What none of us expected was that the moment Edna graduated from college, she'd come straight to Riverton to find Damian—and stay by his side as his assistant.
She played the victim at every turn, meek and cowering whenever I was around, as though I were the one mistreating her.
More than once, Damian told me Edna was timid by nature, that I should soften my tone with her, be gentler.
I assumed she was simply the kind of person who couldn't handle social situations. It never occurred to me that she'd been carefully, methodically digging a trap beneath my feet.
Until my birthday.
I handed her a glass of fruit wine, meaning nothing by it.
"Edna, let me introduce you to some friends. You should spend more time with them."
She took two sips—then clutched her stomach and screamed that I'd forced her to drink, that I'd done it on purpose to hurt her.
She wailed until her voice gave out, doubled over and crumpling into Damian's arms. The look he turned on me was laced with venom—a poisoned arrow aimed straight at my heart. He said nothing. He just scooped her up and ran for the hospital.
I was furious that day too. I fought with Damian, screamed at him, demanded we call off the engagement.