Chapter 0001

"Tonight, we are happy to announce the engagement of my son Justin Del Castillo to the daughter of our dear family friend, Miss Alice Campo"

Standing at the door, unnoticed, I watch the announcement made by Mr. Arnold Del Castillo, Justin's father. And I could clearly see how Alice's face lit up with happiness.

"We are also excited to announce that Alice bears the heir of the Del Castillo family. It's about time the two families unite not only in business but in blood as one family" Simone, Justin's mother added with a wide smile.

Defeaning applause rang in my ears as guests celebrated the momentous event. But everything came in a blur as the noise numbed my senses and blurred my vision.

There goes the man who promised to wait for me. Now all smiling as he receives well wishes for his engagement to my stepsister. A woman who has stolen not only my father's affection but also of the people whom I thought cared for me.

"Oops...sorry" I sloppily grin and apologize to the waiter when I accidentally knocked a few glasses of champagne he was carrying.

"It's fine Miss Abigail" he managed to anxiously smile while trying to salvage the rest of the glasses.

"Abby, enough. You're drunk" I heard Dad from behind me but I ignored him.

"What do you think you're doing?" he dashed to my side and whispered. His face shows his irritation though he is trying to be discreet.

"I'm enjoying, Dad" with a chuckle, I reply. But I only got an unamused look from him.

"This is a celebration, right? Alice and Justin's engagement" I added with a lopsided grin.

Yes, I'm already tipsy, had two glasses earlier, but not too drunk not to know what I'm doing. I'm trying to have fun while enduring their betrayal.

"Abby, don't make a scene. Not this time. Everyone is watching you. You will ruin everything" With a stern tone, he mutters with gritted teeth. A warning for me, I know. But I don't care.

"Why? I'm not doing anything. I'm enjoying my boyfriend's engagement with my step-sister. What's wrong with that?" Chuckling, I retorted.

I heard him heave a sigh while I sipped my drink. I am aware of everyone's eyes on me. But the hell I care. Nobody cares that I'm hurting, so why would I?

"You've just returned but all you did is embarrass our family" he angrily whispers, trying not to cause attention. His attempt almost got me bursting out laughing.

"Isn't the fact that Alice is pregnant with my boyfriend's child already a scandal? Everyone knows I and Justin are together" I sweetly smile, a frail facade to remind him of the predicament we are in.

I even let him peek at the pain I'd been enduring for a month after learning about my stepsister's betrayal. Hoping he would at least understand what I'm feeling right now.

"You went abroad leaving all the responsibilities of the company. Alice has been a great help to Justin" he fervently argued.

"Is it enough reason to deceive me?" I sharply retorted while staring into his eyes.

"And I've been honest since the start, Dad. I was never interested in the family business" I added in my defense.

"Yes, you've made it clear. What you just want is to enjoy spending the money that the company, which you are not interested in running, earns" A snide curve on his lips shows his displeasure.

Staring at his spiteful eyes, I cannot think of any comeback to what he said. Yes, he is right. A regular amount is deposited in my account every month as my share of the income of the company. But it's my birthright. My inheritance from my mother.

"You're the same selfish girl I knew. You grew up to be a spoiled brat. A lot has changed. A lot has happened during the eight years that you've been gone" he persisted.

If not for the pride I'm still holding on to, I could have allowed the tears, threatening to fall.

After Mom died, Dad and I were never on good terms. I'm used to his mockery but I'm still surprised that he is still capable of hurting me. My own father doesn't know me.

Composing myself, I stare into his cold eyes.

If not for the hundred guests inside the massive ballroom of one of the hotels owned by the F&D Group of Companies, I could have openly confronted all of them. But I still have manners left, contrary to what everyone presumes me to be.

"I was made a fool" With a razor-sharp gaze I turn to Alice and Karen from afar.

And expectedly, the two are also looking at me. Our eyes met and I could clearly see the triumphant smirk on both of their faces. What else was new? They have been scheming their way to steal my father's affection for several years. And they succeeded. So I'm not surprised they stole my very wealthy boyfriend.

"Especially of you, Dad. You're the only family I have aside from Grandma. The least you could do is protect me from those scheming bitches you called wife and daughter" With a clenched jaw, I mutter.

