CHAPTER 2

"What do you mean you're leaving?" Caleb's voice dropped to a whisper. "On the anniversary of my wife's death? Have you no respect at all?"

I stood my ground. "The agreement was for two years, Caleb. Two years to help Theo transition. It's been over five now."

His eyes narrowed as he stepped closer. "So that's it? You're just going to abandon your responsibilities because of a little wax and some harsh words from a child?"

"A little wax?" I gestured to the angry redmarks covering my scalp and face. "Theo deliberately hurt me because I changed my hair color. What's next? What else will he destroy?"

"He's grieving, Emma!" Caleb shouted, slamming his fist against the wall. "For God's sake, he lost his mother! How many times do I need to explain this to you? You promised to help him!"

I tried to remain calm. "I've given him five years of my life, Caleb. I've tried everything to help him heal. But he doesn't want to heal, he wants to punish me for not being Olivia."

"Don't you dare speak her name," a cold voice interrupted from the doorway.

I turned to see Margaret Weah, Caleb's mother, standing with her arms folded across her chest. She'd never made any attempt to hide her disdain for me.

"I knew you'd pull something like this," she said. "Always looking for attention, always making everything about yourself instead of Olivia's memory."

"Margaret," I acknowledged her with a nod. "I've fulfilled my obligation. The agreement was two years. I've given more than double that."

She laughed. "Obligation? Is that what you call taking her place? Living in her home? Wearing her clothes and sleeping in her bed?"

"I never wanted to replace her," I said quietly. "That was never the agreement."

"Really?" Margaret's nail jabbed into my chest. "Then why did you agree to marry her husband? Why did you move into her house? Why have you been parading around looking exactly like her for five years?"

"Because you all insisted it was what Theo needed!" I felt my composure slipping. "You said it would help him heal!"

Caleb sighed heavily, running his hands through his hair in frustration. "We should all calm down. Today is about honoring Olivia's memory and celebrating Emma's birthday." He placed his hand on my shoulder. "Let's get you cleaned up. I'll help you dye your hair back to blonde, and we can forget this nonsense about leaving."

His fingers moved from my shoulder to my neck, his touch lingering. "I can make it up to you tonight," he whispered. "After the party. Let me remind you why you're here."

I stepped away from his touch. "I'm not interested in being your substitute for Olivia."

I could see the flash of anger in his eyes, but before he could respond, the doorbell rang.

"That must be our guests," Margaret said. "Theo has been so excited about this party. Don't ruin it for him, Emma."

Without waiting for my response, she swept out of the room. Caleb gave me one last warning look before following her.

I took a few minutes to compose myself, trying to cover the burns with makeup as best I could. When I finally made my way downstairs, the party was already in full swing.

Pack members filled the living room, mingling with Theo's school friends and their parents. Theo's face turned sour when he spotted me.

"Look, Theo, your mother is here," one of the adults said to him.

Theo scoffed loudly enough for everyone to hear. "She's not my mother!"

I stood frozen as Caleb sighed deeply and approached his son.

"We don't talk like that, Theo. Emma is your mother now, and she's been taking good care of you,"

Theo's face contorted with rage. "No! She can never be my mother. Everyone," he announced to the room, "this woman is a fake. She's just pretending to be mom because she's jealous she wasn't the one Dad chose!"

Whispers immediately filled the room as the pack members all stared at me. I kept my face blank, used to the judgment. None of them knew what I'd sacrificed.

The front door opened, and the whispers stopped.

Selena walked in, her honey blonde hair styled perfectly, blue eyes sparkling. Caleb's mistress had arrived.

"Selena!" Theo squealed with delight, running toward her with pure joy on his face.

She bent down and hugged him tightly. "There's my favorite boy! Happy anniversary dinner, sweetheart."

Theo clung to her hand as they walked back to the dining room. "I'm so glad you're here. I hate when she tries to be my mom," he said loudly, pointing at me.

"Theo, honey, be nice," she said, but the smile never left her face.

Caleb cleared his throat. "Emma, come take a photo of us."

