My Grandpa Healed, My Cousin Knelt

When my grandpa fell gravely ill and needed treatment abroad, the elders in the family decided to choose a junior to accompany him.

They picked my cousin, but my mom tearfully pleaded with me to take her place.

"You're a doctor. Caring for your grandfather is second nature to you. Bianca is an orphan, frail and delicate. She can't handle such a grueling task."

To save her distress, I agreed to go in Bianca Pittman's stead, embarking on a five-year stay abroad.

When my grandpa finally recovered, I boarded a flight home, eager to reunite with my family. But as I landed, a post on my mother's social media froze me in my tracks.

[My daughter is getting married! Thank you all for your blessings!]

But I was her only daughter. I couldn't help but wonder who she was referring to.

...

I raced from the airport to the Pittman Mansion, my heart pounding with anticipation.

The cab screeched to a halt, and I stepped out to see my mother emerging from the house, arm-in-arm with my cousin.

Tessa Pittman beamed with pride, her eyes sparkling as if she were showcasing a masterpiece. Bianca Pittman, radiant in a wedding gown, blushed demurely as relatives fawned over her.

"Bianca has got your eyes, Tessa. Like you stepped out of a time machine."

"Look at that gown. It's made for her."

Tessa's smile deepened, fine lines crinkling around her eyes. She pinched Bianca's cheek affectionately. "She's always been my mirror image. My baby's getting married today, and my heart's breaking a little."

Bianca giggled, nestling into Tessa's embrace. "Don't be sad, Tessa. Even after I'm married, I'll visit every day, I promise."

Her words sparked teasing laughter from the crowd.

"Every day? Poor Jared will be left warming the bed alone."

"No kidding. Bianca is practically glued to Tessa's side."

Bianca stomped her foot playfully, sparking another round of chuckles. I watched from the shadows, clutching my phone so tightly my knuckles turned white. My chest ached as if someone had driven a knife through it.

A butler approached, holding a velvet box. He bowed slightly, his voice smooth. "This is a custom wedding necklace from Mr. Reilly for his fiancée. The centerpiece emerald, a gift from Mr. Pittman Sr., is meant to surprise his granddaughter. Please accept it, Miss Pittman."

Bianca's eyes sparkled, her cheeks flushing as she reached for the box. "Oh, Jared's too sweet."

I let out a sharp, bitter laugh and stepped into the light. All eyes turned to me, wide with shock, as I snatched the box and flashed a tight smile. "Tell Jared I said thanks."

The room fell deathly silent.

Bianca's smile collapsed into a grimace, while Tessa's face darkened. The butler blinked, his gaze darting between us before settling on Tessa.

"Mrs. Pittman, what's going on?" he asked, puzzled.

I opened the box, revealing a dazzling emerald necklace, unmistakably a family heirloom. My fingers traced the gem's cool surface as I met the butler's eyes. "I'm Wendy Pittman."

Turning to the stunned crowd, I let each word land like a hammer. "I'm Jared Reilly's fiancée."

...

Bianca's face drained of color, her lips trembling as she hissed at the servants behind her. "What are you standing there for? Get my necklace back!"

"Don't you dare!" I stepped back, raising an eyebrow at Bianca. "Getting comfortable playing heiress, are you? Do you really think you're me?"

Tessa swept in front of Bianca, her brow furrowed. "Wendy, what are you doing? Don't ruin your sister's big day!"

"Sister?" I laughed, pointing at Bianca with disdain. "Everyone knows the Pittman family has one heiress, and that's me!"

Tessa's jaw tightened, her tone turning sharp. "Shut up! Stop spouting nonsense!"

Bianca leaned in, her whisper venomous in my ear. "So what if you're the heiress? You've been gone five years. No one remembers you."

My hand flew up, and I slapped her hard across the face. "Shut up! A freeloader like you has no right to talk to me like that!"