Chapter 3

3.

A few days later, my father threw a party to make up for my ruined birthday gala. He wanted to announce the two weddings, but I refused to let him mention mine.

Rosalie walked down the grand staircase in a white lace dress, her hand tucked into Silas's arm. Everyone in the ballroom gasped at how perfect they looked.

"She was raised as a Quinn, after all. You can't fake that kind of grace," someone whispered nearby.

"It's a shame about poor Rosalie. She's loved Silas since they were kids, but her sister is forcing her to marry a madman." I ignored them and drained my glass of champagne.

I wondered what these people would say when they found out the fake daughter stole the real daughter's fiancé. I tried to stay in the corner, but Rosalie came straight for me.

Suddenly, she dropped to her knees in front of me, looking like a kicked puppy. "Veda, please don't be mad that Silas is my escort tonight."

"I just wanted one last dance with him before I have to leave. I never meant to steal your spotlight!" I arched an eyebrow in amusement.

"Before you leave? Why don't you tell everyone exactly who you're marrying, Rosalie?" Her face turned bright red as she realized I had already swapped the names.

Silas stepped in, pulling her to her feet with a protective glare. "Veda Quinn, that is enough!"

"Everyone knows you forced your father to arrange a marriage for Rosalie. Do you have to humiliate her like this?" He looked at me with utter disappointment.

Rosalie grabbed my hand, her voice trembling. "I know you hate me, but I was a victim too! I was separated from my real parents for eighteen years!"

"Why can't you just forgive me?" I felt a wave of nausea and ripped my hand away from her.

Rosalie let out a sharp cry and threw herself backward into a tower of champagne glasses. The glass shattered everywhere as she tumbled to the floor in a heap.

"Rosalie!" Silas roared, rushing to her side. He took off his tuxedo jacket and wrapped it around her like a knight protecting a princess.

He lifted her into his arms and walked past me, his eyes cold and filled with hatred. "Veda Quinn, every single thing you've done to her, I will pay you back tenfold."

I wanted to argue, but then I remembered how many times I tried that in my past life. It never worked. For a man who refuses to believe the truth, explanations are just white noise.