I stood frozen as Caleb handed me his phone. The three of them posed together, Caleb's arm around Selena's waist, Theo in front of them.

"Say cheese," I managed to whisper.

As I took the photo, Caleb leaned down and kissed Selena deeply. Theo grinned at me over his shoulder.

A perfect family. The family I could never give them.

"Aunt Emma," Theo suddenly called out. "I want to apologize for earlier."

The room watched as he approached me, holding a wrapped box.

"I'm sorry about yesterday," he said, just loud enough for everyone to hear. "I got you something."

He held out a small box wrapped in shiny paper. With trembling fingers, I lifted the lid. A scream escaped me as I dropped the box, its contents spilling across the patio. A dead rat tumbled out, followed by a thick red liquid that splashed across my clothes.

"Oops," Theo giggled. "I thought you'd like a new pet since your camera's broken."

The crowd gasped as the blood-like substance soaked through my white dress.

"Theo!" Caleb said halfheartedly. "That's not appropriate."

But Selena was already laughing. "Boys will be boys," she said, ruffling Theo's hair proudly.

Margaret quickly moved the focus back to the celebration. "Let's make a wish, Theo!"

The entire room watched as Theo closed his eyes.

"I wish Aunt Selena would stay with us forever," he said loudly. Then he leaned closer to the flame. "And I wish wolves like Emma would die a painful death, just like this rat."

CHAPTER 3

I stood in the hallway, rat blood dripping down my dress as everyone returned to their conversations like nothing had happened.

Just as I was about to escape upstairs, Caleb walked over with his face tight with anger.

"Do you have to make a scene at every gathering? Can't you just clean yourself up and join everyone like a normal person?"

He was mad that I'd gotten blood on the imported carpet. Caleb's house was always perfect—hardly anyone could keep it as spotless as I did, which is why I'd even taken home management classes to learn proper cleaning techniques.

Back then, Theo used to follow me around and smile, "Aunt Emma, you make our house so pretty. I want you to stay with us forever."

But somewhere along the way, everything changed. Now, all he wanted was for me to disappear.

Suddenly, thunder cracked outside and rain poured down without warning. The sound echoed through the house, making everyone pause their conversations.

I looked up at Caleb and spoke quietly, "I need to go change. I can't stay in these clothes."

He sneered. "You think anyone cares? You wanted attention so bad, why don't you just stay here?"

"Caleb, who are you talking to?" a woman's voice called sweetly from behind us.

Selena walked over in her designer dress and wrapped her arms around Caleb's shoulders like they belonged together.

When she saw me, she couldn't hold back a laugh.

"Oh, look at you. Sorry, darling, but we're about to start the memorial slideshow for Olivia. Everyone's waiting."

Then she turned to Theo.

"Come on, Theo. The photos are ready. Your dad prepared something special."

"Yay! I love looking at mom's pictures!" Theo beamed and took her hand. "You're the best, Selena!"

I watched them walk to the living room, their silhouettes warm and close. My chest ached.

The boy I sacrificed everything for, the one I poured every ounce of my heart into, couldn't see a thing I'd done for him. Instead, he clung to Selena just because she styled herself to look like Olivia.

I headed upstairs to change, but when I tried to open my bedroom door, it was locked. I tried the bathroom—locked. Every door upstairs was locked.

I pulled out my phone to call Mrs. Collins, the housekeeper, but my battery was dead.

Just when I thought I'd have to stand there dripping blood all night, Patricia appeared with a key.

"Caleb said you can use the guest bathroom at the end of the hall. But hurry, we're starting the slideshow."

My mind was half-frozen, but I managed a nod and dragged myself to the small bathroom.

The first thing I saw when I returned downstairs was Theo curled up in Selena's lap, watching the slideshow of Olivia, while Caleb sat beside them. They looked like the picture-perfect family.

I tried to slip past them to the kitchen, but Caleb spotted me.

"You know Theo needs you here for the slideshow. From now on, don't disappear when he needs you."

