Chapter 10: Sisterly Betrayal

She strutted down the dock, every move rehearsed. Her lipstick was the color of ripe cherries, her hair curled to influencer perfection. I caught a few admiring glances, but most eyes were on the main event.

In contrast, I went simple—a snow-white vintage dress with pearl buttons, hair up, sapphire hairpin sparkling.

The dress floated around my ankles, the fabric catching the lake breeze. My hair was pinned high, the sapphire winking in the sunlight. I felt timeless, untouchable.

When Harrison saw me, his eyes flickered. He offered his arm, and I took it as we walked in.

He leaned in, voice low and teasing. “You clean up nice,” he murmured, a smile in his tone.

“Harrison!” Harper trailed after us, calling his name again and again, but he ignored her. She clutched her clutch, frustration etched on her face.

Her voice grew shrill, but Harrison never looked back. I could feel her glare burning holes in my back, but I kept my chin high.

Along the way, people greeted Harrison, some fawning, some genuine, all throwing compliments my way.

Old friends slapped him on the back, their wives eyeing me with a mix of curiosity and envy. I smiled graciously, letting the praise wash over me.

One called me a “classic beauty,” another said I had “serene elegance—like a lily.”

Their words dripped with honey, but underneath, I heard the competition. In this world, compliments were just another kind of currency.

Harper’s eyes burned with jealousy and rage.

She gripped her glass so hard her knuckles went white. I caught her reflection in a window—lips pressed tight, eyes narrowed to slits.

“I was wrong,” Harrison leaned down and whispered, “You’re not just pretty—you’re breathtaking.”

His words were a low rumble, meant for me alone. I felt heat rise in my cheeks, but kept my cool.

“Do you like it?” I asked, my voice soft.

I tilted my head, letting the question linger. His gaze darkened, the air between us electric.

“It’s not about like or dislike,” Harrison’s fingers brushed my temple. “It’s unforgettable.”

His touch was feather-light, sending a chill down my spine. I swallowed, caught off guard by the intensity in his eyes.

I froze for a second, but he’d already withdrawn his hand, turning to greet others.

He moved through the crowd with easy confidence, leaving me to catch my breath. I watched him, wondering how much of this was real.

“Long time no see, Harrison.”

A guy in a white suit sauntered over, a stunning woman on his arm.

He smiled, teeth too perfect, handshake lingering a beat too long. The woman eyed me, open curiosity in her gaze.