In my previous life, desperate for approval, I had obediently followed Olivia to school—
Only to be isolated and bullied under her lead, missing the best window for Grandma Grace’s treatment.
Ignoring my injuries, I patched myself up, took the money, and went straight back to my hometown to bring Grandma to the city for treatment.
By the time she was settled, it was already evening.
When I returned to the Bennett house, Ethan was proudly reporting Olivia’s grades to our parents.
“Olivia improved a lot in her last practice SAT—already above the threshold for top universities. If she keeps it up, her actual score will be great.”
Richard grinned from ear to ear, his eyes full of pride for Olivia.
The moment I walked in, their smiles vanished.
Olivia hurried over, grabbing my hand with fake concern.
“Madison, why did you skip school today?”
“There’s only a week until the SATs. Even if your grades aren’t great, you shouldn’t just give up. I can tutor you.”
“Mom and Dad care most about our academics—you can’t embarrass them.”