Ariana Evans sat alone in the grand living room of the Turner mansion, her delicate fingers intertwined, her knuckles pale from how tightly she held them together. The room was an opulent display of wealth—crystal chandeliers, pristine white marble floors, and antique furniture that whispered stories of generations past. But none of it felt like home.

Her gaze lingered on the family portrait above the ornate fireplace. In the picture, she stood beside her husband, Lucas Turner, her smile radiant and hopeful. He, on the other hand, looked detached, his sharp features framed by indifference even in the stillness of the image. To the outside world, they were the perfect couple—young, successful, and enviable. But Ariana knew better.

She reached out as if to touch the frame, then stopped herself, her hand dropping back to her lap. Her heart ached as memories of their wedding day flooded her mind. She had married Lucas out of love, certain that their connection would deepen over time. But reality had been far crueler.

The sound of the front door opening pulled her from her thoughts. She straightened in her chair, smoothing the fabric of her dress as Lucas entered the room.

He was striking as always, his tall frame clad in a tailored gray suit that emphasized his broad shoulders and commanding presence. His dark hair was perfectly styled, and his sharp jawline gave him an air of authority that made heads turn wherever he went.

"Welcome home, Lucas," Ariana greeted him, her voice soft, carrying the slightest tremor of hope.

Lucas didn't slow his stride. He barely spared her a glance, his dark eyes cold and unreadable. "Sophia will be joining us for dinner tonight," he said curtly, loosening his tie as he moved past her. "Make sure everything is perfect."

Ariana's heart clenched, but she managed a nod. "Of course."

He didn't wait for a reply. Instead, he disappeared up the staircase, leaving Ariana alone once more. She stared after him, her throat tightening with unspoken words.

She took a deep breath, willing herself not to cry. This was her life now—a marriage where her feelings were a distant afterthought, overshadowed by the ever-present specter of her cousin sister, Sophia.

Ariana rose to her feet, smoothing her dress once more before heading to the kitchen. The chef and staff bustled around, preparing for Sophia's arrival. Ariana gave quiet instructions, ensuring that every detail was perfect, as Lucas had demanded.

As she walked back through the hallway, she heard the faint buzz of Lucas's phone on the table. Her eyes landed on the screen, where Sophia's name glowed brightly in an incoming text notification.

Ariana froze, her chest tightening. She didn't dare read the message, but the familiarity of it hurt nonetheless. Sophia had always had a way of inserting herself into every aspect of Lucas's life, and Ariana had long grown used to seeing her name where it didn't belong.

By the time evening arrived, the dining room was set, the long table gleaming with polished silverware and flickering candlelight. Ariana stood near the window, trying to steady her breathing. She wore a simple navy dress, understated yet elegant, but she couldn't help feeling invisible in her own home.

The sound of heels clicking against the marble floor announced Sophia's arrival before Ariana even turned.

"Lucas!" Sophia's voice rang out, sweet and melodic, as she walked into the room.

Ariana turned just in time to see her step-sister sweep into the space, her golden hair cascading down her back in perfect waves. She wore a flowing dress that hugged her curves, sparkling faintly under the light.

Lucas, who had been standing near the bar, set down his glass of whiskey and moved toward Sophia, a rare smile gracing his lips.

"Sophia," he said, his tone warm, almost affectionate. He reached out to hug her, and Ariana felt the now-familiar sting in her chest.

"Lucas," Sophia replied, her voice dripping with charm. She leaned into the embrace, her laugh light as she added, "You've been so busy! I was starting to think you were avoiding me."

Lucas chuckled. "You know that's impossible."

Ariana stood frozen, watching the exchange. Sophia's presence had always been magnetic, and Lucas seemed utterly captivated by her.

"Ariana," Sophia said suddenly, turning her bright blue eyes toward her. "It's so good to see you. I hope you don't mind me dropping by so often. I just couldn't stay away from you two."

Ariana forced a polite smile, though her jaw ached from the effort. "You're always welcome here, Sophia."

Sophia's smile widened. "Thank you. It's so nice to feel at home."

The words were a dagger disguised as kindness, and Ariana felt the blade twist. This was her home, but Sophia had a way of making her feel like the outsider.

Dinner was a quiet torment. Ariana sat at the far end of the table, watching as Sophia and Lucas shared laughter and private jokes. The food she had carefully chosen and helped prepare sat untouched on her plate.

"Lucas, do you remember that time we went to that vineyard in Italy?" Sophia said, her voice lilting with nostalgia.

"Of course," Lucas replied, his lips curving into a rare smile. "That was an unforgettable trip."

Ariana's fork froze halfway to her mouth. She remembered that trip vividly—not because she had been there, but because Lucas had canceled their weekend plans to go on it with Sophia instead.

"That's one of the best parts of traveling with you," Sophia continued. "You make everything so much more enjoyable."

Lucas chuckled, pouring himself another glass of wine. "You're too kind, Sophia."

Ariana set down her fork, her appetite long gone. She felt like a ghost at the table, unseen and unheard.

"Excuse me," she said quietly, rising from her seat.

Lucas glanced at her briefly but said nothing as she left the room. Sophia's soft laughter followed Ariana as she ascended the staircase, each step heavier than the last.

In the sanctuary of their bedroom, Ariana stood before the mirror, staring at her reflection. The woman looking back at her was a shadow of the person she had once been. Her bright, hopeful eyes were now dull, her shoulders slumped under the weight of years of rejection.

"Why do you stay?" she whispered to herself, her voice trembling.

She thought of the promises she had made to Lucas on their wedding day, of the love she had once felt so strongly. Somewhere deep inside, she still held onto the hope that things might change, that Lucas might one day see her worth.

But as she wiped away the tears streaming down her cheeks, she couldn't shake the growing fear that her hope was in vain.