I gave a cold, tired smile and said calmly, "Then you better hire a professional therapist soon. Or maybe have Selena step in, I've written down all his routines. I'll be gone tomorrow, remember?"

A sharp clang rang out. Caleb had slammed his glass onto the table, the sound making everyone turn.

"Emma! Have I been too lenient with you? Is that why you think you can talk to me like this?" He pushed back his chair and marched over to me, grabbing my wrist in a bruising grip.

"You throw around threats of leaving like they mean nothing. You really think I'll just let you go?"

Of course he would. Why wouldn't he? He never loved me. Not really. The only reason he kept me around was because of Theo. He wanted his son to believe he still had a mother figure.

I stayed calm, looked him dead in the eye. "Then maybe you should just ask Theo if he even wants me around. Ask him if he cares whether I stay."

Right on cue, Theo's voice cut through the room, dripping with disdain.

"Dad, I've been wanting her to leave for years. I hate her. I like Selena better."

Selena hurriedly covered his mouth.

"Theo, honey, you can't say things like that, it'll hurt your aunt."

"She's not my aunt anymore! I don't want a fake mom!" Theo shouted, glaring at me with hatred.

I shrugged at Caleb and said dryly, "There, you heard him. He doesn't want me around. Can I finally leave now?"

Caleb's brows furrowed. He turned to Selena.

"Selena, take Theo to the kitchen for cake."

Selena hesitated, but she nodded and led Theo away.

I looked at her retreating figure and said again, "You and Theo both like her. Why don't you make her his new mom instead? I'm done with the role."

"You're really that eager to throw me at another woman?" His voice was low, dangerous.

I stared at him, genuinely confused. What did he even mean by that?

He loved Olivia. Everyone knew it. Even after five years since her death, he never moved on. He'd never looked at me with affection. I was just a stand-in: someone he used when he needed someone who looked like his wife, nothing more. And now, he'd finally found Selena, someone who could mimic Olivia's mannerisms so well it was eerie. Shouldn't he be thrilled?

But instead of answering, his expression darkened. He turned abruptly and barked over his shoulder. "Selena, come back."

She peeked back in, surprised. Before she could ask anything, Caleb grabbed her wrist and dragged her down the hall.

"You want to see us together, Emma?" he snapped. "Fine. I'll give you what you want."

And with that, he yanked her into the study and slammed the door.

Not long after, the sounds of moans slipped through the walls.

I felt nothing.

I'd never come to this house for love. I came to help my sister's son. That was it. I never let my heart get involved, never expected anything more than cold indifference. Caleb had always loved Olivia and now he'd found someone who mirrored her so perfectly it was almost grotesque. Selena was his second chance, a living, breathing shadow of the woman he'd never stopped grieving.

He should be happy.

Quietly, I slipped upstairs to pack what little I had left. When I came back down, my bags in hand, I headed for the front door.

But just as I reached it, Theo stepped in front of me, blocking my path.

With one sharp kick, he knocked over my suitcase.

"What, one little joke and now you're running away?" His voice was dripping with contempt. "You think this little act will get my dad's attention? That he'll come chasing after you like in some stupid movie? You're pathetic.

I didn't say a word. I just bent down, calmly picked up my suitcase and started walking away from him.

Then I heard sharp whistle through the air.

I turned around just in time to see Theo standing with the bow raised, as he released an arrow aimed straight at me.

CHAPTER 4

The arrow whistled through the air, missing my heart by inches. I staggered back, feeling the sharp sting as it grazed my cheek. Warm blood trickled down my face, the metallic scent filling the air.

"You think anyone wants you here?" Theo's voice dripped with venom as he lowered the bow. "You're nothing but a cheap replacement. A stand-in that everyone tolerates because they feel sorry for you!"

My hands moved before my mind could process what I was doing. I shoved him, hard. Theo stumbled backward, shock flashing across his face. For five years, I'd endured every cruelty, every humiliation without retaliation. But this, this attempt on my life had shattered the last of my restraint.

Theo's eyes widened in shock, then his features twisted into something truly hateful. He threw his head back and let out a loud scream that seemed to shake the walls around us.

