Chapter 1 1

I stared at my reflection in the mirror. I was wearing a black halter dress paired with killer black heels. I also applied black lipstick-oops! Just kidding. I'm not a freaking witch. My lips were the color of fresh strawberries. Luscious red. I puckered my lips in satisfaction. I even winked at my own reflection.

I took my purse and gracefully exited my room. I was halfway down the stairs when I heard my moribund stepfather utter my name. I raised my phenomenal eyebrow and turned. He was standing on his room's doorway. He scrutinized me and his expression tightened. "Do you have nothing else to do in your life except party?"

Wow. I wonder where he gets the gall to speak to me like that. "Do you have nothing else to do in your life except meddle in mine?" I shot back.

"Why don't you help out in the company instead? We're facing problems there."

"Those are your problems," I answered, rolling my eyes. I loathe him. I wish my real dad was here. But no, he's resting in peace upstairs.

Ever since my mom died five years ago, my stepdad took control of all our assets. He married my mom for money. I gave him a look of distaste when I remembered him telling me that, weeks after my mom passed away.

I want to leave this house and get away from the monster in front of me, but I won't. Why? This house is mine. It's only in my name because he brainwashed Mama.

That's why such a huge portion went to my beastly stepfather. So I decided to stay here and pester him to death. I'll just squander his money.

"I don't know what to do with you anymore. You're getting worse each passing day," he said as his jaw clenched. I batted my eyelashes as I spoke. "Awww."

I hope that's enough to piss him off. I waved my hand dismissively and descended the stairs. The maids looked at me, and I just raised an eyebrow. I grabbed the keys to my newly bought car and got in.

My iPhone buzzed inside my purse. I took it out and saw a message from my friend. They're already at the bar. I'm the only one left. I replied with an "on the way."

The drive was calming. This is how I feel every time I go out of that fucking house. I can't even call it a home. I parked in front of Andromeda. That's the name of the bar. I checked my face in the rearview mirror. Stunning. I complimented myself.

I got out of the car and entered. I was greeted by the loud music reverberating throughout the place. My two friends, Altheia and Psyche, welcomed me. "I thought you weren't going to make it," Altheia pouted.

"Can you even imagine that? I won't ditch the two of you. We just had another encounter with Alvido," I casually replied. Psyche nodded and tugged at my wrist. "Let's get wasted tonight!" She shouted to be heard. I just chuckled.

That's how it goes when you're brokenhearted, been there done that. We headed towards the bar counter. I wasn't planning to get drunk tonight but somehow I did.

Psyche and Altheia are busy dancing their hearts out. I took another shot of liquor as I stared at my hand. I eyed the ring I've been wearing for four years now.

Stop it. He's not coming back. I scolded myself. I sighed and massaged my temples. A guy slipped onto the stool next to me. He offered a smile, and I just nodded.

Hoping that he gets the message. I am not interested. I have no plans of getting laid. "I'm Ken. You are?" He offered me his hand. I halfheartedly shook it but I didn't tell him my name. He ordered a bloody mary and took it in one gulp.

"What is a beautiful lady doing in this bar alone?" He queried, obviously not giving up. "I'm with my friends." I nodded towards the dance floor.

"Hmm, okay. Do you wanna dance?" He pressed. I shook my head. I ordered another glass of liquor. I kept on drinking. Ken was still sitting beside me. I was completely blitzed out after five more shots. I reeked of alcohol.

"Hey Ken!" I hollered as I tapped his shoulder. He faced me and I pointed towards the dance floor. His face lit up as he guided me in the middle.

I giggled. We danced provocatively, and maybe I was really losing my grip on sanity because I let Ken pinch my butt. I smiled at him seductively and he chuckled like a sex-starved man.

"You're really hot," he mumbled in my ear. I looked at him seductively and bit my lip. We were grinding in the middle of the dance floor for heaven's sake. I heard his muffled moans.

"Ahhh, shit baby," he groaned. His hands roamed my body and I let him. His grip on me loosened and I heard him curse.

I don't know how it happened, but the next scene I saw was so appalling that it made me scream.

I saw Ken lying unconscious on the floor while someone was bashing him in the face. "Leave her the fuck alone!" The guy shouted as he let loose one final punch.

I froze. That voice. Even though I was drunk, I couldn't afford to make a mistake. It's him! Tiny voices were screaming in my aching head right now. Telling me to run so that he couldn't see me.

But I held my ground. I waited for him to turn and when he did, my jaw almost fell. It was him.

My heart started pounding. Four long years. It's been four long years since we've been this close to each other. His mere presence brings back thousands of memories.

I looked at his face but he was expressionless. I opened my mouth to say something but he grabbed my wrist and pulled me towards the exit.

I was too dumbfounded to react. "W-wait. Ken. He's bleeding. You might have k-killed him." I said, suddenly scared. He faced me, he was still poker-faced. "Then I'll pay for his life."

I stopped in my tracks when I heard him say those words. Never in my life have I heard him say something so unpleasant towards other people. Did he really say that?

"What?" I repeated to be sure. Anger flashed in and out of his face. "I'll pay for his life. Isn't that how it works in this world? Everyone has a price."

I looked at him intently. Was I really talking to him? "You're wrong. Not everyone can be bought with money."

He laughed sarcastically. "Oh really? Then what's your price?" He challenged. I had no answer. I was speechless, partly because I was shocked to see how much he has changed.

"Is it a man? Is that the kind of person you associate with now? The guy who was caressing your body a while ago, is that your type now?" I felt hurt and offended. How could he? How could he say this to me?

"I didn't know your standards had dropped so low." He taunted. It felt like he was stabbing me with his words. The corners of my eyes burned.

I didn't reply. I took his hand and threw it away. Then I left the bar and headed to my car. For such a long time, I wished for this day to come. But I didn't imagine that this is how it would go. I felt an arm tug at mine.

I turned only to see him staring at me with such cold eyes. "Don't you dare walk out on me when I'm talking to you!" He gritted his teeth and his grip on my arm tightened, causing me to wince in pain.

I pushed him hard and gave him a mind-shattering slap. My tears were threatening to fall but I willed them not to. I pointed a shaking finger at him. "I didn't know you could be this heartless." I uttered, my voice almost breaking.

He only gave me a cold stare and spoke calmly.

"And I didn't know you have a tendency to be a slut, Cassidy."