"Congratulations, Daisy. We guarantee you'll get a scholarship to go to Harvard. In a month, you'll be there."

My smile widened as the Governor of Alaska placed a gold medal around my neck. I had just won the ice skating olympiad competition, something I had always dreamed of. The crowd roared, but one person I was expecting to see was nowhere to be found, Liam, my boyfriend.

I would be at the competition, Darling. Give me that stunning jump," Liam pledged last week. But the spot held for him was empty.

I headed into the changing room to switch out, then took a look at my phone to find Liam's excuse. Maybe he was held up by a snowstorm, or maybe he fell asleep with sheer exhaustion.

But what I found wasn't that.

A tweet alert popped up, and my hand trembled. Liam stood at the airport to pick up Jessica, hugging her with a growing smile. They were both laughing, like just-reunited lovers. Liam's arm was across Jessica's waist in the picture, and the lipstick stain on his cheek seemed to mark ownership.

The messages that I had sent were unread, my calls completely ignored. The video had only been up two hours, the moment I had been skating along the ice.

Maybe I'd expected too much. Or. I'm not that important, not like Jessica.

"Daisy!"

Freya's voice shattered my disappointment. I smiled when I saw her holding my grandmother's hand, following me into the changing room.

"Wow, you were wonderful! That jump was fantastic. Perhaps I'll call you Ice Girl," Freya said with a grin. My small laugh could barely stifle my tears.

Grandma wrapped me in her arms, smiling proudly. "I knew you could do it, sweetie," she whispered softly.

"I saw how much you enjoyed skating. Do you have a boy you like here? If so, meet him for me now!"

I sneered, giving a resentful smile and a shake of the head. I melted at my grandma's words. Whatever I did shouldn't have been done for other folk, or my family but just to impress Liam.

I struggled to ignore what I was feeling. Then we had some hot chocolate, yet the sweetness upon my tongue had disappeared.

"Daisy, three days ago I met Max Winston and his family. They visited me at my home. Max was the first to inquire about you. I think… you two would be perfect for each other!"

I nearly choked hearing Max's name. Freya laughed.

“Grandma, don't play with me. I know Max is a good boy, but I think of him as a brother. And he does too. Didn't we used to live next door and play together when we were children?"

Grandma nodded hesitantly, and I went on explaining. "Besides… I want to lease an apartment and later become a skating coach for children in my free time.

"Really? Oh, dear, I need someone to look after you. I think Max and his family are good people. So, it won't be bad if Grandma has trusted him, is it?"

"Grandma, I…"

My words were cut off by Freya jumping in.

"Your grandma is right, Daisy. It's all for your own good. Instead of you being together with…"

Freya, who was sitting beside me, leaned close to my ear.

"Liam, huh?" she breathed, finishing the sentence. I glared at her with a sharp look, trying to cover up my disappointment.

"Who?" my grandma asked in wonder.

"Oh, nobody, Grandma. Freya's only joking," I answered quickly, trying to grip Freya's shirt behind her tightly, signaling her to be quiet.

"Grandma, after I start college at Harvard, I'll visit Max and his family. How about that? So quit teasing me now!" I tried to deflect.

Grandma smiled in approval, and Freya just smiled knowingly, as if she knew better than to talk.

Liam ought to have been there, being presented as my boyfriend. Three years, and no promises. I did not tell him about my Harvard acceptance. If he could let me down, then so be it; I'd do it all by myself.

That night, upon returning to the apartment, the room's heat welcomed me. But the sight in the living room stopped me in my tracks. Jessica was reclining comfortably on the couch, a cup of tea in her hand, smiling softly as she watched TV. And what hurt the most—she had on my favorite pajamas without asking.

"Why are you wearing my pajamas?"

Jessica stared at me, offended. Liam came out from the kitchen, carrying popcorn and pizza, like nothing was unusual.

"Sweetheart, Jessica came. She didn't bring pajamas. I took yours for her. It's okay, okay?"

