Chapter 2

I hung up and sighed.

The coffee machine in the kitchen beeped, and I carried my cup to the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the glowing Manhattan skyline.

Ten years. It's enough time to change so many things.

A decade ago, after college, I'd considered moving back to my hometown.

Back then, everyone in my class debated between going home or staying in the big city. I chose the latter, thanks to a conversation I'd accidentally overheard.

It was a weekend during my senior year. I'd come home early and heard my parents discussing my and Leo's futures in their bedroom.

"Leo should start looking for a partner next year. We need to start saving for a house for him," my mother said.

"Where are we going to get that much money? Our savings aren't even enough for a down payment," my father sighed.

"What if… we use the money we saved for Jade? She's a girl anyway; she'll get married eventually, and her husband's family will provide for her."

"That's probably our only option. Leo is our son; he's the one who'll start a family for us. We can't let him start behind everyone else."

I stood outside the door, the bag of local treats for my parents heavy in my hand. My heart felt like it had been plunged into ice water.

From that day on, I decided I'd rely on no one but myself.

I stayed in New York after graduation, starting as a junior clerk, slowly climbing my way up to where I am now.

I scrimped and saved, making every penny count.

I enrolled in various training courses, earned my financial certifications, steadily improving my skills and income.

For ten years, I rarely went home, staying only two or three days during the holidays.

I didn't resent my parents; I just chose my own path.

And now, the obedient little girl of the past could stand on her own two feet.

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