Chapter 11

"I promise I won't be foolish again. I don't want to end up like this with her. Please... just help me out," she pleaded, eyes full of regret.

Seeing her so broken down reminded the Harpers of the girls growing up together, always inseparable like real sisters. The thought of losing that bond over this made them waver.

"If you can, Elizabeth, just let it go this one time. Your sister already knows she did wrong," Albert finally said, obviously struggling.

Donna chimed in gently, "Yeah, you two were so close growing up. Victoria's actions with the photos weren't right, but she's already admitting fault. As her big sister, can't you let it slide just this once?"

Elizabeth could see right through them. Even after everything, their hearts still ached for the daughter they raised. Her goal today? Pretty much accomplished. Victoria wouldn't dare set her sights on Alexander again. If she did, she wouldn't even have to lift a finger—her parents would stand with her without hesitation.

Victoria, this is only step one. We've got time.

Snapping out of her train of thought, Elizabeth smiled at her parents. "Since it's all out in the open now, let's not split hairs. We're family—things don't have to get ugly."

She gave Victoria a quick look, a bit of steel behind her tone. "Just remember—Alexander is my husband."

Donna's eyes filled with warmth as she smiled at Elizabeth. "She'll remember. You've been gone a whole month, and since you finally came back today, stay for lunch, alright?"

Elizabeth's eyes almost watered, a strange ache twisting in her chest. She stepped up and wrapped her arm around her mom's. "Okay. Thanks, Mom. I've been craving your lasagna."

"You grown-up baby," Donna chuckled, teasing, "you're married and still acting like a little girl. Okay, I'll go make it for you now."

"Thanks, Mom."

Donna turned and headed for the kitchen, not even glancing at Victoria still kneeling stiffly on the floor.

Watching the cozy scene between mother and daughter, Victoria kept her eyes down, lips pale from being bitten too hard. Underneath that quiet surface, jealousy and resentment burned deep.

Even as Elizabeth chatted with Donna, she'd already noticed every flicker of Victoria's expression.

She casually walked over and looked down at her. "You're still down there? I already said I forgave you."

Victoria stiffened, forcing out a crooked smile uglier than if she had cried. Her voice barely held up. "Thank you, sis. I really am happy for you and Mr. Blake."

Ha. She's still playing the innocent act?

Victoria, whatever you care about, I'll slowly take it all away.

Elizabeth replied leisurely, "Yeah, I plan to live well with Alexander."

Then she turned and walked up to Albert. "Dad, wanna play some chess together?"

"Sure," he smiled.

Elizabeth sat beside her father, getting into the game. Meanwhile, Victoria awkwardly sat alone, her face growing gloomier by the second.

"Victoria, you're looking a bit pale. Maybe go upstairs and get some rest," Albert said gently.

Victoria pressed her lips together, just about to blurt out that she wanted to join the game too, but Elizabeth beat her to it. "You cried for ages just now. Go wash your face—your eyes are so swollen, they look like monkey butts. Super ugly."

Victoria's smile wobbled on her face. She forced a laugh, "Alright."

And without another word, she bolted up the stairs.

Elizabeth watched her leave, lips curling slightly into a mocking smirk. She dropped into the seat across from Albert. "Dad, let's get started."

Albert's eyes lingered on her expression. "You did that on purpose?"

"I wouldn't say ‘on purpose,'" she replied, voice light. "It's just... once the truth hits you, you realize how fake some people can be."

That not-so-subtle jab made Albert pause. He spoke slowly, "You two grew up side by side. That bond—can't be fake. We saw how much you cared about her. Don't let her thing with Alexander make you target her. You still remember what our family believes in?"

"I do. Own up when you mess up. There's nothing greater than knowing to fix your wrongs."

"That's what I like to hear."

Lunchtime rolled around.

Elizabeth sat at the table, eyes scanning the dishes—every one of them her favorites. A strange flicker passed through her expression as her gaze shifted to Adam's empty seat.

In her past life, after she'd been dragged back, things spiraled out of control. She'd stabbed Alexander and landed him in the hospital. He was unconscious for a while, and Hannah came down hard on their family. The backlash was brutal.

Her brother, Adam, had gotten caught in the mess. His hand's nerves were damaged—he could never play the piano again.

But in this life, none of that happened.

"What's on your mind, Lizzy?"

Her mom's sudden question pulled her back.

"Mom, when's Adam getting home?"

"I already called him. He said he's on his way."

As soon as she finished talking, the sound of the front door opening echoed.

Elizabeth shot to her feet, eyes lighting up. "Adam, you're back!"

Adam's lips lifted in a warm smile, his gaze soft and indulgent. "Finally decided to come back, huh? Took enough convincing." He reached out, rubbing her head.

Elizabeth swatted at his hand with a pout. "Come on, I'm married now. The whole head-patting thing? Kinda ruining my hair."

"What, now you're above a little affection? No matter how grown-up you get, you're still my little sister."

Her eyes turned a little glassy, smile shaky. She quickly pulled out the chair beside her. "Sit here, Adam."

Adam teased with a huff, "Tch. Knew all the spoiling wasn't wasted."

Their playful banter made Donna and Albert smile at the head of the table.

The cozy family vibe... it made Victoria lower her head.

Elizabeth caught the motion from the corner of her eye and sneered to herself.

"Dad, Mom, Adam, dig in."

"Glad we never stopped doting on you."

Victoria clutched her fork tight, then forced herself to play along—just like Elizabeth—smiling as she helped pass the dishes to Donna, Albert, and Adam.

They all thanked her, but the grin on her face was awkward and on the verge of cracking.

Elizabeth glanced up and, with a cheery "You haven't had any yet," reached over with the serving spatula to scoop some of the meatloaf onto Victoria's plate.

But just as she leaned forward, the spatula tilted—and a chunk of steaming meatloaf, dripping with sauce, landed right on Victoria's white dress.

Victoria shot to her feet, her chair screeching back, her face dark as thunder.

"Elizabeth! You did that on purpose, didn't you?!"

Her voice rang sharp and bitter, her twisted expression plain for everyone to see.

Elizabeth froze mid-motion, eyes wide. "I just saw you sitting there, not eating much... I only wanted to help—I didn't mean to..."

Her voice cracked, tears sliding quietly down her cheeks.