Chapter 8 The rage burst through my careful composure . I lunged for the earring , my fingers tangling in Sophias perfectly styled hair . Everything blurred into desperate movement and muffled screams . When reality snapped back into focus , the butterfly earring was in my trembling hand , and Sophia was sobbing , blood trickling from her earlobe . Adrians grip on my wrist was bruising , his eyes colder than a winter race at Silverstone . What the hell is wrong with you , Riley ? Have you completely lost it ? His voice cut like shattered carbon fiber . Disappointment had long since drowned my heartbreak . I clutched the earring , my voice breaking . This was my mothers . The only thing I have left of her . Id given him one of the pair during those precious days when I thought Rain and I would last forever . Now hed handed it to another woman like it was nothing more than a trophy . Its just an earring , he sneered . I cant wear it , so why shouldnt Sophia have it ? Apologize . I searched his face desperately , looking for any trace of the man whod once cried when I gave him this precious piece of my history . But Rain was gone , leaving only Adrian Chases perfect mask . Riley , I have the biggest race of my season in days . Are you trying to sabotage me? Reality crashed back . Id promised his mother not to upset him before Monaco . My future in Milan depended on keeping that promise . I bowed to Sophia , swallowing my pride . Im sorry . Adrian released me with a shove that sent me stumbling . I watched him lift Sophia like she weighed nothing . Im taking her to the hospital . Dont be home when I get back . You need to think about what youve done . The room filled with whispers as they left , but I didnt care . I had my mothers earring back. Mom had been a lead singer in an indie band . Dad fell for her fire but later condemned her for the same passion , calling her unstable , unfit for family life . My clearest memory is her on stage , these butterfly earrings catching the lights as she owned every note . She was my definition of radiance . It inspired my dream of designing jewelry that could capture that same magic . When she got sick , Dad never visited once . 15-43 Chapter 8 But Mom never regretted being herself . Her last words to me in that sterile hospital room : Never lose yourself in someone elses story . I laughed bitterly . Shed be so disappointed in how far Id let myself fade . Please miss , anything helps . A young boys voice cut through the snowy night , his eyes hungry and hopeful . I dropped Adrians birthday gifts the Tiffany necklace and bracelet into his cup . His face lit up like Christmas . It was time to find myself again , to make Mom proud . Being alone wasnt nearly as scary as being lost . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!