Chapter 5

"Sadie, what were you going to say just now?"

I gave him a slight smile.

"Nothing. Just... wishing you the best of luck with your early admission."

…

The next day, it was time for the exam.

I packed my stationery early in the morning, checking my bag four or five times before heading out to the test center with my parents. On the way, I scrolled past an update Mark posted online.

[Waiting for your triumphant return on this bright summer day!]

Attached was a photo of him holding a gorgeous bouquet of flowers. Adele’s name was written loud and proud on the handwritten gift card.

In the comments, someone asked, [Mark, haven't you gone a bit too far? Aren't you scared Sadie's gonna see this?]

[The college entrance exam is today. Aren't you intentionally trying to mess with her head?]

Mark posted a smiling emoji in reply.

[What’s there to be scared of? Once today is over, my early admission is set in stone.]

[I’ve held back for so long, and the day is finally here.]

After typing that, he even tagged me directly.

[@Sadie, you're always so understanding. You wouldn't be mad at me, right?]

I didn't bother replying. I turned off my phone, hugged my parents, and walked into the testing center with my head held high.

When the exam finally ended, I followed the flow of students walking outside.

As soon as I stepped past the main gates, I spotted Mark in the crowd, holding that huge bouquet. He really hadn't shown up for the exam.

Mark's smile faltered into a flash of guilt when he caught my eye. However, as soon as Adele walked out, he immediately perked up. His eyes bypassed me as he rushed over to her.

"Adele, these flowers are just for you! Do you like them?

"I specifically picked peonies—your favorite. They're only for you. Unlike a certain someone, who can only stare in envy."

Adele took the flowers, glanced smugly at me, and raised her voice on purpose.

"Of course I love them. Mark, I'm honestly so moved you were willing to skip the exam for me. Once your early admission acceptance letter arrives, we'll head off to Horvard or Prescott together. I guess you're going to be my personal tour guide!"

Standing right next to them, I heard every single word and couldn't hold it in. A burst of laughter escaped my lips.

Mark and Adele’s expressions darkened instantly as they lost their tempers.

"Sadie, what on earth are you laughing at?"

"Just because you don't have the talent to get early admission doesn't give you the right to be jealous of people who take shortcuts!"

"You're just a—"

Their words were cut short because Mr. Simpson came running over, dripping with sweat.

"Sadie, what are you still standing around here for? Your early admission has officially been finalized! The representatives from the schools are already here!

"Quick, follow me! They’re all waiting to hand you your scholarship!"

Mark froze, pointing at me. "Mr. Simpson, did I hear that right? Sadie got early admission, too?"

Mr. Simpson frowned.

"What do you mean 'too'? There was only one early admission spot. Sadie was generous enough to offer it to you before, but now that she's changed her mind, the spot naturally goes to her based on academic standing.

"Oh right, Mark, how did you do on the test today? Your parents were just asking me about it. They said they were reaching out to relatives working down south, planning to send you straight to a factory job if you blew the exam. I talked them out of it.

"With your average grades, as long as you performed steadily today, getting into a decent state college shouldn't be an issue.

"So, how did it go today?"

Mark opened his mouth, his face turning pale. His lips trembled uncontrollably as his vision turned black.

"Mr. Simpson... I-I didn't take the test..."