Chapter 1: Sarah!

"And the champion is... SARAH RAVEN!!!" the MC screams into his microphone.

Today is supposed to be a special day for me.

My parents are sitting beside me.

Mom can't hold back her tears, while Dad nudges me to go up to the stage.

"That's my girl!" he cheers proudly.

My classmates are so happy for me. Some cheer, others applaud, some show admiration in their eyes, and a few girls look envious.

Mia, my best friend, looks at me proudly in silence.

But despite all of that, I feel...

NOTHING.

I study for my parents, not for myself. I live for my dad's sake, not my own.

So people celebrate my achievement?

It's all meaningless, spending hours studying like a nerd.

There's no joy in it because, in that way, I’m just an employee for my parents.

The studious employee.

Even so, I still love them.

It sounds stupid and naive, right?

I make my way up to the stage and recite the thank-you speech.

I'm rewarded with $10,000 and a scholarship to study at Harvard University, courtesy of DC Company, one of the top companies in the field.

My parents stand up, applauding.

The sponsor places a garland around my neck, shakes my hand, and takes a picture.

After everything is over, my parents wait for me outside the school gate in their Ferrari.

Dad, with his silver hair, tall, sturdy build, and stern demeanor, stands beside Mom, who is wearing a white dress with red floral patterns and waving at me from afar.

"Sarah! Over here!" she calls out.

Mia watches my parents and can't hold back her laughter at the scene.

My face flushes, and my ears feel hot with embarrassment.

"Sorry, I can’t go home with you as promised," I say to Mia, feeling regretful.

"It’s cool, just get in the car. Your parents are waiting," Mia replies, grinning mischievously.

With that, I hop into the car and wave goodbye to Mia, who tilts her head and waves back as I leave.

I promised Mia we’d go home together, but...

"You guys don’t need to pick me up," I start to complain.

Dad ignores me and asks, "Want to have a special meal, Sarah? I’ll take us to a high-end restaurant." He turns left, his face stern.

"I just want to go home," I mumble, looking down.

"Oh, honey, are you okay?" Mom looks at me with concern. "Let me check to make sure you’re alright." She reaches out to touch me.

I sigh as Mom tends to overreact when Dad’s around. If it were just the two of us, she usually doesn't give a shit about me.

"I’m fine, Mom. I’m just a little tired after the award ceremony. So why don’t you guys just take me home?"

"No, Sarah. I already made a reservation at the restaurant," Dad says firmly.

I don’t answer, staring out of the car window, searching for some peace.

I participated in the Student Investment competition for awards to pursue my dream of becoming a singer.

Yes, you heard me right. I’ve always wanted to be a singer since I was a kid.

I’ve never given up on that dream.

The vibrant city spares me, or else I might die clinging to this "stupid" dream.

My heart races, almost like the artist district itself is mocking me for my cowardice.

We arrive at The Hungry Wolf restaurant on Autumn Street, in the heart of the city, and head up to the seventh floor, where we enter a private VIP room with a breathtaking view of the entire city.

When we begin the meal, I decide it’s time to bring up a serious topic with Dad.

“Dad, can we talk? I have something I want to discuss with you right now.” I lean forward, resting my elbows on the table, looking him in the eyes.

“Sure,” he replies, setting down his fork and giving me his full attention.

“I want my rewards back.” I feel my heart race as I voice my request, my fingers nervously curling and unrolling the edge of the napkin.

Dad stops mid-bite, his expression shifting to seriousness. “What do you need it for? Investing?” He raises an eyebrow, his fork paused in the air.

“I think I have the right to use the money I worked hard for without needing to explain what I’ll use it for.” I meet his gaze, determined, and sit up straighter in my chair.

Mom chimes in, her voice rising in panic, “Sarah!"

Dad shakes his head firmly, his tone authoritative. “Sorry, sweetheart. You can’t have it because you’re still a kid. And I’m your father, not anyone else.” He leans back in his chair, crossing his arms as if to close off the conversation.

I continue eating in silence. I’m already 18. I legally count as an adult.

Dad just said something completely illogical that doesn’t make any sense.

I feel my heart screaming, but I’m determined not to let that emotion out until I’m home.

By the way, I’m an introvert. I overthink all the time so that I let myself down with a ton of thoughts floating in my head.

However, it doesn't matter anymore because now I feel my head is frozen.

*

Back in my room, my plans for a new music video have faded like smoke.

I gaze into the mirror, wiping away the tears trickling down my burning cheeks.

Damn, I hate this feeling.

I lie down in bed, pick up my phone, and open I*******m.

Mia just uploaded a new story of her partying at Rose Black nightclub.

"Mia, he took all my money," I text my best friend.

"Stop being so down, dude. Come hang out with us," Mia replies as fast as I can expect.

Tears keep flowing as I type.

My hand shakes as I curl up in a blanket like a sushi roll.

"How are you texting so fast while dancing?" I send back.

"I’m actually outside your house. Come down here."

"I thought you were at the club?"

"Stop asking questions and just hurry up, you dummy."

I manage to drag myself out of the blanket.

Having a friend whenever you’re down is sooo damn good.

I open my closet and pick out a tight black dress to show off my curves.

I slip on some fishnet stockings and brush my black, slightly curly hair until it’s smooth.

Luckily, my skin is healthy, so I don’t need foundation—just a bit of concealer under my eyes and a touch of blush to brighten up.

I highlight my eyes with eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara.

I choose a RED lipstick for tonight.

Quickly grabbing my gray purse and throwing on a black leather jacket, I tiptoe downstairs, careful not to wake my parents.

I grab my house key and successfully sneak out.

I did it. I got out of my sadness.

I’m usually a gloomy person who cannot heal easily—or at least that’s how I see myself.

Mia, a tomboyish girl with short red hair, dark black eyeliner, and a cool outfit, is waiting for me with her silver motorcycle.

She’s the coolest, strongest girl I know.

When she sees me, she laughs and tosses me a helmet, which I catch before climbing onto the bike.

With her driving skills, we reach Rose Black nightclub in no time.

As we enter the club, the music is blasting, and my heart feels like it’s about to leap out of my chest.

Oh god, I’m so busy studying that this is only my second time at a club.

The first time was with my whole class at the beginning of the semester.

Mia leads me over to a group of her friends, who share her style and are very welcoming.

However, I don’t feel like dancing at all.

Mia, on the other hand, is full of energy, grooving to the music with a guy who shares her fashion style.

The music stops, and the host speaks into the mic: "Ladies and gentlemen, today our bar has a special event to celebrate our 25th anniversary. You’ll have the chance to perform your favorite song, accompanied by the famous band, The Animals."