Chapter 26

It was all because he helped me up when I fell, gave me a band-aid, and asked me if it hurt when I was 16. I swallowed the lump in my throat, pushing down all my weakness. It was fine. Everything was fine now. I no longer expected anything from them. Knowing they didn't love me meant that I didn't have to love them either. Without those burdens, I felt much lighter. ... My graduation banquet was scheduled for three days later. In the days leading up to it, Jack and Ivy spared no expense on me. Ivy arranged for the best skincare specialist in Yardville to pamper me for two days straight. Then, she took me to get my hair done, my nails done, and so on. She was determined to make every part of me look perfect. The night before the banquet, the custom-made dress Jack had ordered for me arrived. It was a champagne-colored princess dress. Its hem was adorned with tiny diamonds. I tried it on, and it was beautiful, a blend of pure innocence and subtle sensuality. I didn't feel much a