Chapter 4

On the first day of the new semester, Mom brought out two blind boxes again. “Elena, Avery, you’re both leaving home today. Draw your travel arrangements.”

Avery immediately reached out. “I’ll go first!”

She unfolded the slip, which read, 'Family drives you to the factory for your first day of work.'

I picked up the remaining slip, which read, 'Cheapest train ticket. Travel alone to college.'

Mom nodded. “Elena, your university isn’t that far. Taking the train is more convenient.”

Dad picked up the car keys. “Avery is leaving home for the first time. We’ll take her there.”

Avery sniffed. “Elena, I’m sorry. If I hadn’t drawn the factory job, Mom and Dad could have driven you to university instead.”

Mom gently stroked her hair. “Elena is understanding. She won’t hold it against you.”

Rafael arrived soon after with breakfast. “Is everything ready?”

Avery immediately ran over. “Rafael, I’m going to work at the factory.”

He glanced at me, then lowered his head to comfort her. “Don’t be scared. I’ll go with you.”

I took the folder Mom handed me. She reminded me, “Once you arrive on campus, apply for your scholarship first. Submit your student loan application as soon as possible too.

“After the money comes through, transfer everything to my account. I’m worried you’ll waste it.”

I nodded. “Okay.”

As they got into the car, Avery leaned against the window and waved at me. “Elena, remember to send me photos of your dorm when you get there!”

I waved back.

Once the car disappeared from sight, I took out the slip I had drawn and placed it back into the blind box. Then, I wrote a new one and placed it on top.

'Secret Edition: A Lifetime Without Seeing Them Again'.

After that, I picked up my bag and headed to the airport. I spotted the group of them from a distance at the security checkpoint. These people, who were supposed to be driving Avery to the factory, were standing at the airport instead, laughing happily.

“We finally got Elena out of the way! Now, our family can go on vacation to Hovana!”

Mom had a smile on her face as she said, “She should still be waiting at the train station right now. In another week, she should have her scholarship and student loan money.”

Dad nodded. “I’ve already asked someone to handle the paperwork for your study program abroad, Avery. As soon as Elena’s money arrives, I’ll send you there.”

The airport announcement rang out, “Passengers traveling to Hovana, please begin boarding.”

They walked toward the gate together.

I lowered my eyes and looked at my boarding pass. The destination was Lotten. I turned around and walked toward the international departure gates on the other side.

…

Half a month later, Mom finally called me, but I ignored every call.

She turned to Rafael instead. “Why isn’t Elena replying to my messages? She’s been enrolled in university for half a month. Why hasn't the scholarship and loan money arrived yet? The creditors are already calling! If we can’t fork out the money, we’ll lose the house!”

Rafael replied, “Mrs. Hale, she probably has a lot going on since she just started university. Maybe she just forgot about it."

Mom gave a cold laugh before spitting out, “What could she possibly be busy with? She can waste half a month pretending to be busy if she wants to, but she'll still have to drop out eventually!"

That day, they went to the university where I was supposed to enroll. They first went to the girls’ dormitory, and the dorm supervisor searched through the records for a long time.

“Elena Hale?”

Mom immediately answered, “Yes. Freshman in the School of Finance. The top scorer in the SATs.”

The supervisor shook her head. “We don’t have anyone by that name.”

Mom’s expression darkened. “How is that possible? She’s been enrolled for half a month. If she isn’t living in the dorm, where else would she be?”

Rafael quickly stepped in. “Could she have been assigned to another building? Let’s ask the administration office.”

Mom rushed to the department office. The moment she entered, she called out, “I’m Elena Hale’s mother. I need to find my daughter urgently.”

The professor looked up. “Can’t you contact the student directly?”

Mom sounded impatient. “She’s throwing a little tantrum with her family. Give me her dorm address. I’ll find her myself.”

The professor checked the system, and a moment later, his expression turned cold. “We don't have any records on a student named Elena Hale."

Mom was stunned for a moment. “What?”

Rafael was dumbfounded too. “Professor, please check again. She was admitted this year.”

The professor replied calmly, “She was admitted, but she declined the offer letter two weeks ago.”

Mom’s expression changed instantly. “Then what about her scholarship?”

The professor looked at her. “She never enrolled. The university will not issue the scholarship.”

Mom immediately asked, “What about the student loan?”

“She isn’t a registered student. The loan application cannot proceed.”

Mom stood there, completely frozen. At that moment, her phone rang with a call from the creditors.