Before I could even process it, Sean’s voice cracked through the silence, full of nervous hope.
“Aria, this is everything I have. It’s all I can give. Will you give me a chance?”
I couldn’t breathe for a second, memories flooding back.
I remembered when we were kids, and our teacher handed us two candies as a reward. The ones Sean loved most.
I saw the way his eyes lingered on them, but he didn’t eat a single one. Instead, he handed both to me, like it was the most natural thing in the world.
That was Sean—always putting me first, always giving without hesitation.
I felt a lump rise in my throat.”I will.”
Love had always seemed like something just out of reach, like I could never really hold on to it.
I thought I could be okay alone, living with the scars.
But then I remembered my grandmother’s last wish, that I find someone who would love and care for me after she was gone.
Ryan? He wasn’t even close to being that person.
But Sean… If he were the one, I could finally rest knowing my grandmother’s wishes were fulfilled.
I heard the joy in Sean’s voice as he responded.
“Then I’ll wrap things up here and be back to marry you in two weeks. You’re not going to change your mind, right?”
His tone had that familiar, almost desperate edge. Like the boy I’d promised to marry when we grew up.
I smiled softly, tears brimming.”Let’s pinky swear on it.”
Just after we hung up, the door to my room flew open, startling me.
Mom stormed in, face tight with impatience.
“Where’s that sapphire necklace your father left you?”
I stayed silent, just staring at her, knowing whatever I said wouldn’t matter.
Her frown deepened.”What’s with the attitude? Your sister wants to borrow it for a few days, and you’re making it into a big deal. Just give it to her!”
Chloe was practically hanging off Mom, playing the victim with her sad little face.
“It’s fine, Mom. Sis has never seen me as family anyway. If she doesn’t want to share, I won’t make her.”
Mom’s eyes narrowed, her voice growing colder.”She wouldn’t dare refuse. That necklace belonged to your father, and I’ve decided it’s Chloe’s now. If you don’t hand it over, I’ll have someone search your room.”
I looked at her, my smile so bitter it almost hurt.
This wasn’t the mom I remembered. The kind, loving woman I once knew had disappeared long ago, replaced by… this.
But I was done. I wasn’t staying here much longer, and I wasn’t about to waste energy fighting over something like this.
Without a word, I grabbed the sapphire necklace from its velvet box and handed it to her.
Mom’s expression softened, satisfaction spreading across her face.
“That’s better. You’re the older sister, Aria. You should be setting an example and letting Chloe have the good stuff.”
As she turned to leave, Chloe quickly slipped the necklace on, looking at herself in the mirror, savoring the moment.
“Sis, don’t be mad at Mom for favoring me. Honestly, this necklace looks way better on me anyway,” she said, flashing a smug grin.
“Just like how Ryan’s way better suited to me than to you.”
Her tone was dripping with superiority as she leaned in, a smug glint in her eyes.”What’s mine will always be mine, and no one can take it.”
I didn’t bother responding. Engaging with her would only make her worse.
Instead, I grabbed my purse and walked past her, ignoring her as I headed down the stairs.
Of course, Chloe had to make a scene.
“Ah! Sis, why’d you push me like that—”
