"What are you crying for? Acting like you're the victim here."

I seemed to have lost the ability to speak. There was so much I wanted to say, but I didn't know where to start. I felt like I'd been slammed against a wall, powerless.

"I didn't know..."

Growing up, my sister had always been the family's joy. When our grandfather passed away, she was the one who brought laughter back into our home. Mom, Dad, and I all knew how important she was.

Each of us was an irreplaceable part of this family.

But somehow, she'd turned into someone I didn't even recognize anymore.

Clutching my aching heart, I spoke through tears.

"Claire, you can't deny we're family. I've always wanted the best for you."

But she was too far gone to listen to my heartfelt words.

"Stop acting so high and mighty. You're no saint either - you almost slept with Tom in Thailand, didn't you?"

Her words struck a nerve. Tears blurred my vision until I could barely make out her face.

Pressing my hand against my chest, I struggled to breathe as old and new wounds mixed together. Unprecedented bitterness and anger welled up inside me, my throat dry, my eyes misty.

This person wasn't my beloved sister anymore.

Biting my lip hard, I pointed at them with a shaking finger, ready to give as good as I got.

"I'll expose everything about your affair. Let everyone see what kind of sister would do such shameful things!"

"Let your families, your bosses, your coworkers all see who you really are!"

Claire's smug expression froze, showing hints of panic.

Seeing her reaction, I took a deep breath and turned to leave.

Suddenly, a dark figure burst in and lunged at me. Before anyone could react, a large hand grabbed my throat.