Chapter 3

When I arrived home, my parents immediately informed me that Remy had secured admission to a prestigious college in Seattle. They were astonished, remarking that they never imagined the rebellious boy would achieve something so impressive.

Honestly, I hadn’t anticipated it either. I thought he would end up in a lesser-known school, so I dedicated a lot of time to exploring better universities near those locales. But because he expressed his desire for me to be there with him, I adjusted my plans accordingly. I practically became his tutor during our senior year of high school. I knew his academic standing well, so his scores didn’t surprise me.

What I didn't realize was that he had understated his score by 90 points and even lied about the city.

I straightforwardly told my parents about the university I'd been accepted to. Initially, they were shocked but pretended to be pleased, though they couldn’t entirely mask their disappointment and sadness.

"It’s okay, Luisa is smart. Why not redo the year? It's just one more year, and we're confident in you," they advised.

I shook my head. "No need. I’ll apply to grad school and return then."

Just a couple of years delay. It’s not like I won’t have another chance, and I’m confident I can achieve it.

I forced a slightly wry smile. If they knew it was my own rashness that led to this result, they’d probably be quite angry with me.

When they saw me crying, they assumed I regretted it and started reassuring me, saying it was fine not to go and that I could immediately start preparing to redo the year.

I wiped my tears away and said resolutely, "I won’t retake the year. I’ll manage on my own, trust me."

The next morning, Remy’s parents came over to thank me. They were all smiles and kept showering me with praise when they saw me. Particularly Remy's mom, "Oh, Luisa, you're incredible, helping Remy get into such a top-notch college."

I forced a smile and gently withdrew my hand.

Remy raised an eyebrow at me, "My mom wanted to visit you yesterday to express her gratitude, but I said you went to bed early."

Cheyenne hesitated before finally asking, "Luisa, I heard from your mom that you filled out the wrong application. Are you considering redoing the year?"

"Remy mentioned he tried to talk you into it. With your scores, attending such a school seems beneath you."

My mom’s smile faded, and the warmth from earlier vanished. "Cheyenne, she’s already distressed. There's no need to bring this up."

My body tensed, and my fingers clenched subconsciously. "It’s fine, Mom. It’s my own problem."

It's my foolishness.

Remy frowned at my words.

When our parents settled down with their coffee, he pulled me aside. "So you’re planning to head to New York and not redo the year?"

I nodded. "Yes."

"Why? Are you truly willing to leave me behind?"

I glanced at him and noticed he seemed uneasy. What was he worried about? Did he think I should always be by his side?

Looking him squarely in the eye, I said, "Weren’t you the one who encouraged me to go?"

Remy appeared taken aback and averted his gaze. "You should redo the year. With your grades, the top college in Seattle is within reach."

"I’ll wait for you in Seattle. This time it was my fault. If you're ever with Alessandra, I’ll even order more of your favorite foods."

I almost laughed at his words and gave him a pointed look before turning to leave.

"Oh, and regarding Alessandra, please don’t mention it to my parents. Her folks aren’t keen on her dating in college, and my parents always think you and I will eventually end up together. If something happens, she’ll be upset."

"I don't have that much free time."

I left him with that remark and walked away. In slightly over a month, I’d be heading to New York, and the time I had left to spend with my parents was quickly ticking away.