My Stepsister's Dark Gift

I was Olivia Miller, the quiet, studious pre-med student from a prominent family.

My stepsister, Izzy, was the dazzling socialite, everyone' s favorite, effortlessly getting what she wanted.

Then, the unexplained began. Dark bruises marred my skin, then alarming hickeys appeared on my neck, though I hadn' t been with anyone.

My family's judgment quickly fell, and Izzy, with sugary sweetness, presented me with an antique silver locket-a "family heirloom for protection."

New marks appeared the very next day.

The humiliation peaked at a prestigious university conference.