Love, Lies and Survival.

In the southwestern part of the country, August's relentless rains make weddings a rare occurrence. But in the western region, especially in Los Angeles, the month is considered an ideal time for matrimony, even for arranged unions. The vibrant energy of the city, combined with the clear summer skies, creates a perfect backdrop for love to flourish. The sweet melodies, disco lights, and vibrant balloons create an enchanting atmosphere, making it easy to fall deeply in love, without a care for the future.

Love can be a healing balm, a thrilling game, or a treacherous trap. While we marvel at its beauty and danger, some find it irresistible, even more so than the air we breathe. Yet, for Philip Taylor, love is a dangerous game, one he would rather avoid. To him, love is the one thing that could cost him everything – his fortune, his freedom, and, most importantly, himself.

Philip's world was one of precision and control. As the CEO of BIG APPLES HOTELS AND TOURISM, a conglomerate with stakes in everything from real estate to tech, he had spent his life mastering the art of negotiation and power plays. His mornings were spent in boardrooms, his evenings at exclusive clubs, and his nights contemplating the next big move. Marriage, to him, was just another deal to close, a strategic alliance to strengthen his position.

This particular alliance, however, was not entirely his doing. His uncle, Matthew "Uncle Matty" Taylor, had orchestrated the arrangement. Uncle Matty was a shrewd businessman, known for his ability to turn failing ventures into profitable enterprises. When he suggested that Philip mary Esther Hanendez , the niece of a longtime family friend, it seemed like a calculated move. Despite Uncle Matty's instrumental role in arranging this union, Philip stood to gain significantly from the marriage. In fact, it could be the very thing that saved his life, offering a chance for redemption and a fresh start.

Philip's bachelor lifestyle had been a carefully crafted refuge from the pressures of his business empire. The thought of introducing a wife and children into the mix filled him with dread. Would he be able to maintain his autonomy, or would marriage dilute his focus and compromise his success? Uncle Matty's persuasive arguments were impossible to shake, as he convincingly made the case that Esther was the only one who could rescue Philip from his downward spiral. With unwavering confidence, he highlighted Esther's remarkable strengths, medical reports and the transformative potential of their union. "This is more than just a marriage," Uncle Matty had said. "It's a partnership, the closing of the deal. You saw her blood work? Think of the goal. Besides, Esther is a good girl."

Philip wasn't convinced. "I don't really know her," he replied, his skepticism evident. "Why did she grow up in a middle-class family if her parents were our family friends?"

Uncle Matty's expression had turned solemn. "She lost her father at a tender age. Her mother moved to the U.S. from Mexico and raised her and her two siblings alone. They've struggled, but they've held onto their dignity."

Philip had nodded, though the explanation didn't entirely satisfy him. There was something about the arrangement that felt off, but he couldn't put his finger on it.

Now, as he stood in the bathroom of the grand hotel where the wedding was taking place, Philip found himself questioning everything. He adjusted his tie for the third time, his fingers trembling slightly. His reflection stared back at him, a mix of confidence and doubt etched on his face.

The knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. It was Uncle Matty, accompanied by Uche, Philip's best friend and trusted advisor. Uche was the kind of friend everyone wished for – loyal, witty, and brutally honest.

"Can't believe you're having a meeting in the bathroom on your wedding day," Uche said with a grin. "With Uncle Matty, no less!"

The three of them laughed, the tension in the room easing for a moment. Philip coughed, and Uche immediately patted his back. "You need to get that cough under control, man. Today's a big day."

Philip chuckled. "Thanks for the reminder."

Uncle Matty stepped forward, his tone serious. "Philip, you've got this. Esther will fit in perfectly. Don't let your doubts get the better of you."

Philip nodded, though his mind was still racing. "Why does the groom lead the procession?" he asked, trying to shift the focus.

Uche grinned mischievously. "So you can behold the priceless beauty who'll bring you lifelong joy, of course!"

Philip rolled his eyes but couldn't help but smile. With a deep breath, he straightened his suit and prepared to face the day.

As Philip emerged from the bathroom, he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. For a fleeting moment, he was taken aback by his own reflection. The usual air of confidence that accompanied him everywhere was noticeably absent. His eyes, typically bright with self-assurance, now seemed clouded with apprehension.

Philip's gaze lingered, and he couldn't help but notice the subtle tremble of his hands as he adjusted his cufflinks. It was a gesture he'd performed countless times, yet today it seemed forced, almost nervous. He took another deep breath, filling his lungs with the calm, collected air he needed to reclaim his composure.

