With a quick sip of champagne, I steadied myself. This was more than a game; it was a reckoning. Aurora had spent years tormenting me, always the perfect older sister, always the favorite. But tonight, the tables had turned, and I was ready to play my hand.

As I stepped forward, the laughter and music faded into a dull roar. I could feel the weight of Jonathan's gaze on me, that smoldering look that sent a thrill racing down my spine. I approached them, a smirk tugging at my lips.

"Aurora, darling! You look positively radiant tonight,” I said, my voice dripping with sweetness. She turned, her smile faltering for just a second before she plastered it back on. “Oh, how lovely of you to join us. I was beginning to think you’d hide away like a little mouse.”

I leaned in closer, feigning sincerity. “Well, I wouldn’t want to miss a chance to celebrate your ‘happily ever after.’” Jonathan grimace lightly, the sound sending a shiver through me. “It's quite the milestone, isn’t it?” “Milestone or millstone?” I shot back, my eyes narrowing slightly at Aurora.

She shot me a glare, her lips pressing into a tight line. “Always the little sister, aren’t you? So eager to take a jab.” I tilted my head, the corners of my mouth curling up. “Just keeping you on your toes, sis.”

Jonathan shifted slightly, his gaze flicking between us. There was tension in the air, a crackling energy that felt dangerously alive. I could see the way he was drawn to me, his lips twitching as if he wanted to say something more, something that could shatter this facade of normalcy.

“Excuse me, Aurora,” I said sweetly, “but I need a moment with Jonathan. Alone.”

Her eyes narrowed, suspicion flaring. “Really? You think that’s a good idea?”

“Why not? We’re family after all,” I replied, my voice silky smooth.

I took Jonathan’s arm, leading him away from the crowd. The music faded as we stepped into a quieter corner, away from prying eyes. The moment the space was cleared, the air grew thick with unsaid words, tension crackling between us

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Jonathan asked, his voice low, almost a whisper. “Why not? You’ve been stuck in a marriage that’s a sham for two years. Let’s be honest, Jonathan: you don’t love her.”