April leaned against her bedroom window, her phone pressed to her ear as she spoke in hushed tones. "I need to make sure everything goes according to plan," she said sharply.

"Don’t worry," the mysterious voice on the other end replied confidently. "I’ve got it covered. Just stick to your part, and I’ll handle the rest."

April narrowed her eyes, her grip tightening around the phone. "You better. I’ve put too much into this for it to fall apart now. And don’t lecture me. Focus on your job."

The voice on the other end sighed but didn’t argue. "Fine. I’ll take care of it. Just trust me."

April ended the call without another word, her mind racing. With the plan in motion, she turned her attention to the evening ahead: Ophelia’s bachelorette party. For now, she needed to play the doting sister.

Hours later, the two sisters arrived at a bustling nightclub. April wore a dazzling dress that commanded attention, while Ophelia looked more reserved, her nervous energy showing in the way she fidgeted with her clutch.

"Are you sure we won’t get caught?" Ophelia asked hesitantly, glancing around the neon-lit venue.

"Relax," April said with a reassuring smile. "We’re here to have fun, not to worry."

The two walked into a private room decorated with balloons and streamers. Ophelia gasped in surprise. "You planned all this?" she asked, her voice filled with disbelief.

"Didn’t expect it, did you?" April replied with a playful grin.

Ophelia threw her arms around her sister. "Thank you, April! This is amazing."

As the night went on, Ophelia’s friends arrived, and the party began in earnest. Drinks flowed freely, music filled the air, and laughter echoed through the room. Some of the guests whispered among themselves about how unexpectedly kind April was being, given the sisters’ strained history. April ignored them, raising her glass to make an announcement.

"The bill is on me tonight," she declared. "Drink, dance, and enjoy!"

The room erupted into cheers, and Ophelia beamed. "I really didn’t think you’d do something like this for me," she said, her voice full of gratitude.

"What are sisters for?" April replied, her tone light but her mind elsewhere.

As the night wore on, Ophelia’s friends grew increasingly inebriated. Some passed out in the private room, while others stumbled to the dance floor. April and Ophelia joined the crowd, letting the music take over. But it wasn’t long before Ophelia lost her balance, clutching a nearby couch for support.

"Are you okay?" April asked, her eyes narrowing as she watched her sister carefully.

"I’m feeling dizzy," Ophelia admitted. "I’m going outside for some air."

"Want me to come with you?" April offered.

"No, I’ll be fine," Ophelia said, weaving her way through the crowd toward the exit.

April waited for a few moments, then glanced at her watch with a smirk. She excused herself, telling one of Ophelia’s friends she was going to check on her sister, and followed Ophelia outside.

In the alley beside the nightclub, April spotted Ophelia leaning unsteadily against a wall, her vulnerability attracting unwanted attention. A man approached her, his intentions clear. Ophelia was too dazed to react as he cornered her, his hand gripping her arm.

"Hey, asshole!" April shouted, her voice cutting through the air like a whip. "Get away from my sister!"

The man turned, his face contorted in anger. "Who the hell are you?" he spat.

April didn’t waste time answering. She shoved him hard, sending him sprawling to the ground. When he scrambled to his feet, ready to lunge, April delivered a sharp kick to his groin. He collapsed, groaning in pain.

"How dare you harass my sister," April hissed, her voice low and dangerous.

"April," Ophelia murmured, her voice slurred as she tried to focus on her sister. "Thank you..."

But before she could say more, her legs gave out, and she fell unconscious. April sighed, hoisting Ophelia’s limp body over her shoulder and guiding her to the car.

It was past 1 a.m. when April pulled into the driveway. She left Ophelia in the car and went inside to see if the coast was clear. Instead, she was met with her parents waiting in the living room. Alex’s face was a storm of fury, while Kelly looked distraught.

"Where is Ophelia?" Alex demanded.

April smirked. "Oh, so you were only worried about her? Figures."

"Shut up and answer me!" Alex barked.

Kelly’s voice broke through, trembling with anger and concern. "Honey, you got yourself drunk, and now you’re dragging your sister into your mess?"

"She’s in the car," April replied flatly. "She’s had too much to drink. But don’t worry, your precious Ophelia is fine."

"Oh Lord," Kelly whispered, rushing past April to check on her youngest daughter.

"Seriously, April," Alex scolded, his voice rising. "Do you have no shame?"

"It wasn’t my mistake," April snapped. "I was just celebrating her bachelorette party."

"That’s no excuse!" Alex shouted.

"You know what?" April sneered, her voice dripping with bitterness. "You take care of your perfect daughter. I’m done."

Without waiting for a response, she stormed upstairs and slammed her bedroom door. The frustration boiled over as she buried her face into her pillow and screamed.

"Why do they always see me as the bad one?" she muttered, her voice muffled. "Ophelia is the innocent one in their eyes, no matter what."

She got up, walked to the bathroom, and splashed cold water on her face. Staring into the mirror, she clenched her fists. "Ughhh... Seriously, it’s always their precious Ophelia that matters!"

But as she dried her face, her reflection seemed to smirk back at her. "Not for long," she whispered. "Not for long."