---- We're short on funds this time, so we'll take you next time-" Before he could finish, I dropped my smile and spoke calmly. "That's fine with me." Nicholas was caught off guard, looking stunned. "Are you serious?" Why wouldn't I be? It was just another excuse to leave me out again. Nicholas and Brandon built the company together, and it was thriving. Yet now, they claimed there wasn't enough money to include me. "You agreed too quickly. Are you planning something to sabotage it?" I looked straight at both of them and answered sincerely. "I mean it. If you want to spend time with her, then go. I'll wait. How many days are you planning? Ican-" "Shut up!" Nicholas snapped, his face darkening with annoyance. "Cut the act. I'm warning you-don't try anything stupid." ---- I let out a quiet sigh and kept my tone steady. "I'm really not. And soon, I'll be leaving for the classified research program." Nicholas narrowed his eyes at me, filled with suspicion. "Do you think saying that'll make me cancel the trip?" I swallowed the rest of my sentence-the part where I would've said I was never coming back. Just then, Madison trotted over and slipped her arm through Nicholas', smiling sweetly. "What are you guys talking about?" Nicholas' expression immediately softened. He smiled and patted her head. "She agreed to help plan our vacation." "Really? That's amazing!" Madison exclaimed as she hugged me. "Thank you, Adeline! That's exactly what I wanted!" Then, she grabbed Nicholas and Brandon, dragging them away into the crowd. "Well, if we're all good here, let's play some games!" ---- The three of them were all smiles, holding hands and disappearing into the party without even glancing back. As I stepped out of the room, I heard one last shout from Madison, bright and carefree. "It's us against the world!" Suddenly, I remembered the time three years ago when my parents were killed in the line of duty; their bodies were never recovered. Brandon and I had only been able to claim their uniforms. Nicholas had held me as I sobbed, nearly passing out, and whispered, "It's okay. You have me and Brandon. You'll never be alone." Brandon gripped our hands tightly and added, "He's right. From now on, it's us against the world!" What a bunch of liars. My nose stung, and I started walking faster. By the time I pushed through the restaurant's front doors, my tears were already blurring my vision. Later, I found a quiet spot and crouched down, sobbing out ---- loud. I told myself that it was okay, and I just needed to cry it all out. Once everything was out of my system, no one could hurt me anymore.