Chapter 1

The birthday party was in full swing that evening.

The Ivanovs had thrown it to celebrate their son, Mikhail's birthday which he shared with Nathan, his best friend.

A pop music blasted through the speakers as people danced, laughed and drank in the grand living room of their mansion.

"Happy birthday, man," a friend wished Nathan, shaking his hand firmly.

"Thank you." Nathan lips curved up, revealing his pearly whites.

"Enjoy!" He said, watching the young man walk towards the dance floor.

He glanced round, hoping to catch a glimpse of Mikhail, as his elbow rested on the tall table.

The birthday cake was about to be cut and he had to be present.

Reaching for his drink, he sighed, and rubbed his temple.

Just then, the music stopped and the party lights turned off, except for one which was fixed on the top of the stairs that led to the hallway upstairs.

Standing there was Mikhail, and...

Elena.

Nathan's stomach dropped.

Dread crept in, as his heart raced.

He watched as Mikhail brought a mic to his mouth and began talking. His hand was holding Elena's back as they descended the stairs.

"Good evening, everyone," he greeted, his voice deep, a small smile playing on his lips.

Elena looked graceful beside him, a bright smile on her rosy lips.

Her royal purple gown flowed to the ground, perfectly complementing Mikhail's dark purple suit.

Anyone could tell at first glance that the two looked perfect... together.

Nathan's hands shook, the pace of his beating heart increasing.

"I'm sure we're all here to celebrate Nathan's and my birthday party."

The crowd turned to look at Nathan, cheering.

He shifted awkwardly, his smile half-hearted.

He wished the ground would open up and swallow him right then.

"But, please forgive me for I have an important announcement to make," Mikhail continued, as he and Elena reached the base of the stairs.

Nathan knew what it was.

And that didn't make accepting the truth any easier.

Tears gathered at the corner of his eyes, his lips trembling slightly, as Mikhail's gaze fixed onto him.

"Elena is my fated mate."

He froze.

The music turned back on and the whole crowd went wild, cheering. They hit the tables, flailing their arms in the air excitedly.

But Nathan broke.

He turned away, letting the tears fall.

His knees felt weak as he walked and sobbed, but his cries faded in to the background, like he did.

He'd always known Mikhail wasn't for him.

He'd always known there was no way they'd ever be together, but the red string gave him hope.

If Mikhail was tied to him, then he'd have no other choice but to be with him.

It was a selfish thought.

He'd prayed endlessly up until his twentieth birthday for Mikhail to be tied to him, but...

Fate had a way of crushing a man.

His sobs echoed through the empty hallway as he staggered through it, hands gripping the walls for support.

He soon collapsed to the ground, a devastated scream slipping out.

Just then, his heart began pounding in his chest. An inexplicable heat coursed through him like he was on fire.

"Arghhh!" He screamed, the pain he felt raw in his voice.

His left wrist burned.

And Nathan's stomach dropped for a second time.

He lay still on the ground, groaning and whimpering.

It was after twenty minutes that the burning sensation left his wrist and his temperature returned to normal.

He got up slowly, glancing down at his wrist.

His eyes widened at the sight of the newly formed red string, and widened further as they traced the string to where it disappeared under a door.

Click!

The door swung open suddenly and standing before him was...

Valentino.

The other end of the string was tied to him.

Was this fate's way of punishing him for wishing for things he could never have?

By tying him to his best friend's older brother?!