Chapter 3 The Difference

Color drained from Melina's face, then quickly returned in a flush of embarrassment. Carrying Emilee's train felt utterly beneath her.

Instead of being celebrated, she now stood in front of everyone, forced to do a job she considered humiliating-a far cry from the role she always imagined for herself as the family's favored daughter.

However, refusing wasn't something Melina could afford. With Emilee about to become part of the powerful Carter family, Melina knew she couldn't risk defying Emilee, no matter how much she wanted to.

Swallowing her pride, Melina pressed her lips together, and managed a shaky, forced smile. "S-sure, Emilee."

Crouching awkwardly, she reached for the heavy fabric of the wedding dress, hands trembling as she prepared to lift it.

Above her, Emilee gazed down, her eyes glinting with thinly veiled scorn. She couldn't help but think back to how she'd once truly believed Melina was superior in every way. Now, it was clear that Melina's sense of importance was built entirely on the family's favoritism.

With a sly laugh, Emilee teased, "You might want to be extra careful, Melina. This dress is one-of-a-kind, made just for me by the Carters. If it gets ruined, I'm not sure if you are brave enough to face the consequences."

A tremor ran through Melina's hands, her anger barely kept in check. Those very words had often come from her own mouth, only now, Emilee used them as a weapon against her.

But she couldn't deny the truth-there was no way she could ever afford to offend the Carter family.

Seeing her rival so humiliated, Emilee felt a weight lift off her shoulders, as if some of her pain had finally been avenged.

Moving forward with the eyes of the entire room upon her, Emilee stepped ahead, while Melina trailed behind, forced to hold up the delicate train, each step a reminder of how quickly fortunes could change.

Every step Melina took felt as if she were balancing on a wire, shame pressing down with every movement. At the same time, Emilee carried herself forward with a calm, dignified stride. It was impossible not to notice the difference-Emilee glowed with confidence, completely outshining Melina.

At last, they arrived at the altar. A quick flick of Emilee's wrist sent Melina away, the motion dismissive and effortless, as though she were brushing off a stray hair.

Fury churned inside Melina, and her hands curled into fists, fingernails biting into her skin as she struggled to keep a neutral face.

In her mind, Melina repeated silent reassurances to keep her anger in check. Emilee might be shining right now, but Melina saw nothing but gloom ahead for Emilee-she felt sure the marriage would end in tragedy, leaving Emilee alone. Once Eric was gone, she pictured Emilee being tossed aside without a second thought.

Meanwhile, she herself had already secured her place with Aaron. She would eventually claim the Carter family's title for herself.

These thoughts brought a sliver of confidence back to her posture.

A hush fell over the grounds as the officiant announced the start of the ceremony, with Emilee standing alone in the spotlight, all eyes on her.

Moments later, the ceremony reached the exchange of rings.

Fearing Emilee might hold a grudge and shut her out from participating, Melina nervously nibbled her lower lip, then glanced up with a wounded look. "Emilee, I know you don't trust me lately, but please let me present the rings. I'd hate for the guests to witness a drama. We're family, after all."

A glint of icy determination flickered in Emilee's gaze. Nothing about Melina's schemes was accidental-Melina had stolen her boyfriend, set her up for failure, and now clung to the pretense of sisterhood to get her way.

Fully aware that Melina craved attention from the city's high society, Emilee decided she'd give her a taste of public disgrace.