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Chapter 2

Abigail’s POV

The Devil Behind the Door

I couldn’t believe that my first day to register in this damn school of the rich was going to turn out so devastating. I had dreamed of walking through these gates with excitement, my heart full of pride at finally enrolling for my master’s degree, but what I just witnessed inside Professor Kendra’s office almost tore that joy into shreds.

Wealthy men’s children always act wayward, that’s what I’ve heard people say. I just didn’t know it would slap me this hard in the face so soon.

How on earth was I supposed to breathe normally after catching a student, dressed in the same uniform as me, practically devouring the professor with his lips and hands, her body already melting against her desk as if it was theirs to share?

I froze when I saw it, and when my book slipped from my hand, my world collapsed in a loud thud. They turned, their eyes locking on me, and before I could even run away, he had already chased after me.

Strong hands caught me by the back, slamming me against the cold wall of the hallway.

My breath hitched as his chest pressed against mine. His face hovered so close that I could feel his breath brushing against my skin.

“Zip it. Be quiet,” he whispered harshly, his voice was deep and commanding.

My head bobbed up and down like a frightened lizard, I nodded my head in desperate agreement. He smirked at me, his lips curling like he had won some sick game.

“All right, new girl,” he murmured, his eyes piercing into mine. “Now listen to me. Whatever you think you saw in there with Professor Kendra… that’s not what it is.”

My mouth dropped open. I almost slapped him right then. Did he think I was blind? Heat burned through my body, not from his closeness, but from the fury boiling inside me.

“Oh really?” I snapped, my voice trembling with anger. “Then what the hell were you doing in there? What do you mean it’s not what I think it is? I clearly saw you both….”

“Shut up,” he cut me off sharply, his tone a whip that cracked against my ears. His hand gripped my jaw, tilting my face upward until his eyes drilled into mine. His thumb pressed lightly against my chin, holding me captive.

“You don’t get it, do you?” he said, his lips dangerously close. “Just keep your mouth shut. If you don’t… I’ll make you do it.”

Our lips were so close that we almost kissed each other, I pushed him away at his chest, rage flooding through my veins.

“Let go of me, you asshole!” I spat. “Not everyone is as cheap as the professor you’re busy having fun with.”

For a second, his eyes flashed with something I couldn’t read, anger, amusement, or maybe even arousal. But then, instead of backing away, he slid his hand down to my waist and pulled me closer.

My stomach churned. Was this guy insane? His gaze darkened with an arrogant confidence, the kind only spoiled rich kids could afford to wear.

“You know what?” he whispered, his lips grazing near my ear. “If you want a kiss to keep your pretty little mouth shut, I’ll give you one. And then, you’ll beg for more. You’ll scream my name and bow down every time you see me.”

His voice was silk dipped in poison. He leaned in toward my neck, and I could feel his breath on my skin.

That’s when I decided to strike back. My lips curled into a mocking smile as I whispered, “I hope you know you still smell of Miss Kendra’s perfume.”

The effect of my words on him was immediate. He froze, his grip loosening around my waist. His eyes widened before they narrowed into a deadly glare.

“What the fuck did you just say?” he hissed. His jaw clenched, and I could see the fury dancing in his pupils. “If anyone hears about this… you’re dead.”

I pulled him hard away from myself with the last strength I’ve got and he stumbled back, crashing against the wall. My chest was filled with both fear and triumph.

“Yeah, yeah,” I threw back coldly. “If I were you, I’d get home and take a cold shower. Wash that stink off before someone else catches on.”

I didn’t wait to see his reaction. I turned and stormed down the stairs, my fists balled tight. My heart pounded like a drum in my ears, but I kept reminding myself of what Clarissa always taught me: be bold. Don’t let anyone cage you with fear.

His glare burned into my back as I left, but I didn’t care. I never wanted to see him again.

Outside, my mother was waiting by the car, her face already twisted in annoyance. Her eyes were sharp as knives, and the cigarette dangling between her fingers smoked up a cloud of bitterness.

