1

Beep Beep Beep.

Ugh, I groaned in annoyance. Why now? I reached for my phone and switched it off, then went back to sleep. Well, I tried to, but then I remembered my mom would be furious if I missed breakfast—apparently, she hates it when people don't follow her rules.

I forced myself to get out of my bed and prepared myself for breakfast, both physically and emotionally. I left my room and went downstairs. I found they had already settled. I ignored the other eyes, looking at me, and sat down on the other side of the table. I was about to start eating when my mom spoke up, completely ruining my appetite. She just had to do this in the morning.

"She finally woke up. I completely forgot you were joining us for breakfast, so I didn't include you," she gave me a bitter smile.

"Oh, okay. I will go get something to eat then," I pushed the plate forward.

"Of course, you go do just that. Apparently, it's the only thing you are good at," she rolled her eyes.

"Not today, Mom. Please, can't we do this tomorrow or something?" I pushed my chair, ready to get up. Then, my dad spoke up. Great, they had to gang up on me again. I looked at my sister, and she's really enjoying this.

"We are going to talk about this. All you've been doing is sleeping, eating, and going out with your stupid friends. Why can't you make yourself useful for once?" his voice laced with anger. If it was any other normal situation, I would have flinched at the tone of his voice, but I guess I can say I got used to it.

"Oh, come on. I won't let you rule my life. All I want is for you to give me a chance to do what I want with my life. I want to live my life with my own choice, that's all," I spoke calmly, careful not to lose my temper.

"Don't you ever call me your mom again. It's Mrs. Williams to you," she rolled her eyes and looked at me again. "I don't know why I had to be cursed with you. Why can't you ever do as you are told and be successful like your siblings?" She sat down, and as usual, her loving husband and her precious children rushed to her. I'm always the bad guy at the end of it all. I left the drama scene and went to my room. I picked out an outfit and took a quick shower.

Sometimes, I wonder how life would have been without them. All they ever do is look down on me. She's never considered me to be her daughter. It would have been better if she had just dumped me at an orphanage or something. My other siblings have always received their love and care, and they still do, while they treat me like trash. The people I'm supposed to call my family are totally rude to me.

I was going to meet Emily. She's the only one who's been by my side—my stupid best friend. I thought I would only be meeting her, but no, I was wrong. She's with her other friends. Don't get me wrong, but it's obvious they don't like me. I've tried to tell Emily about this, and it didn't end so well last time, so for her sake, I tolerate them. I pinched myself when I arrived at the address she sent me. Oh, come on, I have to put up with Charlotte. She's so annoying, but I must say her house is beautiful. Of course, being the daughter of a billionaire, she wants nothing but the best.

I braced myself and knocked on her door. A few minutes later, the brunette came out dressed in a red strapless dress, and her blue eyes glaring at me.

"Oh, it's you," she said in her thick French accent, laced with distaste. "Come in."

She offered me a fake smile. I didn't even bother smiling at her. I rolled my eyes and walked past her. I found the others laughing. Emily saw me and gestured for me to sit next to her. They've been talking for the past one hour, I think about shoes or something. I wasn't really paying attention. I was lost in my thoughts when all of a sudden Kayla squealed in excitement. Ughhh, what now? I rolled my eyes.

"Kayla, what the fuck?" Charlotte asked as she glared at her.

Kayla looked at us with a smile plastered on her face. "Well, you know Alexander Romano, right?"

"Yes, of course, we know him," they said altogether, apart from me, of course.

"Well, my brother is throwing a welcome party for my sister. He invited Alexander, and guess what," she looked at them with a smile plastered on her face.

"He's going to be there, right?" Wendy looked at Kayla for confirmation.

"Yes, he is. I have to start looking for a perfect dress," she clasped her hands together.

"You know he's engaged to Gabriella, right?" as soon as Emily said those words, she glared at her and rolled her eyes. "What a great way to ruin the moment, Emily."

"Oh, come on, ladies. We have to look our best on that day, right? We have to get the most expensive gowns, right, Alexandria?" she smiled at me. I know that Charlotte can be a bitch at times. She's aware of how things are with my parents. They never give me money or their credit cards like they do with my elder brothers and sisters. They all have cars except me, the beloved child.

We left Charlotte's house when they all agreed to go shopping, and Emily offered to drop me off.

"So how's home?" she looked at me and back at the door.

"It's perfectly fine," I smiled at her, but I could tell she was not buying it. A few minutes later, we arrived at their place. I thanked her for the ride and got out. I watched as she drove away.