Night Lilly

Night Lilly 1

Lilly

It was my junior year at Thornhill Academy, widely regarded as the world's most prestigious school for exceptionally gifted students in Sydney Australia. Handpicked for our unique talents—whether in math, science, literature, sports, or the arts—we were the chosen few. At Thornhill, the promise was simple: harness your abilities, and we'll shape your future. It wasn't just an education; it was a guaranteed way to success, where every connection and opportunity was laid in wait.

...

At the start of summer I went back home to Seoul, South Korea. It was the first time I had been back in months, the last time I came to visit was Christmas break. While I was there I took advantage of all the things I missed or didn't have in Sydney. I went to concerts, shopping, catching up with old friends and doing dance workshops. When I was home I didn't see my parents much, they were always busy with work. Which was fine since I never really expected them to be here much either way.

My parents own a multinational Fashion company called Diamor, it ranges from clothes, jewelry and more recently makeup. It was their lifelong work and top priority, making parenting a little less important. But I learned to live with it because I discovered that family doesn't always mean them. The staff, my nanny and my older sister practically raised me growing up. When I came back home they threw me a small welcome home celebration and I remembered the good parts of family.

My parents came home early from a business trip from Japan and so we all ate dinner together. I was waiting for the inevitable.

"So, Lilly, dear, how are your grades? Keeping up with all your studies, I hope? You know we can't have you slacking off, especially at Thornhill. We've told everyone you're doing so well." My mom said, flashing me an empty smile.
"Yeah, I'm doing fine. I'm getting things done."
Father frowned slightly.

"Fine? Lilly, fine isn't what we're paying for, is it? Remember, there are expectations, especially for someone in your position." he said.

"Speaking of your position," my mother said, jumping in. "We were thinking—this whole Thornhill experience could really be a way to elevate Diamor. Think about it, darling. Thornhill is full of young people from the most... how should I say, prestigious families." she said, twisting her new diamond ring. Mother valued expensive things, no matter how insignificant they were. So it was important for her that Diamor flourished.

"I thought I was at Thornhill to study and work hard for my future. I don't have time to run promotions and do all that stuff." I said my voice was slightly irritated.

My father let out a laugh.

"Oh, come on, Lilly, you act like it's such a burden. All you have to do is wear the clothes, makeup and jewelry that's it. So that you can show people that Diamor is an essential luxury. You wear it, people will want it. It's hardly any work at all." My father said, he gave me a disapproving look.

"But what about what I want to do, Thornhill is hard enough with the competition and now I have to go around and play dress up. School is important to me, it was so time consuming when I did it here." My grip is tightening around my fork.
"Oh, Lilly. After everything we've done for you... you can't spare a little effort to give back? You live a lifestyle most people only dream of. We made that possible." My mother said, her cold voice iced over my body.

" I know but.." I was cut off by my fathers angry furry.

" Lilly. Do you think we had a choice when we built this company from nothing? Sleepless nights, endless work... and all so you could have the best. You're lucky to be in this position. We didn't ask for anything in return when you were younger, but now? It's time to start showing some gratitude for once!" He yelled, the table shook a bit when he stood up and pointed his finger at me. My mother tapped his arm and he sat back down, then they continued eating.

I looked under the table and noticed that I had been gripping my hands so tight that my knuckles turned white.

"It's not fair, you can't push this on me. I'm living the life you planned out for me." I said, this time resentment tainted my words. My mother locked her eyes with mine.

"Life isn't fair, Lilly. One day, you'll realize what we've done for you. Until then, you can do this for us. Be one of the many faces of Diamor, and stop acting as if we've asked the world of you."

"Your manager will be contacting you once you're back in Sydney, I hope you will not disappoint. And I never want to have this conversation again." My father said, ultimately ending the discussion.

After I finished dinner, it felt like there was a lump in my chest. I always hated when I couldn't stick up for myself, when I was a kid, kids used to always tease me. It wasn't until I learned how to step up for myself and not let others get the best of me that I felt confident. However my parents are the only ones who make all my hard work fall apart, they're the ones who still get to me. Because at the end of the day I'm still the little girl waiting for her parents' love and validation, even though it's out of reach.