chapter1227

Lydia was seriously impossible. Kylie shot Lucinda a sharp look, clearly annoyed. "Lucinda, Lydia's exhausted. Don't make things harder for her."

Lucinda stared back in disbelief. Was she hearing this right? She was the problem here?

"Mom, I wasn't-"

Cameron cut in before she could finish. Alright, that's enough. Let her eat in peace."

Lucinda felt like she might actually explode. Were they really just going to side with Lydia like that, not even pretending to care about her feelings?

Lydia ignored the whole thing, sitting at the table, calmly working her way through breakfast.

Kylie turned to Lydia, her voice gentle. "So, I heard your flight to Country D is this afternoon. Connor's already there, right? Did he say if he's picking you up?"

Lydia paused, then answered in her usual even tone. "My flight got canceled. I need to go to Nina's birthday party tonight. I'll leave after that."

Lucinda was in the living room, but she'd been listening the whole time. She couldn't help herself. "Nina's birthday? I haven't heard anything about that." In their circle, whenever one of the girls had a birthday, it was always a huge deal, all over social media. Nina's birthday should've been headline news by now.

Lydia glanced up, her eyes icy. "It's none of your business."

Lucinda froze, her face burning. She looked at Kylie and Cameron, desperate for backup, but they were already back to fussing over Lydia's plans, acting like Lucinda wasn't even there.

Kylie nodded. That works out fine. I'll have the driver take you to the party tonight, then you can go straight to the airport after. Don't stay out too late."

Cameron chimed in, Yeah, Lydia, make sure you take care of yourself."

Lydia nodded. "I will."

Lucinda's hands curled into fists, nails digging into her palms. Why did they always back Lydia up? Why was she invisible just for asking a question?

She forced a smile, swallowing her frustration. Hey, Lydia, Nina's party sounds like it'll be fun. Can I go with you?"

She wanted to see if Lydia was really going to a party or just making excuses.

Lydia gave her a look, half amused. "Do you really think Nina would want you there?"

Lucinda's face dropped. Before she could answer, Kylie spoke up. "Lucinda, don't you have piano today?"

Lucinda bit her lip, trying not to show how much that stung. "I was just asking."

Lydia didn't even bother to respond, heading upstairs.

Lucinda stared after her, jealousy bubbling up inside. She jumped to her feet muttered, "I'm going to her practice, then stormed off to her room, slamming the door behind her

SUMS

As soon as she was alone, she grabbed a pillow and threw it at the wall, her eyes

stinging with angry tears.

"Why does everything always revolve

around her? Her voice broke. She

hated it. Why did Lydia get

everything, while she was always

stuck in Lydia's shadow? She

Couldn't stand it

Meanwhile, Lydia went back to her room and started packing. Her phone lit up with

a video call. She glanced at the screen. As expected, it was Connor.

She answered, setting her phone on the desk stand. Connor's handsome face filled

the screen, his eyes lighting up when he saw her packing.

"Almost done?" he asked, sounding a little too eager.

He really couldn't wait to pick her up at the airport, to finally hold her close.

"I just started," Lydia replied, "and I

had to reschedule my flight. I canet

leave this afternoon have to catch a red eye after the party."