- 5 hours ago
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00:05I had a family of four and a boyfriend, yet I was entirely alone.
00:11To my parents and brother, I was just a tool to pave the way for my pampered twin sister.
00:17To my fiancé, I was just a shadow, while he showered my sister with the love and gifts that belonged
00:23to me.
00:24I thought the Columbia acceptance letters was to be the moment Lucas slipped a ring onto my finger
00:29and my parents, for once, actually acknowledged my existence.
00:32However, on the day college acceptance letters were released, I clutched my laptop and rushed into the living room.
00:38Mom! Dad! I got into Columbia! I'm actually going to New York with Ethan and Lucas!
00:45The living room was completely empty.
00:49My parents, my brother, and my fiancé secretly jetted off to New York to celebrate my twin sister's fake success,
00:56leaving me behind without a word.
00:59A glossy Columbia muck on the count sat, a gift from Lucas last year.
01:03His voice echoed in my head.
01:05Get into Columbia, babe, and I'll take you to every single romantic spot this city has to offer.
01:11I had made those words, my entire world, surviving countless all-nighters,
01:16but now, that mug was shoved aside.
01:19Beneath it, three printed flight confirmations.
01:22My mother, my father, and my twin sister, Chloe.
01:26Aided Tamsin, JFK, New York.
01:29My fingers went totally numb as I opened Instagram.
01:33Ethan, my older brother, had just posted a reel.
01:36He was wheeling Chloe's suitcase through the terminal, grinning at the camera.
01:40Welcome to NYC, princess.
01:42Time to go conquer your pre-college program.
01:46Lucas was standing right there, beside them, handing massive bouquet of blush pink pawnees.
01:50Chloe looked up at him through her lashes, biting her lip.
01:53Do you think Claire's gonna hate us for leaving her behind?
01:57Claire's fine.
01:58Missing one trip isn't gonna kill her.
02:01A sick chill seeped straight into my bones.
02:04The city I had ruined my health to reach, and they had already shut me out.
02:09Right then, my phone buzzed.
02:12My mother had finally realized she had another daughter.
02:16Keep your Columbia news out of the family chat group.
02:19Chloe is finally happy.
02:21Don't ruin it by making it all about you.
02:23Before I could even catch my breath, and another text flashed across the screen.
02:28Babe, you already got into your dream school.
02:30Don't start drama and steal her spotlight over this.
02:33My hand shook, knocking the Columbia mug off the counter.
02:35It shattered against the tile.
02:37I crouched down and picked up the shards.
02:40I didn't cry.
02:42Suddenly, New York felt miles away.
02:44Far enough that I didn't want to go anymore.
02:48Ethan's voice cut through the phone, backed by the noisy hum of the airport terminal.
02:52Claire, what's the code to the pink suitcase?
02:560521.
02:57May 21st.
02:59Chloe's birthday.
03:00Mine too.
03:01But in our house, that date had only ever belonged to one person.
03:06Over the line, a sharp click signaled the lock giving way, followed instantly by Chloe's whining voice.
03:12Ugh, Ethan!
03:13My sunscreen literally exploded everywhere!
03:15My whole bag is ruined!
03:17Relax, sweetie.
03:18I'll just get Luke's to take you to replace it.
03:20Ethan soothed her over the line, his tone sickeningly indulgent.
03:24Suddenly, the phone was ripped away.
03:27Claire, why are you ignoring my FaceTimes?
03:29Look, Chloe's doing her prep program here, and New York rents are insane.
03:32Sign over that $20,000 check you got?
03:34I needed to lock down a luxury apartment for her.
03:37I walked to the bathroom and turned the fauceter on full blast, letting the creasing water numb
03:41my fingers.
03:42I already spent it on tuition.
03:44The line fell completely silent.
03:46When Lucas spoke again, his voice had dropped to absolute zero.
03:50Claire, pick a better lie.
03:52Columbia hasn't even billed you yet.
03:56We all know you're just holding on to that check.
03:59He spoke with the absolute arrogance of a guy who genuinely thought he owned my entire
04:03life.
04:04Chloe is fragile, Claire.
04:06You've always been the strong one.
04:08Columbia's dorms are amazing anyway, so it's not like you're going to suffer.
04:10Can't you just let your sister have this one thing?
04:12I grabbed a towel, slowly drying my hands.
04:15I spent it, Lucas.
04:19Spent it on what?
04:21Shopping.
04:23Claire!
04:25Lucas snapped, his composure completely evaporating over the line.
04:29Since when did you get this selfish?
04:32Chloe didn't get accepted, and she's been crying for days.
04:36As her sister, instead of showing some compassion, you're seriously being this petty over a check?
04:41I looked at my reflection in the mirror.
04:43My expression was dead calm.
04:47So you all just left for New York without telling me.
04:52I spoke softly, but Lucas heard me anyway.
04:55He let out a sigh.
04:56We didn't tell you because we knew you'd totally overreact.
05:00Look, you got into Columbia.
05:01You're the pride of the family.
05:04Chloe is just really insecure right now, and we wanted to give her some support.
05:08You're strong.
05:10What's the big deal about staying home alone for a few days?
05:13I just listened.
05:15So that was it.
05:16In their eyes, my success was a sin.
05:19Because I was strong, I didn't deserve to be coddled.
05:22I didn't deserve to be celebrated.
05:25I didn't even deserve the grant I had worked so hard to earn.
05:29I get it.
05:30Lucas took my quiet tone as instant compliance, his voice softening into a low purr.
05:35Good girl.
05:36Just transfer the money to your mom if she stops stressing about the apartment.
05:39I gotta go.
05:40Chloe wants to grab cupcakes at Magnolia Bakery.
05:43Bye, babe.
05:46The line went totally dead.
05:49I didn't send the money.
05:51Instead, I walked back to my bedroom.
05:54Opened my laptop and logged into the application portal.
05:58Aside from Columbia, another official acceptance was sitting in my private inbox.
06:03From a top architecture school in California.
06:07It was over 2,000 miles away.
06:10No Manhattan luxury.
06:12No Lucas.
06:13I clicked open the page.
06:15The cursor hovered between decline for Columbia and accept for California.
