Part 1: The Call That Changed Everything
The phrase “sister in all but blood” was supposed to be harmless — a polite expression of closeness.
But when I heard Lucas Goodwin, my fiancé, use it to describe another woman, my heart turned cold.
If he couldn’t explain this “sisterly bond,” our engagement banquet would be off.
So I called him, demanding answers.
His voice, usually calm and gentle, came back icy and unrecognizing:
“Who are you? Since when does a stranger like you get to question my relationship with Vivian?”
And before I could say “I’m your fiancée,” he hung up.
Part 2: The Triumphant Rival
The call ended — and Vivian Morrow, standing right next to me, smiled with venomous satisfaction.
“Did you really think having Lucas’s number makes you special?” she sneered. “Keep dreaming.”
Her every word dripped with arrogance, and her designer clothes gleamed under the boutique lights.
Then came the final blow:
“Even the janitors at Goodwin’s Group dress better than you.”
I glanced at my plain, comfortable clothes — the kind I’d always preferred — and felt humiliation burn beneath my calm surface.
Part 3: The Cruel Comparison
Vivian’s laughter echoed across the store, drawing attention from nearby shoppers.
She tilted her chin and said,
“Lucas must be insane to call you his sister in all but blood. Look at you — you don’t even fit his world.”
Every word was a dagger — not because she was right, but because I’d never realized just how cruel envy could sound when spoken aloud.
Part 4: The Ruined Shopping Trip
I had come to pick out a gown for the engagement banquet — our supposed big day.
Now, all I wanted was to leave.
Still, I gathered the courage to buy the gown, if only to hold onto some dignity.
I headed toward the counter, clutching the dress tightly — as if it could protect what was left of my pride.
Part 5: The Membership Insult
The saleswoman glanced at Vivian’s expensive outfit, then at me, and hesitated.
“Miss, I’m sorry… but we prioritize our members first.”
Before I could respond, Vivian slammed a gold membership card onto the counter.
“Only people who’ve spent over a million get this card. What’s a broke loser like you doing here?”
Her smirk said it all — she didn’t want the dress. She wanted to humiliate me.
Part 6: The Moment of Defiance
Normally, I avoided confrontation. But that day, I’d had enough.
I pulled out my black card — a symbol of quiet power I rarely flaunted — and slid it across the counter.
“Sign me up for a membership,” I said coldly. “And bag the gown.”
The crowd went silent. Even Vivian’s smug smile faltered — for a moment.
Part 7: The Threat
Then Vivian leaned forward, voice sharp as a blade.
“The Goodwins own Flodon. If you sell her that gown, I’ll have Lucas buy this entire store tomorrow.”
Fear flickered in the saleswoman’s eyes.
“I’m sorry, Miss,” she whispered to me. “I can’t risk offending Goodwin’s Group.”
And just like that — the power of the Goodwin name crushed what little fairness was left.
Part 8: The Crowd Turns
Whispers spread among the bystanders like wildfire.
“That’s Ms. Morrow. Lucas Goodwin spoils her rotten.”
“Someone once crossed her — Goodwin’s Group drove them bankrupt.”
Their hushed warnings weren’t meant to protect me — they were meant to make me bow.
In their eyes, I was already the loser in this silent war of status and money.
Part 9: The Humiliation
Vivian basked in the attention, feeding on it like a queen adored by her subjects.
Then, in a voice dripping with mock sympathy, she said,
“You wench, get on your knees and say, ‘I’m a worthless poser, and I’m sorry.’ Maybe then I’ll let you off.”
Her smirk widened, confident that I would crumble.
But she had no idea that the woman she was trying to break was already planning her next move — and her revenge.
Part 10: The Spark of Rebellion
That day didn’t end with defeat — it ended with awakening.
Lucas might have forgotten my number, and Vivian might have mocked my worth — but they underestimated me.
Money, power, and titles — they could all be taken away.
But dignity? Once you reclaim it, no one can steal it again.
And as I walked out of that store, leaving behind whispers and stares, I made myself one quiet promise:
If Lucas Goodwin no longer remembers me as his fiancée, the world will soon remember me as something far greater.