I kept silent, my tongue frozen with repressed annoyance. Liam sat down next to Jessica without hesitation.

"Is she staying overnight?" I answered with a hint of sarcasm.

Jessica smiled weakly, looking at me with distress. "Daisy, sorry. The thing is, we were going to go to a hotel, but since it was already late, Liam brought me here instead."

Liam placated Jessica. "It's alright, Jessica. I'm sure Daisy won't mind letting you stay over." Eat the pizza while it's hot!

Liam fed Jessica, and I looked away. They both erupted in laughter as if I were a statue in here, cheese from the pizza dripping on Jessica's lips.

"Liam, don't rush to feed me! My mouth's all messy like a little kid," Jessica grumbled. Liam gently wiped her lips.

Liam finally realized that they had been ignoring me. He turned around. "Sweetheart, why are you just standing there? Sit down and join us."

I shot a look at Liam, expression speaking louder than words. "No! I'm tired, I need sleep."

Liam nodded and stayed silent. I went into the bedroom and closed the door.

Their laughter could still be clearly heard. "Liam, stop pinching my cheeks! It hurts!" Jessica screamed.

"Why not? I just can't help that your cheeks are like dough," Liam replied, followed by their laughter.

I heard the footsteps of Liam approaching. Suddenly, his hand crept around my waist.

"Why are you here?" I demanded, spinning to face him with a cold stare. Liam smiled.

"How was your practice skating, darling? Is that what tired you out?"

"I… didn't practice."

Liam was surprised. "I've reminded you several times now about this competition. Didn't I text you last night? You actually…"

I showed him the video that I had watched on Twitter. Liam looked shocked, trying to keep cool.

"Sweetheart, don't be mixed up. I was just too excited to go pick Jessica from the airport. Don't be upset, sweetheart. I just forgot that you had your competition today."

My heart tightened, like I'd been punched out of nowhere. I clenched my fists.

"Gotta go to the bathroom, my stomach hurts. Maybe from getting cold earlier." I didn't glance at him and left the room, going straight to the bathroom. Liam was just going to follow me, but Jessica was calling out to him.

My resolve was strong. It's better that I keep my Harvard acceptance secret. In the next 30 days, I will be out of his life.

I woke up to Liam and Jessica sitting side by side, laughing together. There was barely any space between them. I had thought Jessica had left home that day, but guess what, I was mistaken.

There was a post on her phone in her hand reading they looked like the perfect couple with a photo of her kissing Liam on the cheek.

"Liam, people say we look like the perfect couple. Hilarious, is it not?"

Jessica laughed, and Liam laughed with her. No denial. No telling me who he had really chosen.

"Daisy? You're awake?"

It was then that they realized I was there. The intimate space between them suddenly widened.

"Sorry if my presence here is uncomfortable," Jessica said in a honey-smiled sweetness I couldn't fathom. "Liam sat me down for a bit and told me to wait until breakfast time."

Jessica's excuse was always the same. She would always claim Liam's name as if she wasn't the one who had done it, just doing what he was doing. But with her eyes, I could see that she was happy to be still there.

I used to always give in after my college classes. I was willing to wait while Liam picked up Jessica first, sitting for hours just to be seen as the understanding girlfriend. Yet deep down, I knew this jealousy was only natural. And I should’ve been angry when Liam treated me differently when I wasn’t given the same special treatment he gave Jessica.

"Darling, sit down. I'll make breakfast."

Liam pulled me over to the couch, seating me next to Jessica. Jessica's forced smile was an attempt to unwind the tension, but I recognized it as merely a facade.

Liam soon came out of the kitchen with two slices of toast. Jessica ate on her own, while Liam was feeding me. The smell of the toast wasn't enough to calm my upset heart. Jessica still stared at me, smile was there but her eyes were telling a different story.

