Chapter 2
The next day was Madison’s eighteenth birthday party.[]
Mom and Dad threw her this massive celebration.[]
Crystal chandeliers lit up the ballroom so bright it felt like all the sadness had nowhere to hide.[]
I was crouched behind an ornate column wiping up wine spills when I heard Madison bragging to some socialite girls:
“These shoes are totally limited edition–there are only three pairs in the entire world!“[]
My grip on the cloth tightened violently. I peeked around the corner.[]
Those were my sister’s most treasured heels![]
The day she got into dance academy, she’d let me try them on.[]
We’d stood barefoot in the moonlight, the satin bows brushing our ankles like two white doves about to take flight.]]
“JoJo will get to wear pretty dresses and dance with me someday!“]
My sister had tucked my messy bangs behind my ear.
“When JoJo turns eighteen, I’ll buy you an even more beautiful pair of heels.“[]
I was still lost in memories of my sister teaching me to dance when Madison’s crystal–studded toe suddenly dug into my knee.[]
Madison lifted her skirt, looking down at me:[]
“Hey, I got red wine on my heel. Use your shirt to clean it off!“]
The light spots refracted from the champagne tower danced in her pupils, accompanied by a chill mixed with thick disdain.[
I could see the guests all pointing and whispering about me.[]
“Isn’t that the little curse who got Maya Thorne killed?”
One of the mean girls in the red dress lifted my chin with her shoe.[]
“Can’t believe the Thornes are still keeping her around.“[]
I looked helplessly toward Mom and Dad.]
Dad was puffing a cigar and chatting with the mayor, his face flashing with disgust whenever he glanced my way.[]
Mom was tenderly adjusting Madison’s diamond necklace.
Nobody gave a damn that I was being humiliated.]
I silently bowed my head.]
“Clean it.”
1.0%
Chapter 2
Madison suddenly stepped on the back of my hand, grinding her crystal heel into my knuckles.]
My nail cracked against the marble, and I yanked my hand back:[]
“What gives you the right to wear my sister’s shoes?“]
SLAP!
Next second, the sharp slap echoed through the mansion.[]
Madison’s diamond ring scraped a bloody line across my cheek:[]
“I’m the Thorne family heiress now. What the hell are you?”
Dad frowned and flicked his cigarette ash:
“If you don’t want to stay here, then get out. Perfect timing to cut off your collage tuition anyway.”
“Fine. I’ll clean it.”
Thinking about my promise to my sister.[]
I swallowed the metallic taste filling my mouth and picked up the bloody cloth again.]
My twisted reflection stared back from the crystal shoe, and for a moment I saw my sister smiling at me from that pool of blood.
Sis, I don’t think I can hold on much longer.