"DAD! DAD, SHE HIT ME!"

Caleb appeared, his eyes black with barely held anger. "What have you done?" he demanded, rushing to Theo's side.

"What have I done?" I pointed to my bleeding cheek. "Your son just tried to kill me!"

Caleb's eyes flickered to my wound, and for a heartbeat, something like concern flashed across his face. He reached out, his fingers hovering near the cut. "You're bleeding..."

"He shot an arrow at me, Caleb! He could have killed me!"

Theo buried his face against his father's chest, his shoulders shaking with expertly timed sobs. "I-I didn't mean to hurt her," he whimpered. "She was leaving us forever! I just wanted to scare her!"

"Is this true?" Caleb asked, his voice softening as he stroked his son's hair. "You're really leaving? Tonight?"

I straightened my spine, refusing to be swayed by the sudden tenderness in his tone. "Yes. I'm done being a replacement. I'm done trying to be someone I'm not."

"But the family reunion is tomorrow," Caleb said smoothly, stepping closer. "Everyone will be here. What am I supposed to tell them when you're missing? That you abandoned your responsibilities? That you couldn't handle it?"

His words were laced with manipulation, carefully chosen to make me doubt myself.

"Tell them whatever you want. It's not my problem anymore."

He caught my wrist as I turned to leave, his grip firm but not painful. "What about our agreement, Emma? You promised to help Theo heal. To be what he needed."

"For two years, Caleb. Two years that turned into five. I've given enough."

His expression darkened. "So that's it? You throw away everything we've built because of one little incident?"

I laughed bitterly. "One incident? Your son has been terrorizing me for years! He poured scalding wax on me. He put bleach in my shower. He destroyed the only thing that mattered to me—my camera, my work, my identity!"

"He's grieving," Caleb insisted, his voice dropping to a level that made me hesitate despite myself. "Think about what leaving will do to him. To the family. To us."

There had never been an "us," and we both knew it.

Theo peered up at me from beneath his lashes, a calculating gleam in his eyes. "What everyone says is true—that you never loved mom. That you were just waiting for her to die so you could take her place."

The accusation stung me.

Caleb's stance shifted, his body language protective as he shielded Theo. "Is that what this is really about? You couldn't handle living in Olivia's shadow, so you're running away?"

"No," I shook my head, recognizing the trap. "This is about me finally choosing myself."

"Our family has traditions older than any of us," Caleb's voice took on a formal, almost ceremonial quality. "We stick together, no matter what. Do you understand what breaking that tradition means?"

"I'm not your true wife," I reminded him. "I'm just the stand-in you married to keep up appearances."

His face hardened. "If you walk out that door, you'll be cut off. Completely.

The threat hung in the air between us.

"I'd rather face my chances alone than spend another day being erased in my own home."

"Stay," Caleb's voice suddenly softened, his hand reaching for mine. "Selena can handle Theo's needs now. She will come during the week, we’ll agree on selected times ... you won't have to shoulder it all alone anymore."

I stared at him, trying to sink it all in. This wasn't about me.

His words were with calculation as if he was coming to realization of what my leaving could cost him.

"You're family," he insisted, but his eyes slid away from mine. "Olivia would want…."

"Don't." My voice cut through his like a blade. "Don't you dare use her memory to manipulate me. Olivia would be horrified by what you've let Theo become. By what you've become."

I stepped toward the door, my resolve hardening with each step.

"Emma," Caleb called after me, his voice dropping to a dangerous tone. "If you walk out that door, don't bother coming back. The family won't accept you again. I won't accept you."

I paused at the threshold, feeling the weight of five years of sacrifice pressing down on me.

"Good," I said without turning around. "Because I'm never coming back."

As I stepped into the cool night air, I heard Theo's whisper to his father.

"Let her go, Dad. We never needed her anyway."

"As I stepped through the front gates of the Weah estate, I was finally free. Part of me couldn't believe this moment had actually come—that I was really doing this. I flagged down a cab, loaded in my suitcase and told the driver, "To the airport, please."