Liam attempted to lift the atmosphere with light conversation on breakfast. Jessica quickly interrupted him, remembering how there had been times in the past when she and he shared a class. I remained seated silently, a stranger at home.

Jessica made a sporadic attempt at dragging me into the conversation, as if we were friends. I knew she was doing this just to keep up appearances.

All at once, she coughed discreetly.

"Excuse me, I could use some water."

She arose and went towards the kitchen. I glanced over at Liam, seeking a second to speak with him. One moment, one moment, where I was alone with him.

"Could you take me to Grandma's house? I need to finish up some paper work for the family farm."

"Of course, Love. Finish your breakfast first. And then we will go."

Liam smiled and kissed my forehead. Warm. So soft it made me forget the uncertainty creeping in all these years.

Jessica returned with a glass of water in her hand. But just as she moved a step forward, her body collapsed. The glass in her hand broke on the floor, and all of us turned around to her with fear.

"Jessica!"

Liam leapt up immediately, catching Jessica's body as it dropped. He held the back of her head, frantic.

"My head… suddenly feels so dizzy, Liam…"

Her voice was reed-thin, barely a whisper. Glass had sliced across her hand. Blood started to trickle.

Without hesitating much, Liam scooped up Jessica and carried her to the car. I followed behind, only able to watch their backs fade from view.

Once Jessica had settled into the passenger seat, Liam turned to face me.

"I'll pick you up later when I take Jessica to the hospital. Take this in case you ever need anything."

He handeYoue his black card. He was already gone before I could say anything. He got into the car, started the engine, and drove off.

I saw a glimpse of Jessica',s faint smile through the window as if she smiled triumphantly.

I stood there motionless. Liam left with Jessica. It wasn't the first time I was abandoned and let down.

I thought that if I stayed with him in this apartment, we'd become closer. I thought Jessica didn't have a place to stand in between us anymore. But I was wrong. I was merely his stand-by when he needed someone to fall back on.

Even now, Liam gave me a card, as if my feelings could be wrapped in luxury. He would say, "Jessica is my best friend, Daisy. I need to be around when she needs me. Enjoy the ctoun…"

I smiled mechanically. Inside, I knew. I didn't need his money. I just needed him to be there for me. But what I wanted never became his priority.

I chose to go alone to take care of my scholarship to Harvard. The excuse about the farm was just a cover. All the documents were already signed. In 29 days, I’ll be gone.

I chose myself. My dream, no longer about Liam.

I went inside the apartment and there was just silence. Liam still hadn't come home, he must still be tending to Jessica in the hospital. I went inside the living room and I saw his phone on the table. He even left that behind, all for Jessica.

When I was about to move it to the bedroom, there was a flash on my phone. It was an alert from Twitter. Its message was wrongly read by my eyes by accident.

There was a photo of Jessica kissing Liam on the cheek at the airport. Thousands of likes on the tweet, but some with cutting remarks.

[You two look so good together. You should be an official couple!] said one of them.

Another reply responded.

[Isn't Liam already dating? The pouty one, or so?]

They even put up a picture of me and Liam. A vintage selfie that somehow they managed to get their hands on. Perhaps from another of my social media platforms.

The other comments got worse.

[That's his girlfriend. Watch out, she will lose her mind and scratch Liam!] with a laughing emoji.

[Yeah, but seriously, Liam and Jessica are a better couple.]

I bristled when I spotted another comment, this time from Jessica herself.

[I know we look good together, but please don't upset their relationship.]

It was a defense on the surface. But I knew, concealed behind such sugary sentiments, was a knife slowly piercing. She was the one surreptitiously diverting Liam's attention away from me.

Meanwhile, Liam. as per usual, would not defend me.

My phone suddenly sprang to life, startling me. Freya was calling.

"Daisy, my uncle needs waiters. You still require employment, don't you?"

I fell silent for a moment before saying, "Yeah, I do. My ice skating training has also been put on hold for now. I'm idle at home."

