Chapter 4

That night, when we all went to my parents' house for dinner, I suddenly remembered — today was mine and Ava's birthday.

The cake had been chosen by Ethan.

"You two share the same birthday. One cake does the job. So much easier."

It was a beautiful cake. But when I looked closer, I could see thick slices of mango tucked between the layers.

Ava loved mango. I was allergic to it.

Nobody seemed to notice anything wrong.

Ethan was busy with the candles. He placed the birthday crown on Ava's head.

"Ava, make your wish first."

I sat looking at that mango cake, looking at the crown on Ava's head, looking at the warmth on Ethan's face — and something in me snapped loose.

"Ethan."

"You always buy two of everything. How come there's only one cake?"

"And why is it always me who goes last?"

The room went quiet for a moment.

Ethan frowned slightly.

"It's been like this for years. What's gotten into you tonight?"

Mom shot me a look.

"She's Ava. And Ava is better than you in every way — of course she goes first. If you were half as capable as her, I'd let you blow them out first."

The words dried up in my mouth.

Ava began to make her wish.

The whole family gathered around her and sang.

By the time it was my turn, the candles had burned almost all the way down.

Ethan glanced over.

"There aren't any extras. A birthday wish is just a birthday wish — you can make yours next year, it'll be the same thing."

Twenty years.

Every year, next year.

And next year never came.

Do children who aren't exceptional really not deserve to be loved?

I sat quietly while they cut the cake, my mind drifting somewhere far away.

Somehow the conversation turned to the wedding.

Mom looked up and asked me: "How are the reception arrangements going?"

I opened my mouth to answer, but she had already turned to Ethan.

"Actually — Ethan, most of the guests on your side are from business circles, right?"

"Ava's new research product just launched. The wedding reception would actually be the perfect place to introduce it."

Ethan didn't even hesitate. He smiled and nodded.

"Sure, no problem. We can cut the part where the MC talks about our love story — have Ava present instead."

Ava smiled and said, "We don't have to cut it. I'll just say a few words. I don't want to take over Olivia's wedding."

Ethan looked at her seriously. "No, if we're doing it, we do it properly. Don't worry about that — I'll take care of everything."

The three of them talked excitedly — where to set up the display table, when she should take the stage, whether they needed a banner.

It was supposed to be my wedding.

And it was turning into a product launch.

Not once did anyone ask what I thought.

It didn't matter. The wedding wasn't going to happen anyway.

I couldn't breathe in that room. I slipped back to my old bedroom.

Out in the living room, Ethan and my parents were gathered around the TV.

Ava was competing in a national competition tonight. The results were being announced live.

Everyone stared at the screen, too tense to speak.

I moved through the old house, quietly collecting my things.

There wasn't much to take. I only wanted one thing — a sketchbook buried in the back of the drawer. Drawings I'd made as a kid.

Then the result came in. Ava won first place.

The living room erupted.

I heard cheers, applause, screaming.

Then I heard Ava's voice, a little playful, a little wistful.

"The awards ceremony is on the same day as Olivia's wedding. You won't be able to come with me. Such an important moment — and I'll be there alone."