Chapter 3

Brielle was in awe as she stepped into Mikaela’s luxurious mansion. This place was far grander than anything her family had ever owned.

“Come on, I’ll introduce you to my family—”

“Oh, honey!” A middle-aged woman rushed toward her daughter as they entered the house. “Where have you been all day? I was so worried about you!”

“There was a little incident on the road earlier, Mom. Oh, by the way…” Mikaela gestured toward Brielle. “I want you to meet my new friend… Brielle. Brielle, this is my mom.”

Both Brielle and Marie froze in place.

“Mommy?”

“Brielle?”

Marie’s eyes welled up. “Is it really you, Brielle? My daughter?” She gently cupped Brielle’s face, unable to believe it. Sixteen years had passed since she lost her daughter—after her ex-husband had thrown her out and won full custody.

Tears streamed down Brielle’s face as she nodded.

“Oh my God… Am I dreaming?” Marie pulled Brielle into a tight hug, pouring out all the longing and heartbreak she’d carried for years. “I finally get to hold my daughter again.”

“Why did you leave me, Mom?” Brielle sobbed into her mother’s shoulder. “Why didn’t you take me with you back then? Do you know how badly my life turned out?”

“I’m so sorry, sweetheart.” Marie stroked her daughter’s back gently. “Your father threatened to disappear with you forever if I even tried. I was powerless then. He took everything from me—my wealth, and most of all… you.”

“So… she’s my stepsister?” Mikaela’s voice cracked as she looked at Brielle, visibly touched.

Marie suddenly remembered that Mikaela was still there. “Yes, honey. She’s your half-sister.”

“Why didn’t you ever tell me, Mom?”

“I didn’t want to burden you or your father with my painful past,” Marie said with a soft, regretful smile.

“You don’t need to worry, Mom. We’re all together now,” Mikaela said reassuringly.

“You’re right.” Marie felt overwhelmingly grateful. Mikaela had been her comfort for years, her reminder of Brielle. And now, her daughters were finally together. “Oh, by the way, sweetheart… Edward and his grandmother came by yesterday because no one could reach you. You missed the dinner where we were supposed to discuss your wedding.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, Mom. I was too shaken up and completely forgot. Were Edward and Grandma Maya upset with me?” Mikaela asked anxiously.

“Not at all, honey. They were really worried about you.” Marie caressed Mikaela’s cheek with a warm smile.

“Even Edward?” Mikaela grinned wider. “Did he go looking for me? How did he react? Was he worried?”

Marie hesitated for a moment, sadness flashing across her face. She couldn’t bring herself to tell Mikaela that Edward had looked more relieved than worried when she hadn’t shown up.

“Of course, sweetheart. He was really concerned. You should give him a call so he doesn’t keep worrying,” Marie lied to protect her daughter’s hopes.

“Okay, Mom. I’ll go change first.” Mikaela hurried off to her room to freshen up before calling her fiancé.

“Edward is Mikaela’s fiancé. He’s Jacob Greyson’s son,” Marie added.

Brielle smiled softly. “I’m happy for Mikaela. It looks like she found someone who can make her happy.” For once, she felt like she had a real sister.

Marie noticed the sadness hidden behind Brielle’s voice. “How has life been for you all these years, sweetheart? Did that witch and her daughter hurt you? Did your father take care of you?”

Brielle lowered her head in sorrow.

Seeing this, Marie gently pulled her down onto the living room couch. “You have to tell me everything,” she urged.

“Dad kicked me out for defending Elizabeth… and Jessie stole my boyfriend.”

“He kicked you out? Are you serious?” Marie clenched her fists. “Martin’s a damn bastard! I’ll make him pay for this.” She whipped out her phone, ready to call him.

“There’s no need, Mom.” Brielle stopped her. “I don’t want anything to do with them anymore. I just want to live in peace with you and Mikaela.” She didn’t dare mention her pregnancy yet. Her mother would be shocked—especially if she knew Brielle didn’t even know who the father was. It would be humiliating for their family.

“All right.” Marie sighed, clearly disappointed, but then smiled gently. “Are you hungry? You look pale. I’ll ask the maid to cook something for you.”

Brielle nodded, cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Her appetite had suddenly returned. Maybe the baby was happy to have met a kind grandmother and aunt?

“Thank y—”

“Mom!” Mikaela burst into the room with a huge grin, startling both of them. “Grandma Maya and Edward are coming over for dinner tonight!”

“Really? That’s wonderful news!”

“Grandma wants us to set a wedding date tonight.” Mikaela’s cheeks turned pink with excitement.

“I’ll call your father, Eric, and tell him not to work late tonight.” Marie stepped aside, already dialing her husband.

Mikaela clasped both of Brielle’s hands and bounced excitedly. “You’ll get to meet my future in-laws tonight! I just know they’ll love you!”

Brielle nodded, moved by how warmly her new family had embraced her.

“That’s why we have to go to the boutique and find you the perfect dress for tonight. Come on!”

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Brielle smiled softly as she admired her reflection in the mirror. Her hair had been styled by one of the city’s best stylists, and her makeup was subtle yet elegant.

She wore a red gown that showed off her back just enough to be alluring while still looking classy. Mikaela had picked it out for her—so Brielle couldn’t refuse.

She twirled in front of the mirror, checking her look one more time. She had never worn anything this fancy before. Back home, Elizabeth and Jessie controlled her father’s wealth and treated her like a maid.

Every day, she’d been forced to scrub dishes, wash clothes, and do all the housework.

“Brielle, are you ready?”

“Yes, Mom.” Brielle opened the door quickly to find her mother dressed in a stunning pink gown.

“You look beautiful, sweetheart. Like an angel.”

Brielle blushed. “Thank you. What about Mikaela? Is she ready yet?”

Marie chuckled, the fine lines at the corners of her eyes deepening. She shook her head. “Mikaela always takes forever when her fiancé is coming. She could spend hours in the bathroom.”

Brielle giggled. “She must really love him.”

Marie’s smile faded. “Yes… she’s the only one who does.”

Brielle frowned. “What do you mean?”

Marie hesitated for a moment, as if afraid to speak. “I don’t think Edward loves Mikaela at all. They were arranged to strengthen a contract between their two companies—to prevent any breach of agreement. But Mikaela… she’s completely in love with him. She’d do anything to make him happy. Unfortunately, he doesn’t feel the same.”

“So… you lied earlier, didn’t you?”

Marie nodded. “Yes. I had to. Mikaela’s always heartbroken over how cold Edward is, how he acts like he doesn’t even want the marriage. But I keep telling her he just needs time.”

Brielle suddenly felt anxious. What if Edward hurt Mikaela after they were married? Should she warn her new sister to save her from heartbreak?

But she couldn’t bring herself to crush Mikaela’s dream—not when they had just reunited.

“I just want to marry Edward. That’s my biggest wish…” Mikaela’s voice echoed in Brielle’s memory from earlier at the boutique.

Brielle clenched her fists. She swore she’d punch that man if he ever made Mikaela cry, no matter who he was—even if he was the heir to an empire.

She would protect her sweet, angel-hearted sister with everything she had.