The dim light of my room cast long shadows across the walls as I stood before the ornate mirror, the soft glow of the vanity casting a warm halo around me. Tonight was the night of my father and Kathleen's engagement party—a celebration of their newfound love, their commitment to each other, and the beginning of a new chapter in our family's story.

But as I surveyed my reflection, the emerald green of my dress shimmering in the soft light, the mask of poise and elegance I had carefully crafted faltered, revealing the turmoil that churned beneath the surface. My hands trembled as I reached for the delicate strands of pearls that lay coiled on the velvet-lined tray, the cool beads slipping through my fingers like grains of sand.

I couldn't shake the sense of unease that gnawed at my insides—a gnawing fear that tonight would mark the final nail in the coffin of the family I had once known. My father's words echoed in my mind, a haunting refrain that taunted me with the inevitability of change.

"It's time for a change."

The words hung in the air like a silent accusation, a reminder of the fractured bond that had come to define our family in recent months. I knew I should be happy for my father, for Kathleen, for their newfound happiness. But beneath the facade of smiles and congratulations, there lay a well of bitterness and resentment that threatened to consume me whole.

With a heavy heart, I began the arduous task of getting ready for the evening ahead. I slipped into the elegant emerald green gown that lay draped across the bed, the rich fabric enveloping me like a second skin as I fastened the delicate buttons at the back. I brushed my hair until it gleamed like polished ebony, the strands falling in cascading waves around my shoulders.

But as I applied the final touches of makeup, painting on a mask of flawless perfection, I couldn't help but feel like a stranger in my own skin. The reflection that stared back at me from the mirror seemed to belong to someone else—a hollow shell of the girl I once was, a mere shadow of the daughter my father had lost along the way.

With a heavy sigh, I straightened my shoulders and squared my jaw, steeling myself for the inevitable onslaught of well-wishers and congratulations that awaited me downstairs. Tonight was not about me—it was about my father, about Kathleen, about their future together.

But as I made my way down the grand staircase, into the driveway. The soft purr of the car engine filled the night air as Colin navigated towards the venue where my father and Kathleen's engagement party was being held.

I sat in the backseat, my emerald green dress shimmering in the dim light as I stared out at the passing scenery, lost in my own thoughts. Tonight was not just any party—it was a pivotal moment in our family's history, a turning point that would shape the course of our future.

As we pulled up to the venue, the sound of laughter and music spilled out into the night, a vibrant symphony that beckoned us inside. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the onslaught of well-wishers and congratulations that awaited me.

Colin held open the door for me, a silent sentinel at my side as I stepped out onto the pavement, the cool night air sending a shiver down my spine. The lights of the venue cast a warm glow over the entrance, illuminating the path ahead with a golden hue.

I paused for a moment, taking in the scene before me—the elegant facade of the building, the throngs of guests mingling on the steps, the strains of music drifting out from within. I arrived fashionably late, as befitting my status, and I made sure to make an entrance. Heads turned as I swept into the room, my emerald green dress catching the light and shimmering with every step. I could feel the weight of their scrutiny, their silent appraisals as they took in my appearance.

But I held my head high, refusing to let their whispers and stares dampen my spirits. Tonight was about more than just me—it was about my father, and Kathleen.

A smile plastered on my face and my heart heavy with uncertainty, I couldn't help but wonder what the night would bring. 

At last, the moment arrived, and all eyes turned towards the podium as my father cleared his throat and stepped into the spotlight. His presence commanded the room, his stature imposing yet gentle as he addressed the assembled guests.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice rich with warmth and sincerity. "Thank you all for joining us tonight on this joyous occasion."

"My journey with Kathleen has been one of unexpected twists and turns, of triumphs and tribulations, but above all, it has been a journey of love," he continued, his gaze softening as he turned to Kathleen with a smile. "From the moment I met her, I knew that she was the one—the one who would stand by my side through thick and thin, the one who would weather the storms of life with grace and dignity."

