Six years ago, my sister stole my millionaire fiancé, the man I was about to marry.…

«‘It’s been a long time. «‘Yes,’ I replied simply, «‘not trusting myself with more words. «‘Nathan nodded awkwardly.

«‘Sorry for your loss.’ «‘Zachary had stepped away to speak «‘with the funeral director, «‘leaving me momentarily alone with them. «‘Stephanie seized the opportunity. «‘I need to speak with you privately,’ «‘she said, gesturing toward a side room.

«‘Against my better judgment, «‘I followed her, «‘wanting to avoid a scene at mother’s funeral. «‘The small room contained only a few chairs «‘and a box of tissues, «‘clearly designated for mourners «‘needing private moments. «‘Stephanie closed the door behind us.

«‘Up close, I noticed fine lines around her eyes «‘that her expensive makeup «‘couldn’t quite conceal. «‘You look thin,’ she remarked, «‘her gaze assessing me critically. «‘Grief does that,’ I replied flatly.

«‘She fiddled with her ring, «‘twisting it around her finger. «‘Nathan and I bought a summer house «‘on Cape Cod last month, «‘eight bedrooms, private beach access. «‘I remained silent, «‘wondering why she felt compelled «‘to share this information.

«‘We’re considering starting a family soon,’ «‘she continued. «‘Nathan’s company just acquired two startups «‘and we’re renovating the third floor for a nursery. «‘Congratulations,’ I said, «‘my voice devoid of emotion.

«‘Is there something specific «‘you wanted to discuss about the funeral arrangements?’ «‘Her smile turned sharp. «‘I just thought you might want to know «‘how well we’re doing. «‘Poor you, still alone at 38.

«‘I got the man, the money, and the mansion.’ «‘The familiar pain flared briefly, «‘then subsided. «‘Six years ago, «‘her words would have devastated me. «‘Today, they seemed pathetic and desperate.

«‘I smiled genuinely. «‘Have you met my husband yet?’ «‘Her expression faltered. «‘Husband, Zachary.

«‘I called, opening the door «‘to find him waiting nearby. «‘Come meet my sister.’ «‘As Zachary entered the room, «‘Nathan appeared behind him, «‘clearly having been watching our interaction. «‘When the men made eye contact, «‘Nathan’s face drained of color.

«‘Foster,’ he said, «‘his confident demeanor cracking. «‘Reynolds.’ «‘Zachary’s tone remained professional but cool. «‘It’s been, what, seven years? «‘Not since Macintosh acquired Innotech «‘instead of your client CompuServe, right?’ «‘Nathan swallowed visibly.

«‘You two are married? «‘Two wonderful years now,’ I confirmed, «‘slipping my hand into Zachary’s. «‘Zachary Foster.’ «‘Stephanie repeated slowly, «‘As in Foster Investments. «‘The same,’ Zachary replied.

«‘Rebecca and I met at a tech conference «‘in San Francisco. «‘Nathan attempted to recover his composure. «‘Foster, we should catch up sometime.

«‘I’ve been meaning to reach out «‘about potential collaborations. «‘My schedule’s quite full,’ «‘Zachary replied pleasantly but firmly. «‘But you can contact my office if you’d like.’ «‘The funeral director appeared, «‘informing us the service was about to begin…