I tried everything to make her stay.
The money I'd saved wasn't a fortune, but it was enough. Even if we had to start over somewhere else, she wouldn't have to struggle.
She blocked me anyway.
For months after, I drifted through life in a fog, guilt eating me alive. I couldn't give Lily the security she needed. I couldn't keep her.
But the scene in front of me now? A slap to the face.
The moment Lily spotted me, surprise flashed in her eyes and she quickly looked away. But Lucas grabbed her arm and dragged her over.
"Alex." He grinned. "I've been meaning to tell you for a while now, just didn't know how to bring it up. Don't be mad, okay?"
He paused for effect.
"Lily and I are the real deal."
Rage exploded in my chest. My fist was already swinging toward his face when Lily stepped between us.
"Enough, Alex!" She glared at me. "Is this how an older brother acts? You can't just hit Lucas!"
I stood there, trembling. "Why... why would you—"
She was quiet for a few seconds. Then: "Because you're a castaway. Lucas is the one your parents actually care about. The future heir."
That sentence hit like a blade carving out a piece of my heart.
I hurt so much I laughed.
Love. Family. None of it holds up against cold, hard advantage.
Serena started to argue back, but I stopped her. Grabbed her arm. Turned and walked away.
Words were useless now.
The only thing that mattered was proving them wrong—who goes further, who rises higher, who's still standing at the end.
"Alex."
Lucas's voice followed me. "Tomorrow's my inauguration banquet. You'd better be there."
He caught up and handed me an invitation, smirk tugging at his lips.
It clicked.
This wasn't a chance encounter. He'd planned it. Why else would he have an invitation on him?
"Sure." I took it. "I'll be there."
I walked away without looking back, a cold smile forming on my face. Once we were in the car, I turned to Serena. "I need a favor."
"Relax." She patted her chest. "Tomorrow's already handled."
We exchanged a look and smiled.
No words needed. We were on the same page.
The next day, I arrived at the hotel where my father was hosting Lucas's inauguration banquet.
The guests hadn't shown up yet.
When my parents, Lucas, and Lily saw me, their expressions turned ice-cold.
"Hmph." My father's voice dripped with contempt. "Look at how thoughtful Lucas is—he even invited you. And you? All you know how to do is fight over petty jealousy like some lovesick woman."
My mother chimed in. "Apologize to your father and Lucas, and we'll let the past go. This is your last chance. Don't be ungrateful."
They weren't even surprised about Lily and Lucas.
So that's how it was. Back then, when they blocked me from studying abroad—it was never about money. They were clearing the path for Lucas.
"Alex." Lucas's smile was dripping with mockery. "There's no grudge a family can't get over. Just swallow your pride."
Lily nodded beside him. "Being VP was already your parents acknowledging you. You should be grateful."
I listened to their self-righteous bullshit and smiled.
"Who said I came for the banquet?"
My parents froze. Then they snorted, like I'd lost my mind.
That's when the sound of cars flooded in from outside.
"Go."
"Don't worry about this unfilial son. Let's go greet the guests."
Harold snorted heavily, then led the whole family to greet the guests.
All the city's social elites had come. But they all stood at the entrance and didn't walk into the hotel.
Harold was stunned. "What are you all waiting for? Come in!"
The crowd still didn't move.
"They're waiting for me to agree."
I slowly walked to the entrance.
