Chapter 3

I stared at the familiar profile pictures, reading their venomous comments line by line.

Throughout high school, I had mostly kept to myself, focusing on my studies rather than their little social circles.

In their eyes, Jason was the charming, wealthy class heartthrob. Summer was the gentle, beautiful class beauty. Naturally, they were meant to be together.

And I, Emily, Jason’s childhood friend, was just the clingy, annoying third wheel.

Jason seized the moment to smooth things over.

[Everyone calm down. Emily isn’t in a good mood today. Skipping the exam is already a big blow for her.]

[Emily, you should still come to the dinner tomorrow. Relax a little. I’ll figure something out about repeating a year for you.]

What a devoted and magnanimous childhood friend.

On the surface, he seemed to be mediating, but in reality, he was casually cementing the idea that I had “skipped the exam.”

I watched one flattering message after another praising Jason and putting me down, and felt a wave of disgust.

Talking to these clueless people was a total waste of time.

I opened the group settings and left the chat.

Not even thirty seconds later, a private message from Jason popped up.

[Emily, why are you leaving the group? Who are you trying to convince with that victim act?]

[You have to come to the dinner tomorrow. Don’t make my parents think I’m out of line.]

I looked at his messages but didn’t even want to respond. I blocked him and deleted the chat.

The next morning, before I was fully awake, my mom yanked the covers off me.

“Emily, why are you still sleeping? Get up and get ready! The dinner is about to start.”

Rubbing my eyes, I sat up, bewildered.

“What dinner?”

My dad was in his usual meeting suit, and my mom had on her favorite dress.

“What other dinner could it be? Jason and Summer’s celebration!”

Dad adjusted his tie as he spoke.

“Jason’s dad called early this morning. Our families have been close since we were kids. Today, our whole family has to attend.”

I froze.

Jason’s parents had personally invited my family?

My mind raced, and I quickly figured it out.

Jason knew I had completely cut ties with him. He definitely wouldn’t attend the classmates’ gathering himself.

So he brought his parents in to pressure me from the elder side.

I felt a pang of irritation and frowned.

“Dad, Mom, I don’t want to go.”

If I went, the fact that I hadn’t taken the last exam would be exposed.

My dad’s expression immediately stiffened.

“Jason’s dad called personally. If you don’t go, wouldn’t that be insulting them?”

Mom leaned in to persuade me.

“I know you usually don’t get along with Summer, but today, all your classmates are here.

“If you don’t go, what will they say? That you’re jealous of her good grades? Get up and get ready.”

Looking at my parents, all prepared and expectant, I had no excuse left.

I sighed. If I didn’t go, I’d really seem immature.