A Missing Key 218 Missed Calls One Family Secret novel Chapter 16

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Back in my room, I locked the door behind me.

Finally. Peace.

I opened my laptop and started researching Northern State-campus info, surrounding area, rental listings. If I’m really doing this, I’m not living in the dorms. I need a space that’s completely mine.

After bookmarking a few promising apartments, I crossed off another day on my calendar.

Forty-two days left.

Time crawls when you’re counting down.

Over the next few weeks, I made myself as invisible as possible.

They were all consumed with Claire’s graduation ceremony and birthday party anyway. Nobody had the energy to worry about my “rebellion.”

Mom and Dad bought Claire a luxury car as a graduation gift. I happened to be home when they brought it around.

Mom looked uncomfortable. “This is for your sister. But if you want something too-”

I cut her off quick. “I’m good. I don’t even drive. It’d be a waste on me.”

Relief flooded her face. She threw in a half-hearted, “Well, we’ll get you something else next time.”

There won’t be a next time. They’ll forget this conversation the second I leave the room. I’m used to them forgetting everything

about me.

Which works perfectly. I don’t want their guilt gifts anyway.

I spent my days at the library, leaving early and coming home late.

Sometimes I’d pass by Dad’s office building and run into his longtime employees.

They’d give me these polite nods, “Miss Mitchell,” with pity or contempt flickering behind their eyes.

I know exactly what I am in their world-an embarrassment.

Not like Claire. She’s the golden child. Elegant, accomplished, the pride of the family.

I’m just proof that the Mitchells did their duty. See? They took back their long-lost daughter. They’re good people.

Fucking joke.

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A Missing Key, 218 Missed Calls, One Family Secret

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Chapter 6

The day finally came.

I’d booked a train leaving just after midnight. Didn’t tell anyone when.

The night before, I rolled my packed suitcase into the living room.

The three of them were sprawled on the couch watching TV-some reality show Claire was obsessed with. Laughing at something stupid.

Then they saw me standing there with my luggage.

The laughter cut off like someone hit mute.

“Wait-what are you doing?”

“Catching a train tonight. Heading out.”

Kept it short.

“Tonight? That soon?” Mom shot up, looking panicked. “Why didn’t you tell us? Richard could’ve driven you-”

“I meant every word.” I grabbed my suitcase handle. “I’m out.”

Didn’t wait for a reaction. I just turned and headed for the door.

“Nina!” Dad’s voice cracked like a whip behind me. “You walk out that door, you don’t come back. Ever. You hear me?”

My hand was already on the doorknob.

I didn’t turn around.

“Fine.”.

One word. Took everything I had left to say it.

Then I pulled the door open and stepped outside.

The night air hit my face, cool and sharp.

I sucked in a deep breath. Felt like I could finally breathe.

Behind me, that heavy, expensive door swung shut-sealing off fifteen years of begging for crumbs from people who never wanted me there in the first place.

I knew right then.

My actual life was about to begin.

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