I didn’t reply. I just set his messages to Do Not Disturb.

But Caius still found me.

His face was stormy as he seized my wrist.

“Serene! How long are you going to throw this tantrum? We were all celebrating your birthday. Elowen even came specially. What more do you want? You’re really walking out over five thousand dollars?”

Looking at his furious, twisted face, I only felt drained.

“Caius, I have thirty-five dollars left in my digital wallet. Do you think I care about birthdays right now? I can’t even afford the dishes on your precious menu.”

“Money, money, money! Is that all you know how to talk about?” His voice rose, as though I’d said something obscene.

I nodded calmly.

“Yes. Because I have to survive. Now excuse me—my shift is about to start. Please move.”

That caught him off guard. He blinked, then snapped, “Part-time job? Don’t tell me you’re going back to that place again? Elowen’s already blaming herself for owing you money, and you’re making her feel worse. Come back with me, apologize to her, comfort her.”

For a moment, I thought I’d misheard.

“I lent her money, and I’m the one who has to apologize?”

He answered without hesitation.

“You’re sisters, aren’t you? She’s been so kind to you before. Can’t you be a little more generous?”

My face chilled. He must have sensed it, because his tone softened with false reason.

“Serene, I’m looking after Elowen for your sake. Think about it—your parents are the way they are. Elowen is your only family. Isn’t it right for sisters to help each other?”

For my sake?

What a grand excuse for betrayal.

I laughed.

“Caius, let me ask you something. If we broke up one day, would you still ‘take care of her for me’? Keep seeing her?”

He froze, brow furrowing like I’d said something insane.

“Break up? What kind of nonsense is that? Are you crazy?”

I smiled faintly.

“Nothing. Just curious. Answer me.”

He scoffed, insulted.

“I’m not as childish as you. Elowen is kind and fragile—anyone would want to protect her. I honestly don’t know why you’re always picking on her.”

Then, as if to shut me up, he pulled a small box from his pocket and shoved it into my hand.

“Enough. Happy birthday.”

Inside was a pair of earrings.

I remembered the photo Elowen posted yesterday—her diamond necklace. The pendant was from the same collection. These earrings were clearly the leftover half of a set.

I pinched them between my fingers, looked up, and smiled brightly.

“Thank you, they’re beautiful. But I don’t have pierced ears.”

A flicker of embarrassment crossed his face.

“Then get them pierced. It’s worth it for something this nice. Imagine how good they’ll look on you at graduation.”

Pierce my body to fit a gift.

The irony made me want to laugh.

I placed the earrings back in the box, my smile easy and casual.

“Alright. I’ll think about it.”

I’ll think about how to give you a real surprise at graduation.

Graduation day finally arrived.

I sat in my gown among the outstanding graduates, but my eyes couldn’t help drifting to the corner.

And there they were—the two shadows I’d fought so hard to escape. My parents.

Caius stood before them, whispering low and urgent.

He had really called them here.

I dug my nails into my palms, grounding myself with pain, forcing calm.

Then Caius approached me. His face wore that gentle smile I once believed in. He clasped my hand warmly.

“Why are your hands so cold? Nervous?” His tone was soft, reassuring. “Don’t worry. Today you’re the star. I’ll capture your most glorious moment.”

His act was flawless. If I hadn’t known better, I might have fallen for it again.

When it was my turn, I rose and stepped onto the stage beneath the glaring lights.

Elowen, today’s host, tracked me with resentful eyes. When I finished my speech, she glanced at Caius. A silent signal passed between them.

Then she smiled sweetly into the microphone.

“Please wait a moment, Serene. I heard your parents are here today. Everyone, let’s welcome them to the stage to share this honor!”

Applause erupted. Dozens of eyes swung toward the audience.

Elowen leaned close, her voice sharp enough for only me to hear.

“Sister, do you like this surprise?”

My breath caught.

And then my parents surged forward, storming the stage like unleashed beasts.

“You unfilial daughter!”