Not A Small-Town Girl

Chapter 12-1

"Got your breakfast ready, sweetheart," Howard called from the stairs. "Your mom had the kitchen whip up all your favorites."

"Thanks, Dad. But I’m not hungry." Danielle’s hangover pulsed behind her eyes.

Last night’s memories crashed over her-throwing money at a corporate titan, demanding he carry her home... She buried her burning face in her hands. ’Why did I turn into such a hot mess? I never act like that drunk.

But of course, "not hungry" didn’t exist in a parent’s vocabulary, so before she knew it, her dad had already pulled her to the breakfast table.

Audrey seethed in the background, her pristine mask slipping just enough to reveal raw fury at being ignored.

entrance exam?" Howard said, watching his

I guess," Danielle mumbled between

the university to support Danielle!" Audrey said, her voice bright and innocent, like she was the most thoughtful sister in the world. The way she acted, one’d almost believe she really cared about cheering

the top schools in the country, stood before the Darlings like something out of a dream. Its old, grand buildings seemed to whisper

air of mystery that made it feel like more than just a place to learn, but

at seeing Audrey. "Another entrance test? Isn’t Miss Darling already a student here?" His mind raced to

our other daughter," Howard explained, presenting

he masked his reaction. ’Since when does she play at being a student?’ he wondered

Looking forward to studying

before, and now she wants another entrance test? Since when is she a Darling?’ He had so many questions, but with the Darlings present, he’d have to hold his

chose Moreno," he said diplomatically.