Chapter 1

Sigh...

That was all I could muster as my gaze landed on Anthony Lingston, my ex-boyfriend—a vision that seemed to shimmer in the sunlight.

His perfectly tousled hair looked almost ethereal, and he appeared charmingly attentive during Mrs. Grace's lesson, a sight far more captivating than the sixty-something-year-old teacher who should perhaps consider retirement.

Why hasn't she retired yet?

The school bell rang, signaling the end of class. Students hurriedly packed up their things with a burst of energy, while I moved at a much slower pace. The idea of heading to lunch held no excitement for me; in fact, I hadn't felt excited about anything in the past year. It's only the second week of my senior year, after all.

With my belongings gathered, I made my way toward the library. But fate had other plans. As I navigated the crowded hallway, I suddenly found myself airborne, tumbling amidst the throng of students. Those around me erupted into laughter, as if this were the most hilarious spectacle they'd ever witnessed.

"Aaaaw, is little Lillian upset?" Hazel, my former best friend, cooed mockingly, her entourage snickering behind her. She had tripped me, an act that she likely considered sophisticated.

Choosing to ignore her taunts, I began to pick up my scattered items. However, a sharp pain shot through my left hand, stopping me short. I stared down at it, watching as blood seeped from a wound. The agony was indescribable.

"Damnit! I got blood on my shoe!" Hazel huffed, inspecting her stiletto heel—the very one that had just pierced the back of my hand.

"It wouldn't have happened if this freak wasn't in our school!" Sierra, Hazel's sidekick, chimed in.

Hazel smirked. "You know what? You're right! Lillian should just do everyone a favor and disappear!"

I clutched my bleeding hand, the sting behind my eyes threatening to spill over into tears. But I wouldn't give them the satisfaction of seeing me cry; I bit down on my lip to hold back the emotion.

The crowd began to disperse, and it seemed even the gods had heard my silent plea as Hazel and her group left without further ado. Anthony followed Hazel out, not sparing me a glance.

Yes, Anthony is now dating Hazel—how cliché can life get?

No one offered to help me up or assist with gathering my belongings. With only one good hand, I struggled to pick everything up before finally making my way to the nurse's office. While I was no stranger to this place, I'd never come here with an injury like this. Nurse Cora's eyes widened when she saw me enter.

"What happened?" she asked, rushing to my side.

Unfortunately, that's when dizziness hit me. The room started spinning, and I felt myself swaying. I think I managed to utter a few words, but I couldn't be sure. The last thing I remember was darkness enveloping me.

"Lillian," a voice called softly.

My eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the brightness. My aunt stood beside me, looking worried, and next to her was a man I presumed to be my doctor. Attempting to sit up, I inadvertently used my injured hand for support, causing a sharp scream to escape my lips from the pain.

"I'm so sorry, Miss Izzy. Are you okay?" the doctor asked, concern evident in his voice.

It's almost like he expected me to say yes after such a question.

Despite the absurdity of the inquiry, I managed to mumble, "I'm fine."

"Lillian, what happened?" my aunt asked, her worry palpable.

"It's nothing," I replied hastily, but the look on her face told me she wasn't buying it.

She turned to the doctor. "Doctor Alyssa, may I please have a moment with my niece?"

"Of course, Mrs. Evans," the doctor said, excusing herself from the room.

"Lillian, I have some news for you. Whether it's good or bad depends on how you see it," she said with an uncertain expression.

I frowned. "What is it?"

"Theo and I can no longer take care of you, so your father has agreed to have you live with him. You'll be leaving in two days," she explained.

I felt numb, processing her words. She was right; this news could be seen as both positive and negative.

On the plus side, moving away offered a fresh start, a chance to mend my somewhat strained relationship with my father, and living with him would certainly provide more financial stability.

On the downside, my dad lived with his new family, we barely communicated, and he was often away due to work. The thought of starting over at a new school and being surrounded by strangers was daunting, and there was always the risk that my life there might mirror the challenges I faced here.

But life is about confronting challenges head-on, isn't it? I could do this.

With a hesitant nod, I accepted the change, bringing visible relief to my aunt. I understood her position; she and Uncle Theo had made significant adjustments to accommodate me after losing my mother, and none of us were fully prepared for such a loss.

Fortunately, I didn't need to return to school. My aunt allowed me to stay home for the next two days to pack. I wouldn't miss anything about this place; if anything, the idea of moving was growing more exciting by the day.

When my father's SUV pulled up outside my aunt's house, a knot formed in my stomach. We hadn't spoken since my mother's funeral, save for the occasional phone call, so my anxiety was understandable. I waited for the knock before heading to open the door. My aunt and uncle were still in the kitchen, engrossed in conversation.