---- Chapter 2 Ten minutes later, I finally pulled myself together and went inside. The private dining room was warm and cozy. Madison Calder wore a pale blue mini dress, and my brother, Brandon Lewis, was peeling grapes for her. As soon as Madison saw me, her eyes lit up, and her smile was dazzling. "Adeline, you're finally here!" She immediately stood up, looked around, and feigned awkwardness. "Oh no, my friend had just arrived earlier, and there's no seat left for you. I'm so sorry." Brandon didn't even look up as he chimed in, " There's a folding stool by the door. Just sit there." I followed his gaze and finally noticed the tiny stool near my feet. If I remembered correctly, that was where the servers usually sat to wait for customers' instructions. "That doesn't seem right..." Madison appeared sympathetic, but a sly glint flashed in her eyes. ---- It was obvious that she was doing this on purpose. When Nicholas saw I wasn't moving, he couldn't help but frown. "What, you have a seat and still won't sit? Everyone's been waiting for you long enough. Do you really want to make them watch you throw another tantrum?" Everyone looked at me, their gaze impatient. I glanced at the dining table in the center of the room, where most of the food had already been eaten. It was clear that they were just waiting for the final celebration. Fortunately, I hadn't expected much to begin with. "Fine, I'll sit there," I replied calmly, sitting on the stool under everyone's gaze. Nicholas looked surprised, but after a brief glance, his expression quickly returned to normal. Before long, the room buzzed back to life again as Brandon pushed in a massive birthday cake. Nicholas pulled out a party popper he had prepared and twisted it witha pop. ---- "Happy birthday!" Everyone gathered ina circle, clapping and cheering. I sat to the side, watching them, and a wave of sadness crept up my chest. Three days ago, it was my birthday. They all said they were too busy that day, so Iended up eating alone at the restaurant I had booked weeks in advance. When the clock struck midnight, I quietly whispered to myself, "Happy birthday." It wasn't until I checked social media that I realized they were all out with Madison, lighting fireworks together. They divided up all the cake among themselves without even thinking of me. I didn't know how long I had been zoning out when Nicholas handed mea small slice of cake. I was caught off guard and smiled politely. "Thanks." He said indifferently, "In a few days, we're taking Maddy on a surprise trip. Since you're just hanging around campus anyway, help us plan the itinerary.