"Good. Just report to his restaurant tomorrow and begin," instructed Freya.

I hung up feeling better. At least I had something that would stop me from dwelling on Liam.

****

The next day, I started working.

Freya’s uncle’s restaurant turned out to be quite fancy and was always full of customers.I tried to adapt, keeping myself busy so my mind could stay calm.

Everything was going great, until that afternoon. I was serving drinks on a tray to a private table. It was strictly business at first. But when I placed down the last drink, I heard that voice.

"Daisy? You work here?"

I stood upright, turning around slowly. Jessica was seated facing Liam. To her right, Jessica's friends were all holding their breaths, glancing at me with a derisive look.

Liam was taken aback, as if he did not even know me.

I was gripping the tray firmly in my palms, shoving back the bared teeth of hurt gnawing at me.

Jessica was sitting casually in her chair.

"Look at you, Daisy," she was saying to her, loud enough for the entire group around the table to hear.

Even nearby guests turned to look, with curiosity.

"There are those who stay where they are... and there are those who go higher. I think we all know who is just enough to be a servant.”

Jessica's friends' gentle guffaws echoed, slapping my ears.

"From ice skating champion to waitress," one of them quipped. "Life is full of surprises."

They all burst into laughter.

I remained silent. I noticed some of the other guests had started whispering, looking in my direction.

But I just continued moving ahead of them with head held high, serving food at the next table.

I played dumb. Played like I didn't care.

Walking past that table again, I noticed there were two other couples of adults sitting there. Jessica's and Liam's parents. They were smiling big while seated, and the mood shifted to something serious.

A host rang a glass.

"Good afternoon, everyone.

Today, we are pleased to announce the engagement of Liam Lancaster and Jessica Lynn. Let's give them our best."

There was a burst of applause.

I just remained standing in the corner, frozen.

Liam took a step forward, pulled out a tiny red box, and placed a ring on Jessica's finger.

Jessica looked at him with sheer joy.

What made my chest break even more was that Liam. was smiling too, as if everything was happening in real life.

Jessica pulled on his jacket collar, and before he could do anything, Liam stooped.They were kissing passionately, while the party people on the stools around them cheered loudly.

My hands shook so violently that I didn't even realize I'd dropped the tray, its metal ringing out loudly as it crashed, ruining the moment.

Everyone was staring at me. I quickly bowed my head and ran away, suppressing the tightening sensation in my chest.

I finished all my work, and then I headed home.

Evening, I had only taken a few steps when I overheard someone shouting.

"Daisy! Wait!"

I picked up the pace, pretending not to hear. No, Liam, he caught up with me and grabbed my arm, forcing me to stop.

"Let go of my hand. What are you doing to me, Liam?" I spat.

Liam let go of my arm, but his face grew red.

"I should be asking you. Why are you waiting tables at that place? You were embarrassing!"

I laughed, but my heart hurt.

“So, kissing Jessica there didn’t embarrass you?” He fell silent.

“Oh, I forgot. I should be congratulating you. Congratulations on your engagement to Jessica, Liam,” I said, forcing the words out even though they hurt.

Liam’s jaw tightened as if he was holding something back.

“Stop it, Daisy! I only did that for show.”

Liam stared deeply into my eyes.

“For show? Then why didn’t you deny the engagement just now? You seemed...”

My voice trailed off, and Liam waited.

“Seemed what?”

“Seemed like you were enjoying your role.”

Liam fell silent, as if at a loss for words, making me choose to walk away.

But Liam kept trying to stop me, even as I struggled to pull free.

“Daisy, wait! It’s not what you think.”

He let out a heavy sigh, as if searching for the right words.

“Our parents... they forced me.

I had no choice.”

I looked at him for a long time, holding back all the emotions that were about to explode.

“Then...” my voice grew weaker, “what are we really, Liam? What do you want, and what do you expect?”

He stayed silent.

And for the first time, I knew the answer without him having to say it.