Chapter 2

Piper’s POV

"Lucas," my voice came out barely above a whisper, "you were the one who made me promise we’d stay here and do our master’s together."

Lucas frowned slightly, sounding impatient. "I know, but this is an emergency. Chloe’s studying fine arts; timing is everything for her. Delaying your degree for two years won't kill you. It's not like I'm going anywhere."

He sounded so matter-of-fact.

I could tell instantly that he had already discussed this with my family behind my back before presenting it to me as a done deal.

Everything I fought tooth and nail for was just a bargaining chip for them to give away.

At dinner, the moonstone necklace gleamed brightly around Chloe’s neck.

Brenda kept piling food onto Chloe’s plate. "Our Chloe is so gifted. You’re going to be a world-famous artist someday."

Arthur took a sip of his whiskey and nodded solemnly. "If money runs short, just say the word. I’ll do whatever it takes to pay for your education."

Chloe ducked her head, blushing, then shot a smug glance across the table at me, unable to hide the smirk tugging at her lips.

Brenda followed her gaze and slammed her fork onto the table. "Look at your sister, and look at you! You both came from the same womb, so why are you so useless? Sulking all day long—who owes you a living?"

My brother, Kyle, chimed in with a sneer, "All you do is bury your nose in books, yet you’ve accomplished nothing. You should just drop out and get a job to help pay the bills."

I kept my head down, chewing my food in silence.

I got accepted today too.

The words lingered on the tip of my tongue, but I swallowed them down.

Even if I announced it, they would only ask, "What good is that?"

Across the table, Lucas was laughing with Chloe. He heard every single insult, yet he didn't utter a word in my defense.

Around the entire table, not a single person bothered to ask about my admission results.

After dinner, the family got ready to head out.

Brenda slipped on her heels and barked over her shoulder, "Do the dishes before you go to bed. Wipe down the counters. Don't be lazy."

Chloe linked her arm through Lucas's, walking out last. As she passed the kitchen door, she poked her head in with a faux-sweet grin. "Thanks for doing the dishes, Piper! We're off to the symphony orchestra!"

Lucas glanced at me. His lips parted as if to speak, but he ultimately turned around and followed her out.

The front door clicked shut.

I stood by the sink, staring at the mountain of greasy plates.

Memories rushed back to when I was seven. We were on a family road trip, and I got out at a gas station to use the restroom. When I walked out, the car was gone.

I stood on the side of the highway from afternoon until midnight, crying until my voice gave out. It was well past midnight when they finally drove back.

The first thing Brenda did when she stepped out was scream at me for wandering off and wasting their time.

They had driven nearly a hundred miles before anyone even realized I was missing.

All these years, I had always been the one left behind.

I used to blame myself, thinking I just wasn't good enough, lovable enough.

I thought that if I won awards and got into top universities, this family would finally see my worth.

I succeeded today.

Yet there was still no seat for me at the table.

Once the dishes were washed, the wall clock struck nine-thirty.

I dried my hands, found the graduate director’s contact info, and typed out an email: Hello, Professor Anderson. I would like to ask if the full fellowship offer I previously declined is still available?

The screen flashed Message Sent. I leaned against the kitchen wall and closed my eyes.

I was done waiting for this family’s approval.