which he eventually agreed to. I nod, reciting the rules: no drinking, no clubbing, no walking alone at night, and no talking to stran
aced with exasperation. Mom watches us, amused, shaking her head. Dad gives me a stern look. "You're not, but there are dangers out there-" "I get it," I interrupt, not wanting to hear his warnings. "Good," he says, then squints at me. I know that look. I haven't mentioned the most important rule. "And no boys," I say, defeated. "No boys, absolutely no boys," he repeats, his authority unwavering. I pout, stabbing my meat.
s, and he tries to justify, "That was complicated-" I interrupt, "Max is already engaged, and he's only a year older than me!" Dad sighs and looks at Mom for support, but she raises her eyebrows, unconvinced. He turns back to me, "Max is a true gentleman. Besides, Sienna isn't allowed to date either-" I protest, "Sienna can't date until she's 25! You're worse than Uncle Vaughn!" My outburst dra
rreal that Dad is finally allowing me to live a thousand miles away, but it's time he gave me some independence. One semester is shorter than four years, after all. "Remember the most important rule?" he asks, and I furrow my brows. Ah, yes - answering their calls. I grin, and we share another hug. The most important thing is honesty and not hiding anything from them. "Remember," he says with a warning look, "don't skip meals." I fight the urge to roll my eyes, but I'll miss his nosy side. As I watch
e most luxurious I've seen, a high-class apartment that makes me wish Dad hadn't splurged on it. But arguing with him was futile; he only wants the best for me, especially when it comes to safety and security. I squint at the penthouse on top, remembering a staff member mentioning the owner lives there.
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