When Sofia and Marcus were children, the world was a simple place, a world made up of laughter, secrets, and endless days of play. They were inseparable, the kind of siblings who finished each other’s sentences and shared everything without hesitation. Whether it was a worn-out ball or the last piece of candy, it was always “ours,” never “mine.” They grew up in a small, modest house, with a mother who worked long hours and a father who was mostly absent. But none of that mattered. As long as they had each other, they believed they could weather any storm.

Sofia, the older of the two, was always the responsible one. She was the one who made sure Marcus got up in time for school, the one who helped him with his homework, and the one who held his hand when he was scared. She promised him that no matter what happened, they would always be there for each other. She was his protector, and in return, Marcus adored her. His world revolved around her.

But things began to change when they reached their late teens. Sofia’s natural brilliance was impossible to ignore. She excelled in school, impressing everyone with her intelligence, ambition, and charm. It wasn’t long before a prestigious scholarship to a renowned university came her way, and suddenly, the world of luxury and opportunity opened up for her in ways Marcus couldn’t even begin to fathom.

At first, Marcus was thrilled for her. He was proud of his sister, and deep down, he knew she deserved it. But as she immersed herself in her new life—designer clothes, extravagant parties, and a growing circle of influential people—Marcus felt an uncomfortable shift. He, on the other hand, had no clear path. His love for art kept him afloat, but it wasn’t enough to guarantee a successful future. He watched as Sofia’s world grew more glamorous while his remained small and confined to his modest room filled with unfinished canvases.

It was during this time that the first cracks in their relationship began to show. Sofia,...