chapter 2

The pain crept in slowly.

I could've shrugged off a friend's betrayal, but Shane had crossed that line, blurring the boundaries between friendship and something more. That made the cut deeper.

The day we agreed to transfer, he dragged me to a bar to celebrate our escape. The dim neon lights cast a hazy glow, and I couldn't tear my eyes off the guy I'd loved in secret for years. My heart raced, wild and untamed.

When he leaned in to kiss me, I didn't pull away. Years of bottled-up feelings surged, overwhelming me like a tidal wave.

Unable to hold back, I asked, "Shane, what are we now?"

He dropped a tender kiss on my forehead. "What else, silly?"

The bar exploded with cheers, mirroring the spark in my heart. But just two days later, his words shattered that fragile hope.

I laughed through my tears, the sound bitter. It looked like that flirty, vague answer was just another trick to shove me aside and make way for Esther.

The wind chimes in my bedroom clinked, the breeze drying my tears bit by bit. My broken heart began to mend.

Shane was wrong about us from the very beginning. He was just the Page family's illegitimate son, while I was the sole heiress to the Wiley empire.

We were never meant to be tethered together. We belonged to different worlds.

The transfer form in my hand was a wreck, the ink smudged by my tears, but it didn't matter.

I'd print a new one. The Wile family always had a backup plan.

I filled out a new form, pausing at the section for the new school. Then I called Pauline Wiley. "Mom, what's the elite school you mentioned before? Yeah, I'm going alone."

The wind chimes rang out, crisp and joyful, like they were cheering me on. I closed my eyes, and for the first time in years, Shane's face didn't haunt me.

Instead, I saw a guy who looked a little like him. Sharper and more striking, he flashed a cocky grin, just like he did two years ago. "Mark my words, Alice. You'll ditch Shane for me."

Back then, I thought he was just messing around. Now I was done with Shane.

I finished the form and heaved a deep sigh of relief. My heart was finally at peace.

Then came a knock on the door, startling me. I lived alone in this house, and except for me, only one person knew the passcode.

I opened the door, and there stood Shane, his voice as warm as ever. "You didn't show up to say goodbye to our friends. I was worried."

I kept my tone even. "My stomach's acting up, so I'm staying in."

As I moved to close the door, I caught a glimpse of someone behind him.

Esther, small and fragile, flinched when our eyes met. Shane noticed her reaction and pulled her close, his arm a protective shield. "Alice, you're scaring her."

There she went again, acting so timid, like I was some monster when I hadn't done a thing.

My expression hardened. "I told you, I don't want strangers in my house."

Shane's brow furrowed. "Esther's not a stranger. She came because she cares about you."

Before I could respond, Esther's eyes welled up with tears. "Alice, I'm sorry. I know you've always looked down on me, but I swear I shower every day."

She sniffled, all pitiful. "I won't mess up your house."

Shane glared at me. "Her family is not rich, but she's not what you think. You're really letting me down here."

Esther tugged at his sleeve, playing the bigger person. "It's okay, Shane. Don't fight with her over me."

She forced a teary smile. "She said you two go way back. How could I ever compare?"

"Don't say that," Shane murmured, cupping her face gently. "You're one of a kind."

Then he turned to me, his expression cold as ice. "Esther is upset. I'm taking her home. Reflect on your behavior. And don't forget to get your transfer form stamped."

He was right about one thing. I did need to reflect, but on my blindness.

I changed the passcode without hesitation. The knot in my chest loosened, like I'd finally exhaled a breath I'd been holding for years.