I felt a lump form in my throat as I listened to his words, a bittersweet reminder of the love that had once bound our family together. For all the pain and heartache we had endured, there had been moments of joy and laughter, moments that I cherished with every fiber of my being.

"But our journey is far from over," my father continued, his voice ringing with determination. "As we stand on the precipice of this new chapter in our lives, I am filled with hope and optimism for the future. With Kathleen by my side, I know that we can weather any storm, overcome any obstacle, and emerge stronger on the other side." 

As my father's speech concluded with resounding applause, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation as Kathleen stepped forward to deliver her own address. Her presence commanded attention, her elegance and grace captivating the room as she began to speak.

"My dearest friends and family," she began, her voice carrying with it a gentle warmth that enveloped us all. "Tonight marks a momentous occasion, not just for my beloved Jonathan and me, but for each and every one of us gathered here. It is a celebration of love, of family, and of the endless possibilities that lie ahead."

"As I stand here before you tonight, I am reminded of the profound privilege and responsibility that comes with love," Kathleen continued, her gaze drifting to where I stood at the edge of the crowd. "For in embracing Jonathan, I am not just pledging my love to him, but to his daughter as well—a daughter whom I promise to cherish, to nurture, and to guide with all the love and devotion of a mother."

The room fell silent, the weight of her words hanging in the air like a fragile promise. I felt a flush of warmth rise to my cheeks as the eyes of the guests turned to me, their gazes filled with a mixture of curiosity and expectation.

"As we embark on this journey together, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude for the opportunity to become a part of Blair's life," Kathleen continued, her voice steady and unwavering. "For in her, I see not just the daughter of the man I love, but a kindred spirit, a soul whose strength and resilience inspire me each and every day."

Her words washed over me like a gentle breeze, stirring something deep within my heart. For all the doubts and fears that had plagued me, there was a part of me that wanted to believe in the promise of new beginnings, in the possibility of redemption and forgiveness.

"And so, as we raise our glasses in celebration tonight, let us also raise our hearts in gratitude for the love that binds us together," Kathleen concluded, her voice ringing with conviction. As her speech drew to a close, the room erupted into applause, and  I approached the podium, a simmering rage boiled within me, fuelled by years of resentment and betrayal. The guests watched with bated breath, their anticipation palpable as I took my place in the spotlight.

"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed friends and family," I began, my voice dripping with honeyed sarcasm. "Tonight, as we gather to celebrate my father and Kathleen's engagement, I feel it is only fitting that I share a few words of my own."

A ripple of unease passed through the crowd, their eyes flickering with uncertainty as they waited for me to continue.

"I must admit, I am truly touched by the outpouring of love and support for this... union," I continued, my voice laced with biting sarcasm. "After all, what could be more heartwarming than watching my father replace the memory of my dear mother with a harlot who barely knows him?"

Gasps of shock and outrage echoed through the room, but I paid them no mind, my focus unwavering as I tore into Kathleen with all the ferocity of a wounded animal.

"And as for you, Kathleen," I spat, my words like venom as I fixed her with a withering glare. "You may think you've won, but let me make one thing abundantly clear—you will never be my mother. You will never replace her in my heart, no matter how hard you try."

A murmur of disapproval rippled through the crowd, but I pressed on, my words a torrent of bitterness and resentment that flowed unchecked.

"Let's not pretend that this is about love," I continued, my voice ringing with disdain. "This is about convenience, about filling the void left by my mother's absence with someone who can never measure up . I applaud you, Kathleen, for becoming the latest in a long line of women to fall for my father's charm and empty promises. So congratulations, bitch."

With that, I stepped away from the podium, leaving behind a stunned silence in my wake. The room buzzed with whispered conversations, the air heavy with the weight of my words.

But as I made my way through the crowd, a sense of satisfaction washed over me—a satisfaction born not of revenge, but of truth. For tonight, I had spoken my truth, and no amount of silence or deception could ever hope to erase it.