"This is just a business arrangement," he reminded himself, his inner voice firm but reassuring. "A means to an end. Nothing more."

With renewed determination, Philip squared his shoulders. His eyes regained their characteristic sparkle. He smoothed out his tailored suit and flashed a practiced smile at his reflection. The mask of confidence was back in place, concealing any lingering doubts.

The three of them made their way to the altar, where the Priest was waiting and they all waited for the entrance of the bride, to begin the ceremony.

"What's with this wedding and toilet meeting?" a wedding planner asked her female colleagues. They gossip at the corridor, seeing that Philip and his comrades emerged from the bathroom, "Hmmm?" she responded. "I just saw the groom and his best man coming out of the men's toilet, followed by Uncle Matty."

Behind closed doors, the special maids were laughing, their voices a soft hum in the background. Esther, standing next to the bathroom mirror, looked stunning, like a blooming lily in full glory. Her white gown cascaded around her, a perfect blend of elegance and tradition. Yet, as she stared at her reflection, her eyes betrayed her inner turmoil, searching desperately for reassurance.

"Why him?" Nita's voice pierced through the air. She sat on the edge of the bathtub, her hands clenched tightly in her lap, brow furrowed with worry. "As if money buys happiness? Of all the men you've been with, Esther... Why him?"

Her words struck a nerve, each syllable like a dagger. They weren't just about the man Esther was about to marry but about the countless times Nita had pulled her out of disastrous relationships. Their childhood friendship had weathered many storms, but the weight of Esther's reckless decisions had taken its toll.

"Come on, Benita..." Esther's voice broke the silence, a mix of frustration and defensiveness lacing her tone. "Not today."

But Nita's gaze remained fixed, unwavering. She knew Esther's pattern too well. It was always about luxury, material comfort, and a way out, regardless of the cost. The shadow of Bethlehem,The memories of Bethlehem's tragic fate still haunted her, a ghost that refused to be laid to rest.

"There's always a right time and a right thing to do," Esther said, her voice softening as she took a deep breath. "This marriage will change everything, Nita. After this, we'll finally have peace. David can go back to school, Mommy can get the best treatment, and... we'll beat this. We'll beat the cancer."

Her voice cracked, and for a moment, the vulnerable side of Esther emerged. But Nita's expression turned bitter, her jaw tightening as she shook her head.

"Always! Your decisions are driven by greed and recklessness," Nita snapped, her voice rising. "That's how you lost Bethlehem." The name cut through the air like a blade, reopening old wounds. Nita's eyes burned with unspoken pain and regret, a stark reminder of the tragedy Esther's choices had wrought.

Esther's eyes filled with tears, her shoulders sagging. "Why mention Bethlehem?" she whispered, the words barely audible. The memories of him were a wound she'd never fully healed from.

"Because you never learn!, He was just five years old Est.. five years?" Nita's voice trembled with anger and sorrow. "And I'm the one left to pick up the pieces every time. Every single damn time!"

Bethlehem was Esther's child born out of wedlock, he died at the age of five, The cause of death was a car accident. Bethlehem's passing was a devastating blow to Esther, and Nita blames her for the tragedy. Esther's reckless decisions, particularly her choice of partner, led to the fatal accident. Nita's guilt and anger stem from feeling that Esther's selfishness and lack of foresight cost Bethlehem's life.

Nita stood abruptly, her movements sharp and deliberate. Her eyes, usually warm, were now blazing with a mix of frustration and sadness. "I can't keep doing this, Esther," she said, her voice breaking slightly.

"Nita! Nita!" Esther called out, her voice rising in desperation as Nita moved towards the door.

But Nita didn't stop. "Don't call me Nita!" she yelled, slamming the door behind her with a force that echoed through the room.

Left alone, Esther turned back to the mirror. She took a shaky breath, dabbing at the tears that threatened to spill over. Slowly, she forced a smile, her reflection transforming into the perfect bride everyone expected. The turmoil beneath, however, simmered dangerously, threatening to shatter the fragile facade at any moment.

The ceremony was held in the exquisite Lavender Garden, a hidden oasis within the luxurious BIG APPLES Hotel, one of Los Angeles' most coveted destinations. As the flagship property of Philip's hospitality empire, the Five-Star BIG APPLES Hotel boasted unparalleled elegance and sophistication.

Located on the hotel's rooftop, the Lavender Garden offered breathtaking views of the city skyline, its lush greenery and vibrant flowers expertly designed to create an intimate sanctuary amidst the urban bustle. The garden's private entrance, flanked by sleek glass doors, led to a spacious terrace where the ceremony would take place.

