After the Daniels released a second announcement confirming that the wedding would still take place, but with Melinda replacing Melissa as the bride, social media erupted with opinions.
"Don't tell me Melissa is that stupid to let go of Brian!"
"Why do good things always go to people who don't appreciate them?"
"Wow! Melinda has such a golden heart, stepping in for her sister. She's always been selfless, unlike Melissa, who only thinks about herself."
Public sentiment turned harsh on Melissa, painting her as foolish and selfish, while Melinda was praised as the family's golden child. Mr. Daniel himself commended Melinda for being a dutiful daughter and prioritizing the family, further cementing the narrative that Melinda was the hero.
After the Rowlands left, Melissa sat in stunned silence, unable to explain how her engagement had been called off without her knowledge. She replayed the events in her mind. "Just yesterday, Mom and I were discussing the wedding venue. Where did I go wrong?" Lost in thought, her phone buzzed. It was Estabel, her best friend.
"Hey, bestie! How are you holding up?" Estabel's voice was a comforting sound.
"Estabel, I don't know what happened. They called off my engagement without even asking me, and now Linda is replacing me. Everyone's acting like it's my fault, but you know it's not. I'm so confused," Melissa said, her voice breaking into sobs.
"I saw the news, l had always had this feeling that something shady would happen, but listen to me, stop lying in bed overthinking it. Get dressed, we're going out tonight. You're waiting for answers that won't come. No one's going to explain anything to you because they believe they own you; no apology or explanation of any sort. Everyone's too busy looking out for themselves," Estabel said firmly.
"I don't want to go out, You know how I hate crowded, noisy bars."
"Give me 20 minutes, I'm coming to pick you up," Estabel cut the call, determined to get Melissa out of the house.
Melissa always suppressed her emotions, but when it came to Estabel, she could let her guard down. For years, she had tried to be a good daughter, craving her parents' approval, only to be sidelined again and again. Maybe she was never destined to receive their love. Maybe if she were more selfish, like others, she wouldn't always end up as the scapegoat.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. Linda strolled in, a smirk playing on her lips.
"Hey, Brian's ex-fiancée of Brian, aren't you going to congratulate me on my engagement?" Linda taunted.
"I have more important things to do," Melissa replied coldly.
"Oh, I know you're not happy about the new arrangement, but I had to do it. Remember when we were kids? Grandpa always favored you over me. You probably don't recall, but he left half of his will to you. I've hated you ever since. I should always be the favorite, not you. Don't think about recalling your childhood memories because it's all lost," Linda sneered.
"Maybe Grandpa loved me more than you, but that doesn't mean he didn't love you, but you've had Mom and Dad's love for years while I receive none," Melissa said, her voice trembling.
"Love? Do you think they love me? No, darling. They favor me, but not out of love—out of selfishness. Everything they do is for their gain. Anyway, I'm not here to give you life lessons. I'm here to invite you to my engagement. But since you won't be attending, I'll just say goodbye," Linda said before leaving with a smug smile.
On her way out, Linda ran into Estabel.
"Well, look who has free time today," Estabel said mockingly. "I heard you've gotten good at picking up Lisa's leftovers. Funny how it's always been the other way around—Lisa accepting what you deemed unworthy of yourself."
Linda shot back, "That depends on how you see it."
"To everyone else, you might seem like some role model. But you and I both know Melinda Daniel is a bully."
"I might let Lisa talk to me like that, but not you. Don't forget who you are," Linda said, her tone suddenly icy.
"I haven't forgotten—a so-called 'illegitimate child,' just brought back from the countryside. But guess what? My family is real with me, unlike yours, who only pretend to love you for what they can gain from you."
"How long have you been eavesdropping?"
"Long enough to see through your act. I'm warning you now: if I find out you've hurt Lisa in any way, you won't like how I respond."
"I don't waste my time on irrelevant people," Linda retorted, walking away with a glare.
"Run along, leftovers picker," Estabel called after her sarcastically.
Satisfied with her confrontation, Estabel rushed into Melissa's room, immediately giving her a tight hug.
"Hey! I know you're having a tough day. That's why we need a drink. It'll help ease the pain," Estabel said, trying to lift Melissa's spirits.
"Why don't my parents realize how they've treated me all these years? And why isn't Brian answering my calls? Doesn't he want to hear my side of the story?" Melissa asked, her voice filled with hurt.
"We both know how people in our world act. It's all about benefits, no emotions. Maybe Linda offers them more. Honestly, I think this entire engagement fiasco is just a scheme between the two families," Estabel said, her voice filled with anger for her friend.
Melissa sat quietly, her mind racing. They finally won. But I've decided—starting now, I'll be selfish too.
"Go freshen up, we have the whole night ahead. And guess who's joining us?" Estabel asked excitedly.
"I have no idea. Tell me!" Melissa responded from the bathroom.
"Elvis!" Estabel exclaimed, practically bouncing with excitement.
Elvis had been a close friend to both Estabel and Melissa, the trio inseparable before he left the country for his studies. Now that he was back, maybe this night out would be exactly what Melissa needed.