Chapter 1 One Last Family Trip

Phoebe looked at Tristan's phone, and then at Eleanor's. She hesitated before speaking. "Mom, Tristan, I want to do both."

Eleanor and Tristan exchanged a glance and promptly agreed in unison. "Then, we'll do both."

Vincent smiled and gently reminded everyone to pack their things.

For a moment there, I felt like I was transported back to my childhood days.

My parents would take Tristan and Phoebe to amusement parks and zoos whenever it was vacation season. Meanwhile, I was always left at home.

"You need to focus on your studies and set a good example for Phoebe."

That was what they always said.

I once asked Eleanor why Tristan didn't have to set an example.

She'd replied, "Tristan's a boy. He needs to get out there and see the world."

Then, I asked why Phoebe couldn't be the one to stay home and study.

Eleanor's expression immediately darkened as she hissed, "What's with all the questions? Why are you never satisfied? I'm telling you to study because it's for your own good. Yet, all you do is compare yourself to others."

I gave a self-deprecating smile and returned to my room to prepare the paperwork for my exchange program.

My time of solitude didn't last very long as Phoebe pushed my door open and dragged me out of my room.

"Gwyneth, does this outfit look good on me?"

I nodded. "It looks good."

Phoebe picked up another outfit. "What about this one?"

"That looks good, too."

Phoebe held each outfit up against herself, comparing the two. "Which one should I take with me?"

Tristan overheard her and took both outfits from her hands, placing them in the suitcase. "Why choose? Just bring both. Nothing matters more than keeping our little princess happy."

Phoebe wrapped her arms around Tristan, acting sweet. "You're the best, Tristan! But if I bring everything, there won't be enough room in my suitcase."

Eleanor came over, pulling my suitcase behind her. "Put whatever doesn't fit in Gwyneth's suitcase. She won't need more than two outfits anyway."

I looked up, delighted. "Mom, am I going with you this time, too?"

Eleanor rolled her eyes impatiently. "Of course. Otherwise, your grandmother will accuse me of playing favorites again. Stop complaining to your grandmother whenever things don't go your way. You make it sound like I mistreat you."

I lowered my head without saying a word.

I'd never complained to my grandmother. My family posted photos on social media every time they went on a trip. My grandmother was the one who would question them when she noticed I wasn't there.

In the past, Eleanor would simply tell her that I'd stayed home to study, and my grandmother wouldn't press the issue.

However, she couldn't very well use that same excuse and leave me behind now that I'd gotten into a good university.

She shoved me forward when she saw that I wasn't moving as fast as she'd like. "Two outfits, that's all you need. We have to leave room in the suitcase for Phoebe's things."

"Okay," I said.

I opened my closet. There were barely any clothes inside.

Eleanor had only bought me two outfits ever since I started high school—one for summer and one for winter.

She'd claimed that students wore uniforms to school, so buying more clothes was just a waste of money since I'd just outgrow them anyway.

Meanwhile, Phoebe had enough clothes to wear something different every day for two whole weeks.

Still, I swallowed my bitterness and took out my summer dress.

This would be my first and last trip with my family. I guess this was a chance sent by heaven for me to say a proper goodbye to them all.