Chapter 2

Freddie, after a moment of stunned silence, furrowed his brow.

He probably thought I was just being dramatic.

"You don't have to pull that card," he said, sounding annoyed. "We get it—you're not happy.

"Once Helen's back on her feet, she'll move out."

I met their gazes, dead serious. "Let her stay. She's young, needs looking after.

"You guys running back and forth is a hassle. I'm barely home anyway—the master's better for her."

A loud thud made me flinch.

Tristan had slammed his takeout box on the coffee table, his face dark, like he thought I was faking it.

Helen yawned, tugging at Tristan's sleeve. "Story time?"

Freddie started clearing the table.

Tristan settled her into the hospital bed, grabbing a book to read.

Like always, I was the odd one out, the extra piece.

I grabbed my bag, throat tight. "I'm out," I muttered.

No response.

Freddie wiped the table, cool as ever. Tristan's voice stayed gentle, reading to Helen.

I passed him on my way to the door, his eyes glued to the book.

I couldn't catch a glimpse of his face or figure out what he was feeling.

As I stepped out, his voice drifted after me: "And so, Snow White was cast out…"

It hit like a gut punch.

Years ago, after Mom and Dad died in that fire, Tristan held me, eyes red.

He promised in that same soft voice, "You've got me and Freddie, Nona. You'll always have a home."

What a liar.

My nose stung, tears prickling.

I sped to campus, diving into the lab to finish an experiment.

Seven days left to wrap up everything in Crestwood—school, life, all of it.

I pulled an all-nighter, snagging a quick nap before heading home.

The master bedroom needed clearing for Helen.

As I packed with the housekeeper, she grumbled, "This is nuts. You in the guest room while some kid gets the master?"

I stuffed clothes into a suitcase. "It's fine. I'm not here for long."

A sharp voice cut in. "Where do you think you're going?"

I turned to see Tristan, face like stone, staring at my suitcase.

Freddie leaned in the doorway, just as cold.

Helen peeked in, her eyes gleaming with barely hidden excitement.

For a second, I wanted to spill the truth.

But then I remembered Tristan's irritated snap. "You don't need to tell us this stuff."

Just like that, I clammed up.

If I left quietly, I could pretend they cared.

I jammed my hand into my jacket pocket, gripping so hard my knuckles hurt.

Trying to play it chill, I shrugged. "Just moving some junk to switch rooms. Helen's taking the master, like we said."

Tristan's face eased, then hardened again. "Helen's not staying. It's been a week since you pushed her down the stairs.

"You think we'd trust you two together?"

My stomach twisted. "Then I'll crash at campus."

His expression went dark, pissed.

I wasn't trying to rile him, I swear—just didn't want to make things harder.

Helen piped up, all innocent. "That's your room, sis. I can't take it."

I forced a smile. "Don't sweat it. I'm gone for good."

Her lips twitched into a smirk before she caught herself, dropping her gaze.

Tristan snapped, "Who're you trying to scare?"

Freddie snorted. "Wanna bounce? Go for it. Nobody's begging you to stay."

I didn't bite back. I finished packing, grabbing only the essentials and a few things Mom and Dad left me.

After twenty years in this house, all of our belongings fit into just two suitcases.

I couldn't take everything; I only picked out some important items and the things my parents left for me.

I dragged them toward the door.

Tristan's voice exploded behind me, full of venom. "If you're leaving, don't you dare come back!"

I hauled the suitcases down the stairs, arms burning, and shoved through the front door.

His voice chased me, sharp and mocking. "All these years of drama—good riddance!

"But don't come crying back in a few days!"

I almost grabbed an umbrella, but his words choked me up.

Screw it. I stepped into the pouring rain.

The downpour soaked me in seconds, clothes clinging, hair dripping.

As I slogged through the front yard, rain blurred my eyes.

Tristan's voice still rang out, cold as ice. "Anyone lets her back in, they're out on their ass too!"