Evelyn arrived at her father's house and stood outside for a while, enveloped by nostalgia. Six years had passed since she'd left, and now, a wave of emotion washed over her. Memories of her time there—happy moments with her father and stepmother—surged through her mind. However, Sandra's presence in those memories dampened the warmth. "That sly bitch!" she cursed inwardly, knowing she would see her.

Taking a deep breath, Evelyn reminded herself to avoid Sandra. She couldn't afford to lose her cool, especially since she was already in a bad mood.

Stepping inside the living room, the familiar scent of home greeted her. Despite the decorations, the house hadn't changed much, and a pang of sadness mixed with comfort filled her. Music drifted from the backyard, where guests were gathering for the anniversary party.

She took a breath and headed outside. The first person she saw was Sandra, engrossed in conversation. Evelyn quickly averted her gaze, only to meet her father's. They locked eyes, but neither made a move; they were still angry and waiting for the other to apologize.

Claire, noticing her husband's distracted gaze, smiled upon seeing Evelyn. "She made it!" she said happily. Eric scoffed. "As what? A guest? She doesn't even have the decency to greet her parents," he muttered, turning away. Ignoring him, Claire embraced Evelyn. "I'm glad you made it!"

"Isn't that your sister?" Sandra's companion asked, turning to see the embrace. Sandra's brow furrowed as she observed their apparent happiness, contrasting sharply with Evelyn's past coldness towards her.

"Happy Anniversary, Mom," Evelyn said, hugging Claire. A genuine smile played on her lips.

"Thank you, darling. Why haven't you greeted your father? And what about Derek Stone? Did you release that news?" Claire asked, frowning. Sandra watched them, frowning. Their body language suggested more than a six-year absence. Had Evelyn seen her mother since returning? If so, how, and why hadn't her mother mentioned it? Sandra decided to join them, but when she saw them approaching her father, she went to him instead.

She arrived in time to hear Evelyn's congratulations. "Hello, Dad. Congratulations on your anniversary."

"Am I still your father? I don't think so, considering your actions. As far as I'm concerned, you're here as a guest, and I'll treat you as such. When you recognize me as your father and do the right thing, I'll acknowledge you then," he said, turning away.

Seeing this, Claire, who had told Evelyn her father was happy to see her, hurried after her husband.

Sandra turned to Evelyn after their parents left. "Hey, Evie. I'm so glad you made it. I was scared you wouldn't show up," she said, reaching for Evelyn's hand.

Evelyn pulled away. She hated Sandra's pretense of sisterly affection after her betrayal. "Why wouldn't I show up? It's my parents' anniversary," she said, smiling thinly.

Sandra nodded, glancing towards the entrance, checking for Michael and Derek. Earlier, Michael had texted… (The passage ends abruptly here).