The scent of expensive perfume pierced my thoughts even before I saw her, and when I looked up, my mother, Margaret, stood before me, immaculate in a sparkling silver dress, a glass of champagne in hand.

Her appearance was perfect, but her expression was anything but welcoming.

She didn’t greet me or acknowledge Sophie; instead, her gaze fell on my hands as she leaned closer, her voice quiet and sharp.

“Look at your hands,” she whispered sharply. “You didn’t even bother to get your nails done for your own sister’s wedding? You look like you belong in the servants’ office.”

I clutched the napkin under the table, forcing myself to remain calm.

“I didn’t have time, Mom. I had to get Sophie ready.”

But she ignored me, her gaze sliding to the lawn where Madison stood next to her new husband, Ryan, basking in his admiration.

“Your sister just married a millionaire CEO,” she continued, her voice tinged with pride. “Ryan is taking his company public next year, his future is limitless… and you?” she added with quiet disdain. “You’re nothing but a disgrace, a single mother of no worth, no status, with nothing to offer this family but shame.”

Her words still stung, even after all these years.

“I only came because Madison invited me,” I said quietly.

“She invited you out of pity,” my mother replied without hesitation. “And because appearances matter.” So do us all a favor—stay here, keep quiet, and keep your baby out of sight. We don’t want Ryan’s colleagues thinking we’re hanging out with the likes of you.”

And just like that, she turned away, her smile instantly turning warm and charming as she returned to the crowd, leaving me sitting there, weighed down by her words.

My hands trembled slightly as I pulled out my phone and opened the encrypted message.

To: Nicholas.

“Are you close? I don’t think I can take much more.”

The message sent, and I put the phone away, telling myself I just needed to hold on a little longer.

But then everything crumbled in an instant.

Sophie reached for a glass of juice, her small elbow accidentally brushing against my back.

He was eating from a passing waiter’s tray, and before anyone could react, a glass of red wine tipped over, slid, and shattered on the stone floor, sending droplets flying up and falling…

A stain from the broken glass smacked right on the hem of Madison’s snow-white wedding dress as she passed by.

The sound of breaking glass silenced everyone at the reception.

“My dress!” Madison screamed, her voice piercing as she stared at the tiny red stains as if they were a disaster, her face contorted with indignation.