06:19Holding the mouse, I declined Columbia without hesitation.
06:21I chose the West Coast School and secured my design grant safely inside a personal account
06:25completely out of their reach.
06:27Click.
06:28Confirm.
06:29I closed the laptop.
06:30I turned around, opened the wardrobe, and pulled out my suitcase.
06:33I began packing my clothes piece by piece.
06:36The outfits I had bought specifically New York were shoved right back into the deepest corner
06:39of the closet.
06:40California would be warm.
06:42I wouldn't be needing them anyway.
06:43My phone buzzed on the bed.
06:45Mom had sent a photo.
06:47Chloe was wearing a new necklace from Lucas.
06:49A radiant smile on her face.
06:51The caption read,
06:53Chloe is much happier today.
06:54I didn't reply.
06:56I just put the chat on do not disturb.
06:59Three days later, the front door was pushed open.
07:02The living room was instantly filled with the sound of laughter.
07:06New York is so muggy and hot right now.
07:09The pollution completely ruined my skin.
07:12I'm breaking out already.
07:13Mom complained, kicking off her shoes.
07:15Ethan followed right behind her, loaded down with shopping bags.
07:18As long as Chloe had a good time, Mom.
07:20Honestly, she's been in such better spirit since we got there.
07:22I sat on the sofa, holding a book.
07:24The moment their eyes landed on me, the laughter died instantly.
07:28The entire living room turned ice cold.
07:31Mom frowned, her gaze sweeping over the clean coffee table.
07:34Claire, we're exhausted from the flight and starving.
07:36You didn't even bother to have dinner ready for us?
07:38I closed the book and stood up.
07:40There's food in the fridge.
07:42Mom glared at me and walked past me.
07:44Chloe peeked out from behind Ethan, decked out in a signer dress and rare limited edition sneakers.
07:49The ultimate New York trophies.
07:50She lowered her head, her voice cracking with unshened tears.
07:55Claire, please don't be mad at Mom and Ethan.
07:58I'm the one who begged them to come to New York with me.
08:01If you're going to hate anyone, hate me.
08:05Why are you apologizing, Chloe?
08:07Who does she think she is to be mad at you?
08:09He turned to me, his gaze sharp.
08:11Lose the attitude, Claire.
08:12She's about to start a pre-college program and she's already under so much pressure.
08:15Can't you be a supportive sister for once in your life?
08:17I looked at my own brother.
08:19Since we were kids, it was always the same.
08:22The moment Chloe cried, I was automatically the one in the wrong.
08:25Mom walked over, holding her glass of water.
08:28Then where is the money, Claire?
08:31Lucas told you to transfer the money for Chloe's apartment.
08:35Why haven't you done it?
08:37Chloe literally cried herself to sleep last night because she missed out on that beautiful place.
08:43I looked at my mother's entitled face.
08:46I bled for that grant.
08:47I spent countless all-a-nights drafting and trashing designs until my hands bled.
08:52Why the hell should I just hand it over to her?
08:56Mom slammed the glass down hard onto the coffee table.
08:59Because she's your sister.
09:01You got into an Ivy League.
09:03You'll have no problem making money down the road.
09:06But Chloe doesn't have it as easy as you do.
09:09She needs a head start.
09:11Is it really so much to ask for you to help your own sister?
09:15Right then, Lucas walked in.
09:17He was holding a Sikh silver box.
09:19It was the latest drawing tablet.
09:20One I'd been eyeing for six months but couldn't bring myself to buy.
09:24I was a design major.
09:25I needed it.
09:26Lucas had promised it to me as a graduation gift if I got into Columbia.
09:30Chloe, here's the tablet you wanted.
09:33Oh my god, Lucas!
09:35You are literally the best!
09:37Lucas ruffled her hair.
09:38His eyes full of affection.
09:40I stood there, staring at the silver box.
09:43Lucas turned to look at me.
09:45Claire, your old tablet still works fine.
09:47And I just started at the firm, so cash is a little tight right now.
09:50Don't be petty.
09:51I'll get you a new one next year with my bonus.
09:54He always had a way of delivering the cruelest blows in the gentlest tones.
09:57I just nodded calmly.
09:59Okay.
09:59I won't be petty.
10:01Lucas paused.
10:02In the past, I would have fought him through tears.
10:05He thrived on my jealousy.
10:07Loved seeing me hurt over him, just so he could toss me a bone and pretend to be the savior.
10:12But today, I said nothing.
10:14I just turned and walked toward my bedroom.
10:23Well, at least she's finally learning to shut up and know her place.
10:27Leaning against the closed door, I looked down at my packed suitcase.
10:32Inside were only a few old clothes and my old tablet, its screen already covered in cracks.
10:39It didn't matter.
10:41California is bathed in sunshine.
10:43I no longer needed their artificial light.
10:48The celebration dinner was set for the weekend.
10:50They booked the entire ballroom at the city's most exclusive country club.
10:56The welcome sign at the entrance read an elegant creole.
10:59Congratulations, Chloe, Columbia University prep program.
11:02And at the very bottom, my name was squeezed into the corner like an afterthought.
11:06And congrats it to Claire.
11:08The font was so small, it was barely legible.
11:11The relatives streamed in one after another.
11:14My parents stood at the entrance.
11:16Their faces glowing with pride.
11:19Aunt Beatrice walked over, holding Chloe's hand and praising her endlessly.
11:25Oh, Chloe, sweetie, I'm just thrilled for you.
11:28You know how impossibly hard it is to get into that Lumbia prep program.
11:34But of course, with Lucas pulling strings for you, nothing is impossible.
11:40Turning around, she spotted me sitting in the corner and offered a dismissive smile.
11:45Oh, and good job to you too, Claire.
11:48Now that you'll both be in New York, remember you're the older sister.
11:52It's your job to look after Chloe and make sure she has everything she needs.
11:56I looked down at the ice water in front of me and said nothing.
11:59The banquet ticked off.
12:01Dad stepped to the front, clinking his champagne glass to command the room before opening with a toast.
12:06Chloe glided onto the stage, soaking in the attention the stunning designer dress Luca had bought her.
12:11Thank you, Mom, Dad, Ethan, and most of all, Lucas.
