Chapter 3Quit Competing for Love, Parents Regret

Minkie was nestled on the sofa, linking arms with Mother, resting her head on Eleanor's shoulder as they reviewed the guest list in Father's hand.

"Let’s invite all the prominent families from the Hamptons and the City, Mom. I want a big birthday bash this year." Minkie’s voice was sweet, almost childlike.

"Of course, darling, whatever you say." That was Mother’s voice, dripping with indulgence.

"Minkie is a young woman now; it’s appropriate to invite important figures for networking," Father added approvingly.

They were a perfect oil painting of happiness. I was just a stray smudge on the canvas.

I walked past them silently, heading to the kitchen for water.

"Oh, Sophia, you're up?" Mother saw me, and her smile instantly dimmed, her tone shifting to polite formality. "It’s your sister’s birthday early next month. We’re hosting a party here. You’ll attend, of course?"

Next month.

That was exactly when I planned to leave early for Alaska to acclimatize.

In my past life, I canceled a crucial internship for this party—my debut as a Vanderbilt daughter. I thought it was my chance to belong.

The result? Despite cramming etiquette lessons for a month, I was clumsy. Minkie’s sorority sisters pointed and laughed, and I became the evening’s joke.

The fifteen years I was missing created a chasm between me and this glittering world that nothing could bridge.

"No," I heard my own voice, calm and steady. "I signed up for a pre-semester field orientation. I have to leave early next month."

The living room went silent.

Minkie reacted first, a flicker of joy in her eyes masked by concern. "Field orientation? That sounds exhausting, Sophie. And dangerous, isn't it? It’s so much nicer to stay home."

Richard’s brow furrowed again, visibly annoyed. "What kind of orientation is mandatory? Cancel it. It’s your sister’s birthday. How does it look if you’re not there?"

Here we go again.

My life, my plans, were always the ones that could be sacrificed.

I gripped my glass, knuckles turning white, but my voice remained flat. "It’s booked. I can't cancel."

"You!" Father started to raise his voice.

Mother quickly intervened. "Alright, alright, if she doesn't want to go... It’s good Sophia has her own plans. Just be safe."

I mumbled an acknowledgment and went back upstairs.

Behind me, I heard Minkie’s gentle voice. "Mom, Dad, don't be mad. Sophie just isn't close to us yet. She’ll come around..."

She was always the sensible one.

And I was always the ungrateful wolf cub.