Lying in bed, I saw Sophia's new Instagram Story: "This year's birthday present is from you again. Thank you for always being by my side." In the video, she was wearing a diamond necklace—the same design as my cheap one, but clearly a high-end custom piece.

In the comments, Julian’s right-hand man, Marco, wrote: "So touching. Seeing Sophia happy makes me happy."

I scrolled through the likes. Every core member of the Costello family had liked it.

They never thought I was good enough, that I was just a roadblock between Sophia and Julian.

Without me, Julian's position would be more secure.

I saw Julian's own comment and had to admit Marco and the others were right.

Julian had written: "Happy birthday, my little princess."

I watched their nauseating exchange with a blank face. One of Julian's men even commented, "Dude, don't post this. If Elara sees it, you know she'll flip her shit."

In the past, I had politely asked Julian to keep his distance from Sophia. Given their families, it was important to avoid any misunderstandings.

But Marco and the others called me petty and controlling, mocking me for interfering with a basic family alliance.

Julian had just let them, then accused me of not being "generous" enough for a woman in my position.

I didn't give them the drama they expected. I just closed Instagram, scrolled through TikTok, and fell asleep.

When Julian got home, I was already fast asleep. He shook me awake, his voice loud and demanding.

"Elara, your man is out all night, and you don't even give a damn? Marco's girlfriend calls him nonstop. And you? Not a single call. What the hell is that supposed to mean?"