The question sounded simple.
That was exactly what made it dangerous.
My mother’s face flushed immediately. “Families drift apart.”
I smiled faintly. “Is that what we’re calling it now?”
Sloane’s eyes flashed. “Don’t start drama at my wedding.”
“I didn’t start anything,” I replied calmly. “Your fiancé asked a question.”
Nathan looked between Sloane and my parents. “You told me your older sister was unstable. You said she cut everyone off because she was jealous of you.”
My chest tightened.
There it was.
The rewritten version of me.
My mother stepped in quickly. “Nathan, this isn’t the time.”
But Nathan’s voice remained calm. “I think this is exactly the time. Because the woman you described as bitter and broken is the same woman my brother credits with giving him his life back.”
Whispers started spreading through the guests.
Sloane’s perfect bridal smile cracked apart. “You’re embarrassing me.”
“No,” Nathan answered quietly. “I’m asking why your family lied.”
My father stood abruptly. “Young man, be careful.”
Nathan turned fully toward him. “I am being careful. I’m about to marry into this family.”
The words landed heavily.
For the first time in my life, I watched someone outside our bloodline refuse to swallow the version of me they had spent years selling.
And strangely, it hurt more than I expected.
