Sally’s laughter carried through the open windows. When I stepped inside, her friends fell silent, staring at me like I was the evening’s entertainment.
"Well, look who’s here," Sally purred. "Careful, everyone. Hide your wallets. The criminal has arrived."
They laughed like it was the joke of the century.
"Who gave you the right to throw a party in my house?" I asked calmly.
She tilted her chin smugly. "This house is mine now. Darren gave it to me as a push gift."
My hands curled into fists. "Did you pay for it? Did you lift a finger for it? No. My father did. You have three minutes to get out before I call the police for breaking and entering."
Her friends howled with laughter. "Delusional much?"
So I dialed. Calm. Steady.
The officers came, but Darren arrived with them. Sally had called him too.
He smoothed it over, convincing them to leave. My proof of ownership didn’t matter. His word always outweighed mine.
When the house was quiet again, Darren rounded on me. "Why couldn’t you just let it go? It was one party. You made a scene for nothing."
I stared him down. "I want them out. All of them. If their things aren't gone, I'll press charges. Don't test me, Darren."