The rain hadn’t stopped since the night I saw them together.
Days passed, but the storm never left. Not really. It settled in my bones, lingered in my chest, turning everything heavy and cold. I couldn’t sleep. Couldn’t eat. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw them—Dottie’s bright, oblivious smile, Asher’s haunted stare.
I should have seen it coming.
I should have known.
Dottie had always gotten everything she wanted. The golden child. The perfect daughter. The one our father cherished while I was left to scrape together whatever love I could find.
And Asher?
He had been mine.
Had been.
Now, he was standing at my father’s side, ready to marry his chosen daughter while I was expected to watch.
Expected to smile.
Expected to accept it.
But I wasn’t sure I could.
The invitation arr
