A Sister’s Crown of Thorns

A week before the wedding, my mother was suddenly tricked into going abroad for work.

The next time I heard from her, it was news of her death—her body returned with her organs missing and a bloodstained suicide note.

I lost my mind and insisted on going to the police.

But Nathan Cole only stared at me with a cold, dissatisfied expression.

“Shakira just started an international recruitment agency. That naive girl was fooled by foreigners—she’s a victim too. And besides, your mother signed a contract when she left. Her death has nothing to do with Shakira’s company.”

“If your mother hadn’t been so greedy, insisting on going abroad to make money, none of this would’ve happened. Kristine, you’re an adult now. You should understand that.”

With that, he threw a blank check at me.

“Write down whatever amount you want and let’s end this here. The wedding is coming up—I won’t let others laugh at us.”

I looked at the man before me, his face so familiar, yet now so foreign. His expression was so cold, it sent chills down my spine.

I let out a laugh.

If this is how things are… is there even a point in holding the wedding?

——

He grew impatient at my silence, tapping his fingers on the table.

All the resentment I had buried inside erupted in that moment. I looked at him with tearful, red eyes.

“Let it go? Why should I let it go? My mother’s death was a life lost! You know she was all I had. Why should I just swallow my anger?”

“Shakira and her mother already took everything that belonged to us. Now I’m just asking for justice for my mother. And I’m not even allowed that?”

If it hadn’t been for saving up for my dowry and wedding, my mother would never have been so desperate to go abroad to earn money.

But the moment those words left my mouth, Nathan’s expression darkened.

“I’ve heard enough. Shakira is your sister. You’ve been calling her a bastard for six years, forcing her to live in shame. She’s just a young girl. Now she’s finally become independent, started her own company and got scammed. Can’t you show her some compassion?”

“Your mother went mad over money, completely obsessed. Even if it hadn’t been Shakira’s company, she would’ve gone to another agency. This has nothing to do with Shakira. And I won’t let you hurt her.”

Tears streamed down my face, hitting the floor one by one.

“Feel sorry for her? Who’s going to feel sorry for me?”

“Nathan, do you even remember what you said six years ago? What promises did you make back then?”

His brow furrowed deeply, his expression cold and terrifying.

“Who remembers what happened six years ago? What does that have to do with anything today?”

“That’s enough. You just want money, don’t you? Is ten million enough? Here’s the check—fill in the number yourself. I’ve got work to do and no time to waste on you.”

The check fluttered down and landed on my face. My voice trembled as I spoke.

“What if I say I don’t want the money? What if I want Shakira to face legal consequences?”

“You can try. But let’s see if your evidence is better than my lawyer’s.”

“The wedding is around the corner and I don’t want to marry a madwoman. Calm down and think things through.”

Just then, his phone rang—the special ringtone he had set just for her. His face immediately softened.

“Oh? A new client? Shakira, you’re amazing. I have high hopes for you.”

“Dinner tonight? I’ve got a meeting, but I’ll cancel it and come pick you up. Be good.”

Without even sparing me a glance, he slammed the door and walked out.

I collapsed, sobbing like a madwoman.

Six years ago, after my father had an affair, my mother and I were thrown out of our home.

At seventeen, I didn’t even have a hundred dollar.

On the brink of starvation, it was Nathan who took us in.

He had promised to take care of my family.

I had quietly loved him for years… and I had never doubted his words.