Chapter 3

"There's a business gala tonight. Wear something plain, don't steal Serena's spotlight."

On the couch lay a cheap, dated dress he'd tossed at me.

Behind him stood Serena in a designer maternity gown, wearing my pink diamond necklace.

"Damian, do I look good in this?"

Serena lifted her skirt and spun in a circle.

Damian walked over and put his arm around her waist.

"Beautiful. You'll be the most stunning woman there tonight."

He turned to me, his brow furrowed.

"What are you standing there for? Go change. Don't waste time."

I picked up the gray dress and walked into the guest bedroom.

By the time I came out dressed, Damian had already left with Serena.

I had to take a cab to the hotel myself.

When I pushed open the ballroom doors, Damian was holding a champagne flute, laughing and chatting with several business partners.

Serena clung to his arm, the picture of elegance.

I walked over, about to take my place behind Damian.

"Mr. Sterling, who is this?"

A partner gestured toward Serena.

Damian raised his glass, all smiles.

"Let me introduce you. This is my fiancée, Serena Croft."

A chorus of flattery rose around them.

"Ms. Croft is absolutely radiant. You two make such a perfect couple."

Another partner recognized me.

"Wait, then who's Ms. Hayes over there?"

The ballroom went quiet for a moment.

Everyone's eyes turned to me with curiosity and mockery.

Damian paused briefly, not even turning around.

"Her? My sister."

Ten years together, and I'd become his sister.

He couldn't even give me a decent explanation, casually erasing every trace of me.

I stood in the corner, watching Serena accept everyone's congratulations.

Halfway through the gala, Serena walked toward me carrying a glass of red wine.

"Oh no!"

She suddenly stumbled, half the wine splashing across my gray dress.

The red liquid dripped down the fabric, making me look pathetic.

"Sienna, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to."

Serena covered her mouth, putting on a performance of panic.

Damian rushed over and shoved me aside, pulling Serena into his arms.

"Are you okay? Did you hurt the baby?"

He turned to glare at me, his tone harsh.

"Why were you standing so close? You know she's pregnant and you're still crowding her!"

"Go to the bathroom and clean yourself up. Don't embarrass yourself here."

I didn't argue, just turned and walked toward the restroom.

After the gala ended, we waited in the parking garage for the driver.

Serena suddenly cried out.

"Damian, I twisted my ankle. It hurts so much."

Without a word, Damian crouched down.

"Get on. I'll carry you."

Serena climbed onto his back, her arms wrapped around his neck.

Over Damian's shoulder, she looked back at me following behind.

Her lips moved silently.

"Your ten years don't measure up to my three months."

I stopped walking, staring at their overlapping silhouettes.

Damian turned his head, impatient.

"Sienna Hayes, can you walk faster? The car keys are in your bag, stop dragging your feet!"

I stood still, not moving.

"Hand them over!"

Damian raised his voice.

I unzipped my purse, pulled out the car keys, and threw them on the ground with a sharp clatter.

Damian froze.

I didn't look at him. I turned and walked to the curb, flagging down a taxi.

Back at the penthouse, I opened my phone.

The photo album held over three thousand pictures, all of Damian and me through the years.

I selected batch delete and removed them one by one until every single one was gone.

I cleared our pinned chat history too.

One final message popped up, from Damian.

"Remember to try on the maid of honor dress tomorrow. Serena wants pink."

I didn't reply.

In the corner of the living room, three packed suitcases sat quietly against the wall.