Chapter 1

"How could you suddenly cancel it? This is a feature interview from the Brookhaven TV station. People would kill for an opportunity like this." Ms. Adrianna Wilson sounded genuinely disappointed.

I lightly tapped my fingers against the cold computer desk. "Sorry for the trouble, Ms. Wilson. It’s just… not a good time on my end."

The moment I hung up, another message popped into the family group chat.

"Naomi wants deep-dish pizza. Let’s leave early tomorrow."

I shut the laptop and headed back to my room.

The second I pushed open the door, an overpoweringly sweet perfume hit me in the face.

My princess-style bedroom had been turned into a bunk bed setup. The desk that used to hold all my academic trophies was now covered in Naomi Gibson’s lipstick, foundation bottles, and half a box of leaking strawberries.

This room had stopped belonging to me a long time ago.

I climbed onto the top bunk and froze when I saw my pillow.

That day came crashing back into my mind all over again. Cameron Morrow had ripped Naomi’s exam admission ticket out from inside my pillowcase and hurled it straight at my face.

"Stella Morrow, what the hell is wrong with you?!" My mother, Jennifer Morrow, slapped me before I could even react. Her eyes were bloodshot, and her voice trembled with anger. "Naomi lost her mother. What’s wrong with us showing her a little more affection? Are you really that jealous of her?"

My father, Joshua Morrow, stood beside her, frowning hard, and looking at me like I was a complete stranger. "Get on your knees and apologize to Naomi."

So I knelt.

After all, these were the parents who had loved me for eighteen years. Cameron was the same brother who once lifted me onto his shoulders so I could marvel at the New Year's fireworks.

I didn’t want this family to fall apart.

I finally realized that it wasn’t the family that had shattered. It was simply their love for me that was gone.

As the family gathered for dinner that evening, the air felt heavy. In the middle of the meal, Cameron broke the silence.

"I almost forgot," he said, looking up. "Since we'll be traveling for the next few days, make sure to post your dress options in the group chat. We can help you decide from there."

Dad asked immediately, "What time is the TV station arriving that day?"

My grip tightened around my cutlery.

Across the table, Naomi suddenly lowered her head, her eyes welling up with tears.

Cameron shot me a frigid glare. "If you hadn’t hidden Naomi’s admission ticket, she would’ve gotten into a good university too. Naomi wants to become an influencer someday. This TV exposure matters to her. When the interview happens, don’t try to steal her spotlight."

Mom nodded in agreement. "Just treat it as making it up to her."

I looked at the three of them gathered around Naomi like she was the center of their entire world. Suddenly, I didn’t want to argue anymore.

Not because I was scared, but because it wasn’t worth it. No matter what I said, none of them would care.

After dinner, I messaged my best friend, Ruby Hayes. "Can I stay at your place tonight?"

She replied almost instantly, "Did that viper Naomi mess with you again? Come over. My parents were literally just asking about you."

While en route to Ruby's, I scrolled through social media. The top post was from Naomi's private feed. It was a video featuring her packed bags and a flight ticket.

The caption read: "The exams might have been a loss, but my family's devotion is the real prize!"

The comments were full of envy.

"Your family is so sweet!"

"This is the kind of love everyone wants."

I stared at the video for a long time.

Then I tapped "Like" and commented, "Wishing your family happiness forever."

After marking the post "Not Interested," I swiped away.

Less than two minutes later, a new chat notification popped up. It was from Naomi.

"Stella, did you see the video? Aunt Jennifer and the others were worried I’d feel bad, so they insisted on taking me on a vacation to cheer me up… Don’t overthink it, okay?"