She had changed so much since my father died. Sometimes I wondered if she was even the same woman who once tucked me into bed with bedtime stories.

The moment I slid into the car, her voice lashed out like a whip.

“You stupid girl! I don’t know what the hell your father thought he was teaching you when he was alive, but clearly he failed. You’re turning into a spoiled brat, Abigail. A disappointment, you don’t keep an elder waiting under the sun.”

The smoke curled into my nose, stinging my throat. I rolled the window down quickly to breathe.

“I’m sorry, Mom,” I whispered, trying to sound small, harmless.

“Sorry for yourself, Abigail. Not for me.” She blew another puff of smoke in my direction. “You better get yourself together. When we step into that house, you better behave, because if your stepfather complains about your stupidity, I’ll make sure you regret it.”

My lips trembled. “I just… I got lost in the new school, Mom. I promise it won’t happen again.”

She slammed her hand on the wheel and barked out a dry laugh. “Don’t say sorry to me yet or thank me for the new school. Thank Mr. Ronaldo. He’s the one paying your bills now. He’s the one giving you this chance of bright and luxurious future.”

Her voice grew colder, her eyes staring straight ahead. “Don’t get it twisted, Abigail. You will always be an outsider in this family. You’re just the daughter of a poor man I happened to marry once. Keep your head down. Stay out of trouble. Because no one’s going to clean up after you anymore. In this new home, you’re on your own.”

My heart sank, but I nodded silently. There was no use arguing.

The car ride stretched into a long, suffocating silence. My mind, however, was anything but quiet. It kept replaying the boy’s face, his smirk, his grip on my jaw, his eyes daring me to submit.

He was arrogant, spoiled, disrespectful—everything I hated. And yet, somewhere deep inside me, a small whisper said he wasn’t entirely bad. But I shoved the thought away. No. He was my enemy. Nothing more!

Finally, a huge gate opened and the car dove into a wide driveway, and my eyes widened. My jaw nearly dropped at the sight before me. The mansion towered like a palace, its marble walls gleaming under the sun.

The compound was large enough to hold a stadium, cars lined up side by side, I couldn’t even count but at least ten of them ... .each one screaming luxury.

No wonder my mother married this man. No wonder she had changed.

We stepped inside, and an elegant man greeted us. He wasn’t too old, but his aura radiated wealth and authority. His eyes, however, were kind, and his smile softened his face.

“Welcome home,” he said warmly, his gaze falling on me. “You must be Abigail. Come, my dear. This is your new home.”

My mom practically melted into his arms, hugging him and planting a kiss on his cheek. I looked away, my stomach turning at the sight. Yuck!

“Abigail, where are your manners?” my mother hissed at me under her breath. “He’s talking to you. Don’t stand there like an idiot.”

I forced a smile and stepped forward. “Hello, Mr. Ronaldo.”

Her hand jabbed into my side. “What the hell do you think you’re doing? If it weren’t for him, you’d still be rotting in the slums. Apologize!”

I bit my lip, swallowing my pride. “I’m sorry, Mr. Ronaldo, if I’ve offended you in any way. Thank you so much for enrolling me in school. I’m… truly grateful.”

His face softened even more. “No, my dear. You don’t owe me apologies. You’re my daughter now, too. Don’t forget that.”

His words stunned me. For a moment, I felt the warmth of fatherly love I had lost too soon.

But then, a loud noise came from upstairs, snapping me back. Mr. Ronaldo chuckled lightly.

“Oh, that must be my son. He’s a bit of a troublemaker,” he said with a proud smile. “But don’t worry. He’s a good boy at heart. You’ll meet him at dinner tonight.”

I felt a wave of relief wash over me. At least I wouldn’t have to meet him now, not after the chaos of today.

Thank God.

But deep down, I couldn’t shake the sinking feeling that I’m happy to finally have a big brother! I hope he likes me and I can’t to see him.

And if my gut was right, then tonight at dinner… My nightmare was only just beginning.