Chapter 1

Dad added me to the group by mistake.

It was called "Happy Family." Three members: Dad, Mum, and a stranger whose name in the chat was simply "darling."

They were deep in plans for a birthday party. Tomorrow was my birthday — the one they'd forgotten ten years running.

Mum: The venue needs to be magical. Make her feel like a real princess.

Dad sent a large money transfer: Money's no object. Just don't let your sister find out and get upset.

I took a screenshot. I'd deal with this properly, in public, when the time came.

Then Jamie sent me a DM. A screenshot of his chat with Dad.

Dad, have you sorted the birthday surprise for Sis? You promised this was the last time you'd ever deceive her.

I looked at that message for a long time. My chest went cold.

A surprise? The last time deceiving her?

Of course. Every year, there was a different excuse.

Sophie, Dad has an emergency at work.

Sophie, Mum made plans with a friend. Order yourself a takeaway.

This year they'd gone further. They'd replaced me entirely.

I put my phone down. Something had gone solid in my chest.

Jamie messaged again: Sis, don't overthink it—

I replied with three words: I know. Don't. and left it there.

What was there to overthink? The evidence was right in front of me. That "darling" — her birthday party was the surprise they'd had planned for me. I, the actual daughter, was nothing but the backdrop that made her look more cherished.

From the living room, I could hear Mum on the phone, voice low and excited.

Yes, pink balloons. The biggest, brightest ones. Mia loves pink. Make sure she's happy.

Mia.

Her name was Mia Prescott.

I found her on Instagram. Polished profile photo, feed full of travel shots from around the world. The most recent post was a photo with two middle-aged adults. The background was our living room.

Those adults were my parents.

They were smiling in a way I had never seen them smile at me. Mum had her arm linked through Mia's. Dad stood beside them with an expression that could only be called besotted.

The caption: Thank you, Uncle and Auntie — can't wait for tomorrow's party!

Below it, a comment from Mum: Silly girl, no need to thank us.

Dad had liked it.

One big happy family.

I saved the photo, along with the group chat screenshots, into a private folder on my phone.

These were my gift to them. For tomorrow.

At dinner, Mum made soup and brought me a bowl with a smile.

"Sophie, taste this. I made it specially."

I looked at the bowl. My throat tightened.

"Is this for Mia Prescott's birthday celebration?" I asked, pleasantly.

Mum's smile locked in place.

She looked at Dad. Dad's face went flat.

"What are you talking about? Who's Mia Prescott?"

"Oh, sorry — Dad must have forgotten." I picked up my phone and opened the photo. "This girl. Isn't she your darling?"

The colour left his face immediately.

Mum jumped in. "Sophie, you've got it wrong. That's the daughter of one of Dad's clients. We're helping them organise her birthday. That's all."

"A client's daughter?" I kept my voice light. "Important enough to need a group chat? A nickname like 'darling'? A large money transfer?"

"Important enough to make you forget your own daughter's birthday?"

The room went very quiet.

Jamie came out of his room and grabbed my arm. "Sis, leave it—"

I pulled free. "What, are you going to help them lie to me too?"

His face went white. His mouth opened. No words came out.