Chapter 3

Nathan's pov

Just when I thought I had seen it all, dad brings home a freeloader and her ugly daughter.

Meeting them was hatred at first fight. I wanted them to leave and if that was not going to happen, then I'd make their lives a living hell starting with that dolt called Ruby.

Oh, Ruby. I had never met someone as insufferable as her. Everything about her jarred at my nerves — The way she walked around the house like she belonged, the way she talked to everyone like she had every right to, and worst of all, dad always looked at her with this softness in his eyes. It makes me want to puke. He treated her like the daughter he never had, like she was something special but in truth, she wasn't worth jack shit.

Every breath they took was an insult to the wealth and power that ran through my veins and I made sure they understood that.

But Ruby…

Oh, Ruby was defiant. The short red head who doesn't know her place would always have a reply for every insult I threw at her. She spoke like she had every right to be here but no, she had no right to claim this part of life as her own. She and her mother were nothing but scavengers feeding off dad's fortune — our fortune.

I hated them and I never missed an opportunity to let them know. Words, actions – everything at my disposal was a weapon I'd use to break them. Monica would always flinch at my presence but Ruby, no, she'd pinch her freckled face and clench her jaw when I spoke. She hated me. I knew that. If only she knew it was compared to mine.

I loathe her.

Even the way Stephen ignored her fueled my rage. Weeks passed and he did nothing to her, not even an insult or a bully. He tolerated her! The betrayal stung. I couldn't believe he'd allow them to stay.

No matter what. If he doesn't put them in their place, I would.

I made it my mission to make sure Ruby regrets stepping foot inside this mansion.

One Saturday evening, Ruby and I crossed paths in the hallway and as expected, she was bristling with attitude.

An idea formed in my head and I blocked her path.

She shot me glare. “Move!”

I placed a hand I've army chest and gave a dramatic gasp. “Me? Did you just order me to move?”

“No. Your shadow!” She hissed. “It's called walking, Nathan. You should try it instead of standing around, plotting my demise like a third rage villain.”

“Oh, you're asking for it.” I took a step closer but she didn't even flinch. The nerve.

“No. You are.” She stared in my eyes and I swore I could almost see daggers coming out of them.

“Listen up, charity case.” I was sad, leaning in. “You might all be tough but you're no better than the maids in this house. In fact, now that I see it. They have more use than you. At least they earn their keep. All you do I'd breathe the air I pay for.”

A scoff escaped her lips. “Wow. That's rich coming from a man who knows how to throw tantrums.”

“Watch your mouth, pest!”

“Or what? You'll cry about it to Stephen?”

That's it!

My right hand twitches and I lifted it to hit her. She'd push me.

My bubbling anger went for the hills when a loud voice boomed down the hallway.

“Nathan!”

Before I could react, it was too late.

SMACK!

Dad had slapped me.

I turn to see him glaring at me, his hand still raised.

My face burned from the slap as I tried to process what the hell happened.

Dad raised his hands on me?

“Don't you dare raise your hands on your sister!” Father barked.

“Sister?” My eyes went round with alarm. “This clown is - -”

“One more word out of you and I won't hesitate to hit you again!” Father warned, anger flashing in his eyes. He was dead serious.

“Apologize to her! Now!”

Father hits me, doesn't I get to apologize? I'm the victim here!

He growled and I rolled my eyes. This is fucking fantastic.

I turned to Ruby who was smiling like she had just won a battle. “I'm sorry.”

Then dad turned to Ruby. “Do you forgive him?”

My jaws dropped. What the fuck!

Ruby thought hard for a second before she gave him a nod. “Yeah. I do.”

Then she winked at me.

Oh, you're so dead, Ruby!

Father stormed off when he received a call from his secretary and Ruby followed behind him.

Ruby! Even her name sounds like a curse!

I pulled out my phone and sent her a text. “I hope you enjoyed that little victory, pest. I'm going to make you regret it!”

She replied with a laughing emoji. “Try it then your father will have to slap some sense into you!”

Oh no. She didn't!

She turned around and another another wink. I felt like ripping her apart. No, I would.

I am Nathan Sullivan!

And no one laughs but me!

Ruby?

That clown was just a commoner. A parasite leeching off our family's wealth, just like her mother. They didn't belong with our family at all. I was a Sullivan and not her but tonight, dad treated me like the commoner and her, the Sullivan. He had the audacity to hit me, his own son, all because of that loser!

This was the first time dad he'd ever laid his hands on me and it's because of her. I swear I'd make her pay for that.

I slumped into the leather couch in Stephen’s room, fuming from humiliation.

“Do you want anything?” He asked, flipping through the page of the book in his hand.

“I'm going to make her life a living hell!” I announced furiously.

Stephen didn't even look up as he read his stupid book. “Oh. Who? Monica or her kid?”

“Ruby!”

“Oh. Ruby,” he smiled. “But you do that already. You make her life a living hell already.”

“It's not enough!”

“Jeez. Villian much?”

“That bitch thinks she's untouchable because father pities her. Huh!” I scoffed. “She's nothing more than a glorified maid!”

Stephen sighed. “Dude.”

I ignored him. “She acts like she's better than me! Me! Nathan Sullivan! She'll know he will be replaced soon enough!”

Stephen was forced to put down his book now. “Her place? And where exactly is that?”

“Below me!”

Stephen rolled his eyes. “You're unbelievable.”

“Unstoppable.” I corrected with a smirk.