A Missing Key 218 Missed Calls One Family Secret novel Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

I did my makeup, layering concealer over my swollen eyes and dark circles until I looked human again.

I slipped into my newest power suit, stepped into my four-inch heels, and became her again-Evie Lancaster, Marketing

Director. Untouchable.

But I knew the truth. Underneath that sharp blazer was a heart held together by duct tape and spite.

When I pulled into the parking garage at work, I spotted him immediately.

Garrett.

He was standing by the entrance in a wrinkled button-down, hair a mess, dark circles matching mine.

He looked like he’d been there all night.

The second he saw my car, he bolted over, blocking my path as I got out.

“Evie, thank God. I’ve been calling you nonstop. Why didn’t you pick up?” His voice was hoarse, desperate.

I slid on my sunglasses, hiding everything, and walked past him without a word.

“I don’t know you.”

My voice was ice.

He grabbed my arm. “Evie, just listen-it’s not what you think! Mom and Dad didn’t mean—”

“Let. Go.”

I yanked my arm free.

We were making a scene. People were staring-coworkers filing into the building, slowing down to watch the drama unfold.

“Is that the Marketing Director? Who’s that guy?”

“Her brother, I think. Must be family drama.”

“Yikes. She always acts so put-together. Guess it’s all a front.”

Their whispers felt like knives in my back.

I turned to the security guard at the front desk. “This man is harassing me. I don’t know him. Please remove him.”

The guard hesitated, glancing between us. “Sir, you need to leave. If you don’t, we’ll have to call the police.”

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A Missing Key, 218 Missed Calls, One Family Secret

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Except I wasn’t in it.

No-wait. I was IN it!

There was a gap between Mom and Dad. An unnatural, obvious gap. The kind you get when someone’s been Photoshopped out.

And in my place?

A potted plant. A big, leafy monstera.

The phone slipped from my hand and clattered onto my desk.

I couldn’t breathe.

I pressed my hand over my mouth, biting down on my knuckles to keep from screaming.

Turned out, I wasn’t worth keeping in the family picture.

They even replaced me with a… stupid houseplant.

My chest felt like it was caving in.

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A Missing Key, 218 Missed Calls, One Family Secret

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