Caitlin wasn't just beautiful and smart-she was also genuinely kind. Despite her many strengths, she never acted superior to anyone. As the star of their class, she was well-liked by everyone.

So when word got out that Caitlin would be heading to The Capital this semester, her classmates were seriously disappointed.

"All good things must come to an end," Caitlin said with a bright smile. "But the world's a small place. I'll be waiting for you all at The Capital University."

Her last words set the whole class buzzing with excitement.

"See you at The Capital University, Caitlin!" someone called out.

After saying her goodbyes, Caitlin returned to her seat.

Celeste turned to her. "Catie, have you talked to Winslow? Did he agree?"

Caitlin nodded. "He's agreed."

Celeste threw her arms around Caitlin. "Oh, Catie, I'm going to miss you so much."

Caitlin hugged her back. "Don't worry, March. After finals, we'll all be at the same university again."

At that moment, Scarlett Ryan turned around. "Catie, I'm applying to The Capital University too. March and I will come find you there."

"I'm applying too," Hanley Young chimed in, glancing back at them. "The four of us will be back together-hanging out, grabbing dinner, just like old times."

Beatrice had already set a date for the move.

Just three days from now.

The eighteenth.

A perfect day for a fresh start.

Gordon stopped by the Cumming family's house to see Skyler.

Alaina was in the living room, sipping tea, and looked up in surprise as he walked in. "Gordon? What brings you here?"

"I'm here for Skyler." Gordon shrugged off his suit jacket and handed it to the housekeeper as he stepped inside. "Where is he?"

"He's upstairs, crying his eyes out," Alaina replied, taking another sip of tea.

"Crying?" Gordon blinked, confused.

"Yep," she said, clearly amused. "Heartbreak. I've never seen him cry this hard before."

"And you're not going to talk to him?" Gordon raised an eyebrow.

"Everyone gets their heart broken sooner or later. What's the point in interfering?" Alaina didn't seem worried at all. "Besides, he's had a pretty easy life up till now- never had to deal with much hardship. A little heartbreak might be good for him.”

That's life, after all. Who ever has it all smooth sailing?

Gordon shot her a look. "You really are his mother, huh?"

"Not just his mother," Alaina replied, meeting his gaze. "I'm practically his big sister, too. And if you ever get your heart broken, you can bet I'll laugh even harder at you."

"Don't worry. That day will never come."

With that, Gordon headed upstairs.

As soon as he reached Skyler's room, a strong smell of alcohol hit him.

The curtains were drawn, cloaking the room in near darkness.

Gordon frowned and pulled the curtains open, revealing empty bottles scattered across the floor.

Skyler was sprawled on the sofa, clutching a half-empty bottle.

"How much did you drink?" Gordon scoffed, clearly unimpressed.

Skyler lurched up, flinging his arms around Gordon. "Uncle, I got dumped!"

Gordon looked at him like he was speaking another language. "Didn't you say you weren't interested in anyone?"

"I was just embarrassed to admit it," Skyler sobbed. "I was finally going to confess yesterday, but then I found out she already had a boyfriend. Uncle, I'm miserable..."

Gordon's expression was pure exasperation. "So you're drinking yourself stupid over a girl?"

"Yeah, Uncle, you have no idea how much this hurts!" Skyler wailed, burying his face in Gordon's shoulder and openly bawling.

"Pathetic." Gordon shook his head. "A grown man, crying over a girl!"

Honestly, he could hardly stand to look at him.

"Next time you go out, don't tell people you're my nephew."

Skyler wiped his eyes and looked up. "Uncle, don't laugh at me. Someday you

might fall for someone and end up crying even harder!"

Gordon snorted. "That'll never happen. I'm not about to waste my tears or my whiskey over a woman."