[2]

This isn't the end of the road. That's what Miya told herself as she went into the house her father left behind. The house, which was much smaller and had been uninhabited for a long time, was already in view. The peeling paint and some unkempt plants made Miya feel uneasy. It's possible there might be a snake coming out of hiding.

"I'll help you find out where your father is, Miya." Hans really didn't want to leave the daughter of a contact in a place quite far from the city center. But Hans was in over his head as the family lawyer because he was outmatched. Michael's approach was always risky.

Hans had advised him to be more careful with the contract and the risks involved. Unfortunately, Michael is someone who isn't easily satisfied with a challenge. He took a big risk without thinking that he could lose everything.

"Thanks, Mr. Hans. I look forward to hearing from you."

Not long after that, Hans left Miya there. Miya never imagined that she'd be in the same sky but with a very different life from the day before.

"What's next for me?" Miya asked, glancing up at the clear sky on this day. "How should I proceed?" Miya stood around the yard for a while until her cell phone rang loudly from the direction of the living room. Miya had left her phone and wallet in the bag.

Tessa's name appeared on the screen, which made Miya realize she hadn't contacted her best friend all day. Not to mention, she hadn't even looked at the messages that had piled up, just telling Tessa what had happened to her best friend.

"Where are you?" Tessa asked, a bit more forcefully than she had intended. "I came to your house, but why are there so many men in uniform? It's a bit strange."

Miya let out a soft laugh. "I can't believe this is happening to me."

"What happened exactly?" Tessa asked, still sounding a bit demanding.

"Did you catch the news this morning?"

Tessa's voice sounded amused and annoyed in return. "Do you think I'm some kind of news junkie?"

Miya found that remark quite amusing. That's right. She also ignored the news from North Derm, including the bankruptcy of her father, without a second thought. For Miya, the news was mostly about crime and things outside of humanity, as well as business and politics. She didn't think it was relevant to her. But because of that, Miya missed out on some pretty important information.

"What's up, Miya?" Tessa was getting restless.

Let's remind Miya to give Tessa a bit more patience, especially when asking questions. "My father went bankrupt."

Tessa didn't say anything, but Miya was pretty sure her best friend was listening.

"The guy in uniform came to take my dad's assets to settle his debts. I was only told the amount, which was completely ridiculous. I'm not sure if the assets that were seized will be enough to cover the debt, or if I'll have to take responsibility," Miya said quietly. But really, if Miya was being honest, she was holding back from crying over the bad luck that had befallen her.

"Miya," Tessa said quietly. "Where are you now?"

"I'm in one of my father's relics that wasn't confiscated," Miya said with a laugh. "Even if it was confiscated, I'm sure it wouldn't sell for as much as the other properties."

"Can you tell me the exact location? I'll be right there."

"No need," Miya said right away.

"But, Miya..."

"It's okay, Tessa. I just need a few minutes to myself, if that's okay with you. "I still feel like this is all a dream." Once more, Miya felt her eyes becoming blurry. Maybe in the blink of an eye, her tears would start to flow. "I really hope this dream ends soon. You know, I'm really scared."

"Let it out, Miya. I'll go with you. Tomorrow, let me know where you currently live. Then, we'll have a good cry together."

"Stupid," Miya muttered, but she was smiling just a little. She rubbed her eyes, trying to hold back the tears. "I'd rather not have another tearful moment tomorrow."

"So, are you going to shed a tear today?" Tessa asked in a lighthearted manner. She was trying to cheer her best friend up over the air. Tessa had no idea that it would be tricky for Miya to tell her where her best friend lived.

It's fair to say that most people would be shocked to find that their life has changed so much in such a short period of time.

***

Miya let out a long sigh. She wiped the sweat from her forehead. She had to put her hair in pigtails to make her more comfortable on the bus. On top of that, the walk from the bus stop to the school gate was pretty rough on Miya, who doesn't get much exercise. She was surprised to find that the distance from the gate to her class was quite far. All she had to do was press the accelerator in her car. She drove her red Audi right up to the campus grounds.

But today was different. Miya no longer had access to her usual mode of transportation. She had to use all her energy to get to campus without being late. Although Tessa offered to help this morning, it would be tricky for them later because the house Miya was living in now was quite far from the city center.

"At least I'm not suffocating to death," Miya said as she fixed her bag. "Let's make the most of this day. Fingers crossed there won't be any surprises that make my heartbeat on the verge of normal."

Just as Miya was about to take a step, she felt a sudden weight on her shoulders. As well as the sound of a voice that was very familiar to her.

"I'm concerned about you, Miya!"

"You!" Miya gave Tessa's shoulder a sharp tap. Miya was surprised and felt her ears ringing. Tessa's voice was making her ears hurt. "Could you at least say hello?"

Tessa frowned, but then her expression changed to a smile. "I thought you weren't going to class today."

"I'd rather not be punished by Mr. Victor just yet. Today he was in my class for two hours. I still love life."

Tessa let out a little laugh. "You're right. It's a nice reminder." She gave her arms a good rub. "Did you have breakfast? Let's grab something to eat before we hear Mr. Victor's lecture."

Miya was on board with Tessa's suggestion, but as they stepped into the cafeteria, she felt her heart racing. She felt an unusual thumping in her chest, along with a sharp pain in her heart.

Her boyfriend, Rhett Sullivan, whom she had been dating for almost six months, was kissing passionately. The kisses were so intense that anyone nearby felt like they could burst into flames at any moment.

"Rhett," Miya called softly. She was clenching her hands. She didn't expect to have a scene like this for breakfast.

"Ah, it's Miya." This wasn't Rhett's voice, but the kissing opponent of her boyfriend, Veronica Lodge. She was one of the most famous girls on campus.

"You... didn't bring your car? Or did your car get an impound sticker?"