My sister ripped my shirt apart in front of two hundred guests and laughed at the scars across my back. For one stunned moment, even the champagne seemed to stand still.

in a game only she knew existed.

“Look at her,” Celeste said loudly, her diamond bracelet catching the light. “Five years gone, and she comes back dressed like a nobody. No husband. No job. Just scars.”

Whispers rippled through the crowd.

My father remained onstage beside the retirement cake, a bourbon glass resting in one hand. His expression stayed continue reading …