Chapter 3

The morning we left for the venue, the whole house was buzzing. Luxury cars lined the entrance, and reporters had crowded all around.

Emily wore the custom gown that had originally been mine and gave interviews like a princess.

"Miss Lane, we heard this piece is your personal masterpiece?"

"Yes. I locked myself away for a full three months just for Phoenix."

Facing the cameras, Emily lied through her teeth without even blinking. Richard and my mother stood nearby grinning from ear to ear.

I stood on the edge of the crowd holding Emily's makeup case, like I was invisible.