Their secret romance is soon discovered.
Eventually, Logan and I started feeling embarrassed for showing up so often.
But Julian just looked at me with that soft, steady gaze and said,
“What’s there to be embarrassed about? If you want, we can eat together like this forever.”
Back then, 1 believed him.
So when I turned eighteen and Dad brought up the idea of an engagement between our families, I said yes without hesitation.
I had it all mapped out in my head.
I wouldn’t even need to move after getting married–Julian lived next door.
My happily–ever–after was just one backyard away.
But the very next day, Dad brought home the daughter of an old friend. A foster girl named Harper.
And just like that, everything changed.
She always managed to insert herself when it was just me, Logan, and Julian.
She’d break my things and show up holding her hand, claiming I had hurt her.
She once spilled the milk Logan poured for her, then turned around and said, “It’s okay, Claire. I know it was an accident. I don’t blame
you
She cut up the brand–new clothes Dad had just bought her and cried, “Claire, I’m sorry. Please don’t be mad at me. I swear I’m not trying to take anything from you,”
She poured garbage all over herself. Then took a knife and scratched at her arms before running straight into Julian’s embrace.
“Julian,” she sobbed, “please talk to Claire. I can’t take this anymore. She’s turning the whole school against me. If this keeps up…I don’t know how much longer I can take it.”
Her tricks drove me insane.
I lost it. Finally snapped,
I couldn’t stay quiet anymore. I called her out, told them everything she’d done.
I thought the people who once swore to protect me would listen
But instead… they stood in front of her. Shielded her. And turned their backs on me.
“Claire, I’m so disappointed in you,” Dad said coldly. “I don’t know how I ended up with a daughter like you.”
Logan stapped me. Hard.
*You forgot how people used to treat you?” he shouted. “And now you’re pulling this crap on Harper? You make me sick. Get out!” Julian Held Harper like she might shatter.
Those yes that once saw only me now only had space for her.
“I didn’t think you were this kind of person, Claire,” he said quietly, “Maybe we need to reconsider the engagement.”
They didn’t care about my tears. Or my explanations.
They left. Took Harper to the hospital–just like they did tonight.
And froth that moment on, this house… had no place left for me
Chapter 5
It was past midnight by the time I finished packing.
Turns out I didn’t have much.
Everything I owned fit into a single small suitcase. The rest I shoved into bags and tucked in the corner, planning to leave a note for the housekeeper to toss them out later.
1 dragged my suitcase downstairs.
Right as I reached the entryway, I heard the front door open.
Dad, Logan, and Harper had just come back.
I froze in the shadows. They didn’t see me.
They were too busy talking.
“Good thing she didn’t eat too much,” Dad said. “The reaction wasn’t that serious. Still gave us a scare though.‘
“But Claire really went too far,” Logan muttered. “She needs to apologize to Harper. No excuses.”
Harper’s voice was soft, trembling like always. “It’s okay, I’m sure Claire didn’t mean to…”
“You’re too kind,” Logan cut in, his tone cold. “People like her? You don’t let that slide. You punish them properly.”
Then his voice turned casual, almost amused.
“Didn’t you always say you liked her room better than yours?”
“Let her give it to you,” he said. “Call it compensation.”
Dad frowned slightly, like he wanted to object.
But before he could say anything, Harper gasped, excited.
“Seriously? I can have it? Claire’s room has a big terrace I’ve always wanted that view!”
At that, Dad’s face relaxed. He didn’t say another word.
My eyes burned.
Why was I still hoping for anything?
This family had made if crystal clear: they didn’t care about me anymore.
I stepped out of the shadows.
Harper flinched, startled. The others looked up.
“If you want my room, Harper,” I said calmly, “it’s yours.”
She must’ve been too thrilled to lade it–her eyes flicked to the suitcase behind me and a smile almost slipped out.
But Lagen, who just moments ago was offering up my room like a party favor, suddenly scowled.
“Oh, so now you’re being garous? Don’t play the victim, Claire.”
“You really think we’d be okay letting Harper live under the same roof as you? After everything?”
“What if you hurt her again?”
“I’ll move into the dormis,” I replied without missing a beat.
The brief softness that had returned to his face vanished Instantly,
He glared at me.
“Whatever.”
Harper tucked herself behind Dad, looking small and nervous.
“Claire, please don’t be mad. I don’t want your room, really. I was just kidding.
I looked her dead in the eye.
“You don’t have to pretend,” I said flatly. “If I said you could have it, I meant it.”
“And you don’t have to worry–I won’t be coming back.”
The joy that lit up Harper’s face wasn’t even subtle.
But Dad’s expression darkened.
“You’re not coming back?”
“I thought Harper was exaggerating,” he scoffed. “But I guess not. So this is who you’ve become–barely graduated and already planning to run wild.”
“I can’t believe I wasted so many years raising you.”
“You’re just like your mother,” he snapped. “Useless and ungrateful”
His words landed like a punch to the gut.
Sharp. Cruel. Meant to hurt.
I swallowed hard, trying to breathe past the sting in my chest
“Dad, that’s not it. I’m only leaving because in two days, I’m-
“Save it,” he barked, cutting me off.
“I don’t care what you’re doing.”
“You want to leave? Then go. Don’t act like anyone here’s begging you to stay.”
“You were a mistake. I’ve got Harper now–and she’s a thousand times better than you ever were.”
I didn’t say another word.
I turned around, pulled open the front door, and walked straight into the rain.
I hadn’t even noticed when it started.
The cold hit me instantly, soaking through my clothes, making me shiver.
I hesitated for half a second–thinking maybe I could go back in and grab an umbrella.
but before I could even step back-
BANG
The door slammed shut behind me
From inside, I heard Logan’s voice, sharp with mockery. “Don’t bother coming back! Go crawl somewhere else when you realize no one gives a damu-
Collect
