Everything Has Changed

Family Feuds and Buried Secrets

The Hayes mansion feels more like a battleground than a home. Valentina is in her element, lounging in the living room with Erika, Sarah, and her other friends. The air is thick with their laughter and whispered insults, and Val basks in the control she holds over everyone in her orbit.

But when Melissa and Alyssa walk into the room, the atmosphere changes.

***The Hayes Cousins: Melissa and Alyssa***

“Look who decided to show up.” Val sneers, barely looking up from her phone as the two cousins approach. Melissa and Alyssa are technically older than Val, but the twins never let them forget who runs the show.

Melissa and Alyssa exchange wary glances. They’ve been through this routine enough times to know what’s coming, but they’re here anyway, trying to prove something—maybe to themselves, maybe to each other.

“Val,” Melissa starts, trying to keep her voice steady, “we just came to—”

“Oh, save it.” Val cuts her off, her voice dripping with condescension. “What? Here to beg for forgiveness? Or just more of my pity?”

“Fuck you, Val!” Alyssa snaps, her voice sharp. She’s tired of playing nice, tired of being pushed around by her younger cousin. But Val just smirks, looking almost amused.

Kolby watches from across the room, his arms crossed. He isn’t interested in getting involved, but he’s always ready to back Val up if things go south. Besides, it’s not like he’s ever gotten along with their cousins either.

“Why are you even here?” Kolby asks, his voice laced with disdain. “Don’t you two have better things to do than crash Val’s party?”

“We were invited.” Melissa mutters, but even she doesn’t sound convinced.

“Not by me.” Val says, her tone icy. “So, why don’t you two just fuck off?”

Melissa and Alyssa hesitate, glancing at each other again. They know they’re not wanted here, but it’s not that simple. They’re family, even if it feels like they’re the black sheep.

“Fine...” Melissa finally says, her voice barely above a whisper. She turns to leave, but Alyssa lingers for a moment, her eyes narrowing at Val.

“You’re not as powerful as you think you are, Val.” Alyssa mutters, and there’s a challenge in her tone that makes Val’s smirk falter.

“Get the fuck out!” Kolby snaps, stepping forward. Melissa grabs Alyssa’s arm, pulling her away before things can escalate further.

As the cousins leave, Val laughs, but there’s a hint of bitterness in the sound. “Pathetic,” she mutters, turning her attention back to her friends.

***Ebba’s Arrival***

Just when Val thinks she’s gotten rid of all her unwanted company, the front door swings open, and in walks Ebba—her half-aunt, and perhaps the only person Val despises more than her cousins.

“Who let you in?” Val asks, her voice dripping with venom.

Ebba strides into the room like she owns the place, her confidence unwavering. She’s bold, unapologetic, and radiates an air of defiance that Val both envies and loathes. Beside her stands Josh, her husband, his face a mask of indifference as if he’s used to these family standoffs.

“Nice to see you too, Valentina.” Ebba replies, her voice smooth and almost mocking. “Where’s Henry and Kate?”

“Not here.” Val snaps. “And even if they were, they wouldn’t want to see you.”