A Sister’s Crown of Thorns

There were times when I even felt lucky that I hadn’t fallen into the abyss of my original family.

At first, Nathan had shared my pain. He despised Shakira and her mother.

But everything changed when Shakira turned eighteen and enrolled in the same university as me.

From that moment on, Nathan no longer monitored Shakira’s whereabouts. Even the way he spoke to her became gentler.

“This girl is a bit like you—stubborn,” he once said casually. “I heard she overturned some rich kid’s lunch and demanded an apology.”

“Kristine, maybe there was just a misunderstanding in the past. I think Shakira has a good personality. You two should try to get along. After all, we’re family now. There’s no need to make things so tense.”

All I had done was mention to my roommate that Shakira’s mother used to be a mistress.

The very next morning, a video of my mother being harassed while working part-time at a restaurant went viral on the school forum.

But still, I never doubted him.

Six years later, we successfully registered our marriage and were preparing for the wedding.

I had always believed that I held a special place in Nathan’s heart. I thought the bond we had as childhood sweethearts could overcome any challenge.

But now, the young man who once protected and cherished me without hesitation...

He had already died in my memory.

There was no longer any reason to go through with the wedding.

As I was packing my bags, the police station called.

“Ms. Raymond, your mother’s case has been dropped. Please come to collect the body.”

I froze, stunned.

By the time I arrived at the station, the case files had already been destroyed.

I dropped to my knees in front of everyone, bowing frantically.

“Please... Please don’t close the case! My mother was murdered. The truth hasn’t come to light yet. You can’t just give up!”

My hands trembled as I clutched the hem of a nearby officer’s uniform.

The man sighed and gently helped me up.

“Miss Raymond, I’m sorry... but there’s nothing more we can do. The person who ordered the case closed was your husband. We have to respect the family’s wishes.”

“Mr. Cole made it very clear. Anyone who tries to reopen this case will lose their job. We all have families to feed. We really can’t help you…”

With that, he turned and walked away.

My fingernails were torn and bleeding, but I felt nothing—no pain, no strength left to cry.

Right then, a message from Nathan came in.

[Did the police call you? I’ve already arranged everything with the funeral home. Just send Auntie there—I’ll cover all the costs.]

[I’ve said everything I need to. Don’t test my patience.]

The phone slipped from my hands, tears dripping onto the screen.

Before I could respond, he called again, this time sounding cold and demanding.

“Didn’t you see the message? Also, the waiver is in the study. I’m at the hotel—come now and have Shakira sign it.”

My chest tightened with rage. I could no longer hold back the storm inside me.

“What if I refuse to sign? Are you going to cut off my fingers?”

The call disconnected instantly.

An email notification appeared on my screen.

It was a copy of the agreement my mother had signed with Shakira’s company before going abroad.

One clause was bolded and highlighted in red.

[In the event of any danger encountered abroad, the guest voluntarily assumes all responsibility and the company reserves all rights of interpretation.]

The threat was clear.

He wasn’t giving me a choice.

The Cole Family's influence was far too strong—I had no way of fighting them.

The only option left... was to walk away.

In the end, I took the waiver and went to the hotel.

Just as I arrived at the entrance, I saw Shakira stepping out of a car.

She wore a custom-made evening gown, the fabric flowing like silk, making her look as elegant as a princess.

When she noticed me, she smiled ever so slightly.

“Sister? Oh wow, it’s you? What a coincidence.”

“By the way, have you arranged Auntie’s funeral yet? Since we’re family now, I’ve been thinking of starting a funeral services business. If you need help... feel free to reach out.”