12:15She blushed, looking at Lucas at the main table.
12:19I honestly wouldn't be standing here today without Lucas' encouragement.
12:22He never stopped believing in me, even when I wanted to give up.
12:26The room erupted into thunderous applause.
12:31Knowing glances passed among the guests, shifting between the two of them.
12:36Lucas sat at the main table, a slight smile on his face.
12:40I sat at a side table on the very edge.
12:42My table mates were distant relatives who rarely visited.
12:46They sipped champagne and lowered their voices in discussion.
12:49It's so weird.
12:52Claire got a full ride to an actual Ivy League school, and they barely blink an eye.
12:57But they throw this massive party for Chloe's prep program.
13:03Oh, please.
13:05Chloe is the pretty, sweet one.
13:08With her looks, she's guaranteed to land a millionaire down the road.
13:12I think Lucas definitely has feelings for her.
13:15Right, we might share the exact same face, but I'll always be the spare.
13:20I took a bite of smoked salmon from the buffet plate.
13:24Very salty.
13:27The club servers wheeled out a three-tier cake.
13:30Lucas walked up to the stage and took the knife.
13:33He took Chloe's hand, and together they sliced the first piece.
13:37Plate in hand, he walked straight over and looked down at me.
13:41Claire, Chloe insisted you get the first slice.
13:45She feels bad because you've been throwing a tantrum all week.
13:48Just take it.
13:50Everyone is watching, so don't ruin her night.
13:54I looked at the cream-covered slice of cake on the plate.
13:57On stage, Chloe was watching me expectantly.
14:00I didn't pick up the fork.
14:01I don't like sweets.
14:03Lucas's jaw tightened instantly.
14:05Do you really have to do this right now?
14:08Just then, Chloe ran over, holding up the hem of her dress.
14:13Claire, please don't be mad at me about the drawing tablet.
14:16I didn't know Lucas bought it for you first.
14:20I'll give it back to you, I promise.
14:23Please just don't hate me.
14:24As she lieged for my hand, her elbow violently clipped the table edge.
14:29The plate tipped it, and the frosted cake splattered brutally across the pristine white dress.
14:35I'm sorry, Claire!
14:36She covered her mouth, stepping back.
14:39Ethan rushed over instantly and shoved me away, shielding Chloe in his arms.
14:44She was just trying to do something nice for you, pushed her?
14:47I stumbled back, a dull ache.
14:51I didn't even touch her.
14:53Cut the crap, Claire!
14:54It's just a stupid dress!
14:57Chloe didn't mean to do it!
14:59Mom hurried over too, glaring at me fiercely.
15:03You just couldn't let her have one good day, could you?
15:08You always to find a way to ruin everything!
15:11Looking at the ruined dress and the permanent stain, I felt the final string snap inside me.
15:17None of this mattered anymore.
15:18I didn't go to the restroom.
15:20Instead, I picked up my canvas-toed bag from the back of the chair.
15:24Don't worry, I won't ruin your precious family moment anymore.
15:27I'm leaving.
15:33Claire!
15:34Lucas' voice came from behind.
15:36I didn't stop, walking straight out the club doors.
15:39Lucas caught up and grabbed my wrist.
15:40Get back inside, Claire.
15:42Don't do this.
15:44Everyone is looking at us.
15:45You are not going to ruin Chloe's night over a little drama.
15:48I stopped and turned to look at him.
15:50His shirt was slightly disheveled, messed up from when he was protecting Chloe just now.
15:55My dress is ruined, Lucas.
15:58So go sponge it off in the bathroom.
16:01It's not the end of the world.
16:02When did you become so bitter and vindictive?
16:04As it turned out, I wasn't even allowed to be upset over my own ruined dress.
16:08I'm not washing it.
16:10In fact, you can keep the dress.
16:14I'm done with it.
16:16I'm done with all of you.
16:17I pried his fingers away, one by one.
16:20Lucas stared at his empty palm, his brow fertling deeper.
16:23Where are you going?
16:26Home.
16:27I raised my hand, flagging down a passing yellow cab.
16:31As the car pulled away, Lucas' figure grew smaller and smaller in the rearview mirror.
16:36Two days later, moving day arrived.
16:38From the crack of dawn, the entire house was turned upside down.
16:41A small mountain of Chloe's luggage blocked the living room.
16:43At least seven or eight oversized suitcases.
16:46Ethan meticulously cross-checked her packing list.
16:49Did you grab your winter coat?
16:50New York winters are no joke.
16:52Yeah, yeah.
16:53I got it.
16:55I walked out of my bedroom, dragging a small suitcase.
16:58No one noticed me.
16:59Lucas pulled up out front and immediately came up to help,
17:02making trips back and forth with Chloe's bags,
17:04until the trunk and back seats were packed with Chloe's things.
17:07I stood at the foyer.
17:08Lucas wiped the sweat from his forehead, walked over, and looked at my luggage.
17:13Claire, the car's completely packed, and you barely have anything anyway.
17:18Just catch an Uber to the airport and grab the next flight.
17:23Text me when you land, and I'll pick you up once everything's all settled, alright?
17:26Ethan chapped in from the driveway, crossing his arms.
17:29Yeah, Claire.
17:31You've always been independent.
17:32Not like Chloe, she gets totally lost without a GPS.
17:35My fingers tightened around the handle of my suitcase.
17:38Then, slowly, I let go.
17:41Okay.
17:42Lucas gave my hair a patronizing ruffle, looking pleased.
17:46Good girl.
17:47I'll make it up to you with a nice dinner once you get to the city.
17:50They crowded around Chloe and went downstairs.
17:53The house fell completely quiet.
17:55I checked my phone screen.
17:57On the app, my digital ticket gleamed.
18:00A one-way flight to California, boarding in two hours.
18:03At 3 p.m., the gates of Columbia University were bustling.
18:07He looked down at his phone.
18:09No new message.
18:12Frowning, he dialed my number.
18:15Your call has been forwarded to an automated voice-digging system.
18:19Lucas kicked a pebble on the ground in frustration.
18:24Claire's still not here?
18:26Straight to voicemail.
18:28Lucas schnaffed.
