“Gosh, everyone knows!” She stood, taking a step closer. “Everyone except Lee, who still insists on seeing you as a little sister. But not anymore. He’s finally seen you for who you really are. Someone who steals other people’s work. How good of a person could you possibly be?”
I could feel my composure cracking. “You stole my work and then turned it all back on me?”
She raised an eyebrow. “Got any proof? If you don’t, you should really keep your mouth shut. It won’t end well for you.”
Just then, a voice cut through the tension.
“What are you two talking about?”
I turned and saw Ulysses standing in the doorway, sharp in his suit, brows furrowed.
I couldn’t tell how much he’d heard.
Ginger immediately put on this helpless, pitiful look. “Lee, I just wanted to persuade Darcey to admit her mistake and stop being so stubborn.”
I turned to him, hopeful that he’d see through her act and understand the truth. But he just let out a sigh. “Darcey, let’s end this here.”
That sentence shattered me completely.
So, in his eyes, I really was just an ungrateful plagiarist.
“Fine. Let’s end it here.” I nodded, my voice bitter, strained. “Enjoy your meal. I’ve got things to do.”
I turned around and headed upstairs, locking myself in my room again. The moment I hit the bed, the tears came uncontrollably.
Turns out, the worst part isn’t being falsely accused. It’s not the insults from strangers online. It’s being misunderstood by the one person you trusted the most.
The one who promised to protect me—always—now chose silence.
I opened my laptop, searching for flights. The soonest, the fastest.
If there’s no place for me here, then why stay?
Suddenly, my phone rang. It was Aunt Petunia.
“Darcey, I saw the news,” she said, her voice filled with concern. “Sweetie, are you okay?”
I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Auntie, I want to leave early.”
She was quiet for a moment. “Your passport and visa are ready. When do you want to go?”
“As soon as possible.”
“Alright. I’ll book the ticket now.” She paused. “You don’t need to explain anything, sweetie. I understand. Some things… time will prove.”
After the call, I started packing. There wasn’t much I wanted to take. The ballet dancing supplies I’d collected over the years? I didn’t even want to take them. They were loaded with memories I couldn’t bear to relive.