Chapter 3

When the train pulled in, I slipped into the crowd and made a beeline for my family's car.

I disappeared into the crowd.

Made a beeline for my family's car.

Lucas kept shouting after me, but I acted like I couldn't hear him at all.

As soon as I stepped through the door, the aroma of my favorite dishes greeted me.

Mom had already prepared a whole table full of my favorite foods.

Dad had finished his meeting early and was already home, waiting for me.

I finally let my emotions spill over. With my eyes red, I rushed into Mom's arms.

Mom pulled me into a tight hug, her voice trembling with both worry and anger as she started to rant.

"What on earth is Lucas thinking? You lowered your college choices and gave up better schools just to go to Summerville University with him, and then he just ditches you to follow Mia to Southbridge University?"

I shook my head, my voice barely above a whisper. "He said Mia wanted to see the ocean."

"See the ocean? Why doesn't she just go to the moon while she's at it?" Mom was so mad she started pounding the couch.

"We sponsored her so you'd have someone to hang out with, so you wouldn't be lonely. And now look at her. She's set her sights on Lucas!"

I didn't say anything.

Mom suddenly seemed to remember something and glanced behind me.

"Didn't you say in your message that they were riding with you? Where's Mia?"

"She left with Lucas as soon as we got off the train."

Mom's brows knitted together, her anger flaring even more.

"Mia's been staying at the Sterling Residence for years, and Mr. and Mrs. Sterling are always joking that I'm too harsh on the girl we're sponsoring and scared her off Seriously! She gets the same treatment as my daughter, same food, same clothes, everything!"

At first, Mia lived with us.

But when she needed to prep for the high school entrance exam, she moved into the Sterling Residence so Lucas could tutor her.

And she ended up staying there for four years.

Dad couldn't take it anymore and slammed his hand on the table.

"The Sterlings are way out of line! Honey, in a couple days, we're marching over there and calling off this engagement!"

"And Mia, she's grown now. She can make a living by herself. We're done supporting her!"

With that, Dad grabbed his phone and called his secretary, telling them to cut off all of Mia's living expenses and tuition, effective immediately.

Seeing my parents finally cool off, I quickly spoke up, "Mom, Dad, can we keep my plans to go abroad under wraps for now? Don't let the Sterlings know, especially Lucas."

I really don't want any more drama to blow up before I leave the country.

*****

After dinner, I freshened up and headed to my room.

Just as I lay down, my phone buzzed.

It was a message from Lucas.

[Little Fiona, have you cooled off yet? How about Disney in two days?]

I ignored it and kept scrolling through my phone.

Then another message popped up.

[Oh, and about earlier, making Mia wipe your seat in front of everyone? You really hurt her pride. She's been crying her eyes out all night. When we go to Disney, make sure you're the one to apologize to her, okay?]

I just gave it a quick glance.

Then I deleted the conversation.

I pulled the covers over my head and tried to sleep.

*****

The next day at noon, I was eating lunch when the doorbell rang.

Aunt Sophie went to answer the door.

Lucas stormed in, practically fuming.

"Fiona, did you tell your dad to cut off all of Mia's support?"

I didn't bother to look at him, my tone flat and distant.

"Ending Mia's sponsorship was a Grant family decision. It's not up to me."

"Keep up the act," Lucas shot back, snorting in frustration as he rubbed his temples.

Lucas rubbed his temples, irritation written all over his face.

"You've been moody since yesterday. Is this all because of the registration thing? If you're pissed, take it out on me. Why take it out on Mia?"

I kept eating, not even looking up. "That's a Grant Enterprises call, not mine. If you have a problem, take it up with my dad."

"Do you have to be so overbearing all the time?"

Lucas took a deep breath.

"Mia's been relying on that support just to get through school. Now you cut her off out of nowhere. What's she supposed to do? How's she supposed to pay for next semester? You want her to go flip burgers or something?"

"That's simple," I said

I set down my fork and met his eyes. "Go ahead, you sponsor her."

Lucas froze, caught completely off guard.

I took a sip of water, my tone cool. "If she's really that important to you, why not step up and help her yourself?"

Lucas opened his mouth, but hesitated, unable to say a word.

My lips curled into a sarcastic smile.

Lucas's dad was a mid-level manager at work, nothing fancy.

His family was doing alright, but they weren't loaded, definitely not the type to throw money around or sponsor someone on a whim.

After a long silence, Lucas swallowed hard.

"You know how things are at my place. Where am I supposed to get that kind of cash?"

"Well, my family's money doesn't just fall from the sky either," I scoffed.

Lucas choked, his face going pale and green, and after a long, awkward silence, he finally snapped.

"No wonder Mia's always so scared of you. You're so overbearing. Who'd even dare get close to you? Fiona, you seriously need to reflect on your attitude!"

I've always been strong-willed and never one to back down.

When we were kids, I was the boss of the courtyard crew.

Lucas was this scrawny kid who always got bullied, and I was always the first to stand up for him.

Whenever someone teased me for being too tough, Lucas would fire back right on the spot, "Fiona's way more gentle than you guys. She's a thousand times better!"

But now, thanks to Mia, he thinks I'm just too much, someone nobody wants to be around.

I watched as Lucas stormed out, still pissed off.

Aunt Sophie came over, her face full of indignation.

"Fiona, what happened to Lucas? How did he end up like this?"

"He used to stick up for you in everything when you were kids, and now he's always fighting with you, just because of that sponsored girl!"

I didn't say anything, just replied calmly.

"Aunt Sophie, don't let him in anymore."