Chapter 6

"Melanie!" Giselle burst into tears the moment she saw me. "I don't know what happened... I went to change, and all my dresses were gone. These were all that was left..."

I patted her shoulder. "Don't panic. I'll help you look."

We split up, searching the dressing room and storage. Passing George's room, I caught faint noises inside. I tried the handle, but it was locked.

"Hey, Giselle," I whispered, "do you know if there's a spare key to George's room?"

She shook her head, and then her eyes lit up. "Wait, he always hides one in a secret compartment in the third drawer in the study."

Five minutes later, we unlocked his door. Giselle gasped as she saw all her dresses, including the pink one she wore earlier, stuffed and crumpled in George's closet.

"That jerk..." I muttered through clenched teeth.

"Melanie, what do we do?" Giselle asked, voice shaking. "Dad's furious..."

I thought for a moment, and then pulled out my phone and snapped a few pictures. "Let's head downstairs first. I've got an idea."

In the garden, Dad was still scolding Giselle. George stood nearby, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.

"Dad," I said, stepping closer, lowering my voice, "can we talk privately?"

I showed him the photos and explained quickly. His anger shifted into shock, then disappointment.

Raising his voice, Dad announced, "Everyone, there's been a misunderstanding. Someone played a prank and hid Giselle's dresses. I know who it was." His gaze cut toward George. "That's all for tonight. Thank you for coming."

The guests exchanged uneasy glances, and then took the hint and filed out one by one. George froze, color draining from his face.

Once everyone had left, Dad summoned George into the study. Through the door, we heard Dad's furious questions and George's weak excuses.

"Melanie..." Giselle whispered, leaning against me and trembling slightly. "Why would he do this?"

"To drive us apart," I said, pulling her close. "He can't stand you being close to anyone, even me."

An hour later, George emerged, his face stormy. Without a word, he stormed upstairs.

Dad rubbed his temples, looking exhausted. "I'm sorry about tonight, girls. I gave George a serious talking-to."

"Dad," I said firmly, "this isn't the first time. And it won't be the last. He's way too controlling over Giselle."

Dad sighed heavily. "I'll deal with him, I promise."

But watching him walk away, weary and worn, I knew nothing would truly change. George was still the Larson family's adopted son. 18 years of bonds didn't vanish over one incident.

That night, I tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Then, a soft knock came to my door.

"Melanie... are you awake?" Giselle's voice was hushed.

I opened the door. She stood there with her pillow, eyes red. "Can I sleep here tonight?" she asked quietly.

"Of course," I said, letting her in.

Giselle slipped into my bed. After a moment, she whispered, "Melanie, do you know why George hates you so much?"

"Because he thinks I'm a threat to him?" I guessed.

"It's more than that," she said softly. "He's always treated me like I belong to him."

A chill swept over me. "What do you mean?"

"Ever since I could remember, he's been controlling everything about me," Giselle murmured. "What I wear, who I see, what I learn, even my favorite colors. He decides all of it."

I squeezed her hand. "Do Mom and Dad know?"

She let out a bitter laugh. "He's perfect in front of them. The thoughtful brother. Only I saw who he really is... until you came along."

My chest tightened. "Why didn't you ever tell them?"

"I tried... back when I was in grade six," Giselle whispered. "But he locked me in the storage room all night. He said if I told our parents again, I'd never get out."

"That psycho!" I shot up, furious. "I'm telling Dad right now."

"Don't bother," Giselle said quickly, grabbing my arm. "We don't have proof. Dad will just think we're fighting like kids. And now he's even worse."

"Worse?" I asked.

She bit her lip. "Last month, he got drunk... and said that when I turn eighteen, he's going to ask Dad if he can marry me."

My blood ran cold. "Has he lost his mind? You're siblings!"

"Not by law..." Giselle's voice trembled. "He says adopted siblings can get married. Melanie, I'm terrified..."

I wrapped my arms around her shaking body. "Don't be. As long as I'm here, he won't touch you."

Slowly, she calmed in my arms. I stroked her back, my mind reeling.

George's obsession wasn't brotherly. It was twisted and possessive. Now, with me here, the rightful heiress, I wasn't just threatening his place in the family. I was breaking his hold over Giselle.

Moonlight filtered through the curtains, brushing across Giselle's face. I swore to myself that I would never let that lunatic lay a hand on her.