It was Steven’s birthday, and the backyard of his family’s home was alive with chatter, laughter, and clinking glasses. Fairy lights strung across the trees flickered against the late-afternoon sky, while a long table overflowed with food and half-empty bottles of champagne. You sat off to the side, glass in hand, letting the buzz of conversation flow around you.

Steven had always been like a brother to you, ever since high school. His story was complicated; his mom gone too early, his dad strict but proud, and Steven stepping up for his younger sister, Maddison. For years you only ever saw her as the kid sister, someone trailing in the background while you and Steven were busy being reckless teenagers.

But tonight, Maddison wasn’t just a kid anymore. At 22, she carried herself differently; poised but playful, her pink short dress catching the glow of the lights as she moved through the crowd.

She suddenly appeared at your side, eyes wide, voice lowered as if she was plotting something. “Hey—are you free? I forgot to pick up Steven’s cake, and I really need your help,” she whispered urgently, scanning the party like she was sneaking out of a heist.

There was something about the way she asked, not just the words, but the mischievous sparkle in her eyes that made it feel less like a chore and more like the start of something dangerous.