Chapter 2

When I finally stepped through the front door, the afternoon sun was already dipping low. I punched in the door code a couple of times, but nothing. Just when I was about to give up, the door swung open from the inside.

There stood Maggie, her lips curled into a mischievous grin. 'Hey Auntie, I’ve got a little surprise for you,' she chimed, her tone dripping with playful innocence. 'Uncle Everett thought it’d be fun if I stayed over for a while. So, I changed the code—it’s today’s special date.' Her eagerness to make herself at home was palpable.

Behind her, Everett’s voice cut through the air, urging me to come in. My gaze shifted past Maggie, landing on our bed—mine and Everett’s—where she was sprawled out casually. Julien was beside her, meticulously drawing blood. My stuff was tossed haphazardly around the living room, a clear sign that my personal space had been invaded. Only then did Everett seem to remember I existed.

'Maggie’s still under the influence of her medication,' he explained, his voice steady but laced with concern. 'Julien says we need to keep an eye on her for the next three days, so I thought it’d be best if she stayed here.' I nodded, my mind elsewhere, not in the mood for the usual post-Thanksgiving blowout. Every year, without fail, the holiday would end in a screaming match between Everett and me over Maggie, followed by a week of icy silence until I eventually gave in.

Everett tried to smooth things over. 'Ophelia, next month, we’ll do it right. A proper wedding, just you and me.' Another promise, though Everett, who usually kept his word, seemed to falter when it came to Maggie. I glanced up at him, catching the worry etched across his face as he stared at Maggie, unable to hide his concern.

For the first time, I shook my head. 'No, it’s fine.' His brows furrowed as he turned to me. 'She’s just a kid, Ophelia. Don’t take it out on her.'

I cut him off, locking eyes with him. 'It’s not about her. I just don’t want the wedding anymore.' The words felt heavy, but true. Before Everett could respond, Maggie’s voice drifted out from the room, low and sultry.

Everett’s head snapped toward Julien, anger flashing in his eyes. 'I thought you said Maggie was fine. What’s going on now?'

Julien looked baffled. 'Mr. Myers, the bloodwork shows no trace of drugs in Ms. Crawford’s system.'

Maggie started fumbling with her clothes, and Everett quickly shut the door. Moments later, muffled, indecipherable sounds seeped through the walls.

I spent the night on the couch, the chaos echoing in my ears until the first light of dawn crept in. Exhaustion finally pulled me into a fitful sleep, but even then, the ache in my chest had dulled into numbness.