It didn't take long for Natalie to notice her sister, Mary, standing by the edge of the dance floor. She paused mid-step, her eyes softening as she saw the familiar face among the crowd.
The music seemed to fade into the background as she walked toward her, stopping her dancing with a smile.
In the end, blood was always thicker than water.
"Come, I'll introduce you to everyone," Natalie said, her voice gentle yet firm. "And I want you to stay with me from now on, Mary. Your boyfriend—he's becoming a bad influence on you. You're the only family I have left, and I don't want to see you stray down the wrong path."
Natalie's words were filled with sincerity as she drew Mary into a warm embrace. In that moment, it was clear how deeply she cared, even if her protective nature bordered on controlling.