It was Claire. Henry’s own sister. The one who stood smiling at family dinners and offering baby name suggestions had decided to tear his life apart—not out of malice, but out of some twisted belief she was doing him a favor. Claire admitted it all: the message, the lie, the manipulation. She thought if Emily left, it would relieve Henry of a responsibility he once confided scared him.
But fear doesn’t justify destruction. With trembling hands and a heart full of pain, Emily clung to Henry as they pieced together the damage Claire had caused. Though forgiveness wouldn’t come easy, Henry knew one thing—his family’s future would not include his sister. In the end, he had nearly lost everything to a lie dressed as concern. And now, he would never forget: the people closest to you can sometimes do the most harm… all while smiling to your face.