Chapter 1: The unexpected

It's the beginning of summer. So, I decided to go home.

I'm packing all of my things. While I was packing, my phone vibrated.

Alliyah's name pop out on my phone screen.

Message:

"What time is your flight?" she asked.

"4:00 but, I'm not sure what time will I arrive at the airport so I'll just message you when I get there"

"Okiee dokiee"

Afterwards, when I finished packing everything, I immediately headed to the bathroom.

After taking a bath, I got dressed and wore the outfit my mom gave me as a gift, along with the skinny jeans my dad gave me on my 18th birthday. I paired them with the black sandals I bought, which had three-inch heels.

When I finished getting ready, I made sure to unplug everything before leaving — the lights, sockets, and all electrical appliances that needed to be disconnected. Once I was done, I pulled my luggage and stood by the door.

I stared at the entire house for a few minutes because this would be the last day I’d ever see it.

I smiled bitterly and bit my lower lip. “I’ll miss you,” were the last words that left my mouth before I finally stepped outside.

As soon as I got out of the house, I was lucky that a taxi passed by right away. I didn’t have to wait for long, which was good since my flight was only a few hours away.

“Miss, we’re here,” said the driver in a deep voice that woke me up. Because of all the stress and sadness, I didn’t even realize I had fallen asleep during the trip.

“Thank you, you can keep the change,” I said as he finished unloading all my luggage.

I took a deep breath as I faced the airport entrance. I couldn’t believe that when I wake up tomorrow, I’ll no longer be in this place.

“Oh, Shim, what’s with the drama again!” I muttered to myself, shrugging my shoulders before walking inside.

It took me quite some time to find my plane since there were so many people around.

I sat by the window seat—I always preferred it there because I could see the beautiful view outside.

After giving the dinner meal, I decided to go to sleep. I put on my headset and covered myself with the blanket I brought.

Fast forward…

I woke up to a loud announcement inside the plane.

Good thing I was able to get a decent amount of sleep.

I stretched a little, realizing that the woman beside me was already gone. I guess she had already disembarked.

I took my backpack from the overhead compartment before stepping out.

After gathering all my things, I tried calling Alliyah. It was hard to reach her because she wasn’t answering. What could she possibly be busy with right now?

“Come on, answer it!” I muttered as I called her several times, but she still didn’t pick up. The phone kept ringing, but no one answered.

I decided to book a Grab car since it would take too long if I waited for her.

“To this address, please,” I said, handing the driver a piece of paper with the address written on it — the one Aunt Rosemarie had texted me.

Aunt Rosemarie is my mom’s close friend, and she’s also the mother of my childhood friend, Ace. I felt a little nervous because it had been years since I last saw him.

Would he still recognize me?

Would he still consider me her best friend?

I took a deep breath before pressing the doorbell.

“Head maid! I think Miss Shimmer is here!”

“All right, I’ll take care of it,” someone replied from inside.

Even from a distance, I could clearly hear the loud voices coming from inside the mansion. A few seconds later, while I was staring at the front door, it finally opened — revealing an older woman, though not too old.

She was neatly dressed, but what puzzled me was why Aunt Rose didn’t come out herself. I really wanted to talk to her. Maybe that can wait, Shim, I told myself.

“You’re finally here, Miss,” the woman greeted me with a smile.

I smiled back before speaking. “Yes, it was quite a tiring trip.”

“Come inside and have some breakfast. Madam Rosemarie asked me to take care of you,” she said kindly.

“What? Where’s Aunt Rose?” I asked in confusion.

“Oh, they’re not here, dear. They’ve been in Europe for quite some time now. I’m not sure when they’ll be back,” she answered while pulling my luggage inside.

“Ah, I see. I’ll just text her then,” I said politely.

As soon as we entered the house, I couldn’t help but be amazed. It looked so different now compared to when they were just starting their business.

I never imagined they had become this wealthy. But wait—where’s Ace? He’s not here either… Does he still live here?

When I turned toward the kitchen, I saw a young housemaid who looked about my age.

“Hi, where’s their only child?” I asked, but she just stared at me.

“Ace,” I repeated.

“Oh, he’s—” she didn’t get to finish her sentence.

We both turned toward the staircase after hearing the sharp sound of heels clicking against the steps.

“Good morning, Ma’am. Are you going to have breakfast here?” the housemaid behind me asked loudly but politely.

I looked up and down at the woman descending the stairs. She was also staring at me, seemingly sizing me up just as I was doing to her.

“No, I’m not. Who are you?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

I bit my lower lip. No one told me they had a daughter. Well, it’s been years since I last came here, after all.

“I’m Shimmer. And you are?” I asked, returning the question but she didn't respond.

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