The city's upscale hotel rooftop was set for an open-air birthday party in March—the celebration for the second daughter of the Sinclair family. Yet, despite the sparkling decorations and music, the atmosphere felt tense, almost suffocating.
"Sister, how could you do this to me?" Emily Sinclair's voice trembled as she glared at her sister, Emma Sinclair, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. Her delicate features strained to hold back sobs, making her appear more stubborn than ever. "We weren't close growing up. You've never liked me, and I never dared to bother you—but that doesn't mean I don't love you! You're still my sister!"
Across from her, Emma stood perfectly still. Her makeup was flawless, her face pale, hands clenched at her sides. Her body shook ever so slightly, but her expression remained calm, unreadable.
Emily staggered forward and grabbed Emma's arm, her tears spilling freely. The sight made everyone around uneasy; the scene felt painfully raw.
A small crowd had gathered, forming a semicircle around the Sinclair sisters. Whispered comments filled the air, each word dripping with judgment.
"At home, I never tried to take your parents' care, your brother's attention… not even a little. I never tried to take anything from you," Emily's voice cracked as she pressed harder against Emma's arm, trembling. "Then… sister… can you at least give me something? Please…" Her tears streamed down her face, body slight and fragile. "Sister… please give me my boyfriend back!"
The murmurs from the guests grew louder.
"Is this the second Miss Sinclair being dramatic again? Always snatching her sister's boyfriends! How classy…"
"I heard she's engaged to the very man she's trying to steal. Does she have no shame?"
Emma ignored the whispers. Pain shot up her arm where Emily's fingers dug into her skin, yet she did not flinch. Her gaze fixed on the figure across the terrace.
Xander Chen—her boyfriend of four years—had left two days ago, saying he needed to visit his ailing sister. And now, here he was, standing as Emily's fiancé at the Sinclair family celebration.
Emma took a slow, steadying breath. She reached out, gently pulling Emily's hand from her arm, ignoring the sting. Every step toward Xander was deliberate, measured. Her voice, though barely above a whisper, trembled with restrained emotion:
"Xander… I just need to ask… whose boyfriend are you?"
The terrace erupted in mocking laughter. The guests' cruel voices pierced her ears. So this is what it feels like… to be humiliated in front of everyone you know.
Before she could respond, a familiar figure barreled between them, arm raised.
Pop!
Pain exploded across Emma's cheek. She instinctively touched her face, vision blurring with a mix of anger, shock, and humiliation.
"Emma Sinclair! Watch yourself! Don't disgrace the Sinclair name! Haven't you ruined your reputation enough?"
Emma Sinclair felt the sharp sting on her cheek, and for a moment she almost burst into tears.
Her body trembled violently. A strand of her hair fell across her face, hiding half of the red mark left by the slap. Yet despite the humiliation, she stubbornly turned her head toward the man standing nearby.
Her voice shook, but her eyes still carried a fragile hope.
"Tell me… Xander. Whose boyfriend are you?"
The crowd around them began whispering again.
"Emma ! I know you don't like me," Emily said softly, wiping her tears, her voice trembling as if she were the true victim. "But today is my birthday… and today is also the day Xander and I announce our engagement."
A ripple of laughter spread through the crowd.
"So the eldest Miss Sinclair is really willing to humiliate herself for a man?"
"How shameless…"
"The Sinclair family's reputation will be ruined because of her."
Emma stood silently as the insults poured in.
Even her stepmother, Linda Sinclair, occasionally added a few words to the gossiping guests, as if Emma's humiliation had nothing to do with the family.
Meanwhile, Emily quietly walked toward Xander, positioning herself beside him like a rightful fiancée.
Emma suddenly felt suffocated.
Without saying another word, she turned and walked away from the party.