Chapter 3

My mind was all over the place, and I accidentally knocked over some books nearby.

The future me: [You'll know the truth when you get home.]

After that, she went silent.

I tidied up the cabinet and opened the door, only to bump right into Charles as he walked in.

"What are you doing in my study?" He brushed past me and stepped into the study, his eyes narrowing at the messy desk. His tone turned icy. "What did you see?"

I dug my nails into my palms, trying my best to sound calm. "See what? I was here to grab something I left behind."

To keep him from getting suspicious, I threw in offhandedly, "And that little carousel horse."

When he heard me, he paused mid-motion. "That was the birthday present you gave me."

I pursed my lips. "We're over now, so it's best if we keep our stuff separate."

Charles grabbed my wrist. "Wendy, I never wanted to break up with you. Four years of college will fly by in no time."

I didn't answer. I walked into the study, set the little horse on top of the books, and left with it in my arms.

I didn't rush home. Instead, I hit up a print shop and printed out all the proofs I had.

I mailed one set to the school and stuffed the other in my bag.

Then, I grabbed my certificates and headed back to school, hoping my teacher could help me vouch for them.

"You can't come in. You're not a graduating senior this year." The security guard checked the senior class list and stopped me at the entrance.

"I'm in my senior year, and my teacher is Leonard Lewis. You can call him to come get me. I really need to talk to him. It's urgent," I said.

Seeing how anxious I was, the guard called Leonard.

It wasn't long before Leonard came over.

His expression was complicated, and I couldn't read it at all.

"Wendy, your enrollment has been revoked," he said.

I stumbled, grabbing the iron railing to steady myself.

My voice was shaking uncontrollably. "What do you mean? My award certificates are gone, and now my enrollment is revoked too?"

Everything that happened hit me so hard that I could barely breathe.

Leonard let out a sigh. "Only your family can revoke your enrollment. This was your mom's call.

"The school tried to talk her out of it, but she said that your mental health isn't good and you need to recuperate. School isn't right for you at the moment."

In the middle of August's scorching heat, it felt like someone had dumped a bucket of ice water over my head.

When I got home, the lights were on in the yard.

I crept up to the door.

Mom's voice drifted out from inside. "Wendy's still out there looking for a school, but don't worry. I've already taken care of everything. Wendy won't be a problem for you anymore."

My breath caught as Mom kept talking. "Susan, this money is what I've saved up for you. Don't make things hard on yourself when you go to college."

Charles was quiet for a moment, then he said, "I'm worried Wendy might try to get back at Susan, so cutting off all her options now is really the safest thing to do."

Mom chuckled softly and took their hands in hers. "You two should make a good life together. When everything's settled, I'll make sure Wendy gets married."

Charles pulled his hand away, a flicker of guilt crossing his face. "Iris, I'll make sure Susan's taken care of, but we're not together like that.

"Wendy's the one who's losing out this time for Susan's sake, so please take care of her for me until I graduate. When I'm done with school, I'll come back for her and make things right."

Susan was nestled between them, her face glowing with happiness.

Here I was, in my own house, feeling like a thief spying on someone else's joy.

I shoved the door open.