His expression darkened. “You’re being rude, Elena. I can’t believe you were really jealous of her like she said.”
“I’m being honest,” I spat. “I regret ever bringing her into my life, and I am not jealous! Never! She’s nothing but a bitch!”
And then it happened.
Slap.
My head whipped to the side. A sharp sting burned across my cheek.
I blinked, stunned. Nathan’s hand still hung in the air between us.
“She’s your sister, not by blood, and also your best friend," he snapped. “She is also like us. Don’t ever talk about her like that again.”
Before I could respond, Sabrina walked out of her room in a silk robe, barefoot, and playing innocent like she always did.
“What’s going on?” she asked sweetly, looking between us. “Why are you shouting?”
I pointed at her chest. “Where is the necklace?”
Sabrina glanced down like she’d forgotten she was even wearing it. The diamond glinted at her collarbone.
“Oh… this?” she said, touching it lightly. “I just borrowed it. I didn’t think you’d mind. Nathan said it was okay. And I mean, I’m part of the family too, right?”
“Take it off,” I snapped. “Now.”
Her expression faltered. “Elena—”
“Take. It. Off.”
I stepped toward her. She backed away, clutching the necklace.
“What’s wrong with you?” she said, voice rising. “Why are you acting like this? I just wanted to feel pretty. I love this necklace—”
I reached out to snatch it, but she yanked it back. We struggled. She fought harder than I expected, and the delicate chain snapped.
The diamond pendant clattered to the floor, rolling under the coffee table.
“You ruined it!” I screamed.
“It’s not a big deal,” she said breathlessly. “It’s just a necklace!”
“You had no right to wear it!”
Nathan rushed to Sabrina’s side, placing himself between us. “Back off!”
Gabriel came out from the hallway, immediately rushing to Sabrina. “Are you okay?”
“She’s lost her mind!” Sabrina cried, sniffling as usual. “She’s so… so mean. I didn’t mean to break it…”
“She attacked me,” she added as an afterthought. “I think she pushed me.”
“You’re unbelievable,” I whispered, numb.
Gabriel turned to me, his eyes sharp. “What’s wrong with you? She didn’t mean to break it. You’re always looking for a fight!”
Then Nathan shoved me back lightly, but enough to make me stumble.
“Just stop already,” he muttered, grabbing Sabrina’s hand and leading her back toward her room.
And once again… they left me.
Alone.