Chapter 2

2

Ten minutes later, I finally composed myself and walked in.

The private room was warm. Sienna was wearing a light blue dress, and my brother, Jasper, was peeling grapes for her.

Sienna's eyes lit up when she saw me, and she flashed a bright smile.

"Wren! You're finally here!"

She stood up, looked around the room, and then pretended to look troubled.

"Oh no, my friends just arrived and took all the seats. I'm so sorry, there's no place for you."

Jasper didn't even look up as he spoke.

"There's a folding stool by the door. Just sit there."

I looked down and realized there really was a small stool by my feet.

If I remembered correctly, that was where the waiters sat while waiting for orders.

"That's not very nice…"

Sienna looked like she felt bad, but a glint of triumph flashed in her eyes.

She was doing this on purpose.

Quentin saw that I wasn't moving and frowned.

"What, you're too good for a stool now?"

"Everyone has been waiting for you forever. Are you going to keep throwing a tantrum in front of everyone?"

The others in the room began to look at me with impatience.

I looked at the dining table. Most of the food had already been eaten. They were just waiting for the final celebration.

Luckily, I hadn't expected much anyway.

"Fine. I'll sit."

I spoke calmly and sat down under everyone's gaze.

Quentin looked surprised for a moment, but his expression soon returned to normal.

The room quickly became lively again. Jasper pushed in a massive birthday cake.

Quentin immediately set off the party poppers he had prepared.

"Happy Birthday!"

Everyone gathered in a circle, clapping and cheering.

I sat to the side, watching them. Suddenly, a wave of sadness hit me.

Three days ago was my birthday. They said they were busy, so I ate alone at the restaurant I had booked months in advance.

When the clock struck midnight, I whispered "Happy Birthday" to myself.

It wasn't until I checked social media that I realized they were busy setting off fireworks for Sienna.

They shared the cake among themselves and didn't even think of me.

I don't know how long I sat there before Quentin handed me a tiny slice. I was surprised and whispered a thank you.

He spoke casually.

"In a few days, we're taking Sienna on a surprise trip."

"Since you're not doing much at school anyway, help us plan the itinerary."

"We're a bit short on cash this time, so we'll take you another time…"

Before he could finish, I wiped the smile off my face and spoke softly.

"It's okay."

Quentin stopped talking, looking at me in disbelief.

"Are you serious?"

What did it matter? It was just another time being abandoned.

The two of them had started a business together, and it was doing better than ever. Yet they told me they were short on cash.

The truth was, they just didn't want me there.

In the future, I could go on my own trips. I didn't need them.

Even Jasper walked over and stared at me, as if he didn't believe a word I said.

"You agreed too fast. You're not planning to ruin the trip, are you?"

I looked him in the eye.

"I mean it."

"Go and have fun with her. Go for as long as you want. I can wait."

"How many days are you planning to stay? I have―"

"Shut up!"

Quentin's face darkened with irritation.

"Stop pretending. I'm warning you, don't try anything funny."

I sighed, my voice remaining steady.

"I'm really not. Besides, I'll be leaving for a secret research program soon."

Quentin looked at me with suspicion.

"Do you think lying about that will make me cancel the trip?"

I swallowed the second half of my sentence: "I won't be coming back."

Sienna happened to run over then, grabbing Quentin's arm.

"What are you guys talking about?"

Quentin's expression immediately softened. He smiled and rubbed her head.

"She agreed to help us plan our trip."

"Really? That's amazing!"

Sienna gave me a hug.

"Thank you for making my wish come true, Wren!"

Then she grabbed Quentin and Jasper, leading them back to the crowd.

"Since everything is settled, let's go! Let's go play some games!"

The three of them laughed together, walking away hand-in-hand without looking back.

As I walked out of the room, the last thing I heard was Sienna's cheerful voice: "We'll be together forever!"

I suddenly thought back to three years ago. My parents had died in the line of duty, and their bodies were never found. Jasper and I only received their clothes.

Quentin had held me while I almost fainted from crying.

"It's okay. You have me and your brother now. You'll never be alone."

Jasper had held our hands and said, "Yeah. We'll always be together."

They were liars.

My nose stung, and I began to walk faster.

Once I was outside the hotel, I found a deserted corner and curled up, sobbing quietly.

It's okay.

I'll feel better after I cry.

I'll let all the emotions out now, and then no one will ever be able to hurt me again.