Lost the Golden Ticket, Found My Own Path

"Mr. Stewart, Mrs. Stewart, congratulations on your daughter's admission to Westbridge University. Truly, it's like father, like daughter. Talent must've run in the family."

"Ms. Nicole has such a bright future ahead. Your family will surely flourish with successors like her."

Dad and Mom beamed with pride, while Nicole—dressed in an expensive custom-made gown—carried herself with composure and confidence as she accepted everyone's praise.

Just then, a guest asked curiously, "Mr. Stewart, I remember you have another daughter as well, right? Why haven't we seen her tonight?"

Dad's smile faltered for a moment before he replied with a deliberately nonchalant tone, "Oh, you mean Gloria? Best not to bring her up. Her grades are a mess.

"She only got into some ordinary state university. Compared to Nicky, she's just not on the same level. So, she probably felt it wasn't her place to show up at an occasion like this."

"That's right," Mom quickly chimed in. "She isn't truly ours, so it's only natural she turned out lacking. I suppose she felt too embarrassed to be here."

Just as Dad and Mom were busy with their explanations and Nicole was basking in praise, the party regained its lively atmosphere. Suddenly, a commotion broke out at the entrance.

The butler rushed in and said in a voice trembling with excitement, "Mr. Stewart, Mrs. Stewart! The s-state officials are here! And a number of admission officers from top universities as well!"

Everyone was stunned.

State officials? And even university admission officers?

"They must be here for Ms. Nicole. Plenty of students get accepted every year, but only Ms. Nicole could attract this kind of attention. I must say I'm impressed!'

Thrilled yet nervous, Dad and Mom hastily adjusted their clothes. Nicole, by contrast, stood tall, a poised smile settling on her face as she prepared to receive an honor unlike she had ever known.

A group of men in jackets strode quickly into the hall, led by important state officials. Following behind were several distinguished figures, each wearing the crest of a different prestigious university on their lapels.

There were representatives from Westbridge University, Northgate University, Clarendon University, Bayfield University, and more. In fact, it seemed as though representatives from nearly every top university in the country had come.

Dad hurried forward to greet them with both hands outstretched and, in a voice trembling with excitement, said, "Mr. Bowman! Mr. Langstaff! Esteemed officials and honored professors, what a privilege to welcome you here."

Mr. Jenson Bowman from the Board of Education clasped Dad's hands firmly, his voice booming with emotion as he said, "Mr. Stewart, congratulations! Congratulations indeed!

"To have raised such an extraordinary daughter—you've truly given the nation a remarkable talent."

Dad was a little bewildered and instinctively glanced at Nicole.

"Mr. Bowman, you're too kind. Nicole's admission to Westbridge University is certainly an accomplishment, but she hasn't yet—"

"Nicole?" Mr. Bowman paused, his tone suddenly distant. "Oh, she's your youngest daughter, yes? I heard she was admitted to Westbridge University's physics department. That's very good."

He then gave a perfunctory nod, his eyes already scanning the crowd with urgency, as though searching for something far more precious.

The crowd looked puzzled. It was obvious now that the officials hadn't come for Nicole.

Nicole, who had been all smiles and ready to introduce herself to the officials, suddenly froze in place while she paled.

At that moment, Mr. Bowman's gaze locked onto me. I was standing quietly in the corner, still in my plain work clothes. I had just gotten off the shift at the cafe and hadn't had a chance to change clothes yet.

His eyes lit up at once, and his face broke into a broad, eager smile. He pushed through the crowd and strode straight toward me.

"At last, I've found you, Gloria."