18:30She's definitely throwing a fit and screening my calls.
18:32She's being completely impossible lately.
18:35Honestly, just ignore her.
18:36Once she gets lost in the city, trying to haul all her luggage by herself, she'll come crawling back to
18:41us, crying.
18:42Lucas stared at the passing crowd.
18:44His gaze locked onto every single girl stepping out of a taxi.
18:49Meanwhile, 3,000 miles away, California was bathed in brilliant golden sunshine.
18:55Dragging my small suitcase, I stood in the orientation center.
18:59Forney's top heart artist me of school.
19:01Welcome to Califere.
19:02Go ahead and sign the welcome wall right over there.
19:05Under the freshman section, architect, texture to design, I signed my name.
19:11Claire.
19:14I held out my phone for the orientation volunteer to scan my UR code, trading it from dorm key and
19:19student ID.
19:20The volunteer flashed a bright smile.
19:22Hey, need a luggage cart to haul your stuff to your dorm?
19:25No, thank you.
19:26I can manage.
19:27Pulling my suitcase down the shaded walkway, I turned my phone on.
19:30The screen was instantly flooded with missed calls and message notifications.
19:34On iMessage, Lucas had sent over a dozen urgent texts.
19:37The first one was relatively calm in tone.
19:40Did you land yet?
19:41I'm going to the airport to pick you up.
19:43By the third text, he was growing impatient.
19:45Didn't reply.
19:46Instead, I unlocked my dorm door.
19:48Started carefully wiping down the desk and chairs.
19:51And made my bed.
19:52It wasn't until 8 that evening, after a shower, that I sat at my clean desk and finally dialed Lucas'
19:58number.
19:58So you finally remembered a call?
20:00Where the hell are you?
20:01I checked the arrivals board and that flight landed an hour ago.
20:03You're not at the terminal!
20:05Did you even get on the damn plane?
20:06In the background, I could hear Chloe crying.
20:08Lucas, is Claire doing this because of me?
20:11I held the phone a little further away.
20:14After he finished yelling, I spoke calmly.
20:16I'm not in New York, Lucas.
20:18Dead silence on the other end.
20:19When Lucas spoke again, his voice dropped to a manising hiss.
20:23Are you kidding me?
20:24You applied to Columbia.
20:25If you're not in New York, where are you?
20:26You think you own the university?
20:28You can just decide not to go?
20:29I rejected Columbia and accepted an offer in California.
20:33I already finished orientation at 3 o'clock this afternoon.
20:36I looked at the brilliant California night view outside my window.
20:40My tone completely unruffled.
20:41Impossible!
20:42Lucas blurted out, his tone full of disbelief.
20:46How many all-nighters did you pull for New York?
20:48How could you possibly go to California?
20:50Stop lying, Claire.
20:51Are you hiding out in some sketchy New York hotel, playing hard to get, just so we'll
20:56come begging for your forgiveness?
20:57He was still absolutely certain I was playing hard to get.
21:01Before I could even open my mouth, Ethan tore the phone from Lucas, his fury exploding
21:06through the speaker.
21:07Claire, have you completely lost your mind?
21:10Are you throwing away your future just to compete with Chloe?
21:13California is halfway across the country.
21:15You are dropping out right now, packing your bags, and reapplying to transfer back here next
21:20year.
21:20Listening to his arrogant commands, I couldn't help but find the whole thing utterly hilarious.
21:25Drop out?
21:26Reapply?
21:27Ethan, this school's architecture program is top three-er nationwide.
21:31The degree carries just as much weight as Columbia's.
21:33Why should I drop out?
21:34Didn't you all accuse me of stealing Chloe's spotlight?
21:36Well, now I'm 3,000 miles away.
21:38She can shine all she wants.
21:40There's no one left to compete with her.
21:42It's nice.
21:42Peaceful.
21:43Even.
21:44You.
21:44Ethan was choked up, unable to speak.
21:47The phone went back to Lucas.
21:48He seemed to finally realize I wasn't joking.
21:51His breathing grew heavy.
21:52Claire, do you have any idea what you're doing?
21:54Are you treating your future like a joke just to spite us?
21:58Do you think if you go to California, we'll feel sorry for you?
22:01In his coldest tone, he delivered his final ultimatum.
22:04I'm telling you, get your ass back here right now, and I'll let this slide.
22:09But if you insist on staying in California, don't you dare come crawling back to me when
22:13you crash and burn!
22:14I lowered my eyes, looking at the brand new textbook on my desk.
22:18Fine, I won't.
22:19I pulled up his contact and hit block, cutting him out of my life in a single tap.
22:24The motion was fluid, without a shred of hesitation.
22:26Next was Ethan, then my parents, and finally Chloe.
22:29I erased every single way they could ever reach me.
22:32Done with it all, I let out a long breath.
22:35New York was freezing anyway.
22:36I didn't want it anymore.
22:38Three months passed in a flash under the warm California sun.
22:43Without the endless criticism and toxic comparisons, I felt lighter than I ever had before.
22:48I joined the department's design studio and ranked first in my major among the freshmen.
22:53My advisor recognized my potential early on, and put me in charge of a major corporate-sponsored
22:59project.
23:00Between the studio and the library, my days were packed, but deeply fulfilling.
23:05On weekends, I would grab coffee in the neighborhood with my roommates and watch the sunset at the
23:10beach.
23:10The names Lucas and Chloe no longer existed in my world.
23:14Meanwhile, in distant New York, life didn't seem so easy.
23:17At least, that was the gossip trickling down from my old high school cosm eggs.
23:21Chloe's pre-college life was a disaster.
23:24Pampered her whole life, she lacked basic survival skills, she was constantly at war with her
23:29roommates.
23:30And academically, she was dead last, completely failing to keep up with her classes.
23:36At first, Lucas and Ethan patiently cleaned up after her, doing her homework and bribing
23:41her roommates with designer bags to keep the peace.
23:45But over time, Chloe's tantrums only escalated.
23:48Between her demands and his own crushing workload, Lucas's patience was wearing paper-thin.
23:55The first snow of the New York winter fell heavily.
23:58Lucas had a high fever.
24:00Lying in his apartment bed, he hibbitually called out toward the door.
