Chapter 1

On the day the college entrance exam results are released, I clutch my phone and wait anxiously for 40 minutes.

When I see that I've scored 1580, I'm just about to shout in excitement when my sister, Rose Ward, screams and throws herself into my boyfriend, Shane Hudson's arms.

"I got 1400! And you got 1450! Shane, we can both apply to Johnsburg Medical University!"

I try to tell them that I can also join them, but Shane has already grabbed Rose and ran out the door with her.

It isn't until the celebration party that Shane finally remembers me.

"Oh, Lily. Johnsburg Vocational School is right next to the medical university. Why don't you apply for nursing there? Then the three of us can still get together," Rose says.

She smiles and lightly taps me on the head. "Shane and I will be doctors, and you can be our nurse and help us out. We'd make the perfect team!"

They are a perfect match, a couple made for each other. They are two jigsaw pieces that fit perfectly together, leaving no room for a third.

I have spent so long chasing after them that all I ever see is them disappearing into the distance. But this time, I decide not to do so anymore.

Chapter 1

Lily's POV

Both of our families had worked together to arrange the celebration party. The table was filled with all the spicy dishes that my sister, Rose Ward, loved, but I had a weak stomach and couldn't touch anything spicy.

The cake had also been ordered in advance. Perhaps there hadn't been enough room, because only Rose's and my boyfriend, Shane Hudson's names could fit on it.

I sat between Rose and Shane. From the moment we sat down, the two of them had been messing around with me between them.

Shane reached over and pulled on Rose's shoulder strap with a snap. "Hey! Hey! Rose, I scored 50 points higher than you. I'm the one who should be sitting in the seat of honor."

Rose laughed and ducked closer to me. She said, "Lily, keep your boyfriend in line! He's already getting cocky just because we finished the exam!"

Shane retorted, "She can't control me! As if! I'm only sparing your feelings!"

"How ungrateful!" Rose tapped his hand with her fork. "If I hadn't brought you two together, you wouldn't have gotten such a cute girlfriend like my sister!"

With that, they started playfully hitting each other again.

I simply sat in the middle, feeling like a third wheel. I couldn't even share the good news I had been so excited to share.

Loving Shane felt like a distant thing of the past.

My crush on him had been exposed when Rose looked through my diary. I begged her not to tell anyone, but as soon as the college entrance exam was over, everyone found out.

She even put her arm around my shoulder and said, "Don't be afraid! I'll help you pursue him!"

She talked me into writing a love letter. So, I stayed up for three nights to write it, only to end up handing him the one she had written instead.

Shane laughed out loud, "Rose, you idiot! I knew it was you who wrote it! You even forgot to change the name."

Rose grabbed his ear and spun him around. She asked, "Do you accept her feelings or not? If not, we're not friends anymore!"

Shane immediately relented. He was worried that Rose would really ignore him, so he half-heartedly accepted my advances.

I was merely someone living in her shadow. Even after giving my all to my studies and finally getting the grades I had always dreamed of, no one cared. And so, I kept my head down, eating my food.

A little while later, Shane peeled an orange for Rose. She took a bite. Then, she shoved one into my mouth. "Try it! Your boyfriend's skills are so good."

Soon, Mom and Dad peeled a mountain of shrimp for Rose. Annoyed, she shoved two onto my plate. "This is way too much. Help me get rid of some."

The orange was sweet, but I simply felt bitter. I felt like someone who just took whatever she claimed she didn't care about. I had felt this way since forever, and I was getting tired of it.

I put down my cutlery, blinked my slightly wet eyes, and looked at Shane. I asked, "Shane, do you remember saying you'd go to the National Defense Academy with me? "

I remembered that summer three years ago. The sunset had painted the sky crimson. That day, I had bombed another History test and was sitting on the bleachers, lost in thought.

I didn't even notice when Shane showed up. He climbed up onto the bleachers, sat next to me, and handed me a bottle of water.

"Bombed the test again?" he asked.

I buried my face in my knees and said, "I don't want to study anymore. I'm not smart enough. No matter how hard I try, I can't keep up with you and Rose."

However, he never replied. After a while, he put the bottle in my hand and said, "Let's set a goal. Don't you like the sea? Let's go south."

I looked up at him.

"We'll go to the National Defense Academy," he said. "I looked it up before. It's in Southport, right next to the sea you love. There are coconut trees everywhere."

