I never expected this welcome.
I remembered Noah and Luke showing up after my exams last time, but all the attention was on Chloe.
I was always overlooked.
This time, someone had planned a celebration for “me“. It was touching.
Jack leaned against a car, his figure tall and lean. He looked at me, his handsome features more serious than usual, less languid. I bit my lip and walked towards him.
Jack’s gaze was warm.“Congratulations. It’s finally over.”
Andrew waved a banner enthusiastically.“Alice, this is my surprise for you! Do you like it?”
I laughed, a little shyly.“Thanks, it’s a bit much.”
“The more the merrier! Better than some insincere people showing up with just a bouquet of flowers, right?” Andrew knew how to deliver a subtle burn.
I saw Noah approaching from across the street, carrying flowers. Last time, Noah had brought flowers… for Chloe
Noah crossed the street, his expression hopeful.“Alice, I wanted to park here, but all the spots were taken. I had to park across the street.” He hadn’t expected this.
Andrew teased.“If they really cared, they would’ve come early, not at the last minute. No sincerity. Right, Jack?”
Jack said calmly, “People who think apologies are so grand probably wouldn’t understand.”
Noah’s face was strained.
Chloe ran out.“Noah, you’re here! The flowers are beautiful!” She ran to Noah. Noah looked awkward; he only had
one bouquet.
He coughed, bypassing Chloe to reach me.“Alice, congratulations on finishing your exams!”
I looked at the flowers. “Thank you, but give these to Chloe. People might think you favor me over Chloe, who’s
adopted.”
Noah felt a familiar chill.“These are for you. I’ll get Chloe flowers later!”
“No, Chloe has been so kind to me. Her father saved my life! How can you be so biased? If there’s only one bouquet, it should be for Chloe!” My tone was calm but firm.
Noah froze. He’d said those exact words before. Whenever there weren’t enough things to go around, I always gave way. A sharp pain stabbed at his heart. He’d been incredibly wrong!
He stammered, “Alice, I used to…”
“The past is the past. You have to move on,” I said breezily.“I have a class reunion tonight. I’ll go.” I went to Jack.“Give me a ride!”
Jack looked at me, saying nothing, opening the car door for me. The red sports cars sped off.
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Noah wanted to stop me, but his feet felt heavy. My words echoed in his mind, like knives piercing his heart.
Menu
Chloe watched the cars leave, seething with jealousy. How did that school nurse have so much money? I was good at getting favors.
Chloe said unconvincingly, “Noah, don’t be angry. Alice will understand. She’ll cool down.”
“You don’t understand!” Noah felt I wouldn’t forgive him.
Luke arrived. “Noah, the exams are over. I booked a restaurant. Let’s celebrate.”
Chloe nodded.“Great, let’s go.”
Luke looked around.“Where’s Alice?”
Chloe, forcing a smile, said, “She left with the school nurse. I don’t know how he rented so many cars. Quite a
show.”
Luke’s face turned grim. “Noah, why didn’t you stop her? The exams are over, but you let her run wild!”
Noah looked distressed. “Yes, the exams are over.” I had said to move on. Was I leaving the Welch family?
Luke had hesitated before coming, but he’d missed me. Noah couldn’t accept this. He turned. “I have some business to attend to. You guys go ahead.”
“Noah, aren’t those flowers for Chloe?”
Noah gave the flowers to Chloe. “Sorry, Chloe. Good luck on your exams.” He was flustered. He’d only bought one bouquet to avoid appearing biased.
Chloe accepted the flowers, feigning gratitude.“Thank you, Noah. I’m grateful to have grown up here. I’ll move out after college so Alice won’t be upset. I know my place.”
Luke said, “Chloe, don’t be silly. You’re our sister! We’ll make up with Alice. It’s not your fault!”
Chloe lowered her head, looking vulnerable.
Noah said, “Your brother’s right. Stay here, don’t worry.” Noah left, feeling overwhelmed. He’d actually considered Chloe’s suggestion. That wasn’t fair to her. There must be another way to win me back. We were family, bound by
blood!
I sat in the passenger seat, enjoying the wind. Jack stopped at a red light.“Text me after your reunion.”
“I’m going home,” I said calmly.“It’s time to end things.” My plan was to leave after the exams. I didn’t want to stay a moment longer.
“How?”
I smiled. ‘I’ll cause a scene and leave. So they’ll stop haunting me.”
Jack rested his hand on the steering wheel. I wasn’t as weak as I seemed. My patience with the Welchs was to avoid affecting my exams. I was clever. Unfortunately, they misunderstood, thinking I was just throwing a tantrum.
Jack dropped me off at the restaurant. After the reunion, I took a cab home.
The butler was shocked to see me.“Miss Alice, why are you back?”
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Memu
This is my home. Is that strange?” I retorted, going to my room. I found Chloe’s things there!
The butler explained, “Miss Chloe’s room leaked, so she stayed in yours. Noah said you’re both girls, you wouldn’t
mind.”
I looked cold. I threw Chloe’s bedding and belongings into the hallway.
The butler was shocked and angry.“Miss Alice, how could
