The navy logo sits in the corner, the envelope not as thick as the others. I prepare myself for the worst, the possibility of my dreams being shattered all in this one moment.
I have so desperately wanted to study law, and aside from Harvard, which I opted not to apply to, this is the one place where I want to start my future just like my mom did many years ago.
The sharp blade glides once again across the seal as I take a deep breath, my stomach tied in knots. I close my eyes briefly before pulling the letter out and opening it wide.
“What is it?” Ava asks in anticipation.
Dear Amelia, Welcome to Yale!
I release a loud breath, falling back onto the chair, overjoyed at the words which seal my fate. The straight A’s, and everything I did to make my college application as best as it could be, has paid off—this letter proof of exactly that.
My eyes do a doubletake before Mom’s hand rests on mine. “Congratulations, honey. You’ve worked so hard for this.”
Clearing her throat, she follows with, “Lex, would you like to say something?”
Slowly, my eyes lift to meet my father’s. Unlike Mom, who’s on the verge of tears, his reaction is the complete opposite. The hard stare and the way his hands clench against the tabletop is anything but welcoming.
Growing up with a father who also happens to run a billion-dollar empire wasn’t always easy. Sure, we had a beautiful home and nice cars—money was never an issue. But Lex Edwards is a known tycoon. His intimidating stare alone frightens anyone who dares to challenge him. All but Mom, she somehow has him under some sort of weird spell.
And being the oldest has its disadvantages. I am the guinea pig of his rules. The only saving grace has been Mom. She understands me and has often played the mediator between us. The last few years have been the hardest. We’ve had somewhat of a distant relationship, though I never truly understood why.
However, this time, I doubt he’ll listen to her.
Yale is across the other side of the country, and even though it has been my dream, my father’s slow and steady gait warns me that the battle has only begun.
I hold his stare, crossing my arms, knowing we’re about to get heated.
“I don’t expect a congratulations from you, Dad. But you, of all people, understand the importance of working hard toward your goals, unlike some other children of yours who’ll remain nameless.” I purposely ignore Ava’s roll of her eyes. “I have studied hard to get straight A’s. I don’t spend my weekends shopping or attending parties. In fact, I’ve declined almost every social invitation aside from tonight’s, which you so easily refused my attendance. I’ve done nothing but invest my time into making sure I got the results needed to get into an Ivy League school.”
His eyes soften, and perhaps, my words finally get through to him.
But, of course, my victory is only momentary. He toys with his cufflink, still wearing the suit he wore to work today. Although he has removed his jacket, his white business shirt and navy tie remain. Steadily, his gaze fixates on mine. The emerald-green orb’s I’ve grown so accustomed to are slowly shifting to a darker shade.
“Congratulations, Amelia. You have worked hard to achieve the result you desired,” he says in a significantly neutral tone, “But I’m sorry, you’ll not be moving across the country.”
Pushing his chair out, he stands up, his tall stature demanding attention. “You’ve got other excellent choices. I suggest you pick one of them.”
And just like
that, he exits the room, an audible breath expelling as the reality of his words begins to sink in.
Everything I’ve worked so hard for seems impossible to attain because of the one man who controls my life.
Lex Edwards.
My father.
Two
Amelia
“Millie, can you imagine all the hot college guys?”
Ava jumps onto my bed, causing the mattress to shuffle and disturb my momentary silence. Her golden-brown hair falls messily against the lavender bedspread, and the scent of her cherry-flavored gum lingers in the air between us.
“California guys, since it’s obvious where I’m going,” I answer bitterly.
Beside me, Ava lays on her back, hands resting on her exposed stomach as we both stare at the ceiling. “He’ll come around.”