"Will you be going there?" I blurted out.

He paused for a moment. Then, he lightly kicked the step and said, "If you can get in, I'll go with you."

"Really?" I asked.

"I wouldn't lie to you," he chuckled and ruffled my hair. "When we get there, I'll go to the beach with you on Sundays to collect seashells. Your stomach's sensitive, so the food there is on the sweeter side."

As he said this, the light of the setting sun bathed his shoulders.

I filled page after page of my diary with the words "National Defense Academy".

Later on, Rose saw the diary. She then changed her mind and decided to go to the farthest place she could go, Johnsburg Medical University.

And so, Shane also changed his goal.

"Oh, really? I don't remember," Shane chuckled, as if it were a trivial matter.

"Why are you bringing this up out of the blue?" He asked, leaning back in his chair. "I want to go to Johnsburg Medical University with Rose now. Besides, you didn't get into the National Defense Academy."

I was taken aback by his words. So he remembered everything, but he was certain I wouldn't pass the exam.

"Hey! How dare you talk to my sister like that!" Rose retorted, hands on her hips. "That's your girlfriend, your future wife."

"My future wife, my ass!"

"You lunatic!"

With that, they started bickering again.

In that moment, I found it all unbearably dull. At the dinner table, Mom laughed and called the two of them a riot, while Dad and Mr. Hudson clinked glasses for the third time.

Even as I left the private room, no one noticed. The night breeze was cool against my skin. I took out my phone and called Charles Langford, my homeroom teacher.

"Hello, Lily?"

"Mr. Langford," I started. "Can my scores be kept confidential?"

There was a pause on the other end of the line. "I can do that, but you'll need to consider your score when filling out your applications. With such a high score, you should take it over with your family."

I leaned against the wall and looked at the warm room through the window. I watched Shane whirl Rose around in his arms. I said, "There's nothing to discuss. I'm applying to the National Defense Academy."

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.

Chapter 3

Lily's POV

That night, it took me a long time to get home. The moment I opened the door, the house was pitch black. Not even the hallway lights were on.

I didn't sleep a wink that night.

The next morning, Mr. Langford notified everyone in the group chat to come to the school to pick up their academic records. When I arrived at the school, Mr. Langford was tidying up his desk.

When he saw me, he smiled and said, "Lily, you're here. Your sister and Shane just left. They took your records with them."

I nodded and walked back home.

When I opened the front door to my home, Shane and Rose were sitting side by side on the couch.

He was holding a kraft paper envelope, reminding her, "You can't lose these records. You'll need them when you enroll. When the time comes, keep them together with your admission letter. It's best to lock them in a cabinet…"

Rose listened, nodding attentively.

I looked over at the backpacks in front of them. I walked over, opened one, and rummaged through it. After searching for a while, I still couldn't find my envelope.

Rose turned to look at me and asked, "Lily, what are you looking for?"

I said a bit anxiously, "Where are my records?"

Shane looked up at her, looking a little uncomfortable. "Rose and I took our records and left. W-We didn't notice yours."

In an instant, something inside of me snapped.

"Lily, don't worry." She stood up. She said, "The file might still be at the school…"

I couldn't hear anything else. I turned around and ran back to the school as fast as I could. The wind rushed into my throat as I ran, leaving it dry.

Once Mr. Langford understood what had happened, he immediately contacted the security office and asked them to check the surveillance footage. The footage was crystal clear. Rose was clutching two paper envelopes at the time. She had taken two, but somehow, she lost mine.

Just then, Rose and Shane arrived at the school. She ran in and hugged my shoulder tightly. "It's okay, Lily. I'm sure we'll find it. Calm down."

She held me tightly, and I stood there frozen.

I had scored 1580. I could have gone to one of the best universities, but I didn't even have my academic records.

Mr. Langford quickly comforted me, "Lily, calm down. Tell your parents to come to the school as soon as possible. We'll have your records replaced."

But since I had lost my records, replacing them meant running back and forth between the local education bureau, the police station, and my high school's academic affairs office. Miss even one document, and I would have to make another trip. Even if I managed to gather everything, the entire process would take more than a month.

And Rose was the cause of all of this.

She looked like she was about to cry and took out her phone to call Mom and Dad. "Mom, Lily lost her academic records. Come to the school now!"

