Chapter 1

My mom passed away early, and my dad worked hard to raise me on his own. He never sought a new partner because he was worried a stepmother might not treat me well.

When I went to college, I heard he started dating someone my age.

Although I initially teased him as a ‘cradle robber’, as soon as I found out that she was a good person who could be there for him, I was in.

Fiona Reeves, my roommate, noticed I was around and emphasized. She claimed her rich boyfriend was going to introduce her to his family soon, and they were going to get married. She even smiled and said she would treat us to dinner next time.

Of course, her invitation did not include me. Our relationship had been strained for ages over lifestyle clashes and other issues.

I was busy applying my makeup when I saw a message from my dad; I quickly took my tablet to reply.

[When will you be here, sweetheart?]

After I sent a reply, I looked up to see Fiona glaring at me with a dark expression as though she wanted to tear me apart.

Before I could make sense of it, she stormed over and slapped me hard across the face.

“Sophie, you really have no shame! The person you were just texting is my boyfriend! I’d know that profile picture and name anywhere. When did you start flirting with him? How can you be such a snake?!”

I cupped my face, my mind blank from the shock, staring at the tablet, which had just powered off.

Before I could say anything, Fiona hit me again on the head and told me to shut up and that I was just a side chick.

“That’s my boyfriend! I know he’s loaded and good-looking, but thinking you could snag him? Keep dreaming! Have you ever looked in the mirror? I’m going to beat you senseless!”

Before I could say anything, two of our other roommates, who had just walked in, joined in, barely bothering to close the door.

“You even dared to set a photo of you two as your background just to rub it in my face! What kind of twisted game is this? Smiling at each other like that, calling each other 'sweetheart’? He’s never called me that!”

I was shoved to the floor. The makeup fell off the table, and Fiona smashed my tablet.

Claire and Sara each grabbed an arm of mine, making it impossible for me to pull away. I was furious and shouted at them to let go.

“What right do you have to spy on my messages? And I’m no side chick, so get your facts straight!”

“Flirting with my boyfriend behind my back, calling each other pet names? You shameless woman, who do you think you are?! I’m defending my territory and putting you in your place today.”

“You disgrace our whole dorm. Seducing your roommate’s boyfriend? That’s disgusting.”

“Everyone should see just how gross this person is. Acting all high and mighty but just wrecking everything! Seriously, come take a good look!”