Chapter 3

3

I waved my phone with a bright, mocking smile.

"Oh, by the way, Hayden. I just got back from London and haven't met my new sister-in-law yet. Aren't you going to introduce us?"

I tilted my head, gracefully leaning into the "little sister" role, smiling warmly at him.

A sleazy guy nearby looked me up and down before whistling at Hayden.

"Damn, Shaw, this is your little sister? She's gorgeous! Why didn't you introduce her earlier? Keeping the good stuff to yourself isn't very brotherly."

"Shut the hell up! She's not someone you can joke about!" Hayden snapped viciously, his face dark with panic.

Everyone finally understood the gravity of the situation.

Hannah slowly sat up from Hayden's chest, while Silas watched me from the corner, a spark of amusement lighting up his eyes.

"Weren't you supposed to stay in London for another six months?" Hayden took a drag of his cigarette, exhaling smoke as he tried to feign composure. "Why didn't you tell me you were coming back early? I would have sent a car for you."

His rushed cadence gave away his sheer panic.

I slipped my phone into my pocket, walked over to the table, picked up an empty glass, and poured myself some red wine.

Holding the glass, I looked at Hayden's rigid posture and burst out laughing.

It was so ridiculous that tears pricked my eyes.

"How could I dare disturb you, big brother?" I smiled radiantly. "I only rushed back because I was worried you'd be spending your birthday alone. Who knew you'd already found such a lovely comfort? But this is on you, Hayden. Even if I was away, you should have told me about getting a new sister-in-law so I could prepare a proper gift."

I downed the wine in one smooth gulp, then turned my gaze to Hannah.

"You must be my new sister-in-law. You are truly stunning―my brother got lucky. Let's go shopping together sometime. I'd love to buy you a present to thank you for taking him off my hands."

Not a single person dared to breathe.

How utterly boring.

"You have a weak stomach, you shouldn't be drinking," Hayden said, reaching out to snatch the wine glass from my grip. "This isn't a place for you. Go home, I'll have someone drive you."

I held the glass firmly, refusing to let go.

"Oh, brother, let go of my hand. If my new sister-in-law gets the wrong idea, that would be entirely my fault."

One by one, I peeled his fingers off my wrist.

Once free, I rubbed my skin with disgust, as if wiping away a layer of grime.

I lifted my chin, offering the room a flawless, polite smile.

"I apologize for dropping by empty-handed tonight. Put everything on my tab for this party. Next time we meet, I'll make sure to apologize properly to everyone."

I turned on my heel and walked out.

Just as the VIP door clicked shut behind me, I heard Hayden's voice ring out inside.

"My little sister has been spoiled rotten her whole life. Don't mind her. Let's keep the party going."

The clinking of glasses and rowdy chatter resumed, as if my appearance had been nothing more than an insignificant commercial break.

My fingernails dug into the palms of my hands, a sharp ache stabbing my chest.

"My little sister has been spoiled rotten her whole life."

A little sister?

Old memories rushed back to me like a tidal wave.