Almost an hour later, Mom and Dad reluctantly arrived at the school.

When Mom walked in, she snapped, "You can't even keep track of your own records. What have you been doing all these years in school?"

Dad frowned and glanced at me. "So what if you've lost your records? With grades like yours, it doesn't matter whether you have those records or not. Worse comes to worst, you just don't go to college."

I glared up at Rose. "Rose!" I yelled with gritted teeth. "Did you do this on purpose?"

Before she could answer me, Shane stepped in front of her. "Lily, you're being unreasonable! Rose kindly helped you get the files and ran errands for you, and this is how you repay her?"

Mom immediately slapped me. "You can't even deal with your own affairs, so why blame someone else?" She yelled, "Your sister doesn't owe you anything!"

Chapter 4

Lily's POV

My cheeks were burning, but my heart ached even more.

I remembered the winter in my second year of high school, when Rose accidentally lost the certificate she had received from a speech competition. She cried, saying that the certificate was very important to her.

It was snowing heavily, but Shane and my parents followed the route she had taken home and searched for it all night. Later, Shane begged the school to issue her another copy, while Dad pulled some strings to get the education bureau to stamp it for her.

Back then, no one blamed her for not keeping her certificate safe. But now that it was me, simply questioning her earned me a slap and a barrage of angry accusations.

Rose's eyes were red as she sobbed, "It's my fault. I shouldn't have helped her get her file. Why did I have to meddle? Now I've just made everyone angry…"

The moment Mom saw her like that, she became even angrier. She grabbed my hand and forced it around her neck. "Come on, Lily! How about I give you my life to make up for it? With those pathetic grades of yours, you have no right to argue with your sister. Let me make this clear—I won't give you a single cent for that lousy school you're going to!"

Shane pulled Rose into his arms and patted her back. "It's not your fault. She should've taken the file herself. It's her problem. Don't take it to heart."

Everyone gathered around her, trying to comfort and console her. Even though I was the victim, everyone was blaming me. The air around me seemed to grow thinner and thinner, the pressure making it almost impossible to breathe.

Finally, Rose only stopped crying when Mom promised to take her out for a nice meal.

Shane put his arm around her shoulders and said, "Let's go. Don't bother with that petty brat. Let's have a nice meal, and you'll feel better in no time."

They then walked her out of the school gates.

I closed my eyes. At that moment, something inside me finally died.

Seeing that no one was willing to help me, Mr. Langford had no choice but to ask the entire faculty to help search for my academic records.

Finally, they discovered that when Rose had stopped at the school gates to tie her shoelaces, she had casually left one of the envelopes on the edge of a flower bed. A cleaner had passed by, assumed it was a waste paper bag, and thrown it straight into the trash bin.

I rushed to the back door and lifted the lids of the four trash bins. A stench then filled the air. Even so, I dug through the bags of garbage one by one without even putting on gloves. My fingers brushed against slimy fruit peels, soggy tissues, and unknown liquid.

When I reached the bottom of the third bin, I felt something papery. I pulled it out. The envelope was covered in stains, but my name was still visible on the cover. I hugged the filthy envelope and slumped onto the side of the trash can.

In that moment, I finally understood. No one in this family had ever been there for me. They never had before, and they never would.

But fortunately, I didn't need them anymore.

Chapter 5

Lily's POV

At some point, Mr. Langford had shown up behind me and gently patted my shoulder. "Lily, I understand now why you didn't want to discuss it with your family."

He paused for a moment before continuing, "But then again, going to the National Defense Academy isn't a bad choice. Your tuition and living expenses will be fully covered, and you'll even get a scholarship. You can take care of yourself on your own."

I nodded and tucked the dirty envelope into my coat. I then mumbled a thank you and went home.

When I opened the door, the living room was unusually lively. Rose sat in the middle of the couch, surrounded by Mom, Dad, and Shane, smiling brightly.

Shane's voice was the loudest. "Then it's settled! We're setting off on our road trip today!"

Rose was the first to notice me and immediately stood up to greet me, her tone warm. "Lily, you're home! Mr. Langford told me you've found the records. You're not still angry, are you?"

"I'm so sorry!" she said with a pout. "We should have helped you look for it. We shouldn't have left you behind."

So they knew. They knew they shouldn't have abandoned me when I was at my most helpless. But it wasn't the first time.

