For a moment when I arrived, I thought maybe it would be peaceful. But Mira was already there, laughing with guests, completely in control of the room.
“She once saved my life,” Grandma said warmly to everyone, smiling at me. “Aria is a good girl.”
For a second, I felt something close to belonging.
Then Mira stood up, raising her glass.
“To Aria and Julian,” she said sweetly. “May they find the happiness they deserve.”
Glasses clinked. Everyone drank.
And then Grandma suddenly swayed.
Her glass slipped from her hand and shattered on the floor.
“Grandma!” I rushed forward and caught her before she fell completely.
Panic exploded around us. Someone shouted for help. Phones came out. Julian rushed in seconds later, face pale.
“What happened?” he demanded.
“I don’t know—she just collapsed—”
Before I could finish, Mira stepped forward, voice shaking like she was crying.
“I saw Aria near Grandma’s drink earlier… she was doing something with it.”
Silence hit the room instantly.
Every head turned to me.
“What?” I whispered. “No— I didn’t—”
“I didn’t want to say anything,” Mira continued, tears forming perfectly. “But I can’t stay quiet if Grandma was in danger.”
“You’re lying!” I screamed.