24:05Claire, get me some water.
24:07The room was dead silent.
24:09There were no footsteps, no glass of water at just the right temperature, and no girl who
24:14would stay by his bed aside all night, reminding him to take his medicine on time.
24:18Lucas snapped his eyes open, looking at the empty room with a splitting headache.
24:22He reached for his phone, subconsciously clipped on my number, and sent a text.
24:26I have a fever.
24:27A stark red exclamation mark popped up next to the bubble.
24:31Beneath it, the words read,
24:32Not delivered.
24:33Lucas stared at the red icon, his heart skipping a violent beat.
24:37A sudden, suffocating mix of irritation and panic tightened around his chest.
24:42Three months.
24:43He genuinely believed Claire was just throwing a tantrum to get his attention.
24:48That once reality hit her and she couldn't hack it on her own, she'd come crawling back.
24:52But she hadn't.
24:53Not only was she not back, she had erased herself from his world completely.
24:58The door was pushed open, and Chloe walked in, bringing a wave of cold air with her.
25:03She held a cup of iced milk tea in her hand.
25:05Lucas, are you feeling any better?
25:08My roommates were being total bitches to me again today.
25:12Can you go give them a piece of your mind tomorrow?
25:14She didn't even notice how pale he was, too wrapped up in her own whining.
25:19Looking at her, a memory of how Claire used to take care of him suddenly flashed through Lucas' mind.
25:24Quiet, meticulous, never complaining.
25:26Get out.
25:27What?
25:27Chloe froze.
25:29I said get the hell out!
25:30Lucas roared, shocked and terrified.
25:32Tears welled up in Chloe's eyes.
25:34She slammed the door and fled.
25:37Forcing himself to sit up, Lucas opened a booking app and bought the earliest flight to California.
25:43I'm just going to see how miserable she is.
25:45As long as she swallows her pride and apologizes, I'll throw her a bone and bring her back to New
25:50York.
25:51He still genuinely believed he held all the cards.
25:54The winter sun in California still carried a gentle warmth.
25:57With no classes in the afternoon, Ryan, my project partner, walked beside me, helping me carry a heavy box of
26:03model-making supplies.
26:05He smiled brightly.
26:06Claire, your design idea for the building facade is brilliant.
26:10Seriously, we have to celebrate.
26:12Dinner's on me tonight.
26:13Sure, but it's a deal.
26:15Next time is on me.
26:16We headed together towards the campus gates, discussing the modeling details.
26:20The moment we stepped outside, the smile froze on my face.
26:24Lucas stood under a tall tree.
26:26He wore a thin black overcoat.
26:28He looked like a completely different person from the perfectly groomed, arrogant Ivy League elite he used to be.
26:34When he saw me, his eyes lit up instantly, and he strode towards me.
26:38His gaze locked onto the scant inches between Ryan and me, his brow furrowing deeply.
26:43He stepped forward, habitually reaching out to grab my wrist.
26:46Claire, are you finally done throwing your little tantrum?
26:50Pack up your things.
26:51We're heading back to New York.
26:53His tone was still that of a master giving orders, as if I were a lost pet,
26:57and all he had to do was snap his fingers for me to wag my tail and crawl back in
27:02gratitude.
27:02I took a step back, calmly evading his hand.
27:05Lucas's hand froze midair.
27:07He looked at me, a flicker of disbelief passing through his eyes.
27:11Claire, what the hell is this?
27:14I looked at him, my gaze like that of someone looking at a complete stranger on the street.
27:18Sir, you've got the wrong person.
27:21Lucas's face contorted with rage.
27:23His voice boomed as he pointed an accusing finger at Ryan.
27:26The wrong person?
27:28Stop playing games, Claire.
27:30Did you throw away your entire future and come to this garbage school just for some guy?
27:35Do you have any idea how much the family is suffering because of you?
27:40Chloe cries herself to sleep every night.
27:43How can you be so damn heartless?
27:45Ryan stepped up, completely body blocking me from Lucas.
27:48Look man, I don't give a shit who you think you are.
27:51Lower your voice and back the hell off.
27:53Right now.
27:54Blinded by fury, Lucas lodged forward and shoved Ryan's chest.
27:58Get the fuck out of my face.
28:01This is none of your business.
28:03I grabbed Ryan's arm and pulled him back, stepping directly into Lucas's line of sight.
28:08His face was contorted with rage.
28:10Lucas Vance.
28:11Chloe is crying because her live-in maid walked out and she has no one left to clean up after
28:16her.
28:16Mom and dad are tearing each other apart because they finally realize their precious little princess is completely useless, right?
28:22And you?
28:23I looked him up and down.
28:24You flew across the country because the moment you got a fever, you realized there was no one left to
28:29fetch you a glass of water?
28:30Am I right?
28:31Lucas froze, looking as if I'd just ripped the air right out of his lungs.
28:35His lips popened, but he couldn't form a single word.
28:37He thought I knew nothing.
28:39In reality, I saw through everything.
28:41Claire, I didn't...
28:42His voice suddenly turned dry.
28:44The anger in his eyes replaced by a tress of panic.
28:47Keep it that way.
28:48Go back to New York, Lucas.
28:50Don't ruin California for me.
28:51Let's go.
28:52I brushed past him without another glance.
28:54Lucas just stood there, staring after me as I walked away.
28:57In that moment, the truth finally sank in.
28:59My eyes held no bitterness, no anger, and no regret.
29:02Only pure, unadulterated indifference.
29:05I was truly, completely done with him.
29:08News of Lucas's miserable failure in California made its way back to New York.
29:12But my family barely had time to process it.
29:15A much bigger disaster had just exploded right on their doorstep.
29:18Chloe had been caught flagantly plagiarizing her final portfolio for the pre-college program.
29:23She hadn't just stolen a classmate's design blueprints.
29:26She'd outsourced her entire physical model to a paid freelancer.
29:29Instead of apologizing, Chloe threw a fit in the dean's office and physically assaulted a pregnant professor.
29:35She was arrested on the spot.
29:37Columbia kicked her out of the program instantly, and the entire meltdown was posted on sidechat,
29:42making her a campus-wide laughing stoat.
