Chapter 1

My boyfriend, Chris Evans, and my best friend, Lily Johnson, were arguing over whether we should head to Southshire or Riverton for our internship before graduation.

Chris complained that the food in Southshire was way too sweet for me.

Lily teased that Riverton was way too cutthroat for a princess like me.

They thought they were doing what was best for me, but I couldn't even get a word in edgewise.

The two of them walked away, bickering and laughing. I lowered my head and checked my phone.

Neither of them noticed that I had stopped where I was.

After getting my student visa, I finally received a message from my boyfriend.

Chris: [Lily and I have decided to go to Southshire. You should apply for jobs there. Happy now? We're the only ones willing to put up with you, little princess.]

They put up with me, huh?

I closed the chat and switched back to my email.

I received an acceptance letter from Moonveil College of Music.

This time, I wouldn't have to put up with them.

With an ocean between us, there was no need to see them again.

After submitting my college application abroad, I slumped back in my chair and let out a long sigh of relief.

Just then, my phone rang. It was Chris.

"Did you send out your resume yet? The student council is throwing a farewell dinner. We're waiting for you to join us," he said.

Before I could say anything, Lily's voice jumped in. "What's the rush? Don't you know my bestie's a little princess? If you keep rushing her, I'll kick your ass for her."

Chris clicked his tongue. "I'm not being impatient. I'm just calling to check in, okay?"

"Check in? You can be rude to me, but you better treat Sophie like a princess, got it?" Lily shot back.

"Alright, alright. I'll worship her every day if that's what you want," Chris joked.

After that, all I could hear was the two of them bickering.

I glanced at my phone screen. The call had been going on for 7 minutes and 14 seconds.

And in all that time, I hadn't said a word. Neither of them noticed at all.

I refreshed my email, and a red notification popped up in the corner.

It was a confirmation letter from Moonveil College of Music.

[Your application has been received. We will complete the review within two weeks and notify you of our admission decision via email.]

I shut down my laptop, changed my clothes, and headed out.

As I walked through the living room, I saw the food I'd made earlier. The fried shrimp and spicy crab were stone cold. The chili oil congealed at the bottom of the plates. I had zero appetite for it.

I grabbed a trash bag and dumped the whole meal in.

I was allergic to seafood.

That whole spread was meant for Chris and Lily.

Today was the last day of campus recruitment, and I still hadn't found an internship that suited me.

I invited them over to help me figure things out.

At first, they were both crowded around my laptop, seriously making plans.

Lily nudged Chris. "Southshire's got a great vibe, and there are tons of small companies. Let's find something close to me for our princess."

Chris raised an eyebrow. "My girlfriend's staying with me in Riverton. She can't stand Southshire's food. You'll be all alone over there."

Lily put her hands on her hips. "Riverton's way too cutthroat for a princess like her. I bet you'll be the one left out. Don't come crying to us when that happens."

And just like that, they started bickering again.

I tried to get a word in and calm them down, but they were so caught up in their argument that they didn't notice when they accidentally spilled their drinks on me.

When I came out after changing my clothes, the two of them were already gone.

I stood there at the table, lost in a daze for what felt like forever.

The laptop was still open, but my resume hadn't been touched.

The cursor was blinking in the "Special Skills" section.

My parents must have sensed something was off and called me on video chat.

Night had already fallen overseas, but they were still working late at the office.

"How's the internship search going? Which companies in Riverton have you applied to? We can help you check them out," my mom asked.

"If you can't find one, your dad can reach out to some of his contacts in Riverton and help you get an internship," she added.

I shook my head. "It's okay, Mom. I'm planning to study abroad."

There was a brief silence on the other end.

Then my dad popped his head into the frame. "Seriously? Weren't you planning to stay in Riverton with Chris? Did you guys have a fight? Are you upset with Chris?"

My mom nudged Dad out of the frame. "We support your decision. You'll be on the other side of the world. If you miss Chris, even a video call will be a hassle. Sweetheart, are you sure you won't regret it?"

My nose prickled, and a wave of emotion crashed over me.

Tears welled up, and I couldn't stop them. I turned my head away.

I couldn't blame my parents for asking.