I laughed it off, making a joke about being true to oneself, when things took a darker turn. Perhaps it was the champagne talking, but Isabella leaned in closer, her voice a sharp whisper. “You know, it’s such a shame you never did anything with your life. I mean, we’re family, but sometimes it’s like you’re not even trying, Maya.”

I felt the sting of her words, biting deeper than I expected. But before I could muster a response, she shifted slightly and her elbow caught the edge of her glass. Red wine splashed across her pristine white dress, a blossoming stain spreading like wildfire. In that split second, panic seized me, and I reached out instinctively, trying to help. But the damage was done.