29:44She was now facing a felony trial.
29:46My family's golden child was officially a criminal.
29:49My parents and Ethan were in a complete panic.
29:52They pulled every string and sought every connection they could,
29:55only to hit dead ends everywhere.
29:57Desperate and out of options, they finally remembered my existence.
30:01Their disposable biological daughter was suddenly valuable,
30:04now that I was the star student of a top-tier program in California.
30:08Two days later, my parents and Ethan showed up at a diner across from my campus,
30:12looking hammy and exhausted after a panicked cross-country flight.
30:17Having not seen them for three months, I noticed they looked ten years older.
30:21Mom's hair was a mess, her eyes red and swollen.
30:23Ethan had lost every ounce of his usual arrogant swagger, looking utterly defeated.
30:28Claire, you have to save Chloe.
30:30She's just a child. She didn't mean it.
30:32You're the top student here. You must have connections.
30:36Pull some strings, please.
30:37I coldly pulled my hand back, pulled out a tissue, and wiped the spot she had touched.
30:42I'm just a student. I don't have that kind of ability.
30:45Ethan grew anxious and slammed his hand onto the table.
30:48Stop playing dumb, Claire.
30:50The assistant dean she pushed?
30:51She was your lead professor during the Columbia Summer Studio, right?
30:54She adored you.
30:56Go apologize to her and take the fall for Chloe.
30:58Looking at Ethan's self-righteous face, I couldn't help but laugh out loud.
31:02Take the fall for her?
31:03Ethan, are you out of your mind?
31:12Claire, we're family. If Chloe is ruined, our whole family is finished.
31:16You've always been the responsible one, Claire.
31:18I am begging you as your father, just make this one sacrifice for the family.
31:22Suffer a little? The smile completely faded from my face.
31:26I pulled out my phone and hit play on an audio file, one I'd recorded outside their bedroom the day
31:30college decisions dropped.
31:31Mom's voice cut through the cafe, crystal clear.
31:34Since Claire got a full Ivy League ride, she'll survive just fine.
31:38Poor Chloe is so far behind, only getting into the prep program.
31:42Once they're in New York, we'll make Claire look after her and hand over her scholarship money to Chloe.
31:46Claire's tough anyway, it won't hurt her to struggle a little.
31:50The recording finished playing, and a dead silence fell over the cafe.
31:53The exact second you booked those flights to New York and left me behind, you ceased to be my family.
31:58Chloe is a monster of your own making.
32:00You brewed this poison? Now choke on it, never look for me again.
32:04I turned on my heel and walked out.
32:05Behind me, Mom disrupted into hysterical sobs while Ethan screamed profanities, but I didn't look back once.
32:12With steady, un-yearling steps, I walked out into the bright California sun.
32:18The Sinclair family completely fell into chaos.
32:20The professor refused to drop the civil suit.
32:24Facing catastrophic damages and astronomical legal fees,
32:28my parents had no choice but to short-sale their suburban home for pennies on the dollar just to stay
32:34out of bankruptcy.
32:35Unable to breathe in the suffocating ruins of their home, Ethan had an explosive blowout with our parents.
32:40He dropped out of college and fled out of state, working dead-end jobs just to survive.
32:46As for Lucas, he completely broke down.
32:48He returned to New York, only to find he could no longer focus on anything.
32:53He went back to our old neighborhood, trying to find some trace of the past in my old room.
32:59But he found the room completely empty.
33:01Except for a bed and a desk, there was nothing left.
33:05A few days later, he received a large FedEx box.
33:07The sender was Claire from California.
33:10With trembling hands, he opened the box.
33:12Inside was everything he had given me over the years.
33:15Cheap hair clips, plush toys he had bought on a whim, and that old drawing tablet he had used to
33:20brush me off.
33:21At the very bottom of the box lay an envelope.
33:23Lucas opened it, and a pile of shredded paper pieces fell out.
33:27It was a note he had written to me in high school.
33:30When you get into Columbia, we'll get married.
33:33Lucas dropped to his knees, staring at the remnants of his own empty promises.
33:37He covered his face and broke down into violent, shaking sobs.
33:41He finally understood.
33:42What he had lost was a girl who would never look back.
33:46The heaviest rainstorm of the year was battering California.
33:49Inside the studio, I had just put the finishing touches on my final design blueprints.
33:54My phone rang.
33:55It was the RA on duty at the front desk.
33:58Claire, there's a guy outside the main entrance, standing dead in the pouring rain, demanding to see you.
34:04Honestly, he looks like he's about to collapse.
34:06Do you want to come down?
34:08I sighed, grabbed a black umbrella, and went downstairs.
34:12I stepped outside to find Lucas soaked to the bone.
34:16Rain water streamed down his face and into his eyes.
34:19But he didn't even blink.
34:20His gaze entirely fixed on me.
34:22The moment he caught sight of me, he lunged forward.
34:26Claire, you're finally willing to see me.
34:29His eyes were red, his voice sounding utterly broken in the rainstorm.
34:34I was wrong, Claire.
34:35God, I was so wrong.
34:36I should have protect you.
34:39I'll cut Chloe out of my life permanently.
34:42I'll do whatever it takes to treat you right.
34:45Please, just come home with me.
34:47He tried to reach out and grab the hem of my clothes.
34:50I stood under the umbrella, not a single drop of rain touching me.
34:55Looking at his wretched state, I didn't even feel a trace of pleasure from revenge.
35:00I only felt a sense of pity.
35:02Lucas, you're too little, too late.
35:05Your regret means less than nothing to me now.
35:07I handed him an umbrella, dropping it at his feet.
35:11Save the tears for someone who cares.
35:13Because right now, you just disgust me.
35:17With that, I turned around to go back, without a shred of hesitation.
35:21Lucas stared at the black umbrella on the pavement,
35:24before collapsing into the mud, utterly broken.
35:27The terrestrial rain poured down, drowning out his disdesperate sobs.
35:32With that, I closed the door, permanently shutting him and his rotting world out of my life.
35:37Three years later, early summer in California brought a gentle breeze.
35:42Wearing a well-tailored business suit, I stood in front of the city's largest landmark building.
