One Month Ago

“Wow! Where did you get this?” Alicia exclaimed, her voice filled with admiration as Alison handed her a delicate golden necklace from a small box. Holding it gently between her fingers, Alicia marvelled at the intricate design, her eyes shimmering with delight as the necklace swayed softly.

“It looks expensive—I absolutely love it!” she gushed.

“You know Cynthia, right?” Alison asked.

Alicia nodded, her gaze still fixed on the necklace. Cynthia was one of Alison’s friends who lived in England.

“She sent it to me as a birthday gift,” Alison explained casually.

“Wow, some gift!” Alicia breathed, already on her feet as she hurried to the mirror. She carefully fastened the necklace around her neck and stared at her reflection. The golden piece shimmered beautifully against her fair skin, and a blush crept onto her cheeks as she traced its outline with her fingertips.

“It’s like it was made just for you,” Alison teased, smiling as she watched Alicia’s reflection.

Alicia turned suddenly, her curiosity piqued. “Where did she get this?”

“I’m not sure, but I can ask her for you,” Alison offered.

Alicia’s face lit up. “Please do! I’d love to get one just like it.”

Alison chuckled as she sprawled across the bed and rested her head on the pillow. “Or you could just buy mine,” she joked.

“Of course!” Alicia turned to face her, grinning mischievously. “Would you really sell it to me?”

“Just kidding!” Alison shot back, sticking out her tongue.

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“You’re impossible,” Alicia muttered with a pout, turning back to the mirror.

Alison smirked. “You’ve admired it enough, now hand it over before you claim it as yours,” she teased, reaching for her phone on the bed.

As Alicia unclasped the necklace, her eyes landed on a medium-sized white envelope sitting on the table. The edge of a photograph peeked out from its opening. Intrigued, she set the necklace aside and picked up the envelope.

“Did you have a photo shoot for your birthday?” she asked, tugging lightly at the photos.

Before she could pull them out, Alison’s hand shot out and snatched the envelope away. In her haste, the photographs spilt from the envelope and scattered across the floor.

Alicia froze. Her breath hitched as her gaze landed on the images.

“This is…” Her voice faltered. “This is Mom.”

Nude photographs of Rose—their mother—lay strewn across the floor like a terrible secret laid bare.

Alison scrambled to gather the pictures, her hands shaking as she shoved them back into the envelope.

“What are you doing with those?” Alicia asked, her voice barely above a whisper, eyes wide with disbelief. “Those are Mom’s nude photos…”

Alison shot a desperate glance at the door before covering Alicia’s mouth with her hand. “Don’t shout!” she hissed, her eyes pleading. “Please, Alicia. Just be quiet!”

Alicia pushed Alison’s hand away, glaring at her. “What is going on? Are you trying to blackmail her?”

“No! No, Alicia!” Alison’s voice cracked as panic gripped her. “I’m the one being blackmailed!”

Alicia’s face twisted in confusion. “What are you talking about?”

“I—I took those pictures, yes, but I have no idea how someone else got them,” Alison stammered, sweat forming on her brow. “A stranger is blackmailing me, Alicia. I don’t even know who they are!”

Alicia took a step back, her expression turning from shock to disgust. “Why did you take those photos in the first place?”

Alison sank to her knees, tears pooling in her eyes. “I’m sorry,” she whispered, rubbing her palms together in a desperate plea. “Please, Alicia. Let this stay between us. Just you and me. Please!”

Alicia crossed her arms, her jaw tight. “You still haven’t answered me. Why, Alison? Why did you take them?”

“Don’t ask,” Alison interrupted sharply, her voice trembling. “I’ll tell you later. Just… just promise me you won’t say anything. Please, Alicia. I’m begging you.”

Alicia stared at her sister, taking in her tear-streaked face and trembling shoulders. With a sigh, she turned away, shaking her head. “Fine,” she muttered. “But I don’t even want to think about this—it’s disgusting. I’m just going to pretend this never happened.”

Grabbing the necklace box from the bed, Alicia threw one last glance at Alison, who sat on the floor with her face buried in her hands.