People always say you can feel it before your life falls apart. Some invisible shift in the air. Some warning that something isn't right.
I didn't feel it.
I was too busy smiling.
I kept adjusting my bracelet, pretending I wasn't nervous as I watched the glittering chandeliers above us. The ballroom sparkled like something out of a dream, filled with faces I recognised and faces I pretended to like. My father stood at the far end of the room, his drink in hand, chatting with board members and politicians like nothing in the world could touch him. Chloe flitted around the guests in her usual way, laughing too loudly, charming anyone who looked her way.
But tonight wasn't about her.
It was going to be about me.
Marcie, my best friend since university, squeezed my hand as we stood near the balcony doors. "Relax, Sarai. You're shaking."
I forced a breath. "Do I look nervous?"
"Yes honey, like a girl about to get a diamond on her finger." she smiled.
I laughed softly, even though the knot in my stomach tightened.
Liam had been distant all week, but everyone told me it was normal and that he was probably stressed. I knew he was planning something for me.
This had to be it.
I watched him from across the room. Liam stood tall, polished, exactly the way my father liked him. I could still remember the way he used to hold my hand under the table during family dinners, the way he'd brush my hair from my face when no one was looking. He promised me forever and I always believed him.
Suddenly the music slowed and the lights dimmed.
Liam stepped forward.
My heart leapt.
I smiled, standing straighter, smoothing the fabric of my dress. This was it.
Then he spoke.
"Tonight, I want to share something special with the Wynn family."
My pulse raced as he reached into his pocket. He brought out a small, black velvet box.
But then he turned.
Not to me.
To Chloe.
He went down on one knee amd as he did, I felt my entire body freeze.
I couldn't speak. I couldn't even breathe.
This must be a mistake. Was Liam tipsy or had he turned blind?
"Chloe Wynn… will you marry me?"
I waited for someone to correct him. For someone to laugh. For Chloe to say no, that this was a mistake, that it was a cruel joke.
But Chloe covered her mouth and faked a brief cry.
And she said yes.
She said yes.
I heard the applause before I felt it. People clapped. They cheered. Champagne glasses clinked together.
I watched my fiancé slide a diamond ring onto my younger sister's hand.
And neither of them looked at me.
I wanted to speak. I wanted to scream.
But nothing came.
I was standing there, frozen, as the man who promised me forever wrapped his arms around my sister.
I took a step back.
Marcie tried to grab my arm, but I pulled away. I needed to leave. I needed air.
I turned towards the exit.
But someone caught my wrist.
My mother.
"Don't go."
I could barely form words. "Mom… what's happening?"
Her voice was gentle.
"Please, Sarai. Just wait."
"Wait for what?" My voice cracked. I could hear it. The panic was creeping in. I didn't care. "I can't stay here."
"Your father's about to speak."
I shook my head, numb and confused and so unbelievably humiliated. "I need to leave."
"Just stay."
I don't know why I listened. Maybe because my whole life I did what she asked. Maybe because I was too stunned to fight.
So I stayed.
I stood there, trembling, as my father walked onto the stage.
He looked proud.
"Attention, everyone."
The noise died down.
I kept waiting for him to see me. To look at me. To explain this.
He didn't.
He spoke like I wasn't even there.
"I'm proud to announce that my youngest daughter, Chloe Wynn, will soon be joining the Bennett family."
Applause again. Cheers.
My head spun.
I looked around and realised no one else was shocked.
No one else was confused.
I was the only one who didn't know.
Then my father kept speaking.
"And regarding Wynn Industries…"
I felt a strange chill in my chest.
"As of this evening, Sarai Wynn will be stepping down from her role as director of operations."
I felt my mouth open. But I couldn't speak.
"She will be taking some time away from the company. And from the country."
The clapping was hesitant this time.
I forced myself to step forward.
"Dad."
He didn't look at me.
"Dad… what are you talking about? I didn't… I didn't agree to that."
Silence.
I felt the weight of every person in that room watching me.
I tried again, my voice breaking. "Please. Look at me."
He didn't.
Instead, my mother stepped closer.
"It's for the best, Sarai."
I turned to her, desperate. "For the best? I don't understand."
"You need rest."
"I'm not sick!"
Tears burned my eyes.
"You're pushing me out."
Her expression didn't change.
"You'll understand one day."
I wanted to believe she meant it.
But even then, standing there in that perfect room, in that perfect dress, I knew the truth.
I was being erased.
And I didn't know why.
My father raised his glass, finishing his speech like I was nothing more than an afterthought.
"To new beginnings."
My body stopped listening to me after that.
I ran.
I ran past the guests, past the security, past the doors and into the night air.
I didn't look back.
No one followed.
No one called my name.
The people who were supposed to love me, protect me, fight for me… let me go.
I stopped running only when my legs gave out.
I fell to my knees on the gravel outside the estate. My dress torn, my makeup ruined, my chest heaving.
And that was when I realised…
They had planned everything