At the mansion…
Summer moved quickly, shoving clothes into her suitcase. She zipped it up and dragged it toward the door, wiping the tears away with her trembling hand.
The front door opened. Noel stepped inside, the driver following behind him.
After putting the school bag on the sofa, the driver left.
The moment he spotted Summer, his face lit up instantly. A bright smile spread across his lips, and he rushed toward her, eager and breathless.
He couldn't wait to tell her about his new school, about his first day, the friends he made, everything.
But then his eyes fell on the suitcase. He slowed. The excitement drained from his expression. His smile faded completely.
"Are you… leaving?" There was fear in his voice.
Summer's chest tightened the moment she saw the sadness dimming the light in Noel's eyes. She slowly knelt in front of him and gently held his small shoulders.
"Yes, sweetheart," she said softly. "I can't stay here anymore. I have to move out."