As the orchestra began to play, the hotel's discerning guests and Philip's handpicked attendees mingled, sipping champagne and admiring the stunning floral arrangements. The atmosphere was electric, with Los Angeles' elite and Hollywood A-listers rubbing shoulders with influential business leaders and high-society dignitaries.

Philip, resplendent in his tailored tuxedo, stood at the altar, his eyes fixed on the entrance where Esther would soon appear. As CEO of BIG APPLES Hotel Group, he had spared no expense in ensuring this evening would be unforgettable.

As Esther stepped onto the sun-kissed terrace, her radiant beauty mesmerized the gathered crowd. Her gaze locked onto Philip's, and the room's gentle chatter, the soft rustle of leaves, and the warm sunlight all seemed to fade into the background, leaving only the two of them.

Uncle Franklin stood proudly beside Esther, his left hand holding hers, ready to escort her down the aisle. Just then, Nita, Esther's younger sister and maid of honor, swiftly appeared at her side. With deft hands, Nita adjusted Esther's overflowing gown, ensuring every fold and crease was perfect.

Esther turned to Nita, her eyes shining with gratitude. "I always count on you, baby sister," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

Nita smiled warmly, her eyes sparkling with love. "I know, sis. Now, let's make your wedding day truly unforgettable."

With Nita's reassuring presence, Esther's nerves began to settle. Together, they took a deep breath, and Uncle Franklin offered his arm to escort Esther down the aisle, toward Philip, and toward their new life together.

The keyboard's melodious sound filled the air, setting up an angelic entrance, even the blind can attest to the glamor. As Esther walked in, calming the attention of all the audience. Her steps are calm and gentle, captivating everyone's attention. Philip gazed at her, and for the first time in four years, he smiled.

The Priest began, "Who says love is tricky? I believe love is a feeling, and marriage is the expression of that feeling. Just like clothes, if you feel good, you dress well; if you feel great, you dress great. Let's celebrate this beautiful beginning, knowing that our best efforts will make this marriage strong and awesome." The congregation responded with a resounding "Amen!"

The Priest continued, "We are gathered here to witness the blissful union of Mr. Philip Taylor and Miss Esther Hanendez . If there's anyone or anything that should stop this marriage, speak now or forever hold your peace." The congregation fell silent, with no indication of any hindrances to this beautiful marriage.

The Priest proceeded to take the vows between the groom and bride. "You may face each other," he instructed. The couple turned and faced each other as the Priest began with the groom. "Desirable, we start with you," the Priest said, turning to Philip. Philip opened a note on his palm and read, "I, Philip Taylor, take you, Esther, to be my wife. I will guide you and protect you, in sickness or health, in wealth, forever. Amen."

The Priest then turned to Esther and said, "Now, the bride, you may take your vows." Esther, with a beautiful smile that hid the pain of her strange feelings about what the future might hold, proceeded, "I, Esther Hanendez , take you, Philip, to be my husband, to love and to submit. I will respect you and help you build your dreams, now and forever. Amen." The congregation applauded.

The Priest continued, "With the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride." Quickly, Philip embraced Esther and kissed her as the congregation applauded more.

The celebration began with a live band playing music, lights blooming, and a variety of international dishes and souvenirs for each distinguished guest. The warm environment was full of joy and celebration, resembling a celestial festival with a show of riches and wealth, all caught up in their dresses and designs.

The hotel's General Manager, Ms. Cathy, had overseen every detail with meticulous care, ensuring a flawless wedding celebration. From the precision-cut crystal glassware to the bespoke wedding favors designed by a renowned local artist, every element reflected elegance and sophistication.

The culinary team, led by the illustrious Rock clásico and Chef Gabriel, had crafted a sumptuous reception menu featuring the finest seasonal ingredients. This dynamic duo, celebrated for their expertise in global cuisine, had prepared an exquisite array of dishes:

Authentic Mexican delicacies, such as carne asada tacos and chiles rellenos, Traditional Chinese specialties, including Peking duck and sushi, Italian culinary masterpieces, featuring handmade sausages and pasta

Renowned for their exceptional service, Rock clásico and Chef Gabriel's culinary empire had long been the go-to choice for the world's most influential billionaires. Their impressive client list boasted moguls from Wall Street, tech titans from Silicon Valley, and international royalty.

However, the latest offer from Big Apples Hotels presented a monumental opportunity – a chance to elevate their culinary expertise to unprecedented heights. The opportunity was warmly accepted by them.

