Finding Love In A Scripted Betrayal

in in my adopted sister Jami's perfect story. Everyone adored

y life. It wasn't just a story where I was the bad guy-it was a detailed

me another for a crime he didn't commit, and leave me for a grues

completely blind, worshiping the very m

horrifying future also gave me a we

ly gala, I realized s

uld hea

pte

Jenkin

sh of data that downloaded a complete narrative, a script for my entire life. And I, Chloe Jenkins, the estranged biological daughter of the wealthy Jenkins

nstructed tragedy, meticulously p

ars of feeling like an outsider, years of biting my tongue, years of being dismissed as "difficult" or "troubled" by the Jenkins family, suddenly made brut

esence overshadowed my awkward attempts at conversation. Even my attempts to excel in investigative journalism were twisted in the narrative as "rebellious"

d line, every saccharine smile from Jami. Th

ble current, trying to prove myself worthy. But the script was clear. My efforts were futile, my destiny sealed. A profou

this system of "narrative truths" – was still raw, still a mystery. But it was a

or me to confirm my role as the black sheep. I checked my reflection in the

trangement. My heart did a familiar clench, not from anticipation, but from a habit of resentment. I

ook what the c

sneer twisting his perfectly sculpted features. Beside him, Joel, the sensitive music

hat line, Cannon? It' s almost as st

by a flicker of confusion. Joel shifted uncomfortably. Brady

say?" Cannon demand

g, Cannon. I said nothing. Just admiring th

warps that arrogant mask. They' re so used to me r

, Chloe. We know why you're here. Always stir

ke they have cue cards. How many times have I h

replied, my voice smooth, devoid of the usua

bout family. You just come back

manipulated. He'll be the first to fall, just l

f I' d slapped him. Joel, startled, t

ered, his eyes wide with a fear

ed, my tone deliberately calm. "Is some

u always twist things, make us feel like we're the bad guys!" He lunged,

p-crack. She wore a pristine emerald gown, her face a mask of elegant disapproval. Close behind h

oe, my dear." He offered a practiced, slightly stiff embrac

A shame it' s usually for the cameras. And this hug... it'

subtle tremor that spoke of discomfort. He pulled back

s. "Honestly, the three of you! Can't you behave fo

th, blind to Jami's venom. They'll pay for it, eve

hing. Cristopher, his arm still loosely around my shoulder, visibly flinched. His hand, resting on my back, tightened

laced with a concern I didn't entirely feel

his gaze distant. "Perfectly fine, Chloe. Just a sudden cr

ht. Well, I' m fine,

ey? This is getting interesting. Their brains must be short-circuiting tryi

rked, stepping forward, his face

, a small, innocent smile gracing my

n. Let's not make a scene. Dinner is being se

laden with crystal and fine china, a feast fit for kings. I chose a sea

ed, "Jami's had a rough week. Try not

derstood. Wouldn't want to upset the del

when it suits her. And they fall for it every single time. It's infuriating, really. How can they b

if checking for hidden cameras. Joel looked downright

manate from the doorway. Jami Scott stepped in, a vision in a flowing ivory gown, her hair gliste

, a silent plea for peace. I remaine

oor, misunderstood angel, gracing us with her presence. Too bad this

ami, halfway across the room, stumbled. Her eye

a silken threat that only I could