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Harper’s POV

I cannot get over what Declan has said to me this morning for the life of me. I tried so hard by lifting  heavier at the gym and even overdid cardio because of his words. I have always been confident about my body because it took a while for me to get around the fact that this is who I am. Nothing shakes my confidence but that bastard’s words. 

I have one more class before everything is over and I can go home and eat my fucking cupcakes. The mere reminder of my cupcakes has me salivating but also angry. Declan started calling me Cupcake when he saw me wolfing them down at lunch and hasn’t stopped ever since. 

Doesn’t matter though. I have allowed him to ruin most of my day but there must be a stop for it. Today is my birthday and I have promised to make myself happy. Nineteen years in this awful universe is not for the weak and even though everybody has forgotten my birthday, I’ll be fine. 

Mom hasn’t wished me this morning because she is busy as usual. She was more busy lately though and I gathered it is because of the new man she’s been seeing that is spoiling her with designers again. My plate is full too so I didn’t ask what’s going on. 

As soon as the last class, I gathered my stuff feeling my stomach rumble. Declan’s comment actually made me skip lunch today and I’m hating myself for it. I’m going to get in my carbs and protein today just to spite myself. 

I was almost at the door when Blair barged in panting. She held my shoulders, bent over and panted before standing straighter giving me her best apologetic smile. She’s got brunette hair sticking on her forehead, her blue eyes bright. 

“Happy birthday Harp! I didn’t forget, I swear. That stupid boy ruined our group project and we got delayed.” She rolled her eyes and I knew who she meant. Cole Sinclair who happens to be one of Declan’s best friends. 

“It’s fine. I’ve seen your gift in the locker.” I gave her a hug but she quickly pulled away with a frown. 

“What gift?” She frowned but someone (Cole) called her from behind. She groaned then. “we’ll talk later. Let me go finish this goddamn stuff.” And she ran down the corridor. 

I smiled at her back then continued towards my pink mini cooper. She has stuffed my locker with cupcakes of different sizes and colors and they are tucked safely inside my bag. I already have. Some baked for my birthday but the more the merrier. 

The drive to my house was just ten minutes which I spent listening to some bass music. I frowned ad soon as I turned around my block because why are there so many cars around my house? And what are those flowers doing outside my door? 

Unlike most people in the Westwood community, we don’t live in the posh side. Well, not anymore. After dad died almost a decade ago, we had to sell everything to pay his debts and then we settled on this small house. Mom hates it though. 

I could see luxurious cars outside and it looked like they were going to my home. The last time that happened when dad died, they were from the bank to tell us about his debts. 

I slowly got out of the car, adjusting my backpack. I didn’t have to use my keys to open the door because it burst open by some workers who didn’t acknowledge as they rushed down the stairs. My frown deepened as I entered further into the house. 

There were decorations everywhere that made my heart started beating fast. Is my mom surprising a birthday for me? She has not done that since my fifth birthday so this doesn’t make sense whatsoever. And we are not even as close as we used to be for her to make an effort like that. 

My eyes widened when I started recognizing the people inside MY home. Some are people I’ve seen on the television, the elites of Westwood and even a few actresses that mom used to worship. There are also some friends of hers that left her after father died. 

I was about to go hunt for my mother to ask if maybe they are shooting a movie in our house. I cannot think of anything that can explain what is going on. Mom appeared bright and breathtakingly beautiful wearing a white dress. I’m sure it’s a designer. Her hair was made along with heavy makeup on her face. 

“Mom, what’s going on?” I asked taking in her petite frame in the dress. She is so different from me in every way and people don’t even believe she is my mom because I’m curvy. 

“Oh… I forgot to tell you.” She gave her mysterious smile then whispered.  “I got married.”

I blinked at her trying to understand what she’s talking about. I’m sure hunger isn’t making me hear things. When she didn’t bother explaining, I know she was playing her mind games so I asked. 

“What?” 

“And we’re moving tomorrow.” She brightened at the mention of moving. “Isn’t that exciting?”

“Where?” My questions sound autopilot now. 

“The Kings Estate.”

“Why?”

“I got married to Theodore Kings.” I laughed because maybe she is acting. She’s always liked the idea of seeing herself in the television. But then my eyes dropped to the huge rock, diamond wedding ring on her finger. 

I knew she was dating a rich guy from two months ago but I didn’t know who it was or even bother asking. She never introduced me to anybody or even talked about him. She barely spends time at home too for me to get that information. 

From dating broke jobless people to a billionaire? And now she is married just like that? Like she has a freaking husband?? And he is Theodore Kings? 

“Happy birthday, sweetheart.” She squeezed me into an excited hug that I know is for her idea of bagging a billionair magnet. “And congratulations.”

“For what?” My voice came out small and lost and so so confused. 

“You’re officially a Kings.”