Chapter 2The Stepsister's Stepmother

Okay, truth is, Ashley and I never really got along behind the scenes, but we always put on a fake-nice act for Dad. She clearly wasn't expecting me to call her out right then and there.

Her eyes instantly welled up, getting red and teary. Total guilt trip mode activated.

"Oh, Sarah, I'm so sorry," she stammered, her voice thick with fake remorse. "The guest list was just so long… I must have accidentally missed you. And now everything's finalized, we can't add anyone…"

She bit her lip, looking all pitiful. "How about… how about Ethan and I take you out for a special dinner tomorrow? As an apology? Please don't be mad. Or… or I could call Ethan right now and see if he can rearrange things?"

She made a show of pulling out her phone, pretending she was about to call him.

Linda jumped in immediately, grabbing Ashley’s arm. "No, no! We haven't helped with anything for this engagement party. We can't bother Ethan with little things like this now! He'll get annoyed, and what if that makes things difficult for Ashley after they're married?"

Turning to me, Linda added, "It's just the engagement party, not the wedding. A separate dinner sounds lovely."

Dad thought for a moment, then nodded. "Linda's right, Sarah. It's just the engagement. How about this? You can have my invitation. Linda and I can share one."

Ashley looked panicked at Dad's suggestion. She quickly rubbed her eyes, putting on her best wounded-dove expression. It was clear she really didn't want me there.

I gave Ashley a long look, then turned to Dad. "It's okay, Dad. You guys go ahead."

I forced a smile. "Like you said, it's just the engagement. I can always go to the wedding."

"Exactly! See? Sarah understands," Linda chimed in quickly, piling food onto my plate.

Across the table, Ashley shot me a smug, triumphant glance.