I sat up slowly. “What necklace?”
“That necklace—the limited edition one I gave to Camille. It’s missing. Did you take it back?”
I blinked. “Why would I take it back? You’re the one who gave it away. Without even asking me.”
“It’s gone,” he growled. “She was supposed to wear it today. And now you’ve stooped low enough to steal it back? Unbelievable.”
I stared at him, stunned. “You think I’m the one who’s low?”
“This is why you’re not coming with us,” he snapped. “You don’t deserve to be treated right. You’ve always been petty, Erika.”
Before I could answer, Camille entered the room, a bit flustered. “Wait, wait—it’s not her fault. I must have misplaced it. Don’t get mad at her.”
Their father, David, appeared behind them, tapping his watch. “We’re going to be late. Just buy another if you need to. Let’s go. Erika—make sure the house is clean by the time we return.”
And that was that.
They left.
No hug. No goodbye. No thank-you for the twenty years I gave them.
Just orders. Just silence.
I stood by the window and watched the car pull away, taking with it everything that once convinced me I was part of a family.
A few hours later, my phone buzzed.