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“She’s always been the golden child in our family. The perfect daughter.” I let out a bitter laugh. “And I’m just me.”

Connor’s hand finds mine, his fingers interlacing with my own. “And what’s wrong with being you?”

I shrug, my throat tightening. “Nothing, according to our parents. But Ella? They constantly criticize her choices and her career. Even when she’s nominated for awards, it’s never enough.”

I think back to the last family dinner, the way my mother gushed over me while dismissing Ella’s latest acting role, the hurt in Ella’s eyes, and the way she quietly excused herself from the table.

“And the worst part? I think she blames me for it. Like I’m somehow responsible for the way they treat her.”

Connor is quiet for a moment, his thumb rubbing soothing circles on the back of my hand. “Have you tried talking to her about it?”

I scoff. “And say what? ‘Sorry our parents are assholes who clearly favor me over you’? She’d probably just accuse me of rubbing it in her face.”

“You don’t know that. She needs to hear that you’re on her side. That you support her, even if your parents don’t.”

“I try to, but it seems like whatever I do, it backfires.” I chew on my bottom lip. “It’s like she has this wall up. Like she doesn’t want to let me in.”

“Can you blame her?” Connor’s voice is gentle, but his words hit home. “She probably feels like she’s constantly in your shadow. Like you said, never feeling good enough.”

I wince, the truth stinging more when he says it. “I never wanted that for her. I never wanted any of this.”

“Then don’t give up.” He squeezes my hand. “Show her that you’re on her side, no matter what.”

I nod slowly. “I just wish she didn’t feel like she had to settle for someone like that, you know? Just to get our parents’ approval.”

Connor hums in agreement. “Sometimes people do desperate things when they feel like they’re not enough.”

I angle my body towards him. “Speaking from experience?”

Something unreadable flicker in his eyes. “Let’s just say I know a thing or two about trying to prove yourself to people who will never be satisfied.”

My heart clenches at the implication behind his words. I want to ask more, but the guarded expression on his face tells me now isn’t the time.

“It’s actually nice having you here. I don’t feel so alone. Silly, isn’t it? I've been working all day with people, and still, I feel…”

“It’s not silly. I get it. I’m surrounded by people but still feel isolated.”

“You do? But you always seem so self-contained, so in control. Like you don’t want it any other way.”

“It’s a facade. Sometimes, I wish I could be more open, like you.”

“Do you remember that old campus cafe? I think I lived on their coffee during finals.”

“Yeah, I spent a lot of time there, too.”

“I always wondered what you were working on.”

Connor stiffens a bit. “Just projects and stuff.”

“Projects and stuff?” I laugh. “Why did you never talk to me? You kept your distance. Even at parties.”

“I was shy.” His lips quirk. “Not that it would’ve mattered. I was hardly your type back then.”

“That’s not true. You’ve always been my type.” My hands fly to cover up my mouth.

“I was?” Connor’s gaze sharpens, those intense eyes searching my face.

I quickly look down. “Well, you know, I meant…”

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