Chapter 3

The day before I left, I had finished packing everything.

I planned to leave first thing in the morning.

That evening, Umberto showed up as usual with two slices of cake, one for me and one for Beth.

Beth's eyes lit up. She didn't even bother with a fork, leaning in to take a bite straight off the plate. Cream smeared across her lips.

"This is so good. Blueberry is my favorite."

I stared at the cake on my plate but didn't touch it.

When I first met Umberto, he smiled and said we were alike. He was the youngest son in his family too.

His parents only ever noticed his older brothers. He was always the one left out. From then on, we were always together.

Then he came looking for me and met Beth. From that day on, there was always a third person in our games.

Even so, I was still willing to hang out with him.

Because he would buy two identical pieces of candy and prepare two birthday presents.

But little by little, that changed.

Both birthday gifts became princess dresses in Beth's favorite style.

Just like this blueberry cake.

Umberto frowned. "What's wrong? I went out of my way to get this. Aren't you even going to try it?"

I watched Beth finish hers, then slid mine across the table. "I don't like blueberries, and I'm lactose intolerant."

Beth was the one who loved blueberries.

Umberto paused and cleared his throat. "I could've sworn you used to eat blueberries."

"Are you still upset about the castle we bought for Beth yesterday?"

"We didn't have enough money for both places, so we bought Beth's first. Besides, you don't get to demand a gift. Why are you so angry?"

My face went still as I listened.

So the castle had been a joint purchase between him and my brother.

I used to eat blueberries because I didn't want to hurt his feelings, but I had told him more than once that I didn't like them.

None of them had paid attention.

He only knew I was lactose intolerant because Beth had once used it as an excuse to claim the cake he bought for me.

But he had already forgotten. All he remembered was that Beth liked blueberry cake.

I wasn't angry about the castle, and I wasn't hurt because he had forgotten I hated blueberry cake.

I was simply exhausted. I was done being the fourth wheel in their little game.

That evening, our parents held a farewell banquet at the Family hall. It was supposed to introduce us formally and announce which businesses Beth would be taking over.

I waited at the estate gates for three hours. The driver never came.

So I went back to my room and finished organizing my things, including the coming-of-age gift my grandmother had prepared for me before she passed.

She was the only person in the entire family who had ever paid attention to me. I didn't open the box, just placed it in my suitcase.

Then Mother's call came.

"What is wrong with you? Look at the time!"

"The driver didn't come," I said quietly.

Silence held for a few seconds before Mother's voice softened. "The driver had to pick up Beth's gown. Call a car and get here yourself."

She hung up.

I looked down at my old dress and worried whether my parents would scold me for it.

Sure enough, by the time I reached the Family hall, they were parading Beth from guest to guest and explaining which businesses she would run.

The moment they saw what I was wearing, their faces darkened.

They didn't call me over. Didn't so much as say hello. Since they clearly had no intention of introducing me, I found a seat and sat down.

A little while later, Beth turned and looked my way.

I noticed her smile at once, her eyes crinkling. But more importantly, around her neck hung a dazzling aquamarine necklace.

I shot to my feet. That was the coming-of-age gift from my grandmother!