Chapter 2

"Once Melody’s birthday is over, I won't interfere in her life anymore. We'll focus on us, okay?"

The last time.

I had heard that phrase so many times before.

The last time he said "the last time" was when Melody came to stay at our apartment for a month during her summer break.

For thirty days, I got up at 6:30 AM every single morning to make her breakfast, and I had to bring her takeout after a long day at work because she refused to cook.

She locked herself in her room playing video games until three in the morning with the speakers blasting. I could hear every explosion through the thin apartment walls.

I told Austin, "Can you ask Melody to wear headphones? I have to get up early for work."

He replied, "She's just a kid on break, Chloe. Don't be so uptight."

The time before that, we had saved up for six months to go on a trip to Hawaii.

The hotel was booked, the flights were paid for. But the night before we were supposed to leave, Melody called. She said she was feeling depressed and needed her brother.

Without a second thought, Austin canceled his ticket, losing over a thousand dollars in cancellation fees.

He told me, "Melody has been under a lot of stress with school. I need to be here for her."

And the time before that, on our second anniversary, he promised to take me to a fancy steakhouse.

I did my makeup, put on a beautiful dress, and waited for him for two hours.

When he finally showed up, he brought Melody with him.

He said, "Melody was home alone. I couldn't just leave her."

During that dinner, I sat across from them, watching him cut her steak, put food on her plate, and wipe her mouth.

The dessert we got was a strawberry cheesecake—which Melody chose, even though he knew I was allergic to strawberries.

He just shrugged and said, "Sorry, Chloe. Melody loves strawberry."

Every single time was supposed to be the last time.

But it never was.

"Austin," I said, pulling my wrist out of his grip. "Does your 'last time' actually mean anything anymore?"

His face darkened. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing. Do whatever you want. I don't care anymore."

He stared at me for a few seconds, then suddenly stood up, raising his voice. "It’s just one birthday gala! Why can't you just let her have this? Are you really that petty?"

I didn't argue.

"I’ve told you a thousand times, Melody’s health isn't great, and our parents are getting older. If I don't look after her, who will? Why can't you just show some empathy?"

Just then, the doorbell rang.

Austin walked over and opened it. The moment the door swung wide, Melody bounded into the apartment.

She was holding two cups of iced boba tea, smiling brightly as she hugged Austin. Then, she finally noticed me standing in the living room.

"Chloe!"

She ran over to me and shoved one of the cups into my hand.

"I got this for you! Your favorite, Taro Boba!"

I looked down at the cup in my hand and said nothing.

Taro was her favorite flavor. I absolutely hated it.

Melody tilted her head, watching my face. Her eyes blinked rapidly, and her expression instantly shifted into one of pure innocence and worry.

She set her drink on the table, wringing her hands together. Her voice trembled. "Chloe... are you mad at me?"

"No," I said.

"Really?"

She took a step closer, staring into my eyes. "Is this about the Crystal Ballroom? Chloe, I swear I didn't do it on purpose. I had no idea you guys booked it for that day. How about I go talk to Mom and Dad and ask them to change the venue? Please don't be mad at me, okay?"

"It’s fine," I smiled faintly. "Have a great birthday. The Crystal Ballroom is beautiful."

She bit her lower lip, her voice dropping to a whisper. "If you're really unhappy about it... I don't even have to have a party."

Austin walked over and threw his arm around Melody’s shoulders. "Alright, that’s enough. Chloe said she’s fine with it. You already apologized, what more does she want?"