Chapter 1

After graduation, the school's queen bee forced me into a bet with our grades as the stakes.

"Only the girl with the higher score is worthy of being Lucas's girlfriend!" she declared.

Lucas Everett heard this and let out a cold laugh. "Cut it out, Macy. You don't get to decide who I love!"

After saying that, he confessed his feelings to me in front of everyone.

I thought it was the beautiful echo of a secret crush. Amidst the cheers of our classmates, I blushed and said yes.

That night, he took me home, and we were inseparable for days.

Before submitting my college applications, I went to his house, wanting to pick the same university as him. But I accidentally overheard him on the phone.

"Macy, I've got the photos and videos ready, just like you asked."

Macy Quinn's giggling voice came through the line.

"You've worked so hard, Lucas darling~ We'll stream it live during the big assembly the day after tomorrow. I want to see how Sienna manages to get into those Ivy League schools then!"

"Lucas, you're not getting cold feet, are you?"

Lucas fell silent for a moment, but he eventually gave in.

"How could I? It's her own fault for being difficult. Why does she always have to have higher grades than you anyway!"

I dropped the custom-made ring I had bought for him and opened my email.

I clicked 'Accept' on the Yale admission invitation I had received a week ago.

When I got home, the house was empty.

Three years ago, my dad cheated, and my mom didn't hesitate to file for divorce.

Later, she wanted to take me abroad to start over, but I shook my head and refused.

Over the years, Mom often called to persuade me. "Sienna, the educational resources at schools over there are much better. I've already sorted your visa. What are you still hesitating for?"

"I want to stay here. I'm used to the schools here," I would always reply.

I acted like a sensible, independent daughter.

But I knew very well what was hidden under that mature smile. It was all the secrets of a teenage girl's heart.

All because Lucas Everett was here.

I dialed my mom's number.

She picked up quickly, her voice as warm and urgent as ever. "Oh, I've got the Yale invitation sorted for you. Why won't you listen to me, child?"

Listening to her voice, my heart felt like it was blocked by something heavy.

After a long silence, I spoke in a low voice. "Mom... I'm coming."

There was a clear pause on the other end, followed by uncontrollable joy.

"Really?! That's wonderful! I'll book your ticket for the day after tomorrow right now. You just need to head straight to the airport."

"Okay," I responded.

"By the way," Mom suddenly remembered something.

"You mentioned before that there was someone you wanted me to meet. Who is it?"

I froze.

At that time, I had just made things official with Lucas, dreaming of a future by his side.

I had planned to find the right time to introduce him to her, to tell her I finally had a reason to stay.

But now, there was no need.

"It's nothing," I said softly. "Just someone unimportant."

After hanging up, I looked down and zipped up my suitcase.

Just as I let out a long sigh of relief, the door lock clicked. I stiffened.

After we got together, I had given him a key.

He would come over to stay the night every now and then. Since then, this empty house had finally started to feel a bit more like a home.

"You're packing? Where are you going?" He stood at the door, his gaze landing on the suitcase by the bed.

I pretended nothing was wrong. "College is starting soon, right? I'm just getting organized early."

Hearing this, his eyes softened. "Sienna, you're always so thoughtful, preparing everything in advance. Being with you, I feel like I never have to worry about anything."

Then, he seemed to remember something and pulled a small velvet box from his pocket.

"But this time, I was even more thoughtful than you."

He opened the lid, revealing a silver necklace with a simple, delicate pendant. It was exactly the style I usually liked.

"Happy one-month anniversary." He smiled at me, his voice tender.

I hesitated and instinctively took half a step back. "This... you didn't have to."

"Why wouldn't I?" He stepped closer, his voice low.

"There's a class party tomorrow. It'll look great if we wear matching couple items. Let everyone know we're together."

I opened my mouth to say something.

He seemed to sense my hesitation and suddenly laughed.

"I know I can't afford anything super fancy right now... it's just a small thing. You don't hate it, do you?"

He paused, making a promise. "In the future, I'll buy you much better things."

Without giving me a chance to refuse, he moved behind me and fastened the necklace around my neck. His fingertips grazed my collarbone.