Chapter 1
I woke up with Gavin under me.
Just as I was about to shove him off, his
damn phone rang, stopping him cold.
After that call, the heat in his face vanished,
replaced by an icy mask.
He lit a cigarette, all casual.
“Don’t come around anymore. My new girl is
way too jealous, and a total pain to deal
with.”
I looked him dead in the eye and said, “Fine.”
No hesitation.
Last time, I’d been a pathetic mess, chasing
after Gavin like some lovesick puppy.
He was disgusted by me.
He even walked away with Tiffany when he
saw me getting dragged into a room by some
shady dudes.
Gavin, this time, I’m done with you.
Hearing me agree, Gavin paused, cigarette
halfway to his lips.
He tilted his head, blew smoke in my face,
and smirked.
“Upset?”
I stared through the haze, serious as hell.
“I’m doing what you want. Aren’t you happy?”
Gavin stared at me for a beat, his expression
unreadable.
Then, he scoffed, stood up, and drawled,
“Better stay in line. You’ll never be Mrs. Gavin
Sterling.
99
Yeah, simple enough.
Last time, I just couldn’t get it through my
skull.
I was just some charity case he sponsored; he
found me when he was visiting some old folks
in the sticks.
<
I was twelve, should have been a young
woman, but I was so malnourished I looked
like I was eight or nine.
I didn’t know anything about shame; I was
running around half-naked, swimming in the
lake with the boys.
Gavin saw me, stopped in his tracks.
He was so shocked to see me standing there
with nothing on.
He yanked off his jacket and covered me up.
Weird thing was, I was usually shameless.
But that gesture, that’s what made me feel
shame.
L
His granddad was a philanthropist, and Gavin
was trying to be one, too.
So, he used his summer allowance to rescue
me, got me away from my toxic dad and
stepmom.
He was smart, a total golden boy, and he took
care of me like a father.
I couldn’t help falling for him.
But he hated me, and it almost broke me.
I don’t know when it started, or why.
By the time I realized it, I was dying in that
dark, dirty room.
Г
I fired up my laptop, ready to chase the
dream I abandoned last time.
7
I signed up for a program to work in rural
development, go back and help my
hometown.
Last time, Gavin flipped his lid, smashed my
computer before I could even apply.
This time, I didn’t tell a soul.
I hit enter, finally relieved.
Then, Gavin’s voice snapped, “What are you
signing up for?”
I slammed the laptop shut and whirled around.
ToIali”TISu_IIG IabUU Sliཕིt aཕ IBT |S༥ བ་ Uས་དu,
Gavin and Tiffany were standing side-by-side
in my room.
He was the golden boy, and she was
beautiful, a perfect couple.
Tiffany was dressed simply, clutching Gavin’s
sleeve like she was scared of me.
“Kayleen, I need help with something, and
Gavin said you’ve done this before.”
“Can I borrow your notes?”
For a split second, I saw a little of my old self
in Tiffany.
The way she dressed, her little gestures.
L
Gavin saw me frozen, and assumed I wouldn’t
share.
“Don’t be selfish, those notes–”
I didn’t let him finish.
I grabbed the notes and study guides he
bought me, the ones covered in his
handwritten notes, and shoved them at
Tiffany.
Gavin’s face tightened, confused.
Last time, I made a huge scene over these
notebooks, treating them like my lifeline.
Tiffany played the damsel, said she was sorry,
then swiped them while I wasn’t looking.
Г
I begged her to give them back.
But Gavin saw it and thought I was bullying
her.
He kicked me out.
It was freezing, the rain was deafening.
They sat by the window eating dinner while I
stood outside until I passed out.
Not this time.
So, I pretended not to see the look on his
face.
Gavin stared at me for a second, then
grabbed Tiffany and stormed out.
They spent the afternoon laughing and joking
downstairs.
When the housekeeper called me down for
dinner, Gavin and Tiffany clammed up.
Like my presence was ruining their fun.
I didn’t react, just ate my food.
Suddenly, Tiffany put a piece of pork on my
plate.
“Kayleen, this is delicious, Mrs. Lee made it
