Chapter 1

My fiancé always prided himself on being fair.

If he bought me a box of berries, he’d buy my long-lost sister the latest Apple ecosystem.

If he brought me an umbrella, he’d drive her to work right on time whenever it poured.

Even for our pre-wedding getaway, he booked the tropical island she had been dying to visit.

He always said, "Sierra suffered so much out there all those years. Why do you have to compete with her?"

"You both get something. That’s called being fair."

I was naive enough to think he was just helping me make it up to her.

Until the hurricane hit, and there were only two seats left on the evacuation flight.

Without a second thought, he wrote Sierra’s name on the manifest.

"Cece has a weak heart. She can't handle this."

I couldn't help asking, "Before we flew here, you made me give up my first-class seat to her."

"Shouldn't she give this seat to me now? Isn't that the fairness you preach?"

His face instantly darkened. He scooped Sierra into his arms and walked toward the gate.

"Stop throwing a tantrum!"

"Just wait here. I'll come back for you."

But I didn't want this twisted fairness wrapped in favoritism anymore.

I opened SnapChat and tapped a contact I hadn't messaged in years:

"Come get me, and I'll marry you."

My hair was plastered to my skin, and I was shivering from the cold.

Julian acted like he didn't even notice. He took off his trench coat and wrapped it securely around Sierra.

Only after making sure Sierra was warm did he look up at me.

"Serena, when did you become so petty?"

"Cece went through hell growing up. What’s the big deal if you let her have this?"

Always the same excuse.

I lowered my eyes.

This trip was supposed to be our pre-wedding vacation.

I had begged Julian for months because I wanted to see the snowy mountains.

He finally agreed.

Then Sierra casually chimed in on our group chat:

"What's so great about snowy mountains? They’re just bare rocks."

"Why don't we go to the beach instead? That sounds so much more romantic!"

Julian immediately backed her up.

"Let's listen to Cece."

It was supposed to be my romantic trip.

Yet nobody bothered to ask what I wanted.

They chatted excitedly in the group while I couldn't get a word in.

I wanted to say that I had spent three months planning the itinerary, that the hotels were booked, and the tickets bought.

When I asked him about it, Julian just frowned impatiently.

"Cece had it rough and never saw the ocean. What's wrong with keeping her company this once?"

"We'll do the island this time and the mountains next time. Isn't that fair enough?"

Because we booked at the last minute, there were only two first-class tickets available.

At the gate, Julian carried Sierra’s carry-on and said naturally,

"Cece has a weak constitution. She’ll be more comfortable up front."

"You can take first class on the way back. Fair enough, right?"

When was "next time" ever going to happen?

I used to let it slide.

I was even glad that someone else loved my sister.

But right now, watching Julian write Sierra's name down without a trace of hesitation,

a sharp, throbbing ache ripped through my chest.

Seeing my eyes redden, Julian took a step toward me.

Sierra peeked out from his arms with a pitiful look.

"Julian, maybe Serena should go."

"I've suffered so much already. A little more won't hurt me."

Julian’s eyes darkened, and his arms tightened around her.

That instinctive protectiveness stung my eyes.

"Serena, can't you be sensible like Cece for once?"

"I've spoiled you rotten!"

He lifted Sierra in a bridal carry and headed for the boarding bridge.

"A little hardship will do you good! Maybe it'll knock the arrogance out of you!"

Soon, the hurricane tore through the coast, and storm surges swallowed the streets.

I huddled in the corner of a flooded shopping center,

clutching the silver protection charm Julian had given me.

The last time I had a life-threatening fever, Julian had driven through a blizzard to get it blessed.

Back then, he had held me with bloodshot eyes, saying,

"Serena, I can't live without you."

He said it had a GPS tracker inside, promising he'd always find me whenever I was in danger.

I don't know how long I waited. The metal charm grew warm in my trembling palm.

Numb and half-submerged in the cold water, my phone vibrated.

I opened Ins.

Sierra had posted a new story:

"Thank you, Julian, for saving my life."

In the photo, Julian was placing a vintage crystal snow globe into Sierra's hands.

The atmosphere between them was thick with intimacy.

I froze.

That crystal globe was the confession gift I gave Julian years ago.

He had told me it brought him luck and that he would treasure it for the rest of his life.

Now, he gave it to Sierra.

My mom commented: *Julian looks so perfect with our little Cece!*

My dad added happily: *Julian, come over for dinner soon. Cece's dad and I are cooking a feast to thank you.*

I had been missing in a disaster zone for hours, yet not a single text asked if I was alive.

They were all busy celebrating Sierra’s miraculous escape.

My lips turned blue from hypothermia. I opened my contacts, found that one chat, and typed:

"Come save me."

"I want a new groom."