When approached to create an unforgettable wedding experience, Rock clásico and Chef Gabriel jumped at the opportunity. Their team of expert chefs, sommeliers, and event coordinators worked tirelessly to deliver an unparalleled culinary journey.

Ms. Cathy and the hotel staff collaborated seamlessly with Rock clásico and Chef Gabriel's team to ensure a truly unforgettable evening.

The reception was a grand affair. Guests danced under twinkling lights, laughter and music filling the air. Philip and Esther made their rounds, greeting everyone with practiced smiles.

It wasn't until later, when the crowd had thinned, that Philip found himself alone with Esther. They stood on a balcony overlooking the city, the cool night air a welcome reprieve.

"Quite the event," Philip said, breaking the silence.

Esther nodded, her expression thoughtful. "It's overwhelming, but beautiful."

Philip studied her for a moment. "I have to admit, I didn't know what to expect."

Esther turned to him, her eyes searching for him. "Neither did I," she said softly. "But I believe we can make this work, for both our families."

Her honesty caught Philip off guard. For the first time, he saw a glimpse of the real Esther – a woman carrying the weight of her family's struggles, yet determined to rise above them.

In that moment, Philip felt a spark of something he hadn't expected: respect. Perhaps this arrangement wasn't just a means to an end. Perhaps, in Esther, he had found a partner in every sense of the word.

As the night wore on, Philip found himself reflecting on Uncle Matty's words. Marriage was indeed a partnership, and maybe, just maybe, this one could lead to something more than either of them had anticipated.

Philip was content to take things one step at a time. With Esther by his side, he felt a newfound sense of purpose. Together, they would navigate the challenges ahead, forging a path that neither had fully envisioned but both were willing to embrace.

In this lavishly romantic moment that should have marked the beginning of their love story, Uche walked in, his presence like a gust of wind disturbing still waters. "Hey, we gotta make a toast," he said, grinning as he beckoned Philip. Without waiting for a response, he grabbed Philip by the arm and led him away from Esther, down the grand hallways of the hotel to a separate room.

Inside, the atmosphere was drastically different. Loud music blared, the air was thick with the smell of alcohol and smoke, and naked girls lounged around, some laughing, others deeply engrossed in their activities. One girl was delicately snorting lines of cocaine off a mirrored tray. Philip hesitated at the door, instinctively pulling back, but Uche tightened his grip on his arm.

"Come on, this is our culture," Uche said, his voice almost drowned out by the pounding bass. "We do this for every guy who gets married here. It's a rite of passage."

Philip shook his head, trying to turn away. "I can't, Uche. It's against the doctor's orders. I'm not supposed to-"

Uche cut him off, laughing. "Relax! It's not coke; it's heroin, baby." He pulled out a small, transparent packet and emptied its contents onto the thigh of one of the girls. The powder contrasted starkly against her dark skin. "Come on, Philip," Uche urged. "Give us some openings, man."

Philip's resolve wavered. Uche knew his weaknesses too well, and heroin had always been Philip's Achilles' heel. The temptation clawed at him, drowning out reason. "Come on!" Uche shouted again, the crowd now joining in with chants and applause.

Philip leaned in, his hesitation melting under the weight of the moment. He sniffed the heroin in one long drag, and the room erupted into cheers. The applause grew louder as Philip, now emboldened, asked for more. The girl grinned and offered her other thigh, and Philip obliged, the euphoria washing over him.

Meanwhile, on the balcony, Esther stood alone, the weight of the evening pressing heavily on her. She felt like a chick abandoned by its gull mother, left vulnerable in the vastness of the world. Her phone was pressed against her ear as she tried desperately to reach her sister, Nita. The call kept disconnecting, leaving her more agitated with each failed attempt. Sighing, she lowered the phone, frustration evident in her tense grip.

The cool night air wrapped around her, carrying faint echoes of laughter and music from the wedding party inside. She turned her gaze outward, seeking solace in the view. From the rooftop of Big Apples Hotel, one of Los Angeles' tallest skyscrapers, the city sprawled beneath her in dazzling splendor. The lights of the city stretched out endlessly, glittering like a sea of stars, each one a testament to the restless energy below.

Hollywood stood in the distance, its iconic allure almost tangible. It felt so close, as if she could extend her hand and touch its shimmering facade. But even with the breathtaking view, a deep unease gnawed at her. Beneath the glitz and glamour, something fragile threatened to crack.

