I wasn’t even officially invited. My sister, Salome, just texted the night before: “If you’re free, we’ve got room in the car.” I said yes before I even had time to think. After weeks of tension at home, I needed the break.

The plan was simple: drive upstate, stay at a friend’s cabin, wine, junk food, trashy reality TV. I tossed my stuff in a bag and met them in the driveway just as they were finishing loading the car. The trunk was packed with blankets, snacks, beach towels—and, of course, Salome’s signature leopard print.

When I climbed into the backseat, everyone seemed surprised—not in a bad way, just… quiet for a second too long. I brushed it off, assuming they were just caught off guard by my last-minute addition.

Then I saw her.

Sitting in the passenger seat, scrolling through her phone like it was any other day.

Mara. My ex’s sister.

The same woman who had sworn she’d never take sides—until she did. The same woman who lied for him, who blocked me on everything after pretending to care about what he’d done to me.

My stomach dropped. The car, which had felt like an escape just moments before, now felt like a trap. I could feel the tension thicken as I locked eyes with her in the rearview mirror. She hadn’t noticed me yet. But she would.....