Sharon stood at the edge of the staircase, tying her hair into a loose bun when Madina's voice echoed through the hall.
"Sharon, baby, are you coming shopping with us?" Madina's gaze swept over her like a hawk.
Sharon gave a small shake of her head. "No, I'm not."
Rose tilted her head mockingly. "So, you already have a dress?"
Even if I did, you think I'd tell you witches? Sharon thought with a tight smile.
"I couldn't find one I liked. I'll stop by the bakery instead."
"You're always busy with that bakery of yours," Shirley drawled, arms crossed. "Still no progress. Maybe it's time you sell it."
Sharon's expression hardened. "Don't cross the line, Shirley."
Shirley rolled her eyes. "Whatever. Just make sure you show up on time. We don't want you embarrassing us."
"We don't want people tweeting that you skipped the party out of jealousy for Madison," Rose chimed in sweetly.
Sharon clenched her fists. "I'm not jealous."
"Then prove it," Rose said, smile still glued to her face.
"And bring that pauper husband of yours," Madina added with a cruel laugh.
The three sisters broke into smug giggles.
Without another word, Sharon turned her back and walked away. There was no use sparring with snakes. They weren't worth the breath.
"Sir, the Wilmort party is starting soon," Jay reminded Ethan, stepping into the study.
Ethan didn't look up. "And? You know I don't do early entrances."
Jay nodded. "Yes, sir. Just following protocol."
Ethan leaned back in his chair. "Besides, the Wilmorts aren't exactly royalty. I'll show up when I'm ready."
"Understood. And Sharon?"
"She's being watched. My men are on standby, as you instructed."
Ethan gave a satisfied nod and returned to his documents.
Later that afternoon, Sharon stepped back into the house, only to find Shirley waiting.
"Need a ride?" Shirley offered with a fake smile.
"Thanks, but I'm good. I still haven't picked out my dress."
Rose stood up. "Come to my room. I could lend you something."
"Thank you," Sharon said politely, "but I'll manage."
"You won't make it in time without help," Rose warned. "Don't say I didn't offer."
"I appreciate it," Sharon replied again, holding her ground.
"Let her be, Rosie bear," Eli said, descending the stairs with his wife on his arm. "She's allowed to make her own choices."
"Come on, girls. Let's go," Liddy called. "It's your sister's big day."
"See you, sis," Rose said with mock sweetness as they walked out.
The front door shut behind them and Sharon exhaled deeply. It felt like the house itself sighed with her.
For a brief moment, she stood in silence before pulling out her phone.
"Is everything okay?" a voice asked on the other end.
"I'm fine. Don't worry about me," she said softly, ending the call.
The Wilmort estate was transformed into a glamorous wonderland. Lights twinkled like stars above silk-covered tables, and a floral arch crowned the entrance. Laughter echoed in every corner as the rich and elite gathered, flaunting designer gowns and polished shoes.
"The decor is stunning, Madina," a woman complimented, hugging her tightly.
Madina smiled with practiced grace. "You know me, I never do anything halfway."
More women joined her, pulling her into their social orbit, but her eyes wandered until they landed on a figure in the distance.
"Excuse me, ladies. I need a word with my husband," she said sweetly, gliding toward Jason.
"Took you long enough," she said, lifting her wine glass to her lips.
"I'm here now," Jason replied, scanning the crowd.
"Smile, honey," she murmured. "People will think I dragged you here in chains."
Jason said nothing, his gaze already searching. "Where's Sharon?"
Madina rolled her eyes. "Look, you…"
"Mr. and Mrs. Wilmort!" a cheerful voice interrupted.
Jason and Madina immediately donned smiles.
"Mr. Davidson. Mrs. Davidson," Jason greeted, offering a polite nod.
"Lovely decorations," Mrs. Davidson said, glancing around.
Jason gestured toward his wife. "All credit to her. She's got quite the eye for glamour."
"A perfect pair," Mrs. Davidson added, beaming.
Madina smiled wider, gripping Jason's hand. "So you agree we're a match made in heaven?"
They all laughed.
"A clever woman, Mr. Wilmort," Mr. Davidson said with a wink.
"Thank you," Jason said, bowing his head slightly. "We'll catch up later."
As the couple walked off, Jason quickly withdrew his hand from Madina's grip.
Her smile dropped.
"We're married, Jason. You'll have to get used to being around me."
But her words were cut off as a voice boomed from the hall.
"Sharon Moore."
The doorman's voice rang through the crowd.
All heads turned.
Whispers spread like wildfire.
"There she is…"
"Didn't think she'd show her face…"
"Doesn't she have shame?"
Sharon paused at the entrance, her heels echoing on the marble floor. Her dress shimmered in the light, elegant yet understated. Her eyes stayed fixed ahead, even as the murmur grew louder, crueler.
She could feel it,vevery eye on her. They didn't bother hiding their whispers.
And just as she reached the edge of the room, her phone vibrated in her clutch.
She glanced down.
One message.
From an unknown number.
"Leave now. Before it's too late."
Her heart stopped.