Playing the Victim

I floated there, waiting for the devastating reality of the detective's words to finally break him. After two decades together, this had to be the moment the facade cracked. Surely, hearing a stranger mention my recovered gown and a potential tragedy would pull a shred of terror from the man I loved.

Declan’s handsome features barely shifted. There was no dread. No panic. Just a deep, familiar well of irritation.

"You're calling me over a piece of clothing?" Declan's voice was utterly flat.

"Sir, it's not just the garment," the officer pressed. "Ms. Vance could be in critical danger. We are looking at a potential suicide scenario, and we found—"

"Stop." Declan pinched the bridge of his nose, cutting the man off. "I know my wife. She isn't suicidal. She has a habit of orchestrating these little theatrical stunts."

The line went dead silent.

"I'm not wasting city resources on another one of her rich-girl tantrums," Declan snapped. He hit the end button and tossed the device carelessly onto the mattress.

A hollow, soundless laugh tore out of my throat.

I was already dead. Even with the police involved, he fully believed I was orchestrating a trivial game.

Beside him, the twisted sheets shifted. Maya slithered closer, intentionally brushing her bare skin against his arm.

"Declan," she murmured, widening her eyes in distress. "What if she really is hurt?"

Declan let out a harsh breath. "She called me yesterday sounding pathetic. It’s a play for sympathy."

"Or she's just lashing out at me." Maya dragged her nails down his chest, her bottom lip trembling. "I know she was furious when I tried on her gown last week. But we love each other, Declan. I controlled my feelings and let you have her. What more does she want?"

She pressed her face into his shoulder. "It’s a custom million-dollar piece. She threw it away just to embarrass the Sterlings and punish me."

The brief flash of doubt in Declan's eyes instantly dissolved into contempt.

Just seven days ago, I had found Maya zipped into my bridal gown. She hadn't just tried it on; she had altered the measurements to fit her frame.

When I demanded she take it off, my parents immediately rushed to her defense, scolding me for being petty. Letting my sister play dress-up was no big deal, they claimed.

Their bias stemmed from the year Maya turned five.

She had slipped into the freezing river, and I jumped in right after her. My skull smashed against a submerged rock, knocking me out. Declan managed to rescue me, but Maya disappeared into the current.

That tragedy bonded Declan and me. We grew up as childhood friends, until Marcus Sterling brought a new wife into his household—and Maya right along with her. Back then, Declan found her deeply annoying.

Then came the day my reputation was permanently destroyed.

Three years ago, at my lavish engagement banquet, Maya’s memories miraculously returned. She claimed her identity as the lost Vance daughter.

While everyone celebrated, she threw herself at my feet, clutching my gown.

"Why did you trick me?" she sobbed hysterically. "Why did you push me into the river back then, Serena?"

I stood there paralyzed, stunned by the accusation from a girl I had never treated poorly.

My father stepped forward and slapped me hard. "I never imagined you could be so cruel at such a young age. Maya was only five. How could you be so heartless?"

Panicked, I tried to stammer out the truth. "That's not true. I didn't push her..."

"She's your own sister. Why would she lie to deceive us?" My mother pulled Maya close, weeping. "Maya, my poor daughter, you've endured so much."

My engagement party dissolved into a chaotic drama, permanently branding me as the evil sister.

I cried until my voice went hoarse, but no one listened. Marcus Sterling shot Declan a look of disappointment and ordered him to take me away.

In the hallway, I clung to Declan's hand. He held me close, patting my back. "I believe you. How could I not? You're the kindest, sweetest girl there is."

How had the man who once stood firmly by my side become this stranger?

Floating invisibly by the ruined bed, I tried to turn away, but an unseen force violently yanked me back. I couldn't move more than three feet from his body.

Trapped, I watched Maya slip into my brand-new clothes and take a seat at my vanity.

She held up an eyebrow pencil, pouting as Declan stepped behind her. With gentle hands, he tilted her chin and filled in her brows, acting like the rightful couple.

Declan’s gaze drifted to our framed wedding portrait. His hand paused.

"Enough, Maya," he muttered. "Didn't we agree to return things to how they were before after last night?"

"Yes, I understand," Maya said softly, faking her innocence. "I won't disturb you and Serena anymore."

Declan dialed my number again. It rang out into the void.

If he had just called the police back to track my phone, he would have found my body. Instead, he shoved the device away, his expression hardening.

"Serena," he scoffed coldly. "It seems I've spoiled you too much."

"Yeah, she's skilled at playing hard to get," Maya offered. "She might have already returned to the Sterlings. She's just ignoring your calls to make you worry."

Declan's expression grew colder. "We should visit our parents today after the wedding. Serena would definitely be there for such an important occasion."

He headed for the door. "Let's go back. I want to see what Serena is playing at!"