"Once you enter the Chimera Project's facility, you will be completely cut off from the outside world for five years. Are you sure?"

I looked up, meeting the gaze of my university mentor, Dr. Alistair, my eyes firm.

"Professor, I've made up my mind."

I would rather do something meaningful in a desert facility in Utah than remain their disposable pawn.

Five years was long enough for me to forget them.

Just then, my phone rang, its sound jarring in the quiet office.

The caller ID read: Grayson.

My fingertips went cold, and my breath hitched in my throat.

Dr. Alistair saw my reaction and smiled gently. "No rush. Take your time. We can talk when you're ready."

I took a deep breath and swiped to answer the call.

Grayson's urgent voice came through the phone.

"Aurora, where are you? I was wrong today. I shouldn't have disregarded your feelings and left you alone at the wedding."

His voice was low and gentle, the same tone he used to soothe me when I was upset.

Before, my resolve might have wavered.

But now, all I felt was a profound weariness.

I spoke softly, my voice unnervingly calm. "Did you find Dahlia?"

A beat of silence on the other end.

"I did. She just had a bit of a meltdown, but she's fine now."

"That's good."

I replied coolly, saying nothing more.

Grayson seemed relieved and quickly added, "Your parents were just overly anxious today and said some harsh things. Don't take it to heart. Come back to the house in Connecticut for Thanksgiving dinner tonight. I've had the chef make your favorite dishes."

I agreed. "Okay."

I would treat it as a last supper. A formal farewell to this whole ridiculous mess.

That evening, the Sterling family mansion in Connecticut was ablaze with lights.

My parents and Grayson sat around the long dining table, their attention focused entirely on Dahlia, who was seated at the head of the table.

"Dahlia, dear, you must have been so scared. Here, eat more."

My mother placed a large piece of turkey on Dahlia's plate, her eyes brimming with motherly concern.

Grayson chimed in, "She's right. Don't run off like that again. You had us worried sick."

Dahlia smiled sweetly. "I'm a grown-up. You don't have to treat me like a child."

Then, she deliberately offered me a platter of roasted scallops.

"Aurora, the chef made these especially for you. You should have some, too."

I stared at the seafood platter, not moving.

My mother slammed her fork down.

"Dahlia was kind enough to offer you food. What's with that look on your face?"

I looked up, my voice steady. "I have a severe shellfish allergy."

At my words, Dahlia's eyes immediately reddened.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, Aurora. I had no idea you were allergic to shellfish."

Seeing Dahlia's wounded expression, my mother's face turned ashen with rage.

"Aurora Sterling, do you ever tell the truth? Eat it. Right now. Let's just see how allergic you really are."

Her voice was sharp and piercing, just like when she had called me a monster at the wedding.

Grayson frowned at me. "Aurora, Dahlia meant well. Just try one. Don't spoil the mood for everyone."

Try one?

They seemed to have forgotten that the last time I accidentally ate shellfish, I went into anaphylactic shock and ended up in the emergency room.

So, in their eyes, my life was worth less than a few of Dahlia's perfectly timed tears.

I said nothing more. I just put down my fork, pushed back my chair, and retreated to my old room upstairs.