Every time, no matter how upset I was, the moment Rose started crying, everyone's attention would shift to her. And just like that, every big problem became small, and every small issue disappeared altogether.

It was as if ignoring my feelings was enough to make every problem go away.

They took it for granted that I couldn't live without them, that I would spend my whole life depending on them and looking up to them. If I kept holding a grudge, I would be the unreasonable and immature one.

Thankfully, I just need to endure this for a little longer.

When I didn't say anything, Shane reached out to ruffle my hair. "Alright. Enough. You've found it. What's done is done."

I easily sidestepped him and gave a hum of assent.

Shane froze for a moment and clenched his empty hand.

"Really? That's great!" Rose hugged me tightly, nuzzling against my chest. "You're the best, Lily!"

"Oh, right!" She suddenly looked up at me. "Shane said he'll take us on a road trip to Southport to cheer me up. He said it's really close to the sea, and there are coconut trees everywhere along the roads. You should come with us!"

Southport? The location grabbed my attention, and I felt my heart bleed.

I turned to look at Shane. Our eyes met, and the warm yellow light bathed his face with a soft golden glow. He had said he would accompany me to the National Defense Academy, and we would see the sea together.

But now, he was going to Johnsburg, and I was going to Southport. We would probably never cross paths again. This trip might be the last time we ever saw each other.

"Okay," I said. "I'll pack my things."

At some point, it had started raining heavily outside. As I carried my bag downstairs, Shane was shoving Rose's suitcase into the last backseat. It fit perfectly, filling the remaining space.

He straightened up and looked at the suitcase, then at me standing in the rain. He looked troubled. "Lily, there's too much luggage. I don't think there's enough room for you."

The rain was heavy, and the wind drowned out his words. "W-Why don't you go next time… You'll have plenty of other chances…"

The back window was half-open, and Rose was adjusting her bangs in the small mirror with a small smile.

Mom walked past me and opened the passenger door. "You sure have some nerve. You made your sister cry, and you still have the audacity to come along on this trip."

Rain ran down my head, stinging my eyes.

So, this was my punishment? They did something nice for once, only to take it away right in front of me. And it was all because I had put Rose on the spot today.

"It's okay." My voice came out calmer than I had expected. "Go ahead."

However, before I could finish speaking, the car had already started. Its taillights disappeared in the distance amidst the rain and mist.

I stood there for a long time before turning around and walking back. The rain was soaking my face, but I didn't really feel it anymore. I had been through this too many times. In contrast to the weather, I felt very calm.

I reached for the door and pulled the handle, but it wouldn't budge. I pulled harder, but I still couldn't open it.

The door was locked.

They had locked the door without even leaving me a key. Or perhaps they hadn't even remembered that I existed.

Chapter 6

Lily's POV

I clutched my soaking-wet bag to my chest and crouched beneath the eaves as I called a locksmith. Huddled in the corner, I looked like an abandoned stray cat.

The locksmith arrived on his electric scooter in the rain, also soaked to the bone. He glanced at the lock and said bluntly, "200 dollars."

I emptied my pockets and pulled out crumpled five- and ten-dollar bills, all damp from the rain. I spread them across my palm.

I counted them again and again, but I was still far short. "Sir, could you… charge me a little less?"

The locksmith took out his tools, sounding impatient. "I hate dealing with people like you. You live in a fancy villa, and you can't even scrape together 200 dollars?"

I didn't say anything. I simply lowered my head even further. I really couldn't afford it.

If it were Rose, she probably wouldn't have ended up in such a sorry state. She got 200 dollars in pocket money every month, while I had to save up every single dollar.

The lock cylinder turned a few times before it clicked open.

The locksmith straightened up. As he packed up his tools, he asked casually, "Why are you home alone? Where's your family?"

"They went on a trip," I replied, lowering my voice. "They forgot I was still outside."

He closed his toolbox and dusted off his hands. "Alright, this one's on the house."

I froze at his words. "No, you should let me pay you."

"For someone in my line of work, picking a lock is nothing," he explained.

Seeing how distressed I was, he closed the door and quickly fiddled with the lock again using his tools.

"See? It was locked, but I opened it again. And it's locked. Then it's open again. It's really nothing," he laughed heartily as he opened and closed the door.

But at that moment, my tears began to fall uncontrollably. It was as if I was letting out 18 years of grievances at once.

