Eliana's POV
The silence inside the luxury SUV was beautiful. I pulled a lace-trimmed handkerchief from my designer handbag and gently dabbed at the corners of my eyes, making sure not to smudge my freshly done mascara.
Through the corner of my eye, I watched Mom’s face twist with a mixture of rage and heartbreaking sympathy. She turned in her seat, covering my hand with her own, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
"Oh, sweetheart, please don't cry," Mom pleaded, her voice cracking with emotion.
"Elena has always been stubborn and vicious. You cannot let her ruin your day. Not today."
"But Mom," I whimpered, letting my voice tremble just enough to sound completely fragile. "It is my fault. Maybe if I wasn't here, Elena wouldn't be so angry. Maybe... maybe I should just leave the family.
