Chapter 5

The day began with no warning of the storm to come. Golden sunlight spilled across the familiar streets as I drove toward the chapel, the world deceptively calm.

The chapel was overflowing when we arrived. Nearly everyone who had known my father had come to say their final goodbyes. My gaze swept the room, ensuring everything was in order. The burden of arrangements had fallen entirely on me—Nathan and Isabella had been useless, as always.

But I didn’t complain. This was my way of repaying him. He had fed me, clothed me, given me shelter when I had nothing.

The service was about to begin. Most attendees had already taken their seats. I chose to sit apart from the others. Sitting beside Isabella felt wrong. Sitting near Ethan felt even worse.

"Mom, why aren’t we sitting with Grandma?" Liam whispered, pointing to where the rest of the family was gathered.

Of course, we were getting stares. But I was used to it. After everything, I was no longer considered part of this family.

"Everyone’s already seated. Let’s not cause a scene," I lied.

He frowned but didn’t argue. The priest arrived, and the service began—just as someone slid into the seat beside me.

I stiffened. I’d recognize his presence anywhere, the faint scent of his cologne wrapping around me like an unwanted embrace. What was he doing here? He should be with her.

"Dad!" Liam whisper-yelled, drawing glances from nearby mourners.

I shot them a glare, and they quickly turned away.

"Can I sit between you two?" Liam asked softly.

Relief washed over me. A small mercy. Now I wouldn’t have to endure Ethan’s suffocating proximity.

I shifted, letting Liam take the middle seat. The moment he did, the tension in my chest eased slightly.

"We all must leave this world one day," the priest intoned. "But how will you be remembered? Will you have changed lives? Or will you depart with regrets?"

The words struck me. If I died today, who would mourn me? Who would care?

No one.

Except Liam.

The thought was crushing. I had no friends—because I never let anyone close. Living in Isabella’s perfect shadow had taught me early that I would never measure up. Not in beauty, not in intelligence, not in love.

Even now, as adults, I was invisible beside her. My pain didn’t matter. My happiness was secondary. She was always the priority.

"Mom?" Liam’s voice pulled me back.

The service had ended. People were rising, murmuring condolences.

"Sophia, are you okay?" Ethan’s deep voice sent an unwanted shiver down my spine.

I didn’t want to look at him. Didn’t want to speak to him. But for the next decade, we’d be tied together through Liam.

I stood without answering, avoiding his gaze. I couldn’t bear to see him—not when the memory of him staring at Isabella with such devotion was still fresh.

"Come on, Liam. Let’s go."

He jumped up, and we moved toward the exit. Outside, a crowd swarmed us with condolences. I spotted colleagues and nodded politely.

We hadn’t even buried my father yet, and I was already exhausted.

"Finally decided to show your face?" Isabella’s voice dripped venom behind me.

I turned. Her eyes were red-rimmed, her face blotchy from crying—yet she still looked like a goddess.

"Not now, Isabella. Let’s just bury Dad first."

She smirked, leaning in so only I could hear. "Oh, we’ll bury him. But know this—I’m taking back everything you stole from me. Including the man who was always meant to be mine."

Then she walked away, just as the priest called us to the gravesite.

Liam glanced between us but stayed silent. Her words shouldn’t have shocked me—but they did.

What she didn’t understand?

None of it had ever been mine to keep.

The family adored her. And Ethan? He had always been hers.

Swallowing the pain, I led Liam to my father’s final resting place. I stood apart from Victoria, Isabella, and Nathan, who clung to each other like a united front. To an outsider, I might as well have been a stranger.

"Ashes to ashes..."

The coffin lowered. Soil rained down. Victoria sobbed, begging for my father to return. Isabella and Nathan held her, silent tears streaking their faces.

I pulled Liam close as he cried. Seeing him like this shattered me. I wiped my own tears away. I had to be strong.

Afterward, another wave of condolences crashed over us. I nodded mechanically, barely present.

"Mom, look—it’s Grandpa and Grandma!" Liam tugged my sleeve, pointing to Ethan’s parents.

They stood with Ethan and Sebastian. I hovered awkwardly as Liam greeted them. Their eyes flicked over me dismissively. I was never their choice for their son.

"Can I get food with them?" Liam asked.

I nodded. He hadn’t eaten in hours.

Once they left, Ethan and I stood in suffocating silence. His attention immediately shifted to Isabella, lingering a few feet away.

I was about to excuse myself when tires screeched.

Gunfire erupted.

Chaos.

Ethan lunged—not for me, but for her, shielding Isabella with his body.

I stood frozen, watching him protect her with his life.

Of course.

Why was I surprised?

I would never be his priority.

"Look out!" A man in a bulletproof vest shoved me aside—but not fast enough.

White-hot pain exploded in my side. I crumpled, gasping. Blood soaked my dress, my vision swimming.

"Call an ambulance!" the stranger barked, pressing hard against the wound.

Dizziness swallowed me.

Liam.

His name was my last thought before darkness took me.