Chapter 32
Chapter 32:
Rory turned toward the hallway, gesturing for them to follow. “Let’s get the testing started. If your missing girl truly is Rylie, then she finally has a chance for a new beginning p>
Meanwhile, on campus, Rylie felt Stacey’s hand clamp down on her wrist. She yanked her arm back, exasperation clear in her voice. “What is it now p>
In the half-empty classroom, Stacey’s eyes filled with tears as she hesitated before saying, “Mom and Dad just got back. They’re asking for you at home because p>
Before Stacey could finish speaking, her composure shattered. Tears streamed down her cheeks. “This is all on me, Rylie. I ruined everything. Mom and Dad plan to announce who I really am, and Fred’s set on dumping you to propose to me, but none of this is what I wanted. I swear I never meant to cause you pain p>
Her sudden breakdown, full of apologies and regret, quickly drew curious stares from everyone in class. Stacey’s loyal friend wasted no time…
“What’s wrong with you, Rylie? Now that everybody knows you aren’t actually part of the Kirk bloodline, you’re still hanging around and making Stacey suffer as if she’s the outsider p>
Rylie fixed her with a cool stare. “What makes you think I’m the one holding on?” Shaking herself free from Stacey’s grip, she flicked her sleeve as if brushing away dust. “Honestly, the broken engagement is a relief. I’ll show up as scheduled p>
Stacey, realizing that Rylie meant every word, tried again, her voice tight with frustration. “But Rylie, if you let Fred go, you’ll be left with nothing. At least if you married into the Dury family, you’d be set for life p>
On the surface, Stacey seemed to be looking out for Rylie, but in reality, she was announcing to everyone that she was the real daughter of the Kirk family and Fred’s future wife!
“Oh my gosh, are you really going to marry Mr. Dury?” Stacey’s friend shrieked, eyes wide. “That makes you Crolens’ next socialite p>
A buzz swept through the classroom. “My father works in real estate,” one classmate chimed in. “He said the Owen family just invested hundreds of millions in a luxury district with the Dury family. That’s some serious power p>
Stacey basked in the attention, cheeks flushed with pride, but she kept up the act, glancing sideways at Rylie. “Please don’t make a fuss. I’d rather see Rylie happy than go through with this p>
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She turned to Rylie, her voice soft. “I’m really sorry. Our brothers want you to teach me to become a real pharmacist. Rylie, can you mentor me p>
Rylie leaned back against the window, golden sunlight framing her features. “Sorry, but you don’t have the brains for my lessons p>
Stacey froze, face paling at the blunt reply. “You’re still holding a grudge,” she whispered, her voice trembling.
A moment later, she collapsed like a fragile doll, consciousness slipping away. In no time, teachers rushed her to the nurse’s office, and soon after, the school corridors buzzed with gossip — everyone blaming Rylie for making her sister faint.
But Rylie couldn’t have cared less about the rumors. She already had the next period’s biology lesson memorized and decided to ditch class for the music room instead.
That piano was a relic, used only for student recitals, its keys a little worn but still holding their tune.
Now and then, Rylie came here to clear her mind. She slipped onto the bench, paused as if searching her memory, then let her fingers drift into an impromptu piece.