chapter 1

Cassy

The grand ballroom was filled with laughter and music as the guests celebrated lucy and I twentieth birthday. we dressed in identical gowns, stood by the cake, beaming with excitement. our father, lucas CEO of the Carter Corporation, stepped up to the microphone, a sly smile spreading across his face. "Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends, welcome! Tonight, we gather to celebrate a major milestone in the lives of my beautiful twin daughters, Cassy and Lucy." he paused, surveying the room before focusing on Lucy and I.

"As you know, I sent them abroad to study, hoping they would return with the skills and knowledge necessary to take over the family business. And now, the time has come to decide who will inherit the Carter Corporation."lucy and I exchanged nervous glances, our hearts racing with anticipation. he cleared his throat, his voice dripping with drama. "After careful consideration, I have decided to leave the entire company...to lucy."

The room fell silent, with gasps and whispers spreading like wildfire. my face turned ashen, my eyes wide with shock and betrayal. "Father, what...?" I stammered. dad held up a hand, his expression unyielding. "I'm sorry, cassy. I know you are the older one but You've always been...distracted. Unsure of yourself. lucy, on the other hand, has shown remarkable strength and determination. She's the clear choice to lead this company into the future." Lucy's face glowed with pride and excitement, and her eyes held no hint of guilt and sadness. though She knew how much this would hurt me .

As the guests began to murmur and congratulate lucy, I turned and fled the room, tears streaming down my face. I locked myself in my bedroom, the sound of the party still echoing in my mind. I felt like I would been punched in the gut, my breath knocked out of me.

I've always knew dad had a soft spot for lucy since birth, as we grow older, dad favoritism became more apparent he would often take lucy on business trips and to important events, while I have always felt left out , lucy was the outspoken and confident one while I on the other hand was shy and introverted.

I grow up doing everything dad wants just so he could love me, even if it was half the love he had for lucy, and it got to a point when it felts like I wasn't living my life but his. I stared at my reflection in the mirror, tears streaming down my face. Why had my father done this to me? I went abroad along with lucy to study business , just so maybe if I get good grades and graduate, dad would acknowledge me, which I did, but he didn't, he has never for once notice my efforts.

my thoughts swirled with anger, hurt, and betrayal. I felt like I was losing myself, like my whole identity had been shattered. I collapsed onto the bed, burying my face in the pillows. I couldn't bear the thought of facing my father, or lucy , or anyone else right now.

I rushed out and went outside through the back door to my car. my hands trembled as I grasped the steering wheel, my eyes fixed on the winding driveway leading out of the estate. I felt like I was suffocating, trapped in a world where my own father didn't believe in me. The sound of my father's words echoed in my mind: "lucy, you're the clear choice to lead this company into the future." The pain and betrayal cut deep, making it hard for me to breathe. With a burst of adrenaline, i started the engine and floored it, speeding down the driveway. The trees and gardens blurred together as i accelerated, the wind whipping my hair into a frenzy.

I didn't know where I was going; I just knew I had to get away for now. Away from my father's rejection, away from Lucy's triumphant smile, and away from the suffocating expectations that had defined my life for so long. As I hit the open road, I wasn't sure of where to go to, somewhere that wouldn't remind me of home. I stumbled into McGillicuddy's Pub, the neon signs blurring together as I made my way to the bar I could use a drink or three. inside the pub was cozy with deep lightning and warm smell of bear and burger I slide onto a stool and ordered a whiskey on the rocks, downing it in one gulp. The bartender raised an eyebrow but said nothing, pouring more shot.

As the night wore on, the drinks kept coming, and my inhibitions disappeared. I stumbled off my stool, laughing loudly, and staggered to the bathroom.

liam, sitting at the end of the bar, watched with growing concern. He'd noticed my rapid drinking pace and increasing slurred speech.As I stumbled back to the bar, Liam got up and approached me .

"Hey, I think you've had enough," Liam said gently, trying to take the glass from my hand.

I shook him off, my eyes flashing with defiance. "Mind your own business."

Liam's expression softened. "I'm just trying to help. You're clearly intoxicated." I snarled, trying to push him away. "Leave me alone."

Liam's grip on my arm tightened. "I'm not going to leave you like this. You're going to hurt yourself." I struggled, but Liam held firm, guiding me out of the bar. The cool night air hit me like a slap in the face, and I stumbled, almost falling.

he caught me, holding me upright. "I'm taking you home." I muttered incoherently, my head lolling to one side. Liam sighed, scooping me up in his arms. As we walked to his car, my eyes fluttered closed, and nd I passed out, leaving Liam to wonder where to take me to. he glanced down at my peaceful face, feeling a pang of uncertainty. Where was he supposed to take me? I hadn't mentioned an address, and my phone was dead.As he drove through the quiet streets, he made a split-second decision. He'd take me to his place.

