Chapter 11
Ever since Sierra left, Chase couldn’t shake the hollow feeling in his chest.
It was a weird mix of anger, regret, and something he couldn’t quite name.
He was about to call her for the 28th time when Maddie showed up.
“Chase,”
” she said sweetly, “I got into a university near Columbia University. Looks like we’ll be in
the same place from now on. I hope we can take care of each other.”
The mention of Columbia University reminded Chase of something.
“I thought you said your whole family went on a vacation? Then why did Sierra end up going to school?”
That timing matched when Sierra had disappeared. He’d assumed she was on vacation with them.
It had never crossed his mind that she’d just… left.
And if she hadn’t gone, why had Maddie said the whole family did?
Maddie froze for a second, then quickly smiled. “The trip was something I won from a raffle at the mall. There were only three tickets, so I went with my parents.”
Chase frowned. “Why didn’t you just buy another ticket and take Sierra too?”
Maddie’s smile faltered. Her face dropped into a look of aggrieved innocence.
“I offered. But she said she had other plans and didn’t want to travel.”
“I had no idea she was actually leaving for college. She actually lied to us about something so big.”
Chase couldn’t put his finger on it, but something didn’t sit right.
Maddie tilted her head. “Why are you suddenly so concerned about my sister?”
Chase held her gaze steadily. “She’s the only student in our entire school who got selected for a dual–degree early admission program. I was just curious.”
Maddie blinked, then smiled again and moved a little closer. Her eyes were wide and dewy.
“Chase, I’ve thought it over. I’ve decided to say yes. I’ll be your girlfriend.”
“…What?” Chase paused.
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Her smile dropped slightly. “At the graduation party… you told me you liked me. Don’t tell me you’ve changed your mind?”
He hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “Alright. I’ll come meet your parents this weekend.”
If Sierra could leave without saying a word, he could move on with her sister.
When Sierra found out, she’d definitely try to come crawling back.
And maybe… he’d get a glimpse of where she used to live.
Maddie was caught off guard. She hadn’t expected Chase to agree so quickly.
“Huh? We just got together, and you already want to meet my parents?”
She knew Chase had always liked her, but it still felt unreal how fast things were moving.
Chase smiled faintly. “Meeting your parents is just part of taking things seriously. We’re adults now we can date like normal people.”
“And I want to get to know where you grew up. Helps me… tell you apart from your sister.”
Maddie giggled. “Oh, we’re totally different. Even my parents say we’re nothing alike.”
And just like that, they agreed on a family dinner that weekend.
Although Chase brought plenty of gifts when he came over, Mr. and Mrs. Hayes weren’t exactly
thrilled.
“Why would you bring a boy home who you just started dating?” her dad asked.
Maddie rolled her eyes. “You don’t get it. Chase’s family is loaded. His dad funded the entire school
library.”
“Once we’re both off to college, I’ll date him properly. We’ll graduate and get married–never have
to worry about money again. You won’t even need to help me find a job.”
Mr. and Mrs. Hayes exchanged a horrified look. “Maddie, how can you think like that?”
She huffed. “Come on. I’m way more mature than you think.”
To Maddie, Chase was the ultimate jackpot–there was no way she was letting him go.
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