Chapter 1

I stood there watching the two of them, and the whole thing struck me as ridiculous.

Beth was still crying. Colton comforted her and even promised to buy her a few things to cheer her up.

After a little while, I spoke quietly. "So you're just going to let this go?"

"Let what go?" Colton looked over at me.

"Beth said she didn't mean it. She's younger than you, Monica. Would it kill you to let it go? I'm warning you, don't threaten her behind my back again."

I took a breath. "This is a council application, and it's due tomorrow. Your name has already been put forward. If it doesn't get turned in now, someone will have to answer for it when the family comes asking.

"We should tell the family council what really happened.

"Once your name is put forward, failing to turn in the application counts as a breach of trust. Under family rules, you get kicked out of the family."

As I said it, I went to grab my phone.

Beth cried even harder. "Colton, what do I do? I really didn't mean to! I already apologized to Monica."

Colton frowned at that.

He hurried over and pulled my phone out of my hand.

"What are you doing? What do you want? Can't you drop this for tonight?

"Beth already apologized. If you call them now and tell them why, what are they going to think of her? That she's careless?

"If they get a bad impression, do you think her application will be approved next year?

"Beth is like a sister to you too, Monica. How can you be so selfish!"

With that, Colton went back to comfort Beth.

Beth covered her face and hid behind him, pretending to be afraid as she peeked at me.

I let out a breath and answered without hesitation. "Fine."

I answered so fast that both of them were caught off guard.

Colton stared at me for more than ten seconds, and then his gaze suddenly softened. He let go of Beth, came over, and looked down at my hand.

"Keep the wine away from the paperwork next time.

"Everyone on the family council knows you. Besides, I'm going to be a member. When the time comes, I'll explain things to them. You won't get kicked out of the family.

"I'll help you. You can apply next year just the same."

I didn't say anything. I just quietly looked at the application on the table.

Then I picked it up.

"I'll throw it out for you," Colton said. "Give it here."

I pulled it out of his reach and looked him in the eye. "I'll keep it."

Then I went back to my room.

I packed my bags. I could only take the essentials tonight, so I boxed up everything else.

I planned to come back for it tomorrow.

Once I'd finished, I confirmed the schedule with the family council.

Colton took Beth out that night because she felt guilty and upset. At some point, he sent me a text.

"I'll bring you back something you like to eat.

"Get some rest."

I saw the messages and didn't reply. I took my suitcase and moved out.

I moved to a house outside the city. I'd bought it with my own savings to make things easier once I joined the family council.

Not even Colton knew about this place.

After I put my things away, Colton's mother, Diane Pierce, called me.

As soon as I answered, she started yelling. "What did you do?! Monica! How could you treat Beth like that!

"She's Colton's sister, and she's like a sister to you too!

"It was just an application, and you made such a scene that she's afraid to come home! Let me tell you something, that's our house!

"If anybody's getting out, it's you!"

Diane's shrill voice grated on me. Every word was an accusation.

Hearing her, I knew Beth had called home to tattle.

"She's the one who did something wrong first," I said quietly.

"Shut up! She's not well, and the wine was an accident! Why do you have to be so petty? Will you only be happy when she's dead?"

I took a slow breath, and she added, "You're apologizing to Beth today, or we won't let this go!"