Chapter 3

I finally finished packing a day before I was set to leave.

That evening, Nicolo came over to visit, bringing two cups of ice cream, one for me and one for Clara.

Clara's eyes lit up the moment she saw the ice cream and took a huge bite. "Pistachio! How did you know that I was craving pistachio ice cream today?"

I stared at my pistachio ice cream and didn't eat it.

The first time I met Nicolo, he told me he had an elder brother too, and that he was often overlooked in his household. Since we came from very similar circumstances, we hung out more often than not.

I used to think that we were the same kind of people. That was until he was introduced to Clara.

From that day on, Clara came along whenever we met up. I was still willing to hang out with Nicolo nonetheless, because he always bought us the same kind of candy and prepared two separate birthday gifts for us.

Then, one day, things changed. Both gifts would be things that Clara liked, just like this pistachio ice cream today.

Nicolo walked over and ruffled my hair. "What's the matter, Julia? I bought this especially for you. Don't you like it?"

I set the ice cream down and shook my head. "I don't like pistachio. And I'm severely allergic to nuts."

Clara was the one who loved pistachio, not me.

Nicolo stiffened. He looked a little awkward and said, "I'm sorry, Julia. I forgot. I promise I won't forget again.

"Are you still mad because we bought the car for Clara yesterday? It's because we didn't have enough money to buy one for each of you, so we bought Clara's one first. Besides, you can always travel with her, so there's no need to get petty over something like this. I'll buy you one next time."

I listened to his empty promises with a blank expression.

So he had pooled his money with Giulio to buy that red sports car for Clara as well.

I used to just eat the pistachio-flavored treats he bought for us because I didn't want to upset him, but I'd told him time and again that I was allergic. Before Clara appeared, Nicolo had never forgotten.

Also, I wasn't mad about the car. I wasn't upset that he'd forgotten about my nut allergy, either. I was just tired. I was done being the one singled out in their three-person bubble.

…

The next day, Mamma and Papa hosted a farewell banquet for Clara in the Famiglia hall.

I waited at the Famiglia estate for three hours, but the driver never showed up. Eventually, I went back to my room to make sure my belongings were all packed and ready to go.

Then, Mamma called.

"Julia Lombardi! Where are you? The banquet is about to start! Why aren't you here yet?"

"The driver never came," I replied in a low voice.

There were a few seconds of silence on the other end of the line. Then Mamma's voice softened. "I sent the driver to pick up Clara's ballgown and forgot to tell you. Just take an Uber instead."

I was about to ask her about my outfit when she hung up on me.

So I changed into a simple dress and called an Uber to the Famiglia hall.

When I arrived, I saw Mamma and Papa escorting Clara among the guests, introducing her to key contacts and resources. They didn't call me over. They barely even acknowledged me at all.

Since they clearly had no intention of introducing me to anyone, I simply found a seat and sat down.

A while later, Clara walked to the center of the crowd with a glass of wine and cleared her throat.

"Respected elders and members of the Famiglia, I have some good news to share. Julia Lombardi, my elder sister, will be assisting me in managing the Famiglia affairs.

"Although her abilities are far from mine and not that great, she is a hard worker, so she's just about passable as my assistant."

The guests murmured their admiration at once.

Papa nodded and said, "We hadn't originally planned for Julia to take on any responsibilities, but Clara is kind and willing to help her out by giving her the boost she needs."

I didn't feel a ripple of emotion, even after hearing that. Instead, my gaze swept over the ring on Clara's finger, and I suddenly jumped to my feet, nearly dropping the glass I was holding.

That was the ring Grandma had given me!