Sunlight streamed through the kitchen as I stirred vanilla batter, laughter from the living room filling the air. It was Simon’s 35th birthday, and I’d planned a cozy celebration — cake, friends, love.

By midafternoon, the house buzzed with joy. Guests arrived, wine flowed, kids ran underfoot. Then came Carolyn, my sister, with her signature flair. She hugged Simon like always — easy, familiar.

Later, during cake, Carolyn raised a glass for a toast. We expected jokes. Instead, her voice turned cold.

“To loyalty,” she said. “To husbands who don’t cheat… with their wife’s best friend.”

Silence. Then: “To Simon, who’s been sleeping with Lisa.”

The room froze. Simon didn’t deny it. Just looked at me — then looked away.

Derek turned to Lisa, demanding the truth. And she exploded.

What began as love and laughter ended in betrayal, leaving everything — and everyone — shattered.