Chapter 1

My name is Olivia Miller, Liv for short.

I was a pre-med student at a top university, always buried in books.

My family was wealthy, and appearances meant everything to them.

I was the quiet one, the good student.

My stepsister, Isabella Hayes, or Izzy, was the opposite.

She was the life of every party, charming, and knew how to get what she wanted.

Izzy was my stepmother' s daughter, and everyone' s favorite.

She could do no wrong in their eyes.

I had a secret, a passion for makeup.

I posted tutorials on TikTok and Instagram under a hidden name.

It was my escape.

One morning, I woke up with a dark bruise on my arm.

I didn' t remember hitting anything.

Then, a few days later, a hickey appeared on my neck.

I hadn' t been with anyone.

I was confused, a little scared.

Izzy noticed it at breakfast.

"Liv, what' s that on your neck?"

Her voice was sweet, too sweet.

"Looks like you had some fun."

My stepmother, Mrs. Hayes-Miller, glared at me.

"Olivia, what have you been doing? You have a reputation to maintain."

My father, Mr. Miller, just looked disappointed.

"We expect better from you, Olivia."

I tried to explain I didn' t know where it came from, but they didn' t listen.

Izzy then pulled out a small, velvet box.

"Mom, Dad, I was going to give this to Liv later, but maybe now is a good time."

She opened it, revealing an antique silver locket.

"It' s a family heirloom," Izzy said, her eyes wide and innocent.

"For protection and good luck. I want you to wear it, Liv. Maybe it' ll keep you out of trouble."

My stepmother smiled. "How thoughtful, Isabella."

Izzy fastened the locket around my neck.

It felt cold against my skin.

"Wear it always, okay?" Izzy whispered, squeezing my hand.

I nodded, wanting the interrogation to end.

The next day, I had two new hickeys.

Izzy, meanwhile, looked perfect, fresh as a daisy, even after I knew she' d been out all night.

Something felt very wrong.