The Mafia Boss Came to Claim the Golden Daughter, but He Carried Her Curvy Scapegoat Sister Out Instead

Part 2: Conrad adjusted his cuff links.

“By then, the alliance will be legally binding.”

Nora looked from her father to her mother.

“You want me to deceive one of the most dangerous men on the East Coast in front of three hundred witnesses.”

“We want you to save your family,” Camille replied.

“No. You want me to sacrifice myself because Vanessa escaped before you could sacrifice her.”

Camille’s face became cold.

“Your grandmother’s medical expenses have increased again.”

Nora stopped breathing.

“Don’t.”

“The private nurse is expensive. So is maintaining the east wing.”

“Leave Grandma out of this.”

“If tonight becomes a disaster, the company may not survive. We will have to reduce unnecessary expenses.”

Nora’s fingernails dug into her palms.

“You promised she could stay.”

“We promised while you remained useful.”

The string quartet continued playing beyond the closet wall.

Nora imagined Evelyn being removed from the garden she loved. She imagined fluorescent lights, crowded hallways, and strangers who would not know how to calm her when confusion came at night.

Something inside Nora bent.

It had bent many times before.

That night, it came close to breaking.

“Get the dress,” she whispered.

The gown had been made for a woman four sizes smaller.

Two staff members forced the zipper halfway up and covered the open back with the cathedral veil. The bodice pressed so tightly against Nora’s ribs that every breath hurt.

Her mother studied her reflection.

“You should hold your stomach in.”

“I can barely breathe.”

“Then breathe quietly.”

Nora looked at herself in the mirror.

She saw frightened amber eyes, dark curls hidden beneath lace, and a body her family had mocked now being used to impersonate the daughter they considered beautiful.

The door opened.

Evelyn entered in her wheelchair.

“Everyone out,” she ordered.

Camille frowned. “Mother, we don’t have time.”

“Then stop wasting it.”

When they were alone, Evelyn held out a small gold locket.

Nora recognized it immediately.

Her grandfather had given it to Evelyn on the night they became engaged.

“Grandma, I can’t take this.”

“You can return it tomorrow.”

“There may not be a tomorrow.”

“There is always a tomorrow until God says otherwise.”