After driving an extra mile, we arrived at his place . The gates swung open, revealing a majestic, modern mansion. Floor-to-ceiling windows gleamed in the moonlight, and the sound of a gentle fountain filled the air. he pulled up to the entrance, the doors sliding open with a soft whoosh. He carried me inside, my limp form nestled in his arms.The interior of the house was sleek and minimalist, with polished marble floors and a stunning chandelier. he navigated the spacious hallway, passing by a sunken living room and a gleaming kitchen. He reached the master bedroom, a serene oasis with a plush, king-sized bed. he gently laid me down, pulling a soft blanket over me.

As he stepped back, he couldn't help but notice the contrast between my fragile, sleeping form and the opulent surroundings. Who was this mysterious girl, and what had driven her to such excess? Liam's gaze lingered on my face, feeling an inexplicable sense of responsibility. He'd make sure I was safe, at least for tonight. With a quiet sigh, Liam retreated to the guest room, leaving me to sleep undisturbed.

As the night wore on, the house grew quiet, the only sound the soft hum of the air conditioning and my gentle, rhythmic breathing.

in the morning my eyes fluttered open, my head pounding with a dull ache. I was disoriented, unsure of where I was or how I got there. As I sat up, a wave of nausea washed over me. my gaze fell on a glass of water on the bedside table, and I grabbed it, drinking greedily.

"Good morning," a deep, smooth voice said from the doorway.

my eyes snapped toward the sound, and I saw Liam, the guy from the bar, leaning against the doorframe.

"What...what time is it?" I croaked, my throat dry.

"It's around 10 am," Liam replied, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "How are you feeling?"

I rubbed my temples, trying to remember the events of the previous night. "I...I don't know. What happened?" . his expression turned serious. "You had a bit too much to drink at the bar. I brought you here to make sure you were safe."my face flushed with embarrassment. "Oh...thank you." he pushed off from the doorframe and walked toward me . "No need to thank me. But maybe next time, we can stick to coffee or soda, huh?"I smiled weakly, feeling a spark of gratitude toward this stranger. "Yeah...maybe."

As he handed me a steaming cup of coffee, I felt a sense of awkwardness. What did I owe this guy, and why did I feel so drawn to him?As I sipped my coffee, Liam sat down beside me on the bed, his eyes scanning my face.

"You're feeling better, I hope?" he asked, his voice low and soothing.

I nodded, the caffeine starting to kick in. "Yeah, thanks. I'm sorry again for...last night."

he waved his hand dismissively. "No need to apologize. We've all been there."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "You've been there?"

Liam's smile was wry. "Let's just say I've had my share of wild nights."

As we chatted, I found myself feeling more at ease with Liam. There was something about his calm, gentle demeanor that put me at peace. As I finished my coffee, I realized I needed to get going. I had no idea how I was going to face my father after yesterday. But for now, I just wanted to escape, to get out of this luxurious prison and back to my own life.

"Thanks for...everything," I said, standing up and smoothing out my wrinkled dress.

he rose beside me , his eyes locked on mine. "Anytime, Ehh... Be careful, okay?"

As I nodded and turned to leave, his hand closed around my arm, his touch sending shivers down my spine. "Hey," he said softly, his eyes burning with intensity. "Don't forget, you owe me one." his eyes narrowed as he watched me hurry away. What had driven her to get so drunk? And what was she hiding? He couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to my story than I was letting on. his curiosity was piqued, and he found himself wanting to uncover the secrets I kept hidden.

I stood outside my family's mansion, my heart heavy with dread. I shouldn't have come home now , after my father's shocking announcement. But with a deep breath, I steeled myself and stepped inside. The sound of laughter and chatter filled the air, and my heart sank. I followed the noise to the living room, where my parents and lucy were gathered. They were all smiling and laughing, having a great time – without me. my eyes stung as I watched my family's joyful reunion. Why did they always seem to have so much fun without me?

"Cassy, darling!" my mother exclaimed, spotting me in the doorway. "Come join us!"

But my feet felt rooted to the spot. I couldn't bear to join in their happiness, not when I felt so left out.

"I...I need to go to my room," I muttered, turning to flee.

But as I reached the stairs, I heard Lucy's voice behind me . "Cassy, wait!" I turned, my eyes meeting Lucy's unconcerned gaze. But before she could say anything, father intervened.

"Let her go, Lucy," dad said firmly. "Cassy needs some time alone."

my heart twisted with pain. Even my own family didn't understand me. As I reached my bedroom, I slammed the door shut behind me, tears streaming down my face.

Why did my family always seem to favor lucy? And why do I always feel like an outsider in my own home?