would I panic?”
“Because you’re getting married in a few hours.”
Sydney laughed.
“You’re weirdly calm.”
Meline accepted one of the coffees but did not drink it.
“I slept well.”
That was a lie.
She had not slept at all.
Sydney wandered toward the vanity.
Her eyes found the bracelet box.
The engraved silver bracelet Meline had bought for her still sat inside.
For one second, shame flickered across Sydney’s face.
Then it disappeared.
“You came by for this last night, didn’t you?”
“I did.”
Sydney met her gaze in the mirror.
“Did you hear anything else after you left?”
The question was careless.
Too careless.
Meline tilted her head.
“Should I have?”
Sydney turned.
“No.”
She laughed nervously.
“I mean, obviously not.”
Meline let the silence stretch.
Sydney hated silence.
She always had.
Growing up, she filled uncomfortable rooms with stories, complaints, jokes, and attention.
Meline had learned to survive by watching.
Eventually, people revealed themselves.
Sydney picked up the bracelet.
“You still want me to wear it?”
“Yes.”
The answer startled her.
“Seriously?”
“Of course.”
Sydney slowly fastened it around her wrist.
The inside engraving caught the light.
Sisters by blood.
Family by choice.
Meline had ordered those words three weeks earlier.
They felt almost comical now.
A knock came at the door.
Their mother entered without waiting.
Elaine Carter swept into the room wearing a champagne-colored gown and the expression of a woman determined to control every detail.
“There you are.”
Her eyes moved instantly to Meline.
“Please tell me you have the document folder.”
Meline almost smiled.
“Yes.”
“Good.”
Elaine visibly relaxed.
“Your father has a few updated forms for after the ceremony.”
Sydney looked down.
Meline pretended not to notice.
“What kind of forms?”
“Nothing important.”
Elaine waved one hand.
“Insurance adjustments.”
“On my wedding day?”
“Your father says the bank needs them dated before Monday.”
Meline stared at her mother.
Last night had removed every remaining illusion.
Today, Elaine did not even have the decency to hesitate.
She was trying to lead her daughter into financial fraud before the makeup artist arrived.
Meline folded her hands in her lap.
“I’ll read everything.”
Elaine’s smile tightened.
“You won’t have time.”
“I’ll make time.”
“Meline.”
Her mother stepped closer.
“This family has supported you your entire life.”
There it was.
The weapon Elaine had used since childhood.
Obligation.
Guilt.
Debt.
Meline remembered paying Sydney’s graduate-school tuition.
She remembered secretly covering her parents’ mortgage when Robert’s business nearly collapsed.
She remembered lending them money they believed came from “savings.”
None of it had counted.
Her mother lowered her voice.
“Today is not the day to become difficult.”
Meline looked directly at her.
“No.”
Her tone remained soft.
“Today is exactly the day.”
Elaine went still.
Before she could respond, the bridal coordinator appeared.
“Mrs. Carter?”
Elaine turned sharply.
“Your husband is asking for you downstairs.”
Elaine glanced once more at Meline.
“Don’t do anything foolish.”
Then she left.
Sydney remained silent until the door closed.
Finally, she whispered, “You know.”
Meline looked at her sister.
Sydney’s eyes had filled with fear.
Not remorse.
Fear.
Meline leaned back in the chair.
May you like
“Which part are you asking about?”
Sydney’s face went white.
