Chapter 2: The Family That Thought It Owned Me
By seven that evening, my wedding dress was hanging in Patricia's guest bedroom.
Vanessa had already changed into it.
She stood in front of a full-length mirror while two makeup artists adjusted the neckline.
“It's a little tight around the waist,” Vanessa complained.
“Claire must have had it altered for her body.””
Patricia smiled.
“Don't worry. We'll have the seamstress fix it. Your brother can pay for everything.””
I stood in the doorway.
“Actually, nobody is altering that dress.””
Vanessa turned.
Her smile disappeared.
“Oh, you're still upset?””
“I'm not upset. I'm asking you to return my property.””
Patricia placed a glass of champagne on the dresser.
“Claire, we're hosting sixty people tonight. Please don't turn this into another one of your emotional performances.””
“Then take off my dress.””
Vanessa looked at Daniel, who had just entered the room.
“Daniel, tell your wife she's being ridiculous.””
He rubbed his forehead.
“Claire, not now.””
I walked toward him.
“Do you remember when my grandmother died?””
His expression shifted.
“Of course.””
“Do you remember what she said to you at the funeral?””
Daniel looked uncomfortable.
“Why are you bringing that up?””
“Because she asked you to take care of me.””
Patricia let out a dismissive laugh.
“Oh, for heaven's sake. That woman treated you like a princess. Maybe that's why you can't handle sharing anything.””
I turned toward her.
“Sharing is when someone asks. Stealing is when someone takes.””
Vanessa rolled her eyes.
“Mom, can you please make her leave? She's ruining my mood.””
Patricia stepped forward.
“You're forgetting something, Claire. Daniel married into this family, and you married into ours. You should be grateful we accepted you.””
I almost told her the truth.
That Daniel hadn't married into her wealth.
That I'd paid the deposit on this house.
That the company keeping her lifestyle afloat was mine.
But I stopped.
My grandmother had once told me that people revealed their character most clearly when they believed nobody could challenge them.
So I decided to listen.
“Fine,” I said quietly.
“Enjoy your evening.””
Vanessa smiled triumphantly.
“That's better.””
I walked away.
Downstairs, guests were arriving.
The house glowed with expensive lighting, white flowers, and candles placed along the staircase.
Patricia had invited business associates, relatives, and several people from Daniel's father's old social circle.
She greeted everyone as if she were the queen of a kingdom.
“This is our family estate,” I heard her tell a woman near the entrance.
“My late husband built everything from nothing.””
I nearly stopped walking.
Her late husband hadn't built everything.
My grandmother's company had financed much of it.
But Patricia had always been excellent at rewriting history.
I entered the kitchen and found Daniel pouring himself a drink.
“Can we talk?”” I asked.
He didn't turn around.
“Not tonight.””
“You've said that every time I've tried to discuss your family.””
“Because you always choose the worst possible moments.””
I watched him pour another drink.
“Daniel, why does your mother believe she owns this house?””
He froze.
Then he turned.
“What?””
“This house. The cars. The investments. Why does she tell everyone they're hers?””
He lowered his voice.
“Don't start asking questions about things you don't understand.””
“Then explain them.””
He set the glass down.
“Claire, my father left us complicated financial arrangements. Mom manages the family assets. It's none of your business.””
“Interesting.””
“What is?””
“Nothing.””
He stepped closer.
“Listen. Vanessa has been through a lot. Her engagement ended badly last year, and this is her chance to feel special. You can afford to let her have one nice night.””
I stared at him.
“Why does everyone in your family need something from me before they're allowed to be happy?””
He said nothing.
Then his phone rang.
He checked the screen and immediately walked toward the hallway.
“It's the attorney,” he muttered.
I heard only fragments.
“...the transfer hasn't gone through?””
A pause.
“No, I thought the documents were already signed.””
Another pause.
“Then what happens if the beneficiary refuses?””
My heart skipped.
The beneficiary.
I stepped closer, but Daniel noticed me and ended the call.
“What are you doing?”” he demanded.
“Looking for the bathroom.””
He studied my face.
“Stay away from my mother's business.””
I nodded.
Then I returned upstairs.
At 8:15, the guests gathered in the living room.
Patricia stood beside Vanessa, who was still wearing my wedding dress.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Patricia announced, lifting her champagne glass, “tonight is about family, legacy, and everything we've worked so hard to preserve.””
Applause followed.
Vanessa held out her hands, showing off the dress.
“Isn't it beautiful?”” she asked.
“Mom gave it to me.””
Several guests complimented her.
One older woman approached.
“That's a remarkable gown. The embroidery looks familiar.””
Vanessa smiled.
“It was custom-made for me.””
I almost choked.
Patricia quickly interrupted.
“Vanessa has always loved beautiful things. She takes after her father.””
The older woman looked at me.
“Claire, isn't that your wedding dress?””
The room went quiet.
Vanessa's smile stiffened.
Patricia answered before I could.
“Claire generously offered it to her sister-in-law.””
“I didn't,” I said.
A few guests exchanged glances.
Patricia's face hardened.
“Claire, please.””
“No. I didn't give her the dress. You took it from my bedroom.””
Vanessa's eyes filled with angry tears.
“You're humiliating me!””
“You're wearing my wedding dress. I'm simply telling the truth.””
Daniel appeared beside me.
“Enough.””
He grabbed my elbow and pulled me toward the hallway.
“What is wrong with you?”” he hissed.
I pulled my arm free.
“What is wrong with you?””
“Do you have any idea what you've done?””
“Yes. I've told the truth.””
His phone vibrated.
He looked down.
Then all the color drained from his face.
“What?”” I asked.
He didn't answer.
He read the message again.
Then he looked at me.
“Claire, what did your grandmother leave you?””
My stomach tightened.
I hadn't told him about the documents.
I hadn't mentioned the email.
So why was he asking?
Before I could respond, Patricia came rushing toward us.
“Daniel! The attorney is on the phone!””
She looked at his screen.
Then at me.
Her expression changed completely.
May you like
For the first time that evening, Patricia looked frightened.
“Claire,” she said slowly, “what exactly have you opened?””