"Abigail!" he is riled but he tries to control his voice. His reputation is way more important than the pain consuming me. He never sees me as me. And it's way more disappointing.

A bitter smile carves my lips as I try, for the last time, to make him understand how I feel.

"I'm hurt not because I love Justin so much. I'm hurt because of the betrayal of my family, especially by you" I whisper while staring blankly at my half-filled glass. It will always be like that. I can never fill the glass my father had set for me.

"I expected you to be more mature, Abigail. Eight long years abroad and you came back like you never left. Just the same rebellious girl who is set to get whatever she wants. You've wasted so much money and you came back worse than before" he whispers with a clenched jaw. He is furious but ironically, I'm rather amused than afraid.

That was the last straw. I'm fully convinced he will never understand me. He never did and I will never try to make him, ever again.

Eight years abroad and a lot of things happened to me. I'm supposed to be sharing those with him. But seeing how he remains a stranger to me, his only daughter, I don't think he deserves to know.

"Why can't you be just like Alice?" his last spiteful words almost knocked me down. His voice was full of disdain that it pierced my heart.

I've been compared to Alice for years and every time, it hurt so much. But today hits differently. It crushed my whole being. Those dreadful words coming from my own father are like a death sentence to the hope I've been holding on to.

"Alice may just be my stepdaughter but she shows immeasurable regard for the company more than you did. This is your inheritance but Alice is the one killing herself to help me and Justin. Now, could you blame Justin for not falling for her? All you did is spend the money they worked hard to earn" he scorned as he met me in the eye.

I scoffed as I took another sip. I have nothing to counter him nor I'm interested in even trying. Whatever their perception of me had concretized years ago and there's no way I could change it by countering him. And the searing pain in my chest is choking me, it's becoming unbearable. I need to gulp my drink to ease my distress.

"Justin will not marry a brat, nor his family will allow it. Yes, their relationship was a consensus of both families. His parents support their relationship. Even the Board has agreed. Their marriage will be beneficial to the company" he added the last blow that whacked my breath off. It took me a moment to regain my composure as I tried to smile, though it surely came out bitter.

"Well, thank you for the honesty this time, Dad. I owe you this one" I tilted my glass to a toast, which he ignored. His piercing cold gaze bore into me while I sipped my drinks like we had an agreement.

My brain has a lot to say, but my heart is in too much pain to let me utter the words. It's been a struggle to even stay but I need to continue the show. And he seems to have said it all when he quietly left my side.

Left alone, I look around and see Justin across the room, staring at me. Clad in an expensive suit and with his hands inside his pocket, he looks like a model who came out from a magazine.

Undeniably, every woman's dream guy.

Unfortunately, my dream has not come true.

Even from afar, I could almost read what his eyes reflected. But whatever it implies, I no longer care. It's been weeks since we haven't talk despite his fervent effort.

Without tearing my gaze away, I raised my glass to him. Showing him that I'm celebrating his engagement. But he remains placid. And while holding his gaze, I slowly sip my drink.

Justin Del Castillo is presently the President of the F&D Group of Companies. A handsome millionaire from a wealthy family. A perfect husband for any woman.

He was my childhood friend and sweetheart. We've been great together and I truly liked him. I believe I loved him. But maybe the years I've been gone changed a lot. And it's the opportunity, Alice seized.

It's been a while since we were staring at each other when a slender figure blocked my view. Alice.

I scoff as I tear my gaze away. I'm not interested in their lovely interaction. But I got much worse company.

"Alice is already pregnant with Justin's child. Don't ever think of doing anything stupid" Karen softly speak beside me. Though her words are scornful, she maintains her sweet smile for every guest.

Mentally, I groan at the intrusion of my peaceful drink. I'm not in the mood for another banter, especially with my father's second wife.

"Mrs. Del Castillo and the entire family adore my Alice and the child she is carrying. A Del Castillo heir" she added with pure pride while I remained unbothered.

"Don't ever try to manipulate Justin with your senseless drama. Your scheme will not work this time. We have the Del Castillo on our side" she discreetly added while amicably waving at some guests across the room. No one suspects she has been fussing nonsense, which is starting to irritate me.

