Juliana''s refusal was thest straw-suddenly, all the frustration Layna had been holding in for months came bursting out.


    “Aunt Julie, how could you do this? You promised me! How can you go back on your word?” Layna whined, her voice sharp with hurt. “Paradise is going to the coast— she''s definitely going to see Justin. I haven''t seen Justin in forever, Aunt Julie!"


    Layna''s yelling made Juliana''s head pound. It was the first time Layna had ever spoken to her like this, and Juliana was taken aback. “Layna, what''s gotten into you? Don''t raise your voice. You''ll upset the baby," she scolded, rubbing her belly.


    "Aunt Julie!" Layna stomped her foot furiously, shot Juliana''s stomach a venomous re, and stormed out.


    "This girl, honestly. So difficult," Juliana grumbled to herself, stroking her belly with a gentle sigh. "It''s okay, baby. Mommy''s here."


    Layna was fuming. Back in her room, she hurled anything she could get her hands on to the floor, making aplete mess.


    But even that didn''t help. She rushed out again, wandering the streets in a haze, her mind swirling with one bitter thought: if only that baby wasn''t there, no one wouldpete with her for affection.


    As she walked, the sky suddenly let loose-rain pouring so hard it soaked her in seconds. Layna dashed into a nearby mall to get out of the storm.


    Standing at the entrance, she suddenly caught a familiar voice.


    "Mom, can youe with me to the coast? It''s Grandpa Wisman''s birthday, and Uncle Wisman invited the whole family. Can you pleasee? We''ll take the ferry, and Justin says there''s tons of fun stuff to do..."


    It was Paradise.


    Anastasia and Paradise were just leaving through a side door,ughing together,pletely unaware of Layna watching them from the main entrance.


    Layna stared at the mother and daughter, a stabbing ache of envy in her chest. Anastasia held an umbre over Paradise, the two of them chatting and smiling as they headed for a sleek ck Mercedes parked by the curb.


    Herman got out, opened the door for them, and the three of them disappeared inside-so happy, so together.


    Layna had no parents. She wanted that more than anything.


    She watched as the car pulled away, her eyes following it until it disappeared into the traffic.


    Paradise was going to the Wisman family''s party. She''d see Justin again. Layna''s jealousy just burned hotter.


    The Wisman and Stranz families were close; of course the Stranzes would be invited to Mr. Wisman''s birthday.


    The invitation had already arrived. Scott was going alone he hadn''t even thought to bring Layna.


    After all the trouble Layna had caused, Scott wanted nothing to do with her. Bringing her would just mean more headaches.


    A woman passing by noticed her


    standing alone. "Hey sweetheart, are you here by yourself? It''s pouring out! Where are your parents? Are you lost? Want me to help you get home?"


    Layna shot her a nasty look. “Leave me alone."


    She walked off.


    She wasn''t going home-not now. She''d rather wander the streets by herself.


    Before, Juliana would''vee looking for her. But this time, Layna drifted through the city for hours, and no one came.


    Juliana didn''t even know she was gone.


    It waste when Layna finally


    dragged herself back, soaked


    through. As she passed Juliana''s bedroom she heard


    aughter Juliana and Scott oking.


    and happy, as if nothing was wrong.


    She''d been gone all this time, and nobody cared. Nobody had even bothered to look for her.


    Layna realized then-Juliana never


    really liked her. It was all fake. And


    Once the new baby arrived, she''d be forgotten for good.


    She crept back to her room. The mess she''d made earlier was still there no one had cleaned it up.


    Even the maids had started ignoring her, sensing she was no longer the favorite.


    Layna''s heart hardened toward the entire Stranz family. The first seeds of resentment were quietly taking root.