Crowned in Her Own Name

The second the call ended, a new message from Winston popped up on my phone.

To make Louise happy, he had decided to throw a big welcome dinner in a couple of days, introducing her as his fiancée. It wasn't just a celebration for her return; it was his way of announcing their engagement to everyone in their circle.

He added, [You have to be there. Apologize to Louise properly.

[You're her brother. Your mom's gone, and your dad's seriously ill. You're the only family she has left. You need to stand up for her and give her support, make this look good.

[If you don't come, you're disrespecting me. We're done as friends.]

Done as friends?

I stared at the screen, my fingers going cold.

He hadn't even mentioned this to me beforehand, let alone asked. He just made the call on his own, stepping right over me, the actual Anderson, to back up that fake Louise.

Memories surged up, one after another.

All those nights over the past ten years, Winston would sling an arm around my shoulders, a little drunk, completely unguarded, talking like it was just the two of us in the world.

He would tell me how badly he wanted to meet the "Louise" on the other end of his phone, how perfect they were together, and…how much he loved her.

I could only swallow that bitter sweetness and play my part, answering him like a friend.

"She's probably waiting for you, too."

Heh.

So that was how much he loved me.

Not even enough to recognize me when I was standing right in front of him.

After a long while, I picked up my phone again and replied to him.

[Fine. I'll be there.]

The night of the dinner, the ballroom glittered with polished suits and evening gowns. Anyone who mattered in Silverridge had been invited.

Winston spotted me almost immediately. He pushed through the crowd, grinning.

"Sam, I knew you'd come."

Louise clung tightly to his arm, looking me up and down with open hostility.

"Why did you even invite him?" she said. "All dressed up like this… Who knows if he's here to apologize or just trying to get your attention?"

Winston saw she was still upset and nudged me lightly. "Since you're here, just apologize already. What you said last time was out of line."

I looked at Louise, her face full of smug satisfaction.

Then I smiled, like I was giving in.

"Alright."

I turned, flagged down a server, and took a small cup of mango pudding off the tray. Then I stepped forward and held it out to her.

"That was my fault. Have something sweet, cool off a little. Don't stay mad at me, okay?"

Her gaze flicked between me and the dessert. She let out a soft, disdainful huff through her nose before finally reaching out to take it.

"Hmph. That's more like it."

She poked at it lazily with a spoon. The taste must've been decent, because her expression eased just a little.

"As long as you disappear from Winston's life completely and stay far away, I might consider taking you back as my brother."

Her words were sharp enough to cut.

I just gave a quiet laugh and shook my head, not a trace of anger, like an overly indulgent older brother.

Seeing the tension ease between us, Winston finally relaxed. He took Louise's arm, looking energized as he led her toward the center stage.

He took the microphone from the host, his voice carrying clearly across the room.

"First of all, thank you all for coming tonight. Please join me in welcoming the love of my life, Louise, back home."

Applause broke out instantly.

Winston glanced at Louise beside him, his expression soft, then continued, "While we're here, I have more good news to share. Louise and I will be getting married very soon."

The applause grew louder, mixed with cheers and congratulations.

Winston's gaze swept through the crowd and landed right on me.

"Now, I'd like to invite Louise's brother, and my best friend, Sam, to come up and say a few words."

All eyes turned to me at once.

I walked up to the stage, steady and unhurried, and took the microphone.

"Good evening. I'm Sam, the current head of the Andersons."

I paused on purpose, my gaze sliding over the two of them standing side by side. Winston's smile faltered slightly, as though he couldn't quite read what I was about to do.

I met his uncertain look and spoke, slow and clear.

"On behalf of the Andersons, I fully oppose this marriage between Winston and Louise."

Before I even finished, a sharp wave of gasps rippled through the crowd.

I raised my hand and pointed straight at the woman leaning against him. My voice cut clean through the noise.

"Because this 'Louise' is a complete fake!"