‘We’ll find a way out of here, Libby. One way or another.’

‘I know we will,’ I replied.

Troy leaned forward. So did I. Forehead against forehead, eyes closed, we both considered our words.

Together we would rise or fall.

But at least it would be together.

thirty-two. Sephy

‘Minerva? What on earth brings you here?’ I frowned.

‘And hello to you too, Persephone,’ Minerva replied.

Amari looked at me and Minerva and decided she had things to do elsewhere. She retreated like her toes were on fire and I can’t say I blamed her. Minerva and I stood awkwardly, taking each other in. No hug, no kiss, nothing that might smudge her make-up.

My sister was one of those annoying people who aged like vintage wine. Even now, I still secretly admired her effortless poise. If anything, she was leaner and more toned than when we were teenagers. An hour each morning in her home gym saw to that. She was never less than immaculate and was impatient with anyone around her who didn’t set themselves the same impossible standard – which included me. My sister had her family and her career and, as they had flourished over the years, so our relationship had diminished. Minerva was now the editor of one of those glossy magazines, all horrendously expensive clothes and accessories worn by tall, stunning, mainly Cross models with long necks and sneering expressions.

The truth was that Minerva and I had very little in common and, over the years, we’d become high-days-and-holidays sisters. I’d accepted the truth a long time ago, but that didn’t stop me from being wistful for the relationship we should’ve had. Our conversations rarely strayed away from:

‘Happy birthday, Minerva.’

‘Merry Crossmas, Seph.’

‘How are Zuri and Taj?’

‘Good. How are Troy and Callie?’

‘Fine.’

‘How are you?’

‘Never better.’

That was usually the gist of our painful, mercifully short phone calls.

Even after all these years, I couldn’t shake the belief that Minerva had never quite forgiven me – and Callum – for tarnishing the family brand. Invitations to family dinners extended by me were rarely turned down, but they were seldom reciprocated. Minerva lived in a gated estate for the super-exclusive who wanted to stay that way. It made me wonder if any of her neighbours even knew she had a sister, much less who her sister was … is. I doubted it. But then why should they? My fifteen minutes of fame was a long time ago.