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

«‘As we returned to the main room, «‘whispers followed us, «‘the connection between Zachary and Nathan «‘clearly known in business circles. «‘We had just taken our seats «‘when Father clutched his chest, «‘his face contorting in pain. «‘Dad.’ «‘I cried, «‘as Zachary immediately called for help.

«‘We moved Father to a private room. «‘The funeral temporarily delayed. «‘A doctor among the attendees examined him, «‘determining it was likely stress «‘and not another heart attack.

«‘Stephanie followed us, «‘genuine concern on her face. «‘Is he okay? «‘Should we call an ambulance?’ «‘Her voice shook slightly. «‘The doctor says he’s stable.’ «‘I replied, surprised by her sincerity, «‘just overwhelmed.

«‘For twenty-tenths minutes, «‘we sat together in awkward silence, «‘united only by concern for our father. «‘When he insisted on proceeding with the service, «‘we returned to the main room, «‘the brief crisis creating an unexpected truce. «‘The funeral itself was beautiful and heartbreaking.

«‘I delivered a eulogy «‘highlighting Mother’s kindness, strength, «‘and unwavering love for her family. «‘When Stephanie rose to speak after me, «‘she faltered after only a few sentences, «‘tears overwhelming her. «‘Without thinking, I moved to her side, «‘placing a supportive hand on her back.

«‘It’s okay,’ I whispered. «‘Take your time.’ «‘She gathered herself, «‘completing her tribute to our mother «‘with stories from our childhood «‘that brought both tears and gentle laughter «‘from the attendees. «‘At the cemetery, rain fell softly «‘as we laid Mother to rest.

«‘I noticed Nathan standing apart «‘from the main group, «‘checking his watch repeatedly. «‘Stephanie remained by Father’s side, «‘her earlier bravado replaced by genuine grief. «‘The reception at my parents’ house «‘was crowded with well-wishers «‘bringing casseroles and sharing memories.

«‘Nathan drank heavily, «‘his discomfort evident «‘as several business associates «‘engaged Zachary in animated conversation. «‘I overheard fragments about Nathan’s company «‘struggling with recent acquisitions «‘and wondered if Stephanie’s boasting «‘had been covering financial troubles. «‘Throughout the day, «‘I maintained the dignity Mother would have expected, «‘focusing on supporting Father «‘and honoring her memory «‘rather than dwelling on old wounds.

«‘As guests began departing, «‘I caught Stephanie watching me «‘from across the room, «‘her expression unreadable «‘but somehow softer than before. «‘The day after the funeral, «‘Zachary needed to return to Chicago «‘for an important board meeting. «‘Are you sure you’ll be okay if I go?’ «‘He asked, packing his overnight bag.

«‘I can reschedule. «‘Dad needs help sorting through Mom’s things,’ «‘I explained. «‘I should stay a few more days.

«‘I’ll be fine.’ «‘After seeing Zachary off at the airport, «‘I returned to my parents’ house «‘to find Father sitting in Mother’s garden, «‘a photo album open on his lap. «‘She labeled everything,’ he said, «‘showing me Mother’s neat handwriting «‘beneath each photo. «‘Said someday we’d appreciate «‘knowing who was who…