"H-Hey! Don't cry!" He immediately became flustered. "Get inside and take a shower. Don't catch a cold!"

He gently pushed me inside. Then, before he left, he turned around and said, "Call me if you ever need a locksmith again. Free of charge."

I watched him leave before crouching down, hugging my knees as I sobbed. Even a complete stranger was willing to help me when I was at my lowest. Yet, my supposed loved ones had been the ones to keep me out in the rain.

I cried for a very long time, until my throat was raw and the sky gradually cleared. And finally, my heart grew quiet.

I went upstairs and started packing.

Honestly, I wouldn't call it packing. There wasn't much to pack, only a few changes of clothes and some essential documents.

When I opened the drawer in the corner, I found the diary I had treasured for years. It was filled with the secret thoughts of a girl in love.

I had carefully written down every insignificant moment, including the day Shane handed me a bottle of water in the hallway, the time he called my name during the sports meet, and the evening he offered to walk me home because it was getting dark.

It was as if I was collecting pieces of a promise that was never meant to be fulfilled.

When I turned to the last page, my fingers froze.

Three people had been drawn on it—me, Rose, and Shane. We stood hand in hand, with a crooked tree between us and a round sun overhead.

I stared at that drawing for a long time. Then, slowly, I noticed a detail that made my throat tighten. Even in my own drawing, Rose was standing in the middle.

I couldn't bear to look at it any longer. I tore the drawing from the diary. I tore it into four pieces, then eight. And soon, countless fragments were scattered across the floor.

I threw the diary in the trash can and lit it. As the flames sprang up, all those carefully recorded moments turned to ash, drifting into the air.

I watched them burn to nothing. Then, I picked up my bag and went downstairs.

Chapter 7

Lily's POV

In the days that followed, I would get messages from Rose from time to time.

"The food in Southport is so sweet. I really can't get used to it."

She even attached a photo of a table of exquisite local dishes, with gnocchi and desserts arranged on nice plates.

Two days later, she sent another video. The footage was shaky. Shane was crouching on the beach with his back to the camera, his white shirt billowing in the sea breeze. He held white seashells in his hands, placing them one by one on the sand.

The camera zoomed in, and the seashells spelled out the name "Rose".

Waves rolled gently onto the shore, one after another. From behind the camera, Rose laughed, "Look! Your boyfriend is such a dork!"

I stared at Shane's serious expression on the screen. Those were the things he had promised to do with me with a smile. Yet, he fulfilled those promises to someone else.

I watched the screen light up, then go dark, only to light up again. Finally, I opened Shane's chat and typed, "Let's break up."

Then, I opened Rose's chat and blocked her. The whole thing was so quick and decisive that even I was surprised.

…

Third-Person POV

The next evening, Lily's family returned. As soon as they entered the door, Shane yelled, his voice louder than usual. "Lily! Why did you block Rose? It ruined the trip! Also, why did you say you want to break up?"

Only after he spoke did he realize the house was empty, and he instantly felt uneasy.

"Shane, come here." Rose's voice came from the doorway. "Mom and Dad are going to the courthouse."

"Lily isn't home," Shane called out, sounding hesitant.

Outside the door, Francine Fisher said nonchalantly, "Never mind her. We can finalize the divorce today. Let's get it done first."

At the courthouse, Francine and Robert Ward sat side by side, arguing heatedly over custody of Rose. Finally, they compromised and settled on a complicated schedule.

Robert would have Rose from Monday to Wednesday, Francine would have her from Thursday to Saturday, and both of them would get to spend time with her on Sunday.

The staff member was somewhat speechless at their arrangement. "You have another daughter, right? What about her custody?"

However, Francine didn't even look up as she said, "She's already 18 anyway. Legally, I've done my part as a parent."

Robert chimed in, "With grades like hers, she'll have to figure out the rest of her life on her own. The least we can do is put everything we have into Rose. She's the hope of this family."

Shane patted Rose's head and said, "Don't worry, Rose. I'll take good care of you throughout college. I'll be there for you after that—"

Just then, the doors of the courthouse swung open.

A group of people came rushing in, carrying cameras and microphones. The lead reporter scanned the lobby before finally spotting Francine and Robert.

"Excuse me!" She strode over, barely containing her excitement. "Are you two the parents of this year's top scorer?"