The next day, my sister Chloe showed up at the burger joint where I worked. She handed me a bank card.

"The PIN is Rhys's birthday. Which is also yours. You should know it."

When I didn't reach for it, she shoved it into my hand.

"Go get some work done on your face. That scar is hideous. It won't look good at Rhys's wedding."

"And don't act like you've been abused. The family hasn't mistreated you. We've sent you living expenses every month. You don't need to put on this pathetic, impoverished act."

A laugh escaped my lips. "Money? When did you ever give me money? If I had money, do you think I'd be working in this shithole because I enjoy it?"

My sister froze, a flicker of confusion in her eyes, but she couldn't place it.

"You're unbelievable!" She stormed off.

The night before Seraphina and Rhys's wedding was also the night before I was leaving for Paris. Some of my old classmates decided to throw an impromptu party.

The burger joint was closed for the day, and before I could hide, a whole crowd of them descended on the Sutton house.

"Elias? You're here too?"

These rich kids, fawning over the soon-to-be-married "couple," turned and saw me. Their voices dripped with mockery.

"Didn't you used to follow Seraphina around like a puppy for years? Did you know all along she was going to be your sister-in-law? Just trying to get on her good side early, huh?"

"Hey, Seraphina lost a dare. How about a kiss for old times' sake?"

The words washed over me. I was numb. I just prayed Seraphina wouldn't humiliate me again.

"Sera… please don't…" Rhys whimpered, tugging at her sleeve.

"Let's just have the happy couple kiss instead, haha!"

Across the crowd, Seraphina's eyes met mine. I showed no emotion. I just turned and walked away.

Amidst a roar of cheers and catcalls, I knew they had kissed.

Thank you for not humiliating me.

The house was alive with celebration that day. Even from the attic, the sounds of joy and laughter seeped through the cracks in the door.

"Rhys and Seraphina are a match made in heaven."

"Totally. Remember when Rhys ran into those street thugs, and Seraphina protected him?"

"Yeah, and then for her birthday, Rhys painted her portrait and won that international award!"

"Oh, you guys don't even know the best part. Rhys gave her half of his liver!"

…

What were they talking about?

When I first came back to the family, I was so malnourished and skinny that thugs targeted me. Seraphina protected me.

The one who painted her portrait and won the award was me.

The one who gave her his liver to save her was me…

When did all of that become Rhys and Seraphina's shared history?

"Elias, let's run away together."

"Elias, thank you for painting me. I'm so happy!"

"Elias, I'll protect you forever. Don't be afraid."

"Elias, I love you."

"Elias…"

The seventeen-year-old Seraphina, the one who promised to protect me, was gone.

She had become something more disgusting than the thugs who beat me up. I could never forgive her, just as I could never stop loving the girl she used to be.

That night, fireworks exploded across Oakhaven. Seraphina had set them off for Rhys.

I received a text from her.

"Elias, it was Rhys who saved me, but you're the one I'll always love. Wait for me, please?"

I turned off my phone. Tomorrow, it would all be over.