Chapter Three

Leo's POV

Drip! Drip! Drip!

The annoying cold water landed on my forehead repeatedly. Just like always, I tried to ignore it, but it wouldn't stop.

I forced myself awake, unable to sleep anymore. The damn ceiling was leaking, and I'd informed Gianna of it. But of course, taking care of such wasn't in her budget.

Another drop hit my cheek. I wiped it quick with the back of my hand, sitting up on the bed slowly. My muscles protested. Looks like I wouldn't be able to sleep anymore.

I turned to the wall clock, rubbing my neck softly. It was four in the morning. Great, I only had three hours of sleep. My lips parted into a heavy yawn, a big sign that I still needed at least an hour of sleep.

But if I didn't want those bratty girls giving me a hell of a day, it would be best I got to my morning chores now.

I stood to my feet, and every movement I made intensified the ache. It was a constant companion now, a deep soreness that had worked its way into my shoulders, my lower back, hands, and every other part of my body.

My gaze went to the small bed I just rose from. How could anyone even get proper sleep in that? I could feel the wooden frame through the damn foam, and not only was it thin, it was also short. God damnit.

Many times a day, I'd often wondered how my life got reduced to this. Living in a small walk-in closet in a mansion that belonged to my father, and worse, there were a lot of empty rooms available, but in Gianna's words, those rooms were made for humans to stay in, not dogs like me.

Yeah, I was the dog.

Exhaling tiredly, I stepped out into the hallway. The house was quiet, still dark except for the faint glow from the night lights along the baseboards.

I walked past the big windows that looked out over the lawn. The estate stretched out there, perfect and green even in the dark.

Two years ago, no, way before I met Gianna and her bratty daughters, this mansion, the estate, it used to feel like home. But now it had all become a distant memory, one I wasn't even sure was ever real.

I was sixteen then when father brought Gianna home. He introduced her to me as my new step-mom. And with Gianna came her three daughters. Since then everything went downhill. A year later, father died. Had a cardiac arrest at his desk.

Then came the bigger news. My dad had willed everything to Gianna, a woman he never got married to or was even tied to legally.

I could never bring myself to understand why my father would leave all his money to Gianna, and none for me. I was his son!

Still, despite my father's wrongdoing, I was grateful to Gianna. We had no ties, and yet she didn't toss me aside like my father did. Instead, she let me stay. Fed me. Gave me a roof. I thought it was kindness.

I was wrong. She only needed a servant, nah, a slave. Yeah, the master's son who was once the heir became a slave to the outsiders.

I looked up the stairs, my gaze sweeping over the rows of rooms ahead. They were all sleeping up there, sleeping peaceful in the warmth of their blankets and soft beds.

They had it all.

I was about to turn around, to go about my daily chores, when I heard it. Faint, from upstairs. It was singing.

“Happy birthday to you…”

I froze.

Oh right, it was Avery’s birthday. She turned eighteen today.

I didn’t know why I started up the stairs, or even moved toward the sound. I didn't know. I guess I just wanted to be reminded what it felt like to have family.

I halted before Avery's door, but I didn't go in or make my presence known. I just became a spectator to a life I wasn't part of. Watching and listening.

I stared at them through the slightly opened door. They all sat around her on the king-sized bed, clapping and laughing as they sang.

“Now, darling,” Gianna spoke once the song died down, “your eighteenth birthday party must be perfect. So tell me what you want, anything, and mother will grant it.”

Silence. Then

“I… I don't want Leo working in my party.” She requested softly, and my eyes widened immediately.

Out of everything she could ask, she asked for this instead.

But why?

"Huh?" Gianna said, staring at her daughter with slight confusion.

I couldn't see Avery's face, but it felt like she was twisting her fingers together, and from her back I could tell she was nervous.

"I don't want him to be a server." She whispered.

My chest tightened.

Sarah laughed. "You don't want him to serve? Like, at all?"

Avery nodded softly. "Yeah."

“I was thinking… maybe we could hire a proper serving company. For the waiters.” She added, looking down at the sheets.

The room went quiet, everyone was in deep shock. I also felt surprised. This was a new development. I didn't think anyone in this house cared about me.

“Why?” Gianna asked, her tone losing some of its patience.

"Yeah why? He's a servant, it's his job." Beatrice’s voice cut in, impudent as always. "Why should we spend money on some company?"

"I... I... just..."

“Where is this coming from, Avery?" Gianna cut her off, staring at her intensely.

Beatrice snorted loud and ugly. "Did Leo put you up to this? Did that piece of trash threaten you or something?"

"Wait!" Sarah suddenly yelled in the chaos. "Do you... do you like Leo?"

My body went absolutely still. Sarah's words resounded heavy in my mind. What... Nah, it's definitely not possible. That is not possible.

Avery likes me?

Why would she? I'm her stepbrother that her mother and her sisters would stop at nothing to tear me down to pieces.

I gulped, watching, waiting for Avery to say something, deny Sarah's allegations.

She said nothing.

Gianna let out a laugh, shaking her head sideways, but when she realized her daughter hadn't said anything, she went quiet. "Wait. It's not true, right?"

"Will you just say something!" Beatrice exclaimed, her voice impatient. "Do you like him?? Do you like that fucking dog?"

"No! I don't!" Avery yelled loud, her head raised up. "I just don't want someone as ugly and smelling like him to be at my party! What if he ends up disgusting my guests and they don't get to enjoy the party??"

My heart dropped. What in the world was I even expecting.

"It's my eighteenth birthday mum!" She cried loud and bratty. "I mean, even servants are meant to be good looking, and he’s… ugh. Less than a dog.”

My fingers dug into my palm. Her words landed like punches as my fist curled tight. And here I was... Shit! I thought.

The spark in my chest didn’t just dim. It was doused, crushed, grounded into nothing.

“Well, that’s that, then. We’ll hire a company for the servers." Gianna let out, calm and satisfied now. "But Leo will still handle the setup of your party."

“Perfect,” Beatrice said.

Sarah giggled. "For a moment, I really thought you were in love with him or something."

Avery shrugged fast. "Can you stop saying that. Ugh... Me? I could never stoop so low sis."

"Of course, he's far beneath you." Gianna supported.

I didn’t wait to hear anymore, so I turned away from the door, retreating to the stairs and to the closet.

It might be small and shabby, but it was the only place I could breathe free in the mansion. The only place I felt at peace.

Fuck!

All of them. Gianna, Beatrice, Sarah and fucking Avery. In the past they couldn't even look me in the eyes, afraid I'd whisper something to my dad and he would send them away.

In the past, they were the ones beneath me. And now... I'm the dog? The filthy one???

Nah, this has gone on for far too long. I'd suppressed my feelings for far too long. I told myself to save enough money, and run away!

But not anymore. I will stay, and I won't leave until I have taught every one of them a lesson they will never forget in their lifetime.

How in the world am I going to do this??? I have no fucking idea. But being loser Leo ends tonight.