Father did send someone with offerings, but Daniel never showed up.
I called him—three times in a row—but got no answer.
The fourth call was finally picked up, but it was Sophia’s voice on the other end.
“Oh, Lauren? Did you need something from Daniel?”
“Today is my mother’s anniversary.”
“Oh, dear! It’s your sister’s anniversary? How could we forget?”
“Our dog just had puppies today, and Daniel and Emily were so excited they completely lost track of time…”
“By now, it’s probably too late to make it. What should we do?”
“Auntie, who is it?”
“It’s Lauren. She sounds upset. What should we do, Daniel?”
“Lauren?” Daniel’s voice came through.
I hung up without saying another word and blocked his number.
On the tombstone, Mom smiled at me from the black-and-white photograph—gentle and loving.
It was April, the most beautiful time of the year.
Yet as I knelt there, I felt as though I had plunged into an icy abyss.
I hugged the cold stone and kissed it.
It’s okay. At least I’ll never forget you, Mom.
When I returned from the lawyer’s office to my small house, I was surprised to see Vincent, Daniel, and Emily standing outside.
Emily was nestled between the two men, smiling brightly as she held a massive bouquet.
Daniel spoke first when he saw me.
“Lauren, look at how amazing Emily is! Her design just won the International Design Award.”
“I just wanted to follow in my sister’s footsteps,” Emily said with fake humility.
Vincent scoffed, flipping through the design sketches. “Follow her?”
“She studied under a master and still never won anything.”
“Talent is what matters, Emily. Don’t sell yourself short.”
I couldn’t help but glance at the sketches in Vincent’s hand.
My gaze narrowed as I stepped forward without thinking and snatched them from his grasp.
Page after page—they were nearly identical to my original drafts.
Emily had stolen my designs to win that award!
“You stole my designs! Emily, how could you be so shameless?”
Trembling with fury, I raised my hand to strike her.
But before I could, Vincent seized my wrist with brutal force.
Then came a sharp shove.
I crashed to the ground, humiliated and in pain.
