Too Late to Love the Real Me novel Chapter 2

Chapter 2 Letting Go

Chapter 2 Letting Go

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When Azalea entered the main hall, Sydney stood dead center, basking in everyone’s attention. Matthias and Bastian flanked her on either side like loyal knights protecting their precious princess.

Her appearance instantly stirred whispers among the guests.

Pity. Disdain. Ridicule. Every glance was laced with curiosity, like they were just waiting for her to crash

and burn.

Azalea’s lashes lifted slightly, a flicker of mockery in her eyes. Everyone here knew–she was nothing but a clown in this house. The sad part? She hadn’t realized it before. She’d actually believed that maybe, just maybe, this family would one day see her for who she was.

In a city like Draywick, crawling with rich people, the Larks were still among the most elite.

Her father, Wesley Lark, had risen from nothing. This financial genius rode the market’s waves and became a regular on business news channels. Her mother, Ivy Lark, was a world–renowned fashion designer with a brand name that held real weight overseas.

And then there were the four brothers–each one more brilliant than the last.

The eldest, Cassius Lark, had taken over the family business and was the city’s most eligible bachelor.

The second brother, Matthias Lark, is a genius doctor with a private lab.

The third brother, Skyler Lark, was a multi–award–winning actor in the entertainment world. Blessed with both talent and luck, he could win awards for even just playing a corpse.

The fourth brother, Bastian Lark, a former esports player who transitioned to the behind–the–scenes world after an injury, founded the undisputed number–one esports club in the industry–Anexis.

To be adored by people like that, who could resist?

Azalea slowly let out a breath. But none of that had anything to do with her anymore.

She was in her last year of high school. One year–that’s all she needed. She’d live for herself, get into the university she wanted, make enough money, and cut every tie to the Larks for good.

When Matthias saw the white box in her hands, his face immediately darkened. He frowned and snapped, “What’s this now? Trying to pull another stunt?”

Bastian narrowed his eyes. That box looked familiar.

“Didn’t you want me to apologize to Sydney?” Azalea’s voice was calm and neutral.

Hearing that she was finally ready to admit fault, Matthias actually looked a little pleased. “At least you’ve still got a sliver of conscience.”

Bastian gave her a small smile/“Azalea, you’ve finally grown up.”

He glanced at her with a look that, for a second, almost resembled affection. “Matthias and I talked it over earlier. We decided to give your Jubilee training camp spot to Sydney.”

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Chapter 2 Letting Go

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It wasn’t a discussion. It was a decision.

Azalea didn’t look surprised at all.

In her past life, it’d gone exactly the same. Bastian, all in the name of making Sydney feel better, had handed over her hard–earned spot without even asking her.

Sydney had talent in art, sure–but just because she had potential, Azalea was forced to give up her path, even though she had the top scores in academic classes. She had to follow Sydney’s footsteps into the art world.

Sydney had felt inferior about falling short in academic classes, so she needed to outshine Azalea in the arts. But, surprise–Azalea turned out to be even more gifted. She didn’t just earn the top ranking at school. She was awarded the only elite spot in the training camp at the Jubilee Academy of Fine Arts.

Jubilee gave a handful of these coveted spots to senior high school art students every year. Anyone who got this spot ended up leaving their mark on art history.

Sydney gasped and immediately put on her goody–two–shoes act. “I can’t take that spot–it’s not mine. Matthias, Bastian, please take it back.”

Disgusting. It was so fake that it made Azalea want to gag.

She stared at Sydney, unblinking. If Sydney hadn’t hinted she wanted it, would the brothers have remembered it at all?

In her past life, she’d been devastated. Heartbroken. Furious. Why did her things always end up in Sydney’s hands? Why was she constantly punished for crimes she never committed?

But now? Now, she didn’t care. Give it to her. Let Sydney have it all. All it meant was another chance to humiliate herself, trying to wear shoes too big for her.

Besides, this time around, she wasn’t even planning to take the art route anymore.

Matthias held Sydney close, stroking her head like she was made of glass. “Silly girl. Of course, you can

take it.”

Azalea smiled. “Exactly. What’s the problem?”

Then she popped open the box in her hands. “Just a spot? That’s not enough.

“This box holds the most valuable things I have. I’m giving them all to you.”

Inside were all the gifts she’d received since returning to the Larks.

This was her first step in severing ties. One by one, she would cut every thread. She was actually a little curious–without her around to plug up the holes, could Sydney still play the family’s perfect little darling like in the previous life?

Not to mention Bastian. Even Matthias‘ expression froze when he looked inside that box.

These were things Azalea used to treasure more than life itself.

Bastian’s face turned grim as he leaped to his feet. “Put it back!”

THE

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Chapter 2 Letting Go

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Inside the box was a lake blue–colored case, and inside it was the sapphire crown he had gifted her. It was a present he bought with the prize money from his first world championship win in Erlands during his professional career!

No wonder the box looked familiar. He remembered now–on the day he gave it to her, she’d carefully placed it inside the white box, then wiped the dust off even though it was spotless.

She’d just turned 16. Her cute face, a bit rounder than when she first came home, was all smiles, and her words were sincere: “Bastian, this is my favorite treasure.”

Azalea tilted her head and blinked innocently. “Didn’t you want me to apologize?”

Bastian’s throat tightened. They’d wanted her to apologize, yes–but not like this.

How could she bear to give this up? Weren’t these things priceless to her?

He stood there, confused and shaken. He’d just wanted to stop her from turning into a bad person. Was that so wrong?

Matthias gritted his teeth. “Are you apologizing or making a statement?”

Azalea’s smile widened. “Matthias, why are you angry again? Isn’t an apology supposed to be sincere? Isn’t this sincere enough?”

He had no words. Of course, it was sincere. Everyone in the Larks knew–these gifts were worth more to Azalea than her own life.

Even Sydney was surprised. What was Azalea doing? Was this a real apology or just a way to gain pity?

But she wanted those things. Oh, she wanted them.

Her eyes flashed with jealousy. Every item was one of a kind–things even she didn’t have.

She bit her lip and tried to look reluctant. “Azalea, it’s too much. These gifts were from Mom, Dad, and our brothers. They mean more than just money. I can’t accept them.”

She shook her head in refusal.

Such a sweet little act–Matthias‘ heart melted on the spot. And in comparison, Azalea’s actions felt like a slap in the face.

Was she mocking us?

Trying to guilt–trip us?

He sneered. “Fine. Do you want to give them away? Just don’t come crying to take them back later.”

He grabbed one item and shoved it into Sydney’s hands. “From now on, all of this is yours.”

Sydney kept her face tight with fake conflict, but inside, she screamed joyfully. She wasn’t going to turn down something she wanted this badly.

Well, that was that. Garbage returned to its rightful place. Azalea shrugged and turned to leave. She didn’t care what any of them thought anymore.

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Chapter 2 Letting Go

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Bastian panicked. He felt like something important was slipping through his fingers. He took a step forward on instinct.

Sydney saw his movement and instantly clutched her chest, crying out, “It hurts!”

Bastian froze. He turned and saw her pale face. Without a second of hesitation, he scooped her into his arms. “Matthias–get the car!”

Of course, Azalea noticed the commotion. But she didn’t even look back. Whether Sydney was faking it or not–it didn’t matter.

Me and Sydney? Ha, no choice. I’m not even on their radar.

The old Azalea would’ve been hurt, heartbroken by how her brothers cared more for Sydney.

But now? Let her fake it. Let her be sick for real. If Sydney dropped dead, Azalea would be the first to cheer.

TI