FAMILY TENSION AND NEW BEGINNINGS

Ethan clenched his jaw, his leg striking the table in frustration before he winced—the sharp pain only fueling his anger. I shouldn't have gone to that damn family dinner.

"Ethan!" Sophia called out, kneeling beside him. "You need to pull yourself together. Stop letting Leon get under your skin." She rolled up his trouser leg to inspect the injury, her touch gentle but firm.

"You think I want to react like this?" he snapped. "He's insufferable. Everyone bends over backward to please Grandma—except him. And what do we get in return? Her blatant favoritism."

Sophia sighed. "Grandma does care about you. But she has to be strict—you're her only successor. A single flaw in the public eye could ruin everything."

Ethan scoffed. "Successor? Don't make me laugh. The way she dotes on Leon, you'd think he's the golden child. She barely spares a glance at her own daughter."

"Maybe," Sophia conceded, "but she won't hand her fortune or the company to Leon. He knows nothing about the business. Besides," she added with a sly smile, "you've got the most powerful backing in the family. My father is fully behind you."

A reluctant smirk tugged at Ethan's lips. "I'm lucky to have you. Enough chitchat—I need a shower and sleep. Tomorrow's going to be another exhausting day."

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One Week Later

Working at the restaurant had been surprisingly enjoyable. That Tuesday afternoon, the usual lunch rush was in full swing when my phone buzzed. Balancing a tray of iced Americanos, I fished it out of my pocket—and froze.

Admission granted.

A burst of elation shot through me. "Yes!" I shouted, jumping so high I collided with a customer entering the door. "Oh my God, I'm so sorry!" I blurted, not even waiting for a response before sprinting to Grandma Lucy. "I got in! I got my admission!"

Manda beamed, clapping her hands. "That's incredible news, Val! I'm so happy for you. Fingers crossed my son gets his acceptance soon."

I nodded, but the excitement dimmed as a pang of longing hit me. "Yeah… I just wish I could tell my mom. I can only imagine how happy she'd be—her and my brother."

Manda tilted her head. "So call her. It's simple."

I shook my head. "She made me promise not to contact her until she reaches out first. I won't risk making things worse for her—not with *him* around."

Her expression softened. "You're really not going to apologize to your father?"

"Never." My voice was steel. "If anyone should apologize, it's him—to my mother. I just need to focus on school, graduate, and finally stand on my own two feet." Hope flickered in my chest, bright and unyielding.

IT was 1:00 pm on Sunday when I received a call from my mom , I felt really happy and joy sparkled within me as I heard her voice.

Valeria my baby mom really miss you so much , she said sobbing.

I know mom, and I have a news for you can you guess.

You know am not good at that val baby just tell me before I faint out of anxiety.

You are really boring mom fine I will tell you,

I was giving admission at Hillsdale mom .

Hahhh, my mom shouted loud my ear was throbbing .

Mum that's not all , after looking at my situation I applied for scholarships and it was granted.

Oh my GOD baby I know you are special and my GOD is with you , I can't wait for your brother to come home so I could inform him.

Yes mum and tell that big headed to call me before I appear in his dream.

Yes daughter let me leave you to rest I will inform him I love you.

I love you too mum, I hung up on the call and was about to sleep when another call came in, it was Mrs manda she called to inform me about her son admission,

Val can you make it to my place by 7 pm in the evening my husband decided to celebrate abel admission today before he leaves for his work on the ship .

7 pm , ok I'll come I am really eager to meet your son am sure he will be hand some like you,

Of course, my son will surely fall for you when he see you, dress well we are having other members.

Sure thing Mrs manda am going to look my very best.

Ava came into the room so what's with the dressing well,are you about to take my advice into consideration sis she said winking at me.

Oh you give me goosebumps and I hate hit I need to get enough sleep am going to Manda house later in the evening.

Ok,ok but am going with you

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