35:47This was the first completed project I had helped design.
35:50As the youngest lead designer at a premier architectural firm,
35:53I had just bagged the industry's most prestigious Rising Star Award.
35:57Next month, I'd be heading to Europe on a highly coveted research fellowship.
36:02Before leaving, I returned to my hometown one last time
36:05to finalize the financial severance and sign the legal documents
36:09that would permanently untangle me from them.
36:13The streets of my hometown were still run down.
36:16I walked out of City Hall,
36:18holding the notarized independent legal documents in my hand.
36:22From now on, I had absolutely no legal connection to that family anymore.
36:27As I walked to the corner of the street, I stopped in my tracks.
36:31Near the entrance of a budget dollar store, I spotted three people
36:34who were at once intensely familiar and entirely unrecognizable.
36:39My parents' hair was gray, their backs hunched,
36:43arguing with the shop owner over a difference of a few cents.
36:46Chloe was blowed and unrecognizable in cheap, ragged clothes.
36:49She dragged a dirty toddler along, her expression completely vadent,
36:54as she watched the cars pass.
36:56I heard that she later hooked up with a street thug,
36:58got pregnant out of wedlock, and the man ran off,
37:01leaving her to be supported by her parents.
37:03And on the other side of the street,
37:06a man in a yellowed white shirt was leaning against a wetility pole, smoking.
37:11It was Lucas.
37:13He didn't graduate.
37:14Due to chronic treancy and failing grades,
37:17he was expelled by Columbia University.
37:20The former golden boy now had nothing left his eyes,
37:23but a hollow, lifeless void.
37:25He seemed to sense something and turned his head in my direction.
37:29The moment our eyes met,
37:31the hand Lucas held his cigarette with shook violently.
37:34The cigarette slipped from his trembling fingers,
37:36burning right through his worn-out shoe.
37:38He didn't even flinch.
37:39He wanted to look away in a panic,
37:41yet couldn't help but stare at me.
37:45My parents and Chloe followed his gaze and looked over.
37:49They saw me.
37:50They saw my exquisite makeup,
37:52my expensive watch,
37:53and the confidence and composure radiating from me.
37:56It was the very brilliance they had exhaust themselves trying to give Chloe,
38:00yet had personally stolen from me.
38:02Mom's cracked lips moved,
38:04as if she wanted to call my name.
38:06Chloe instinctively hid her hands behind her back,
38:08trying to cover her rough skin.
38:10Lucas took a step forward but stopped dead in his tracks,
38:14his eyes instantly turning red.
38:16Regret, despair, and pain intertwined into a comical picture on their faces.
38:21I looked at them.
38:22There was not a single ripple in my heart.
38:24If I were looking at underrated strangers,
38:26I didn't gloat,
38:28and I didn't say a single word.
38:29I simply turned away,
38:31stepping into the car waiting for me at the curb.
38:33As the car door closed,
38:34I heard a deeply expressed sob from behind,
38:36but I didn't look back.
38:37As the car pulled away smoothly,
38:40the rundown scenery of my old hometown flashed the window,
38:43fading into irrelevance.
38:45My phone vibrated.
38:47It was a message from Ryan.
38:49Claire, the celebration dinner for tonight is ready.
38:52Everyone is waiting for you.
38:53Staring at the message,
38:54I couldn't help but smile.
38:56Sunlight poured through the window,
38:57spilling over the back of my hand,
38:59pleasantly warm.
39:00I replied with a smiley face.
39:03On my way.
39:05Ahead was a vast, clear sky that belonged entirely to me.
39:10The restaurant downtown was warm and lively.
39:13The firm's partners raised their glasses,
39:15celebrating my upcoming European fellowship.
39:18Sitting among people who genuinely valued my work,
39:20I finally felt like I belonged.
39:23To our newest design partner and fellowship recipient.
39:26Cheers, Claire.
39:27You earned this.
39:28Thanks, Ryan.
39:30Honestly, it still feels a bit surreal.
39:33I took a sip of my wine.
39:34For the first time,
39:36a celebration felt entirely real.
39:38There was no hidden agenda,
39:40no guilt trips,
39:41and no family drama hanging over my head.
39:44Here, my hard work was met with respect,
39:46not resentment.
39:49Ryan slid a small, heavy box
39:51across the white tablecloth.
39:52A little parting gift for your travels.
39:55Open it.
39:57Inside was a sleek, matte black fountain pen
40:00with my initials neatly greffed near the cliff.
40:03Let's sketch your masterpieces with while you're over there.
40:06Just don't forget about us back in California
40:08when you make it big.
40:11Never.
40:11You're stuck with me as a partner, remember?
40:15We laughed,
40:16the sound easy and light.
40:18Later that night,
40:19I took a break from finishing my packing
40:21and stepped out onto the balcony.
40:24My luggage didn't feel like an afterthought anymore.
40:27It was packed with blueprints,
40:29tools,
40:29and a future I had built myself.
40:31I looked out at the dark horizon.
40:34The girl who used to cry over a shattered Columbia mug was gone.
40:39I had built my own foundation,
40:41and this time,
40:42it was rock solid.
40:44Six months later,
40:46London was cool and overcast.
40:47My fellowship at the Royal Institute was demanding,
40:50but every hour spent at the draft table
40:51felt incredibly fulfilling.
40:53The professors treated me with professional respect,
40:55taking an interest in my concepts for urban housing.
40:58One evening,
40:58my laptop buzzed with an eager if unknown address.
41:00I clicked it open.
41:01It was from Ethan.
41:02He must have made a new account to get past my block.
41:04Claire,
41:05please don't delete this.
41:06Mom is sick,
41:07and the medical bills are getting outhand.
41:10Chloe's baby needs basic supplies
41:11we can't dream of affording.
41:13I'm pulling 12-hour shifts at Warehouse,
41:15and my back is completely shot.
41:16Just send whatever cash you can spare, Claire.
41:18We're still family.
41:19I stared at the screen,
41:21waiting to feel that old,
41:22familiar wave of panic or guilt,
41:24but nothing happened.
41:26I felt completely detached.
41:28I didn't fire off a furious reply,
41:30nor did I waste an ounce of energy feeling angry.
