Chapter 2

“As for you, Naomi…”

Arthur paused before waving his hand dismissively.

“You should go back to your room. Don’t come down unless it’s necessary. No point coming down and getting in everybody’s way.”

As they chimed in one after another, no one recalled that it was my big audition day.

It was a good thing this wasn’t new to me.

I changed into my house slippers, made a beeline upstairs, and closed my bedroom door, my gaze never straying from ahead. I sent a voice message to a pinned contact with a grayscale profile.

“Mom, I nailed the audition.

“The orchestra conductor said they have room in the dorms, so I’ll be moving over tonight.

“I’ll be on my own now, Mom. Don’t you worry.”

The text was sent successfully, but a reply would never come.

Out of habit, I took out my obsolete phone and texted myself a “you did great” emoji before packing my bags.

The lights downstairs were killed, and ten minutes later, a car pulled up outside the manor.

Out of nowhere, the party poppers went off with a bang, followed by a wave of cheers.

I zipped my bag, wrapped a scarf tight around my neck, and dragged my suitcase down the stairs.

Down in the living room, Caleb, never one for childish antics, spun Charlotte around in his arms.

“Charlotte, I knew you could do it!”

Staring intently, Tucker eagerly presented his gift.

“Charlotte, I had this bracelet specially picked up to celebrate you being cast in this weekend’s dance recital.”

“Don’t forget me!”

Rhys bumped him away with his hip.

“Charlotte, I know the rehearsals can be grueling for you. I bought you painkillers, just in case.”

Maddox and Arthur sat in a row on the side, their gaze dripping with affection.

Moved with emotion, Charlotte put her hand over her mouth.

“You’re all too good to me. If Naomi finds out, she’ll—”

Spotting me, Charlotte shifted her gaze and met my eyes.

“Naomi, you’re carrying a suitcase. Are you leaving?”

Silence hung heavily in the living room.

Charlotte ran up to me, her eyes welling up.

“I’m sorry, Naomi. I didn’t know Maddox would dump you in the middle of the road just to drop me off. It’s all my fault. Please don’t leave.”

Maddox scoffed. He looked away, seemingly upset because I ended things between us.

“Just leave her, Charlotte. I’m not surprised she’d play this lame game, considering how casually she throws around breakups.”

Arthur grimaced hard and glared at me.

“That’s enough. How many times do I have to tell you that Charlotte is family. You should be more accommodating instead of being so difficult over something so minor.

“Is this how I raised you, Naomi?”

I looked up and met his eyes with composure.

“It’s not something minor.”

I would not consider realizing my shared dream with my mother something trivial.

With that, I hauled my suitcase down the stairs.

Caleb marched upstairs and grabbed my suitcase.

“Stop this, Naomi. How do you expect Charlotte to live with this? If word gets out, people are going to think that Charlotte got you kicked out. Think about the damage you’ll do to her reputation.”

I pried open from his grip, my footsteps not stopping even for a second.

Tucker blocked my path at the landing, his tone disdained.

“Naomi, must you take things far? If you leave now, don’t expect us to come running after you.”

I walked past him, not even looking back.

As I neared the doorway, Rhys scoffed. His voice was loud enough for all to hear.

“Caleb, Tucker, just ignore her. Naomi is clearly not right in the head. She walks around with that long face as if the world is against her all the time.”