Chapter 1

"Z! Are you coming tonight?"

I widened my eyes at Lexy and signaled for her to keep it down. It was Friday, and my friends wanted to party at a bar not far from our school. It was also one of our teammate’s birthdays.

We were in the school's closed gym. I sat on the bench, drinking water and catching my breath after volleyball training. I was waiting for Bettina, my sister. She's a cheerleader here. Of course, with her beauty and talent, most boys on campus were chasing after her.

"I need your answer now so I can plan my outfit!" Lexy said, nudging me dramatically.

I rolled my eyes and walked closer before replying, "I'll message you later. You know I have to sneak out again."

She laughed and poked me in the ribs.

"You're really such a brat! What if your parents find out? I’ll get scolded too if they know I’m with you!"

I sighed. What could I do? My family kept me on a tight leash, and I could never seem to break free.

"I’ll come. Just meet me there."

She beamed, and I quickly motioned for her to hush because Bettina was approaching, and she might hear us planning another escape.

After her cheerdance practice, we headed home, bodyguards in tow. We had no choice. It was what our father demanded.

Yes, we're wealthy, and our family is well-known. My parents own several businesses, so they insist on bodyguards to protect us from potential threats. I grew up being expected to maintain a pristine image, while my father… well, his wasn’t exactly spotless. He’s a brilliant businessman, but I’ve heard plenty of rumors about his affairs. I always had to be top of the class, wasn’t allowed to hang out with friends freely, and had strict curfews. Living like that every day? It wears you down.

"I’ll grab iced coffee before we go home. Want anything?" Bettina asked as we sat in the car.

"No thanks. I’m good."

She nodded and stepped out with her bodyguards to line up at the new café. The place was packed. I stayed behind, scrolling through my phone, already planning my escape for later. I hoped Mom and Dad wouldn’t come home early because it would make things easier.

I was still lost in thought when a familiar car caught my eye.

Dad’s car.

I recognized it instantly, my heart skipping a beat. What was he doing here?

I sat up straight, watching closely… and there he was, my father is with a woman clinging to him. She looked about their age. He opened the car door for her, hand on her waist, like it was nothing.

The rumors were true.

Tears welled in my eyes. All this time, I had hoped people were just out to ruin him but now, seeing it with my own eyes shattered that hope.

"Zariyah?"

Bettina’s voice brought me back. I hadn’t even noticed her return.

"What’s wrong?" she asked, clearly alarmed by the tears on my face.

"I… I saw Dad."

She looked around.

"Where? I didn’t see him."

I shook my head, the tears flowing freely now.

"How could he do this? To Mom?" I cried.

She hugged me, but it didn’t help. The pain was too real.

"Maybe it was just a friend..."

"A friend? He held her waist while opening the car door!" I snapped.

She pulled away gently, cupping my cheeks.

"Fine. But calm down, okay? Let me handle it. Just… don’t tell Mom. She doesn’t need this stress."

I didn’t know how I managed to calm down until we got home. I got out of the car quietly, knowing Bettina would likely tell the guards not to mention my crying.

He always preached about doing the right thing but he’s the one doing the worst.

"Z! Are we watching a movie?" Margot, our youngest sister, asked at the door.

She paused when she saw my face.

"What happened? You okay?"

I froze for a second, unsure what to say. Margot was closest to Dad.

"Let’s watch tomorrow. I’m tired and just want to rest," I said.

She didn’t press and let me go upstairs. I took a shower and went straight to sleep, that's my usual way of coping when my emotions got too loud.

I woke up at midnight to Lexy calling me. Right! The party.

I threw on a black miniskirt and a pink halter top. Let my long, wavy hair down, applied some light makeup, and basically showered in perfume.

The house was dark as I snuck out of my room. I tiptoed toward my parents’ bedroom to check if they were home. Their door was slightly opened.

I froze when I heard my mom’s voice.

"I’m not accusing you, Zandro. I just wanted to know if it’s true. You don’t have to be defensive."

"Of course, it’s not true! They’re just trying to ruin our family!" Dad snapped.

I could hear the denial in his voice. The worst part? Mom was asking so gently, and he still lashed out.

I left quietly and bumped into Bettina in the hallway.

We both froze, surprised.

"Where are you going?" we asked at the same time.

It was obvious from our outfits we were both sneaking out.

"I’m going to a party," she admitted.

"Didn’t ask for permission. You?"

I laughed, "Same. So let’s go."

"No way. We can’t both leave! You stay, I’ll go."

"If you don’t let me come, I’m telling Dad," I said with a smirk.

She sighed in defeat. So we left together and our mission successful, no guards caught us. And funny enough, we were headed to the same party.

"Don’t drink too much, Zari. We have to be home in three hours."

"Got it!"

Bettina drifted off to her friends, and I found Lexy. She whistled when she saw me.

"Damn, Zari. You look hot tonight!"

"Obviously."

We laughed and joined our group. They were already on their fifth round of drinks. I caught up fast.

I don’t know how many shots I had, but my head was spinning. I followed Annika and Lexy to another table where some strangers were hanging out. I smiled and waved.

I was getting dizzier, so I sat down and closed my eyes for a second.

"Drunk already?" a voice teased.

I opened my eyes and glanced beside me. A guy in a black leather jacket, angular jaw, sharp nose, and holding a drink was staring at me.

"I’m not drunk. Just tipsy," I replied.

"Oh really?" he said, facing me.

That’s when I saw his full face, almond eyes, red lips. He leaned a little closer.

"Want to sober up?" he asked as he placed a hand on my thigh.

I locked eyes with him. His gaze said everything.

I wasn’t new to making out at parties. Kisses were all I gave. But something about this guy pulled me in. I grabbed his jacket and kissed him.

His lips met mine, warm and confident, his hand grazing my thigh.

Then—

"Z!"

Even with the music blaring, I heard Bettina’s panicked voice.

I pulled away from the guy, dazed and breathless.

"What?!"

"We have to go! Dad found out!"

She grabbed my arm.

Instead of panicking, I laughed as she dragged me.

"So what if he did? I caught him earlier with his cheap mistress!"