"Well, good news, Alice can have Justin for herself. Gorgeous men are everywhere" with a raised brow and sneer, I retorted. But the old woman chuckles like what I said is the most hilarious thing she heard.

"Oh my dear, Abigail. No one in this city is as wealthy and prominent as the Del Castillo. With Alice marrying Justin, my daughter will be the queen of this City" she snickers before sipping her drink.

"Well, congratulations. But you know what, you will remain a trying-hard social climber" I face, smiling at her whilst her sharp gaze on me.

"Bitch" Karen mutter with gritted teeth. She is furious and I'm enjoying her flushed face.

"Thank you, my beloved stepmother. I'll find my way to finding my prey like you did. I'll find someone more than Justin Del Castillo" Feeling haughty, I announce my playful mockery.

"In your dreams, Abigail" she counters with a scoff while looking at me like I've lost my mind.

"Dreams sometimes do come true, Karen" Sweetly smiling while gulping the remaining liquid in my glass, I turn away.

I'm fully aware of all the eyes following me. Even Justin's despite the annoyed look of his fiancee beside him.

Contrary to everyone's elegant gowns and tuxedoes, I'm in tattered denim shorts and a knit sweatshirt paired with my worn-out sneakers. I'm out of place, I know.

As varied gazes follow me, my eyes are busy scorching the entire hall, spotting my catch for tonight. But all I see are familiar faces.

Until I spotted a towering figure not far from where I was standing.

Good-looking men are nothing new to me. I'm surrounded by a lot. But the man, standing a few feet away from me, to be called handsome is an understatement.

A Greek God who seems to have wandered outside of Olympus. Even his intense piercing gaze, as he looks around, is sending chills down my spine. Dangerously hot.

I can't find words to describe him but the reaction of my intoxicated self is enough evidence for his prominence. My body is deliciously responding to his mere presence.

Despite it being covered by facial hair, his perfectly crafted face is undeniably a head-turner. I noticed a lot of women's interest, even older ones glance his way. Indeed a crowd stealer.

Nothing exceptional in his wardrobe. Every man at the party is in a tuxedo. But the powerful aura surrounding him is unrivaled.

Even Justin has no equal in how compelling and imposing the man's presence is.

"Why didn't I spot you earlier?" I whisper to myself as I sway my way toward him.

If he looks gorgeous from afar, his ethereal masculinity is overflowing as I get nearer. And I don't know if it's the champagne in my system or if the man has a powerful magnet that pulled me to him.

The next thing I know, my lips are plastered to his soft ones. And I was instantly lost as my eyes voluntarily closed at the heavenly sensation.

My world seemed to have stopped the moment our lips met. I become thirstier to taste him more. And I did.

Not knowing what got into me, my lips started to move, delving into the temptation.

Soft and sweet. Like cotton candy and marshmallows. I was tempted to do more.

My tongue did its part. And to my delight, his mouth is slightly open. A chance to delve deeper.

"Hmm..."

I realized I moaned but who would not be? It's magical. I took my time and if not for the need to breathe I won't let him go.

Planning to have another fill of him after I had my much-needed air, I tiptoe to reach his lips again.

"Abigail, what the hell are you doing?!"

Suddenly, my father's angry voice interrupted the trance I was in. The magic somehow vanished as I snapped to my senses.

Moving away from my newfound heaven, a smile voluntarily adorns my lips. Carefully, I wrap my arms around the man's neck before I turn to meet my dad's anger.

"Finding you another son-in-law" I smile.

"Are you crazy? I've told you not to make a scene" If a glare could kill, I would be sprawling on the floor, lifeless. He is furious and it shows how he grits his teeth after dashing to my side.

"Won't it be fun to have a double celebration? Alice's engagement and maybe, mine too" I charmingly smile amidst the tension around us.

"We all believe in love at first sight, right?" I added before Dad could rant again.

Turning to the man I'm clinging to, I meet his calm gaze.

"So, what's your name? What business do you do?" I curiously ask.

A smile never left my face despite taking him so long to reply. Not only was I waiting for his response but the entire room of guests.

"I'm a waiter, Madame. I'm here to take all the empty glasses"

****tbc****