Chapter 3

I simply said, "You won't need to."

Then I hung up.

When I got back to the campsite, Ruby handed me two lamb skewers.

I took them and looked at her. "I'll take the tutoring job for Tyler. I can head over in the next couple of days."

"Seriously?!" Ruby's eyes lit up instantly as she turned and shouted toward her mom, "Mom! Stella said yes!"

I leaned against the tent, letting the riverside breeze wash over me as white cranes glided across the distant water.

From now on, I wouldn't expect anything from my family ever again.

Ruby and I stayed by the river for two days.

By the time Mr. Hayes parked outside my neighborhood, the sky was already dark. "Stella, we'll pick you up tomorrow at nine sharp."

"Okay. Thanks, Mr. Hayes."

The second I pushed open the front door, I realized my family had already returned.

Naomi stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling mirror wearing a pale blue tulle dress, spinning excitedly in circles. Luxury shopping bags were piled across the floor around her like miniature mountains.

I recognized that dress immediately. Last month, I'd dragged Mom through the mall and pointed at it through a display window, telling her I wanted to wear it to my university acceptance party.

Back then, she'd smiled and rubbed my head. "Sure, sweetie. Once your scores come out, I'll buy it for you."

Now, Naomi was flouncing around in it. The moment she saw me walk in, her eyes flickered slightly before she hurried over with a bright smile.

"Stella, doesn't this look gorgeous on me? Aunt Jennifer said this color suits my skin tone, so she bought it for me. Oh, yeah! Cameron even bought me a necklace. Look, isn't it pretty?"

She lifted the diamond necklace around her neck proudly.

Mom stood behind her. The moment she noticed me staring at the dress, she lowered her eyes and avoided looking at me altogether. Even she knew that dress was supposed to be mine.

I changed my shoes and headed straight for my room.

Cameron suddenly slammed his phone onto the coffee table. "What's with the attitude, Stella? At the party tomorrow, just wear your usual white T-shirt. Don't bother with makeup or dressing up.

"You're already half a head taller than Naomi. If you outshine her too, how's she supposed to gain followers?"

I parted my lips slightly, dying to tell them the interview had already been canceled and that I wasn't even going to the party anymore. However, looking at the three of them fussing around Naomi like she was the center of the universe, I suddenly lost the desire to say anything.

Forget it. They could find out for themselves.

Stepping into my room, I closed the door to drown out Cameron's yelling.

Without a sound, I began gathering my essentials: my ID, the letter from the university, and a few changes of clothes.

I ended up with just two pieces of luggage: a single backpack and one small suitcase.

After spending 18 years in this home, it was sobering to see that my entire life could be contained within those two bags.

Just after five in the morning, the house erupted into chaos outside my bedroom.

Cameron knocked loudly. "Naomi, hurry up! Your makeup artist is downstairs! We need to get your styling done first!"

Still half asleep, I cracked my door open slightly.

All four of them were dressed impeccably.

Naomi wore a tiny crystal crown in her hair, lifting her skirt in pure excitement, looking as though she were preparing to step onto a red carpet.

When Mom noticed me, she stiffened for a second, her face clouding with an uneasy expression. "Stella... Cam's car only seats five people. We still need to pick up the makeup artist later, so there isn't enough room. Just take a cab to the hotel yourself, okay? We'll see you there."

I didn't respond.

Cameron frowned impatiently. "Hurry up and don't be late. Stop making us look bad."

With that, the four of them marched out, laden with garment boxes and shopping bags. The front door slammed shut behind them with a force that left my ears ringing.

A little before nine, Ruby texted me. "Stella, we're downstairs."

I dragged my suitcase out, placed my house key on the dining table, and took one final look at the home I'd lived in for 18 years. Then I walked out the door.

The moment I got into the Hayes' car, Mrs. Hayes handed me a warm breakfast burrito. "Ruby said you love the spicy black bean filling."

When I took a bite, the warmth and familiar flavor instantly made my nose sting. I quickly tilted my head back, forcing the tears away before they could fall.

On the drive toward the train station, I opened the extended family group chat. Dozens of messages had already flooded in.

People were asking what time the party started, while some relatives sent well-wishes.

Ten minutes earlier, Mom had posted pictures of Naomi getting her makeup done. The caption read: "My Naomi looks so beautiful today."

Without saying a single word, I simply left the group.

The instant I exited, my phone vibrated.

A private message from Cameron popped up.

"Stella, are you insane? Why did you leave the group chat? Are you pulling another stunt again?"