MIRIAM: Misfortune— I refused to never be seen

Crossing the line

The sound of a car pulling into the Angelo mansion echoed through the quiet evening. Miriam looked up from the novel resting on her lap. She had been sitting beside the bedroom window for nearly an hour, watching the sun disappear behind the tall trees that surrounded the estate. The house had become quieter since yesterday’s argument. Not peaceful. Just… quieter. Voices drifted from downstairs. A familiar one made her smile, Juliana. Her older sister had finally returned home. The bedroom door opened after a gentle knock. “Miriam?” “Come in.”

Juliana stepped inside carrying several shopping bags. She looked exhausted, but she still managed a warm smile. “I almost thought you were asleep.”

Miriam shook her head. “I wasn’t.” Juliana placed one of the bags on the bed before pulling out a neatly wrapped gift box. “I brought you something.” Miriam looked surprised. “For me?” “Who else?” Juliana laughed softly. “You graduated and even though I couldn’t make it. so I thought I should at least celebrate you properly.” For a second… Miriam simply stared at the box.

Nobody had ever bought her a graduation gift before. Not her parents. Not Victor. Not even herself.

Carefully… She accepted it. “…Thank you.” Juliana smiled.m“Open it.” Miriam slowly removed the ribbon before lifting the lid. Inside rested an elegant silver wristwatch. Simple and Beautiful.

Not overly expensive Just Thoughtful.

A genuine smile appeared on Miriam’s face. “I love it.” Juliana smiled wider. “I knew you would.”

It felt like forever… Miriam actually felt seen.

She gently ran her fingers across the watch. “It’s beautiful.” “I’m glad.” Silence settled comfortably between them. Then, Juliana sighed. The smile on her face faded slightly. “Miriam…” The warmth in the room changed immediately. Miriam looked up.

“…You want to talk.” Juliana nodded. “I do.” She sat beside her. “I’ve been thinking about what happened yesterday between you and mom and I respect your choice so...” Miriam lowered her eyes. “So have I.” Juliana spoke carefully. “I know Father was too harsh. And Mother as well, you already know how she is.” Miriam smiled faintly.

“I do.” Juliana reached for her hand. “I don’t want you to think you’re alone.” Those words made Miriam freeze. Alone?. Nobody had ever acknowledged that before. Juliana continued.

“I may not always understand you but I want to.”

Miriam looked at her sister. “What are you trying to say?” Juliana hesitated. Then finally spoke. “I’ll help you.” Miriam frowned. “Help me?”m“I’ll support your dream…. the army.” Miriam’s eyes widened. “You will?” Juliana nodded. “But…” There it was. The word Miriam had been expecting. “But…” Juliana took a deep breath. “I need you to help me too.” Miriam stayed quiet. “I’ll try to convince Father. I’ll even speak to Mother. But I need time.” She squeezed Miriam’s hand gently. “And while I’m trying, I need you to stay out of trouble. No arguments. No scandals. No unnecessary attention. No arguing with mom or dad o even Victor, Just be patient.” Miriam listened quietly. Juliana continued. “If I succeed I’ll stand beside you. I’ll personally fight for your right to join the military.”

Hope… A dangerous thing. Yet Miriam felt it anyway. “And if you don’t?” Juliana looked away briefly. “If you get involved in another problem, If you embarrass the family, then you’ll have to let this dream go.” Miriam’s heart sank. “You’ll study Business Administration.” Neither of them spoke.

Finally… Miriam nodded slowly. “…Okay.” Juliana blinked. “Really?” “I’ll keep my promise.” She smiled sadly. “If you keep yours.” Juliana immediately hugged her. “I will.” “I promise.” Miriam closed her eyes. Maybe, Just maybe Someone was finally on her side.

Half an hour later, Juliana had already gone downstairs. Miriam remained inside her room. She had just finished fastening the new wristwatch around her wrist when Her phone vibrated. Unknown Number. She frowned. Opened it. “Good evening, Miriam.” No name. No profile picture. She ignored it. Another vibration. Her expression changed slightly, as she noticed who it was, Sebastian. She still didn’t reply. A third message arrived. “We need to talk”. She sighed. Locked the phone. Not interested. Five minutes later…

Another vibration. She didn’t check. Another. Ignored. Another. Finally… She unlocked the screen. “Black Diamond Club. 8 P.M. Come alone.”

She frowned. Then another message appeared.

“Or your brother pays for the game he stole from me.” Her breathing slowed. “What game? Or maybe I should just tell Victor so he could handle this himself cause I…” Before she could think further— The bedroom door suddenly swung open. Victor. He didn’t knock. He never did. His expression looked darker than usual. He stepped in “Listen carefully.” “I already told Sabastine to stay away from you. And if he doesn’t you deal with him.” Miriam finally spoke. “He said you owes you. Because he…” “None of your business.” He pointed toward her phone. “I don’t care what he tells you, I don’t care if he threatens you, I don’t care if he apologizes. Just don’t drag this family into another scandal.” He laughed bitterly. “My credit card has already been suspended because Father thinks I’m becoming irresponsible.” He shook his head. “And now because you gave a stranger your number, Father will think I’ve completely lost control.” Miriam stared at him.

“You care more about your credit card, than whether I’m being threatened?” Victor looked directly into her eyes. “No i care about the Angelo name. As long as you live under this roof don’t embarrass it.” He turned and then Stopped. Then added coldly, “Next time think before giving strange men your number.” The door slammed shut behind him.

Miriam remained standing Completely still. Not because his words hurt. But because They didn’t surprise her anymore. Her phone vibrated again.

She looked down. Sebastian. Tick… Tock…

She closed her eyes. Juliana’s promise echoed inside her head. “Stay out of trouble. I’ll fight for your dream.” She looked at the silver watch on her wrist. Then at Sebastian’s message, Then Slowly She typed. I’ll come and She pressed send. Not because she trusted Sebastian. Not because she wanted answers. But because she thinks this is her battle to face and She refused to let Victor’s mistakes destroy the only promise anyone had ever made to her.

Across the city, Sebastian leaned against his motorcycle outside an abandoned warehouse. Three of his friends stood nearby. One of them frowned. “I still don’t get it.” Sebastian slipped his phone into his pocket. “Get what?” He “Why involve the sister?” “You wanted revenge on Victor.” “So why drag an innocent girl into it?”

Sebastian smiled A slow and Dangerous smile.

“Because Victor doesn’t love easily.” He looked toward the city lights. “But he values something.”

“What?” One of his friends asked. Sebastian answered without hesitation. “The Angelo family’s reputation.” His smile widened. “And if I can’t destroy the king… I’ll stain the crown he worships.” His friend remained silent. Sebastian started his motorcycle. The engine roared to life.

“This game…is only just beginning.”