"I know this step you've taken is big and risky," Uncle Franklin continued, his voice steady and reassuring. "But believe me, I've put everything in place to make it easier. I'll be with you every step of the way. And I know your mother is proud of you."

Before Esther could respond, the commotion from the other room reached her ears. She excused herself and walked back inside, only to find chaos unfolding. Philip was on the floor, convulsing violently. His eyes rolled back, his body shaking uncontrollably. Someone screamed, and Uche froze, the gravity of the situation finally sinking in.

"Call 911!" Esther shouted, rushing to Philip's side. She cradled his head, her wedding dress now smeared with sweat and the remnants of the heroin powder.

The paramedics arrived swiftly, loading Philip onto a stretcher. Esther insisted on riding with him to the hospital, her pristine wedding dress now a stark contrast to the sterile environment of the emergency room. Once there, she paced anxiously, her phone finally connecting with Nita.

"Nita, please," Esther's voice cracked. "I need you here. Philip... he overdosed."

"I'm on my way," Nita replied without hesitation.

Minutes felt like hours as Esther paced the sterile waiting room, her heels clicking softly against the cold, tiled floor. She sat down briefly, then stood again, unable to find comfort. The sterile scent of disinfectant mixed with the faint buzz of the overhead fluorescent lights, amplifying her unease. Her mind drifted, replaying a conversation with her sister, Nita, whose words now echoed louder than the silence around her.

"Is this the man you want to end up with, of all the men you've been with?" Nita had asked, her voice a mixture of concern and disbelief. At the time, Esther had dismissed her sister's interrogative questions, defending Philip with all the fervor of someone in love. But now, sitting alone in this cold, unforgiving room, those words cut deep.

Her heart pounded in her chest, each thud reverberating through her body and seeming to echo in the quiet space. She clutched her arms, a shiver running down her spine despite the warmth of her wedding dress. Her mind raced, torn between guilt, fear, and a nagging sense of pity for Philip. How had things spiraled so quickly? She felt helpless, the weight of the moment pressing down on her, leaving her fragile and exposed.

Uncle Franklin arrived shortly after, along with Uncle Matty, who wasted no time laying into Uche. "What the hell were you thinking?" he demanded. "Giving him heroin on his wedding day?"

"It's cultural," Uche mumbled, though his confidence was gone. "It's a tradition for new grooms and friends to celebrate this way."

"Cultural?" Matty snapped, his voice laced with fury. "You're a bloody fool. This isn't some backroom joke; this is life and death!" He gestured sharply toward the emergency room doors. "A man in Philip's condition shouldn't be playing with anything near heroin, let alone snorting it off someone's thigh! What the hell were you thinking?"

Uche shifted uncomfortably, the weight of Matty's words settling heavily on him. "I didn't force him," Uche muttered defensively, though his confidence had all but evaporated. "It's what we do... it's part of the celebration."

Matty took a step closer, his face taut with anger. "Celebration? Look around you, Uche. Does this look like a celebration to you? You've turned a wedding into a tragedy, and for what? Some outdated, reckless ritual?"

Uche had no answer. The gravity of his actions was undeniable, and the weight of Philip's life-or death-hung precariously in the balance.

Nita rushed into the waiting room, her eyes scanning the tense faces before landing on her sister. Without hesitation, she closed the distance and immediately pulled Esther into a firm embrace. "I'm here now," she whispered, her voice steady and reassuring. Esther clung to her, the weight of the night momentarily lifted by her sister's presence.

As they pulled apart, Nita's gaze shifted to Uncle Franklin, who stood a few feet away. Her eyes narrowed, and she shot him a taunting look, a silent rebuke that spoke volumes. She had always been skeptical of his so-called guidance and support, and now, with Philip's life hanging in the balance, her mistrust was palpable.

Franklin shifted uncomfortably under her glare but said nothing. Nita turned her attention back to Esther, wrapping her arm around her sister's shoulder as they sat together. She held her even tighter, as if trying to shield her from the chaos and uncertainty that surrounded them. Together, they waited, their shared silence heavy with unspoken fears, as time stretched unbearably in the sterile hospital room.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, a doctor walked in. He removed his mask and spoke calmly. "Philip is stable. He had a severe overdose, but we managed to stabilize him. He needs rest, so I suggest visiting him tomorrow morning."

Relief washed over the group, but the weight of the night's events lingered heavily. Esther leaned on Nita, her once-perfect wedding day now a blur of fear, regret, and unanticipated trials. Uncle Matty stepped away from the waiting room, his phone pressed tightly to his ear. After a brief, tense conversation, he hung up and walked back toward Esther, who sat quietly with Nita. Her wedding dress, once a vision of elegance, was now creased and stained from the night's ordeal.

