Chapter 5 A Ghost

The next morning, Briella stood by the window, phone in hand.

"Preston, swing by later and take Moa and Koa out for a bit. Let them have some fun," she said softly. "They're still sleeping, so no rush."

She paused, her voice turning slightly colder. "Send a driver for me. I'm heading to the Sawyer family today-it's their special day, after all."

Then, she hung up, and her lips curling slightly.

Five years.

She wondered if they still remembered the person they'd wronged.

In the mirror stood a stunning woman in a scarlet off-shoulder gown, light as feathers, sparkling like ruby under the morning sun.

On the table lay an invitation-the bright ivory card practically glowing.

At the Sawyers villa.

Luxury cars lined the street. Nearly every prominent name in Avenlith was in attendance.

Today was the engagement party for Penny Sawyer, the Sawyer family's eldest daughter, and the Ledger family's young master.

The Sawyer family wasn't particularly powerful-but the Ledger family? They were on another level.

Word had it that the Ledger heir had loved Penny for over a decade and had insisted on hosting the engagement party at her family's home.

Briella's cold gaze landed on the Sawyers gates, overlapping with memories she'd buried deep.

Her fingers traced the air as she murmured, "Time for the show to begin."

In the Sawyer villa's back garden, guests milled about in expensive gowns and polished suits, laughter and pleasantries filling the air.

"Thank you all for joining us today to celebrate my daughter's engagement to the Ledger family's young master," Emmet Sawyer said warmly, raising his glass. "Please enjoy yourselves-don't be shy!"

As he stepped off the stage, he tugged at his wife's sleeve. "Go check on Penny. The ceremony's about to start."

Mrs. Sawyer, all smiles, set her drink down. "Don't worry! Our future son-in-law just told me personally he's going to bring her down himself. You can stop fretting."

Emmet beamed. "We raised a wonderful daughter! Once Penny's married off, we won't need to worry about Paige's future either! Hahaha!"

In her room, Penny was glowing with happiness, surrounded by flattery and compliments.

"Penny, you look absolutely stunning today!"

"Of course she does! She's the star of the show!"

"Exactly! Gorgeous!"

Penny lowered her gaze shyly, playing modest. "You're all too kind."

The girls giggled behind delicate hands. "Oh my, she's blushing!"

"Alright, alright, the ceremony's about to start-we should head down."

"We'll wait for you and the young master to make your grand entrance!"

Penny's cheeks turned bright red as she gently scolded them, "Get going, you troublemakers!"

They all knew Connor would come up soon to escort her. Teasing her one last time, the girls left in a flurry of giggles, leaving her alone.

Penny carefully touched up her makeup, checking her reflection again and again.

When she heard someone behind her, she smiled, not even turning around.

"Connor, do I look pretty?"

But as she looked into the mirror, her smile froze.

"Who... who are you? I don't know you!" she gasped, brows knitting in annoyance.

This woman was too beautiful. So beautiful it made her feel sick with jealousy.

The woman in red-Briella-stood with poise, holding an invitation. Her eyes were dark as ink, glimmering with dangerous light.

"Don't recognize me, Sister?" Briella smiled faintly. "Today's your big day. I came all the way here to offer my congratulations. Aren't you happy to see your little sister?"

Penny's mind went blank.

That voice... those eyes... too familiar.

Her ears rang, her body trembling as she backed up against the vanity. The jeweled tassels in her hair jingled with every shake of her head.

"No... no, you're a ghost! You're a ghost! I-I'm sorry, okay? I was wrong to hit you, to yell at you... please, I'll get on my knees and apologize! Just don't come for me!"

With a thud, she dropped to her knees in front of Briella, her whole body shaking, face deathly pale.

Briella stepped closer, kneeling gracefully to meet her eye to eye.

"You don't seem too happy to see me," she said softly. "But for the past five years, I've thought about you every single day. And you? Did you ever think about me?"

Penny stammered, "Y-You... you and that bastard brother of yours are dead! Why are you haunting me?! You filthy little wretch! We're not family-you never were! You don't belong here!"

Her fear turned into a shrill rage.

Briella's eyes glinted, her voice low and ice-cold.

"You disgust me. Every one of you. Even the way you speak."

Without another word, she grabbed Penny's jaw and forcefully shoved the ivory invitation into her mouth.

"This is my gift," she whispered. "My brother's gift will arrive right on time too."

To Penny, it was like a demon had spoken straight into her ear.

The taste of paper made her gag. She tried to spit it out, but collapsed to the floor, her eyes fluttering shut.

...

"I now declare the engagement ceremony officially begin!"

Emmet strode onto the stage, voice booming.

Suddenly-

"Ghost! She's back! She's back for us!"

Penny stumbled onto the red carpet, a terrifying sight.

Her ornate hairpiece was falling apart, her designer dress twisted and torn. Her makeup had melted into a ghostly mask. She looked possessed.

The crowd froze in shock. No one dared step forward.

Wasn't she supposed to be the bride today?

Confused whispers spread like wildfire.

Emmet rushed down, grabbing her. "What are you doing?! Are you crazy?!"

Mrs. Sawyer and Paige rushed forward too.

"Penny, what's wrong?!"

Penny only flailed and cackled hysterically. "She's back! She's back..."

Connor's face darkened as he arrived at the scene, followed closely by his parents-both furious.

"Mr. Ledger, I believe there's been a huge misunderstanding," Mr. Sawyer said with forced calm.

But Mrs. Ledger cut in coldly, "Misunderstanding? Mr. Sawyer, we haven't even signed the marriage papers yet. Clearly, your daughter isn't ready for marriage-or stability. Let's call this off. We don't wish to be 'in-laws' with a family like yours. Connor, let's go. There's nothing more to see here."

***