Chapter 1

_Dahlia’s POV_

“How useless!” He spat, throwing the thirty thousand dollar watch in my face. My fingers clung to my uniform as I fought the tears in my eyes. “I told you I needed a watch, not some cheap knock off!”

“Knockoff?” My lips quivered as I spoke. “I burned all my allowance money just for you and…”

“So what?” Taylor snapped. “Do you even remember who I am? The Beta’s son for fuck’s sake, Dahlia. What do you think will happen to my reputation if people saw me wearing something so cheap? Your family is worth millions, Dahlia. The least you could have gotten me was a one million dollar watch. I could manage that.”

Tears burned my eyes. If I had known it would upset it so much I would have gotten something more expensive. Maybe I should have asked him first instead of trying to surprise him.

How could you be so stupid, Dahlia?

“Tay,” the feminine voice suddenly startled me from my little self-condemnation.

Annabelle Sunfield. Only daughter of the Alpha of Renfield Pack. The school’s second most beautiful she-wolf and one of the most influential females. By influential, I mean she commanded a squad that made my life in Black ridge academy a living hell.

They never failed to remind me everyday that I was just a worthless omega who got lucky to be born into a prestigious family. Even though my family had no special bloodline, we were the top three richest in the country and my brother… Atlas Hart was a respected figure in this school.

That was why it was easy for me to get into Blackridge, an academy for special bloodlines.

Annabelle threw her arms around Taylor, leaning in so close to his face that I could have sworn they kissed.

But I willed myself to stay calm. I couldn't afford to overreact and upset Taylor. Annabelle was his best friend and even if they did kiss, it meant nothing. It's just something friends do.

“Oh, Tay, is she upsetting you again?” She asked, playing with his collar. “Should I teach her a lesson for you?” Those hazel eyes flickered maliciously to me and my heart skipped a beat.

My eyes widened in panic and I begged Taylor with my eyes not to say yes. Annabelle was very ruthless when it came to me. I could never predict what she was going to do next.

“I suppose you should…” he drawled with a smirk. “But I'm willing to let it go if you grovel at my feet and promise me you will never do it again.”

Grovel at his feet? I gulped hard, scanning around. In front of these many students?

“What? You don't love me enough to do it?” Taylor huffed. “Fine, maybe we should break up then.”

“No!” I yelled, immediately dropping to my knees. What does it matter if a few students saw me anyways? I've been through worse in this hellhole.

Taylor was my only light in this dark tunnel. The only one that made me feel like I was worth something. Worth loving. So if I had to beg at his feet to prove my love for him then I gladly would.

I walked on my knees to him and lowered my head at his feet. “Please don't leave me, Taylor. I promise this will never happen again.”

The laughter from the students gathered around filled the air, and I lowered my head in both shame and something else. I knew this was wrong, but it was for love. It was logical because I was doing it for Taylor. He loved me, and I love him too. It was least I could do to earn his forgiveness.

“Are you sure?” He asked just then but before I could answer, Annabelle kicked me across the face.

“You should answer questions when asked immediately,” she hissed as I cried in pain. My cheeks were aching and I looked up at Taylor with teary eyes.

He let out a sigh and extended his hand. I sniffled, smiling as I took it.

“Don't be so harsh on her, Annabelle. I know you care about me but she is still my girlfriend, okay? She just made a mistake.”

Annabelle huffed, looking away as he pulled me into a hug.

“About the place I asked you to book tonight, did you do it?” He asked gently and I quickly nodded.

“That's my baby,” he grinned, kissing me on the forehead.

Taylor always threw weekend parties for Blackridge. It helped with his popularity and honestly, I felt good knowing that I could still manage to make him happy.

I looked up at him expectantly. “Can… Can I come this time?”

His smile immediately faded. Although I booked every venue he wanted and paid for all the entertainment, Taylor never let me attend any of them.

“I already told you, Dahlia, you are different from everyone else here,” he cupped my face gently. “You are so pure and innocent and honestly, I don't want any of those drunk royals molesting you. I wouldn't be able to bear it.”

Heat crept up my cheeks. It was so sweet to see the way he genuinely cared for me.

“But I will be there with you the entire time, you can protect me…”

“I said no!” He snapped and I flinched.

“You should let her come, Taylor,” Annabelle suddenly inputted. “It will be a perfect way to show off your girlfriend to the world.”

Taylor stared at her with a puzzled expression but she simply winked at him. For some reason, it felt like there was something more at play here.

“You think so?” Taylor sighed and Annabelle's smile grew wider.

“You want to spend more time with your boyfriend don't you, Dahlia?” She asked and I nodded. “Then it's settled. You can come to the event tonight. Taylor and I will even prepare a surprise for you.”

“Really?” I muttered skeptically. I couldn't shake this feeling of dread twisting in my stomach for some reason. But this was Taylor. There was no way he would ever hurt me.

“Of course. Just make sure to wear your prettiest dress okay? You need to look good for him.”

“Sure,” I forced a smile.

I bent down to pick up the watch because the bell had already rung for classes. I turned to leave when Taylor stopped me.

“Hey!”

I turned around, a little confused.

“The watch,” he gestured at me to pass it and I could barely stop the smile that spread through my face.

I knew my Taylor would never reject a gift from me.