Stephanie insisted it was fate—that the dreams they had once scribbled together were finally coming to life. Clara let herself believe it. Life with Liam had quickly found its rhythm since the proposal. Their small apartment brimmed with warmth: Sunday mornings spent over pancakes, quiet evenings filled with movies and teasing arguments.
On weekends they often visited her family, and Stephanie was always there, ready with new swatches or lists. At first Liam found her enthusiasm endearing. “Your sister’s really into this,” he said one evening on the drive home. But over time his amusement turned into unease. “She’s… intense,” he murmured, his hand tight on the steering wheel.