Chapter 1

Cecilia

I join my brother in the boarding school cafeteria. Jason and I are twins. Although I was born first, he treats me like his little sister and has taken it upon himself to look after me ever since our parents passed away. I'm lucky to have him in my life. He's my best friend, my pillar. I don't know what I would have done without him, especially after our parents died two years ago. We were only fourteen at the time. Our uncle, our father's brother, took us in afterward, and we had to move from New York to Los Angeles. The change was tough for me, unlike Jason, who quickly adapted and made a bunch of friends. Since our uncle works a lot and doesn't have any children, he decided to enroll us in a prestigious boarding school, where we only leave during the holidays. Even though I do my best not to resent his absence, I can't help but feel a bit abandoned by him, even though he pays a lot for our tuition and makes sure we don't lack anything. I don't care about the material things; all I want is to connect with him, but so far, I haven't been able to.

"Hey," I say as I take the seat next to my brother. Even though he's very popular, thanks to his good looks and athleticism, he always puts me before his many girlfriends. He's a ladies' man, even if he is my brother and I adore him. Next to him is his new girlfriend, Clara, the queen of the school, who I don't particularly like because she's a real piece of work. And sitting beside her is Asher, the one I go out of my way to get noticed by, but with no luck. I've had boyfriends in the past, nothing serious, but what I feel for Asher is different. Even though he's like my brother, a ladies' man, there's something different about him. I get the feeling he acts the way he does to hide what he really feels. I'd give anything for him to appreciate me, even a little. To him, it's as if I don't exist. I asked Jason if he'd forbidden Asher from talking to me, since he's very possessive of me, but he promised he hadn't. He did, however, ask me to promise not to get close to his friend. I found it strange, but I didn't want to push too hard, so he wouldn't think I'm interested in him.

"Hey, little sis, eat up before your class," my brother says to me.

"You know I'm older than you, right?" I reply, rolling my eyes.

"If you say so," he shoots back with that handsome smile of his that would make any silly girl melt.

"Are we hanging out tonight?" I ask him, though my eyes are on his friend, who hasn't lifted his gaze from his phone since I got here. As always, it annoys the hell out of me.

"No, I'm spending time with Clara. There's a movie night; you should go with your classmate," he says.

I nod, disappointed that he'd rather spend time with his slut than his sister. I knew this day would come when someone else would be more important to him than me, and I'd be pushed aside. I can't blame him, it's his life, but that doesn't make it any less terrifying. I don't want to lose him, not him.

"And don't go near the red wing," he adds, and I already know a party's being organized.

Even though the boarding school is pretty strict, we're allowed to have parties on Friday nights. Supposedly, they're alcohol-free, but somehow everyone seems hungover on Saturday mornings. Since my brother isn't going, I think it's the perfect time to check out one of these parties, and who knows, maybe I'll move on and forget about the handsome jerk in front of me. Losing my appetite from his behavior, I stand up.

"Have a good day," I say quickly, leaving before Jason can make me finish my food.

I pass through the garden, taking a deep breath to clear my head before class. I'm not going to waste another second thinking about Asher. That's it. After two years of enduring his treatment, it's over. I'm moving on. I'm not going to force something with someone who barely tolerates my presence because of my brother. I'm worth more than that.

I arrive in class and sit next to Willow. If there's anyone I consider a friend in this place, it's her. Even though we don't talk much since we're both introverted, it's like we understand each other without speaking.

"Do you have plans tonight?" I ask her.

"No, other than sleeping," she says with a small smile.

"Do you want to come with me to the red wing?"

"I don't know... Did your brother give you permission?" she asks, surprised.

"I don't need his permission."

"Okay, but I'm not drinking."

"No problem."

It's settled. I'm going to forget Asher for good, starting today.