"I've called your driver," Matty said, his voice calm but firm. "The car's waiting outside. Let me walk you out."

He turned to Uche and the other men lingering near the entrance to the emergency room. "You will stay here and keep watch. Update me the moment Philip wakes up." His words carried the authority of someone used to taking charge, leaving no room for argument.

Uche nodded reluctantly, his earlier bravado entirely gone. Matty gestured for Esther and Nita to follow him. Uncle Franklin trailed behind them, his expression a mix of guilt and concern. When they reached the car, Franklin quickly stepped forward and opened the door for Esther.

"I am so sorry for tonight," he said, his voice low and apologetic. "I never thought-"

Nita cut him off sharply. "Uncle Franklin, you're sorry? How the hell can you be sorry in this mess that you helped create?" Her words were like daggers, each one sharper than the last.

Esther, sensing the tension rising, reached out with her right hand to calm her sister. "Nita, please," she said softly. "I don't want another drama tonight. Let it go."

Nita shot her a pointed look, her jaw tight, but she nodded, swallowing whatever retort was on the tip of her tongue. Esther climbed into the car, followed closely by Nita. Matty moved to the second car behind them, and as he slipped in, Franklin hesitated for a moment before making his way to his own vehicle.

The drive through the city was quiet, save for the hum of the car engine and the occasional sound of distant traffic. Esther gazed out of the window, her face illuminated by the soft glow of the streetlights. The iconic Hollywood sign loomed in the distance, its glamorous aura a stark contrast to the turmoil of her evening. Despite everything, a hint of hope flickered beneath her expression, a quiet resilience that refused to be extinguished.

Nita, meanwhile, stared at the car's luxurious interior. The rich, dark leather seats, the gold accents, and the Big Apples Hotel logo embossed on the ceiling all spoke of wealth and splendor. It was a Cadillac customized to exude opulence, but its grandeur did little to soothe her frayed nerves.

Breaking the silence, Esther spoke, her voice low and contemplative. "I know you must think all your warnings and advice fell on deaf ears. That I'm reckless. Maybe even a fool."

Nita didn't respond, her gaze fixed on the ceiling, but Esther continued. "You think I don't make decisions with thought, that I jump into things blindly." She turned to face her sister, her eyes searching for understanding. "Yes, spit it out, Nita. I'm Dad's favorite girl. I'm spoiled. And Uncle Franklin? He's the devil, right?" Her tone was laced with a bitter irony. "But let's not forget, I'm your big sister. I've always put our family first. Family comes first, Nita."

Nita's body language shifted. Her arms crossed tightly, and her jaw clenched. She could no longer hold back. "You know what?" she said, her voice cutting through the tension. "You are a selfish, self-centered bitch. You've never done anything good for this family."

Esther flinched but said nothing, allowing Nita to unleash her pent-up frustration.

"You want to talk about family? Priorizando a la familia? Tell me, when was the last time you visited Mom in the hospital? Do you even remember what her room looks like? And Dad? When did you last visit his grave? When did you place even a single flower there?" Nita's voice cracked with emotion, but she pressed on. "You always talk about being Dad's favorite, but you've done nothing to honor him. Not once."

Esther's eyes glistened with unshed tears, but she refused to break down. Nita shook her head in disbelief, her anger spilling over. "You know what? I'm done with this." She turned abruptly to the driver. "Hey, pull over! I'm getting out."

The driver hesitated for a moment, glancing at Esther in the rearview mirror. "Miss?" he asked cautiously.

"Just do it," Nita snapped.

The car slowed to a stop by the curb. Before anyone could react, Nita pushed the door open and stepped out into the quiet street. Esther leaned forward, her voice desperate. "Nita, wait! Please, don't do this."

Uncle Matty's car pulled up behind them, and he quickly got out, rushing to the scene. "What's going on?" he demanded, looking between the sisters.

Nita shot him a defiant glare. "Take this selfish bitch home. You can all have a hell of a night for all I care." With that, she turned and began walking briskly down the street, her figure disappearing into the shadows.

Esther started to follow, but Matty gently held her back. "Let her go," he said softly. "She needs to cool off."

Esther hesitated, her heart aching, but she finally relented. Matty helped her back into the car, and they drove off in silence. As the city lights flickered past, Esther rested her head against the window, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. The night had unraveled in ways she could never have anticipated, and the road ahead now seemed more uncertain than ever.