Chapter 5 Steven snatched the certificate, stunned. "What is this?" He skimmed through it and scoffed, "You forged this just to rile me up?" I yanked it back. "Don't flatter yourself. You're not worth the effort." This conversation was all too familiar. Whenever it came down to me or Andrea, he sided with her without question. I'd endured a lifetime of being overlooked and unloved, and I was done playing second fiddle. Brent's complexion darkened to a stormy hue. "You're just jealous that Andrea's outshining you in every way." I nodded nonchalantly. "If that's what you want to believe, sure." As I made to leave, Steven clamped down on my wrist. "This is Andrea's spotlight moment, and you owe her an apology. Where do you think you're going?" Andrea's voice wafted over, fragile and quivering, a tear glistening on her lash. "Claudia, I get that you resent me, but this exhibition is my debut. It means the world. I'd love for all my family to share in it." I brushed off her theatrics. "I didn't knock off that painting on purpose, but sorry if it ruined the vibe. And congrats. You've earned this." I was the one who had covered her tuition for art school and funded this show. Yet, their adoring gazes were fixed only on Andrea, the starlet in the spotlight. She feigned ignorance of my sarcasm, plastering on a saccharine grin. "Great! Let's snap a family picture to remember the night." I stepped back, avoiding her outstretched hand. "I'll pass. There has never been a place for me anyway." Amid their gobsmacked stares, I strode out. At the entrance, a tall figure emerged from a luxurious sedan, offering me a gentle smile. Steven barreled after me, seizing my shoulder roughly. "This is too much. You're breaking their hearts." I snorted, knowing they'd never be upset about me. Levi Wheeler shoved Steven aside, positioning himself as my shield. "Keep your distance!" Steven curled his lip in scorn. "Who are you to butt in on our business?" "I'm her husband," Levi stated calmly. 1/2 Steven froze, then laughed. "Props, Claudia. You didn't just fake a document; you hired an actor, too?" Andrea hurried up, her voice wavering theatrically. "Is she for real? Did she ditch us? That certificate looks legit, and this guy doesn't strike me as a phony." She pivoted to me, feigning horror. "How could you change like this?" Her words barely escaped before my hand flew, delivering a resounding slap. She glared at me, incredulous. "You hit me?" "The certificate's authentic. My husband's the real deal, and that slap?" I smirked. "One hundred percent deserved. I've tolerated your games for too long. Who is this pity party for?" Andrea cradled her cheek, melting into Steven's arms with dramatic sobs. He fumed, poised to retaliate, but Levi's steely glare daunted him. Levi noticed my bleeding ankle, fury igniting in him. I shook my head. "Let's go." He lifted me effortlessly into his arms and carried me to the car. Steven hollered from behind, "Our wedding is canceled! Don't you dare come begging later!" For once, I left without a glance back.