CHAPTER ONE THEME: Where it all began

“Sometimes what we see isn’t really what it looks like; there’s more behind the scenes.”

“Today we gather once again to celebrate the legacy of my family. We have won the best battles together, and of course, we are a force to be reckoned with. I stand proud to announce the success of the latest achievement by my oldest son, Caspian Blackwood!” Mr. Blackwood announced, and the hall echoed with a round of applause.

His wife, Georgia, smiled as he placed a kiss on her forehead. They looked so happy, and I loved it.

Everyone at the party was connected to wealth. If it wasn’t generational, then it was recent wealth that truly mattered in society.

“As the oldest son of the Blackwood family, my siblings and I are ready to uphold the family legacy more than we have ever done…” Caspian trailed off as he gave his speech. He was, after all, the epitome of a perfect son, sibling, and businessman—an hotelier with chains of hotels that matched his personality.

Thane Blackwood was the president of Blackwood Academy, a genius taking the family legacy to even greater heights.

Miguel was the heir to his grandfather’s vineyard in Spain, Liam a king in the fashion industry, breaking records and putting the family name on the map.

Hans Blackwood was ambitious, a world-class footballer, a global sensation with a luxurious lifestyle to match. And there she was—Marlene Blackwood—in her beautiful red dress that clung to her like a second skin. She stood next to her brothers, her head held high in elegance. Marlene was indeed a beauty to behold, but she would have rather been anywhere else than at this godforsaken party, pretending to be part of the perfect family.

She was the star of the family too, with numerous awards at a young age for being a world-renowned ballerina, and thousands of followers.

“You should smile, Marlene. The media is taking pictures, and we honestly don’t want your face looking like you died in your sleep,” Hans whispered as he kissed her cheek.

“How I wish that was even possible, bro. You know it’s not—they’d rather have me die here than in my sleep,” she whispered softly, and they laughed.

“Dad wouldn’t even let you die,” Hans replied. She nodded. “You’re right. Dad always has a problem with anything I do, so I’m not surprised,” Marlene said as she took a deep breath and rubbed her arms.

“It’s time for the pictures, finally,” Thane exclaimed as he walked past them. Her brothers looked like they had stepped right out of heaven, but sometimes Marlene wished things were different.

The family never had time for themselves—they never had time to be genuine…

“Marlene, it’s time,” Georgia’s sweet voice reached her. Marlene smiled, walked close to her mother, and sat in the middle while the guys stood beside them, eyes focused on the camera, giving a picture-perfect pose.

Marlene held her phone as it beeped with a text. She tried to ignore it, but it beeped again.

“Do something about that piece of sh!t,” Mr. Blackwood instructed. She tried to silence it, but her eyes caught sight of a message:

“Group chat, Marlene! Now!” It was from her best friend, Ruby.

The guys were still taking pictures as she walked away to do what Ruby wanted. As her fingers scrolled through her phone, notifications kept popping up—text messages and headlines from the school group.

“CELEBRITY BOYFRIEND OF MARLENE BLACKWOOD CAUGHT IN THE ACT”

It was a sex video of her boyfriend, Beckket, with someone from the Academy. Her breath caught in her throat—this was not good for the family reputation, and she knew it.

Marlene tried to keep her emotions in check, but immediately she turned, her eyes meeting her father’s. The man did not look pleased. Her brother Caspian mirrored their father’s emotions.

“I didn’t know it would turn out like this,” Marlene muttered under her breath. The party ended immediately, as Thane made sure everyone left before it turned into a disaster.

“You didn’t know things would turn out like that! If your grades aren’t trash, you’re out there pulling the family name down the drain. Why can’t you be like your brothers!” Mr. Blackwood burst out angrily, his voice booming through their luxurious sitting room.

Georgia’s eyes stung with unshed tears as Miguel rubbed her arms. She was too soft for the family drama.

“She was cheated on. Maybe we should start from there, Father! Marlene is still young, and when we are young, we’re bound to make mistakes…” Liam tried to interfere.

“The same mistake that nearly bankrupted your company because you fell for a prostitute! Where is the prostitute now?” Mr. Blackwood snapped. Liam’s green eyes flashed with hurt.

“Can we stop, please?” Georgia cried. “You’re grounded, Marlene, and you had better find ways to get your grades up—not frolicking around with that loser, letting him rub dirt on your name. Do you understand?” Mr. Blackwood’s voice carried enough anger to last a lifetime.

Marlene rushed upstairs, her eyes burning with unshed tears. She shut the door and noticed numerous calls from Sean, along with texts trying to explain what happened.

This was already a long night. Listening to him was the last thing on her mind, and she was certain things were about to go from bad to worse. Maybe what she needed was a drink before she lost her mind.

Marlene walked to her closet and peeled off her long dress, putting on something more comfortable before pulling her hair into a messy bun. She just needed to lay low and get some drinks into her system—the regular kind.

“Don’t you think it’s a bad idea to be out here after a breakup? It’s crazy, Mar. This could even be your one-way ticket to hell,” Ruby said, chuckling.

“I’m already in hell, so trust me, I’m not thinking about the repercussions right now,” Marlene said as they got out of the car.

Ruby chuckled as they joined the club. It was exquisite, very busy, and loud as usual. As they went ahead to order drinks and let loose, Marlene’s eyes caught something she couldn’t look away from.

A guy was cleaning the VIP section. In a janitor’s uniform that did nothing to hide his appealing looks, he was dark-skinned, with curly hair falling over his face in a sinful manner. His earrings and tattoos stood out even from afar.

Immediately he turned, and Marlene looked away. “Fuck,” she cursed under her breath as she drank from her glass.

“Where are you going?” Ruby asked, noticing her walking past.

“I’ll be right back,” Marlene replied and made her way upstairs. She needed to meet that guy.

He wasn’t there. She turned around and there he was—talking to one of the waitresses, wearing a cap, handing her something, making her laugh and nod in agreement.

“Marlene, maybe you should just go back,” a voice said. She ignored it almost immediately.

She got to where he had been standing a few minutes ago, but he wasn’t there. She turned to leave, and suddenly bumped into someone who pressed her back against the wall. His hands caught hers above her head as he looked down at her.

“You’re stalking me. I’m not a fool—I could sense your eyes on me the entire time,” he snapped. Marlene lost her voice instantly. He was not sweet; in fact, he sounded really pissed.

He didn’t recognize her. In fact, he didn’t look like he knew her—or cared.

The smell of his cologne was intoxicating—seductive yet appealing. “Are you dumb? Fuck, I got stuck with someone who can’t speak?” he asked, running his fingers through his hair.

“Wait, you think I’m dumb?” she asked in shock.

“Well, now that I know you aren’t dumb, can you tell me why the hell you’re stalking me?” he asked. Marlene had never felt more grateful for the darkness. Her cheeks were burning red.

“I…huh…” she trailed off.

“Brah, we need to leave, Ethan,” someone called. He snapped his head toward the voice.

It was a guy dressed like a thug—good-looking, but his dreadlocks didn’t make him look decent. He had glasses and a backpack on his shoulder.

“Don’t do that next time,” Ethan warned as he made to leave.

“Why?” Marlene asked, staring into his hazel eyes.

“Trust me, you don’t want to know.” His words left her rooted to the spot as she watched them leave.