A simple question carried so much weight. That one sentence became the bane of me. It turned my world upside down. I could still remember it echoing through the room like a gunshot. The very one who was loved the most instantly became a villain in that moment. I became the one who abducted Alice. By fire, by force.

The eyes of admiration and affection my parents once had for me vanished, replaced by some cold indifference — something I never thought would happen in my lifetime. Even now, years later, my parents’ resentment lingered in every word, and every silence. It had seeped into every corner of my life, including my marriage.

Tonight, on sighting Shawn and me entering the event hall, Alice slid over to us gracefully. She was glittering like a star. Her red gown, makeup, and everything were exquisite!

“Good evening, Shawn,” she said, hugging him in front of me, her perfume tormenting my senses. “I didn't think you'd make it.”

“Anything for you, darling,” he replied.

Darling?

On breaking the hug, Alice’s eyes flickered to me. “Oh, sister. I would have said hello to you properly but you're deaf, and I don't know sign language. I mean, I haven't had the time to learn it.”

Shawn giggled at her dry attempt to belittle me. My own husband, tolerating the disrespect against my person?

Gawd!

They hugged again, this time pressing into each other sensually. My heart boiled, but I couldn't do or say anything especially as my parents lingered closely behind her.

When Alice was done frolicking with my spouse, she turned to mum and dad, flashing that innocent smile that concealed her devilry. “Don’t they look so good together?”

“Indeed,” my dad shook hands with Shawn. I only see the gentleman over here.”

“Mum, I was just apologising to Emma for not being able to learn th sign language. I mean, you wouldn't blame me, would you?”

“No one would possibly blame you, sweetheart. I believe you are being too nice to a kidnapper like her. She was the one who brought shame to this family by having an accident and losing her hearing too.” Her voice was sharp, slicing through me like a whip. My father didn't say anything to me but I saw the disdain and disappointment in his eyes. I could almost touch it.

Lowering my gaze, I took a deep breath, fighting the pain and tears. This wasn't the first time they were treating me like this and it wouldn't be the last.

Before I could say a word, perhaps to greet my family, Shawn stepped forward, gently placing his hand on Alice’s shoulder. “Look, Alice, there is no need to apologize or blame yourself for anything happening to anyone. Emma isn't that pretty anyway. Not like you. Tonight, you're the star. Focus on that, okay?”

Alice nodded.

And with that, he presented her with a small box. “Here is a special gift for you, dearest Alice.”

Her face lit up with excitement. “Oh my goodness! Thank you, Shawn. That's very thoughtful of you.” She sensually brushed her palm over his arm right before my very eyes, just before opening the box.

It was a diamond necklace.

Not just a random one — the Crystal Holdings Legacy necklace! The very same one I had begged my husband for on our wedding night. It was his family’s legacy, a tradition passed down from generation to generation. Every heir of the Crystal family gets to have it gifted to his wife, and the wife to her first son’s wife.

When the love was still sweet and young in my eyes, I had asked him for it. His expression had faltered for a bit before he spoke. “I don't believe in those old traditions. They mean nothing. Besides, it's just an outdated piece of jewelry. I will buy you another one.”

He never did.

Now, the truth was glaring. The necklace was never mine. It was always meant for Alice. He even took the pleasure of placing it around her neck by himself. The scene was like a dagger to my heart. Pain flared. But I stuffed it up within, bit back the tears, and maintained composure.

“I need some air,” I said with a gesture I'm sure no one cared about. Whether I was there or not didn't make a difference to them anyway so I just found my way out, sweeping past the exquisite tables to the back door, then out to the poolside where a wide, blue swimming pool simmered under the moonlight. I stood by the edge staring blankly into the reflection of myself. I was finished, haunted, and exhausted. Yet, in numbing pains.

I couldn't talk, could barely breathe as grief had consumed me. At this moment I wished to have remained deaf to all these. What I didn't expect was a reflection of Alice joining mine in the still water.

Standing beside me, her sweet expression and blameless public facade vanished, replaced by something dark, spiteful, and vicious.

“I really don't know how you have the temerity to come here. Can't you just see with your eyes — even if you cannot hear — that no one wants your pathetic arse here?” Her voice was low, but she spat venom.

The utterance stung like hell but I kept my gaze transfixed on the rippling water, refusing to give her the satisfaction of seeing me react.

“Your stupidity still dragged you here. Fool. Sometimes I wonder if you are inherently dumb because no one would do this to themselves. I mean, even if you're deaf, you can see with your eyes that Shawn doesn't give a shit about you. I am the one he loves with all his heart.”

She paused, perhaps allowing those words to sink into imaginary ears.

“You think he married you for love?” She scoffed. “How wishful.”

She leaned closer to my ear. “He did that to keep you away from my marriage with Matt. It would also thrill you to know that on the night of your wedding, he came to explain everything to me. And beg. Then, he ate me up good, and put me in seven positions in seventy minutes…”

My neck muscles spasmed. My teeth clenched. I breathed fire and brimstone, but did nothing.

“Accept it, fool. No one loves you. And here, no one ever will. To be honest, if I were you, I would just… kill myself.”

My fists folded, my nails digging into my palms as I swallowed the fire in her words yet remained unshaking on the outside while fighting the tears threatening to spill.

Taking cognizance of my hard silence, Alice chuckled wickedly. “Still unwilling to let go of Shawn, eh? Well, let me help you out then.”

Before I could say jack, she flung herself into the pool. Glistening gown and all. The loud splash spoiled the silence.

“Help!” She screamed, thrashing wildly in the water.

“Somebody help!” her cries echoed through the space. And I stood frozen by shock, not knowing what to do!