The next morning, I was discharged only to find Victoria accompanying Zyan to ‘help her sister’.
I didn’t speak, sitting with my hands folded in my lap, watching the city blur past the window as Victoria filled the silence.
The car finally stopped before the most exclusive bridal boutique in the city.
Victoria smiled and turned to me, her eyes shining with soft triumph.
"Look Sister. "she said gently. "Everything here is reserved for the most deserving bride. "
As soon as we entered, the sales assistant greeted us with polished enthusiasm, guiding us through the season’s finest designs.
My steps slowed as one dress caught my eye.
Ivory and elegant…just like my mother’s wedding gown that was 'accidentally' torn by Victoria.
My fingers trembled as I reached out slowly, afraid to taint it when a voice echoed lightly.
"That one… that is my dream dress."
Before I could touch it, a sharp pain bursted across my skin.
SLAP!
My hand flew back as the sound echoed through the boutique, red bruises bloomed instantly where Zyan’s palm had struck.
For a second, Zyan stilled, his hand frozen mid-air as if he had only just realized what he had done.