41:33I simply right-clicked,
41:35hit block sender,
41:37and purged the message permanently.
41:42Right after my phone buzzed with a text from Ryan,
41:45showing the latest updates on our project in California.
41:47The foundation is poured, Claire.
41:49It looks fantastic.
41:50When are you heading back?
41:51I smiled,
41:52typing a quick response.
41:54Next month,
41:55get the coffee ready.
41:55I closed my laptop,
41:57and looked out the window at the city.
42:00They wanted me to fix the mess they made,
42:02but I was focused on my own life now.
42:07Back across the ocean,
42:09a cold rain beat against the windows of a cramped two-bedroom apartment.
42:14My mother sat at the kitchen table,
42:17her hands worn from her shifts at the local grocery store.
42:21My father sat opposite her,
42:23staring at an architecture journal a neighbor had passed along.
42:25On the center spread was a feature article about my work,
42:29titled,
42:30Claire Sinclair,
42:31Redefining Urban Design.
42:33Mom's voice trembled as she stared at the photos.
42:36Look how elegant she is, Arthur.
42:38She looks so genuinely happy.
42:39We exiled our only successful child,
42:43all to cater to a giant mistake.
42:46Right then,
42:46the bedroom door flew open.
42:49Mom!
42:52The baby won't stop crying,
42:54and we're out of formula.
42:56Why haven't you gone to the store yet?
42:58And why is it so cold in here?
43:00Turn the heat up!
43:01Mom looked up,
43:02her expression completely exhausted.
43:06Because we don't have the money for it, Chloe.
43:13Then get a hold of Claire.
43:15She's swimming in cash now.
43:17Force her to give us a handout.
43:20Dad slammed his palm onto the table,
43:22sending the magazine fluttering to the floor.
43:26Shut the hell up, Chloe!
43:30She is never going to help us,
43:32and she is never coming back.
43:35The apartment fell completely silent,
43:37heavy with the realization of the choices they had made.
43:42On the other side of town,
43:43the neon sign of a quiet dive bar
43:45flickered against the wet pavement.
43:47Lucas sat at the counter,
43:49staring into his glass.
43:50He looked haggard,
43:52a far cry from the confident,
43:54sharp Ivy League golden boy he used to be.
43:57The door opened,
43:58and Ethan walked in,
43:59looking worn out after a long day at the warehouse.
44:02He sat down on the stool next to Lucas.
44:04You look exhausted, man.
44:06Lucas let out a quiet sigh,
44:08taking a drink.
44:11I saw her, Ethan,
44:13a few months ago,
44:14right before she left for Europe.
44:16She looked right through me.
44:18It was like I didn't even exist.
44:20Ethan stared at his hands,
44:22his voice dropping.
44:23I emailed her last week,
44:25begged her to help Mom out with the bills.
44:27She blocked the new account within minutes.
44:29Lucas swirled his drink slowly.
44:33Remember when we left her behind for New York?
44:37We told her she was strong enough to handle it on her own.
44:40Ethan rubbed his face.
44:43Don't do this now, Lucas.
44:45She took us literally, Ethan.
44:47She became so independent that she completely outgrow us.
44:50We built the armor she's using to shut us out.
44:52He pulled a faded photo from his wallet,
44:54a picture of them from high school,
44:56back before everything fell apart.
44:58She's really gone, Ethan.
45:00Ethan remained silent.
45:02He just stared at the photo,
45:04finally accepting that the sister they had cast aside
45:07had built a life light years out of their miserable reach.
45:11The next two years passed in a rewarding routine
45:13of hard work and monumental growth.
45:16I finally returned to California,
45:18stepping off the plane into the warm sunshine.
45:21Our firm had expanded significantly,
45:23and my name was now etched on the glass doors of our office.
45:27Ryan met me in the lobby,
45:29holding two iced coffees and a set of finalized prints.
45:32Welcome back, partner.
45:34Ready to see the finished project?
45:38Let's go.
45:41We drove down to the coast where the new cultural center stood.
45:45It was exactly what I had envisioned,
45:47a clean, modern structure of steel and glass
45:51looking out over the Pacific.
45:54I stood in the main atrium,
45:57looking up at the skylight
45:58as the afternoon sun poured through.
46:01Ryan walked up beside me,
46:03handing me my coffee.
46:05The city is thrilled with the result, Claire.
46:07You did an incredible job on this design.
46:10We did it together.
46:13I smiled, taking a sip.
46:15There was no anxiety left in my chest,
46:17no lingering bitterness about the past.
46:19My life was stable and fulfilling.
46:21I had built a career through my own effort,
46:24surrounded by people who respected me.
46:26The family drama that once consumed me
46:28now felt like a story about a complete stranger.
46:30I had left their broken choices in the dust,
46:33finally free to live the beautiful,
46:34real life I had built for myself.
46:37The grand opening of the cultural center
46:39was an absolute triumph.
46:41The room was filled with clients,
46:43city representatives and colleagues,
46:44all raising their glasses
46:45to toast the completion of the project.
46:47I stood at the microphone,
46:49keeping my remarks brief.
46:51Good architecture is about building spaces that last.
46:55Thank you all for trusting the design
46:57and making this project possible.
46:59The room applauded
47:01as I stepped down.
47:03After speaking with a few clients,
47:04I walked out onto the quiet terrace
47:07to look at the city lights.
47:09Ryan joined me.
47:13Excellent turnout tonight.
47:15You're going to be very busy
47:17with new projects after this.
47:19That's exactly what I'm hoping for.
47:21I pulled out my phone to check the time,
47:22my eyes briefly catching a glimpse
47:24of an old archived folder in my cloud storage.
47:26I realized I hadn't thought about Lucas,
47:28Chloe or my parents in months.
47:29Their choices no longer had any impact on my life.
47:32They were stuck living out the consequences
47:33of their broken choices.
47:34While my eyes were fixed firmly on the horizon,
47:37Ryan raised his glass to me
47:38under the clear night sky.
47:39To the next project, Claire.
47:42I clinked my glass to his,
47:43a profound sense of peace settling over me.
47:46To the next project.
47:48The path ahead was wide open
47:50and it belonged entirely to me.
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