Chapter 1

It was the first time my family had ever saved enough money for a trip to Lythara, and I was so excited that I barely slept for months.

As a special treat, my parents gave each of us a shopping allowance of 12,000 dollars.

My sister, Olivia Gibson, had her eye on a designer handbag, while my brother, Ryan Gibson, had already reserved the latest gaming console.

I clutched my crumpled shopping list, staring at the silver necklace I'd dreamed about for 18 years. For once, I wanted something that was truly mine—not something Olivia and Ryan didn't want.

At the biggest department store in Pravia, Olivia and Ryan had already maxed out their allowances.

My heart raced as I carefully handed Mom my chosen necklace along with my bank card.

But she just gave me an apologetic smile.

"I actually used your allowance for Ryan yesterday," Mom said. "The watch he wanted was a little over budget."

"You've always been so understanding. You don't mind, do you?" she added softly.

*****

I stood in the biggest department store in Pravia, feeling completely crushed.

Ryan, just 16, was showing off his brand-new Rolex Submariner, waving it right in my face.

"Hey, Eileen, check it out. Over 30,000 dollars. Can you believe it?" He flashed his wrist, grinning, "Mom said she used your allowance for me. That necklace you wanted? It's barely worth anything. Using your allowance on it would've been a total waste."

Olivia was busy admiring her new Chanel bag in front of the mirror, totally lost in her own world.

She rolled her eyes.

"Enough, Ryan. Eileen, stop making that face. Mom's doing you a favor. A student shouldn't wear something that expensive. It's not safe," Olivia said.

Mom forced a smile and held out her hand.

In her palm was a silver chain so thin that it was almost invisible, with a rough charm glinting with a cheap shine.

The sort one could pick up from a street vendor for 12 dollars—three for that price, probably.

"Isn't it the thought that counts?" Mom rushed to say, catching my sour look. "We finally made it here. Let's just enjoy ourselves. Don't let something so trivial ruin the trip. And please, don't make a scene here."

Just then, Dad came over from the menswear department.

He was rocking a brand-new Burberry trench coat—12,000 dollars, just like that.

His face was dark. "Why the long face? Do you have to kill the vibe? It's just a necklace. Is it really worth all this drama?"

I looked at them, my "family."

Dad was strutting around in his brand-new Burberry trench coat, Olivia was showing off her fresh Chanel bag, and Ryan kept flashing his shiny Rolex Submariner.

Mom had just splurged on a full set of La Mer skincare.

Everyone got exactly what they wanted, looking totally satisfied, except for me.

I was the one who paid for part of this trip with my 7,000-dollar scholarship.

I was the one who'd been promised a 12,000-dollar shopping spree.

In the end, all I had in my hand was a tacky little trinket that cost less than five dollars.

I squeezed the necklace, the metal biting into my palm, making it ache.

"I don't want this," I said quietly.

Mom's smile froze, her expression stiffening.

Ryan was the first to jump in, "Eileen, what's your deal? So I used your allowance. Big whoop. We're family. Are you really gonna be this petty?"

"Yeah, you're being way too selfish," Olivia chimed in, folding her arms.

I ignored them, fixing my gaze on Mom. "Where's my allowance? You promised us 12,000 dollars each. So where's mine?"

Mom's face turned sour, and she tugged at Dad's sleeve.

Dad shot me a cold look. "Are you done making a scene? Isn't this embarrassing enough? Have we spoiled you too much, is that it?"

"Oh, spoiled me?" I snapped back, my voice trembling with rage.

I couldn't hold it anymore. I hurled the necklace to the ground.

"Yeah, you've been amazing to me," I yelled. "I spent 18 years saving up, just to help pay for this trip. You promised 12,000 dollars to everyone, but I'm the only one who got nothing! Is that what family means to you? Just a couple of cheap dollars?"

I pointed at the necklace lying on the floor, my laughter shaking my whole body, but the tears just kept pouring down.

People nearby shot us curious looks, whispering under their breath.

I could feel all those people watching the drama unfold, but I just straightened my back and couldn't care less.

Honestly, what was more humiliating than being played by my own family?

"You know what? I'm done," I shouted.

I turned, pushed through the crowd, and stormed out of the mall without looking back.