The lies between us

Chapter 6: Sisters & Snakes

Lena knew it wouldn’t take long for Victoria to notice something was wrong.

And right on cue, her phone rang the next morning.

Victoria Carter.

Lena stared at the name flashing on the screen. In her past life, she had been blind to her stepsister’s deception. She had believed Victoria’s fake smiles and empty words. But now?

Now she knew exactly what kind of snake she was dealing with.

She picked up. “Victoria.”

“Lena, darling.” Her voice was honey-sweet, but Lena could hear the edge beneath it. “We need to talk. Brunch at La Belle?”

A public setting. Smart. Victoria didn’t want a scene.

Lena smirked. “I’d love to.”

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An hour later, Lena arrived at the upscale café, spotting Victoria in her usual designer ensemble, perfectly curated for the press.

As she approached, Victoria gave her a once-over, her gaze sharp. “You’re glowing. Something change?”

Lena just smiled. “I’ve been sleeping better.”

Victoria’s eyes narrowed slightly, but she kept up her act. “Good. I was actually calling to check on you. You left Ethan rather abruptly last night.”

Lena sipped her coffee. “Did I?”

“Come on, Lena.” Victoria’s tone turned gentle, almost pitying. “I know you were expecting a proposal.” She reached across the table, squeezing Lena’s hand. “I just don’t want you to get hurt.”

Lena looked down at their joined hands, then up into Victoria’s carefully crafted expression. Three years ago, I would have believed this concern was real.

Now? She saw the cracks in the performance.

Lena slowly pulled her hand away. “You don’t have to worry about me, Victoria. I know exactly what I’m doing.”

For the first time, uncertainty flickered in her stepsister’s eyes. Lena wasn’t acting how she was supposed to.

Victoria smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “You’ve changed, Lena.”

Lena smirked. “Have I?”