Kissed by a stranger Marked forever

m the warmth of the Barcelona sun, and her designer suitcase rolled behind her like a prized accessory. She tossed her sunglasses onto the console table and sighed dramatica

laced with disgust. Eva's nose wrinkled in irritation. "Oh, Dad, please. She's not my sister." "She is my daughter," Mr. Smith said firmly, stepping further into the room, voice now rising. "Born of my own blood. You may not like her, but you will acknowledge her as part of this family." He held Eva's gaze a moment longer before turning and walking away, the sound of his footsteps echoing like a judgment neither of them could outrun. Silence fell. Irene's jaw was tight, her eyes lingering on the doorway he had disappeared through. Something dark flickered in her gaze-rage or fear, it was hard to tell. "What was that about?" she muttered, more to herself than to Eva. Eva's practiced confidence began to fray. Her lower lip trembled, and she turned to her mother, voice small and tight. "Mum... Felicia is a threat to me in this house," she whispered. "Dad looks at her like she's some prized possession. Like she's the one that matters." Irene pulled her daughter into a stiff, maternal embrace, smoothing back her curls like she used to when Eva was a child terrified of thunder. "She can't be a threat," Irene said softly, coldly. "Not under my watch." Eva looked up at her mother, desperation gleaming in her eyes. "Please... do something, Mummy." "I'll make sure she stays in Cape Town," Irene murmured. "She'll never come back." "Promise?" Eva pouted, heading for the staircase with slow, theatrical steps. Just then, a soft ding sounded from Irene's phone. I'm at the guest house, baby. She stiffened. Her eyes darted around the room. No one in sight. Without another word, she slipped her phone into her clutch and disappeared out the side door, heels clicking with urgency. Meanwhile, Upstairs in Eva's Room... Eva kicked off her heels with a huff and threw herself onto her pl