Chapter 5
“Enough. Happy birthday.”
Inside was a pair of earrings.
I remembered the photo Elowen posted yesterday-her diamond necklace. The pendant was from the same collection. These earrings were clearly the leftover half of a set.
I pinched them between my fingers, looked up, and smiled brightly.
“Thank you, they’re beautiful. But I don’t have pierced ears.”
A flicker of embarrassment crossed his face.
“Then get them pierced. It’s worth it for something this nice. Imagine how good they’ll look on you at graduation.”
Pierce my body to fit a gift.
The irony made me want to laugh.
I placed the earrings back in the box, my smile easy and casual.
“Alright. I’ll think about it.”
I’ll think about how to give you a real surprise at graduation.
Graduation day finally arrived.
I sat in my gown among the outstanding graduates, but my eyes couldn’t help drifting to the
corner.
And there they were-the two shadows I’d fought so hard to escape. My parents.
Caius stood before them, whispering low and urgent.
He had really called them here.
I dug my nails into my palms, grounding myself with pain, forcing calm.
Then Caius approached me. His face wore that gentle smile I once believed in. He clasped my hand warmly.
“Why are your hands so cold? Nervous?” His tone was soft, reassuring. “Don’t worry. Today you’re the star. I’ll capture your most glorious moment.”
His act was flawless. If I hadn’t known better, I might have fallen for it again.
When it was my turn, I rose and stepped onto the stage beneath the glaring lights.
Elowen, today’s host, tracked me with resentful eyes. When I finished my speech, she glanced at Calus. A silent signal passed between them.
Then she smiled sweetly into the microphone.
“Please wait a moment, Serene. I heard your parents are here today. Everyone, let’s welcome them to the stage to share this honor!”
Applause erupted. Dozens of eyes swung toward the audience.
Elowen leaned close, her voice sharp enough for only me to hear.
“Sister, do you like this surprise?”
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45.5%
3:35 pm P p pp.
My breath caught.
And then my parents surged forward, storming the stage like unleashed beasts.
“You unfilial daughter!”
3:35 pm Pppp.
