Chapter 2

Lily's POV

I sat by the flowerbed for what seemed like an eternity. Then, they emerged from the restaurant, escorting Rose.

"Lily!" She ran over and grabbed my shoulder. She asked, "Why did you come out alone?"

I instinctively flinched, but I replied, "I'm full, so I came out for some fresh air."

"Perfect timing." She let go of me, glanced back at Mom and Dad who had followed us, and said, "Mom and Dad have something to tell you."

Mom and Dad looked at each other.

Mom spoke first, "Lily, your dad and I actually filed for divorce before the college entrance exam. We kept it from you two because we didn't want it to affect your performance."

Dad continued, sounding almost relieved, as though he had finally checked something off his list. "Now that Rose did so well, we can finally be at ease. There are only a few days left before the divorce is finalized. After that, we'll each go our separate ways."

For a moment, my mind went completely blank. It wasn't because Mom and Dad were getting divorced. It was because…

I turned to look at Rose. She was too calm, as if she had known all along.

"So…" I started, my voice trembling slightly. "You'd all planned this from the beginning. I'm always the last one to know about what happens in this family, aren't I?"

No one said a word.

Rose looped her arm through Mom's and said sweetly, "Mom, we made a promise. Even if you get a divorce, Lily and I will still be your precious daughters."

Mom patted her hand affectionately and answered, "Of course, you'll stay with me. I'll take you to see the world."

"No way!" Dad immediately cut in. "Rose stays with me. My resources and connections will give her better opportunities in the future."

They tugged at Rose's clothes from either side. It looked like a heated struggle, but it was oddly lively.

Rose was pulled back and forth, an exasperated yet slightly smug smile on her face.

I stood in the center of the commotion, yet I felt like a stranger who had accidentally wandered into another family.

"What the hell do you take me for?" I snapped, sounding louder than I had expected.

Everyone fell silent for a moment.

Mom frowned and chided, "Why are you yelling? You didn't even score that well. What's with the attitude?"

Rose quickly intervened to smooth things over. "Mom, Lily's just upset because she didn't do well. That's understandable. Please be understanding."

She then turned and hugged me. "Don't worry, Lily. Mom and Dad have always been fair. I believe that no matter who you choose to be with, they will respect your decision."

Rose really knew how to make people like her. When my classmates ostracized me at school, she was the one who stood up for me. When my parents ignored me at home, she was the one who fought to get me a little attention.

But I finally understood. Every time she stood up for me, it was only because she was the one who had everything. One could only give what they had.

"Lily, don't overreact." Shane walked over, frowning slightly as he said, "Look at Rose. She's always so calm, no matter what happens. You should learn from her."

I couldn't possibly do that.

As long as I could remember, I always seemed to fall short of her. She got a brand-new backpack every year, while I had to mend my worn-out one myself.

At the dinner table, there were always dishes she liked. If I got home just ten minutes late, all that was left for me was cold leftovers.

When we were little, Mom and Dad always held her hands as they walked ahead. I would crouch down to tie my shoelaces, but by the time I looked up again, all I could see were their receding figures. That distance was something I could never seem to close.

So, even if Mom and Dad got divorced, it was simply another way of taking whatever love they left for me and giving it all to Rose. So, naturally, she was calm. After all, she had everything.

Noticing my silence, Shane reached over and gently ruffled my hair. "Alright, don't be upset. Worse comes to worst, I'll support you in the future."

"What are you saying? She's my little sister!" Rose yelled, slapping his hand away. "If anyone's going to support me, it'll be me!"

"You're seriously fighting me over this too? You're so bossy!"

And with that, they started shoving and bickering again, their laughter sounding particularly grating in the night. They all seemed to be fighting over me. But in reality, none of them wanted me.

"I'm not staying with anyone. From now on, I'll support myself," I said, looking up at them. However, no one was there.

Rose had already run far ahead. Shane chased after her with a smile, while Mom and Dad followed. They headed in the same direction, laughing and talking. None of them bothered to look back at me. Just like always.

In the past, I would have chased after them, even if all I could do was trail behind. But this time, I didn't do so.