Chapter 1

Before we started grad school, my parents promised they'd buy a place for both Emily Carter and me wherever we ended up studying.

But before my GRE results came out, they'd already put down a deposit on a place in Aurelia City.

They said, "Oh, Sophie, I totally forgot you were applying to Arden City. But you probably didn't pass, right?

"If not, why don't you give it another shot next year and come to Aurelia City with us to be with Em?"

It was always like this.

Every time they made a promise, it always ended up with me having to compromise for Emily.

From picking high schools, to choosing colleges, and now even grad school. It was always Emily first, never me.

I glanced at the screenshot of my scores buried in the chat, then turned to contact the study abroad agency.

"Is it still possible to apply to that university in Eldoria you mentioned last time?" I asked.

I was done compromising this time.

*****

My parents shouted, "Total score 320. You're ranked sixth. Em, you made it."

In the living room, my parents were glued to the computer as Emily checked her scores, cheering her on.

Emily blushed a little at all the compliments, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the attention.

I was in the kitchen washing fruit, keeping an ear out for what was happening in the living room.

My school released the results early, and I'd already sent my mom a screenshot showing I ranked first in the exam half an hour ago.

Given the time, if she had not seen it yet, she should've asked me about it by now.

Suddenly, I found myself looking forward to it.

When they finally asked about my results and found out I ranked first, would they freak out with excitement?

Would they lose their minds with joy?

I glanced at my phone, where I'd saved a few two-bedroom apartments I'd been eyeing for ages.

They were close to campus, perfect for coming home whenever I wanted.

With the fruit in hand, I walked into the living room, about to say something when my mom suddenly cheered from the couch. "That's wonderful, Em.

"I found a great place in Aurelia City and already put down a deposit.

"When you start grad school, we'll move there to be with you."

"Yeah, exactly. Your mom and I picked places in the same neighborhood. We both paid the deposit last night," my dad chimed in.

My hand shook, and the grapes scattered all over the floor. I stared at my parents in shock, unable to believe what I was hearing.

"Didn't you promise before that you'd buy a place for both Emily and me?" I asked, my voice trembling. "So why did you both spend all the money on a down payment for a place in Aurelia City?"

The room suddenly went quiet. I locked my gaze on my mom, but she didn't look up, just busy texting, spreading Emily's good news everywhere.

"Who would've guessed? Athena and I both ended up picking places in Aurelia City," my dad said.

"And what about me? Everyone's going to Aurelia City for Emily, so who's going to be with me in Arden City?" I asked.

"Just retake the exam and come to Aurelia City. Seriously, it's Aurelia City. Isn't it way better than that dump Arden City?" my mom replied.

I gripped the plate so hard my fingertips went pale, and each grape that hit the floor felt like another blow to my heart.

Seeing me standing there without a word, Emily's mother, Athena Carter, walked over and gently took my hand, her face gentle as she tried to comfort me.

She said, "Soph, your mom's right. Aurelia City is so much better than Arden City.

"You should prepare for your retake, and next year you can come to Aurelia City with us.

"After you graduate, you and Em can find jobs here, so we can all live together as a family."

She handed me the floor plan from the real estate agent on her phone.

"See, this is the apartment your mom and I picked out. We'll all live here together. This room is bright. Em already chose it. You can have the other one, alright?" she said gently.

I stared at the floor plan, unable to say a word.