Chapter 1

The day I said yes, I had no idea my life would turn out this way. Sometimes, the will to live and survive is so strong that a person can overcome any obstacle. But other times, surrender is the best option.

I surrendered.

After years of fighting my father, I finally gave in. And for the first time in my life, I placed my fate in the hands of destiny.

It led me straight to the man they called the Devil.

But who said the Devil can't love?

Part 1

:Family

Life isn’t fair for everyone. I learned that at the age of seven when the people I called my family—those I thought loved me in their own way—showed me just how cruel the world could be.

For fifteen years, I have endured my father’s abuse. Every time he beats me to the point of unconsciousness, I repeat to myself that it’s only a little longer. Just a little more, and I’ll disappear from their lives forever, starting fresh in another country where I can finally live in peace.

Now, I’m in my final year of university, studying English literature. I also work at a café, saving up money. My so-called family doesn’t even know what I’m studying. They only allowed me to go to university to maintain their image as model parents in the eyes of others.

“Eveline.”

I snapped out of my thoughts and looked up at Lily, who stood next to me, clearly frustrated.

“Where the hell is your phone? I’ve been calling and texting you for an hour!”

“Sorry, I was thinking about something and didn’t hear it.”

“For a whole hour? Though, I’m not even surprised anymore. Enough sitting under this tree—come on, Noah and Amelia are waiting for us.”

“Where are we going?”

“To our café. And I think those two fought again. Don’t tell them I said anything.”

I chuckled, stood up, packed my things into my bag, and followed Lily.

The three of us have been friends since high school. They are my real family—the only people who know about what happens in my house and about my plan. They’re always by my side, no matter what.

Noah and Amelia have been together since high school. Lily and I have lost count of how many times they’ve argued, fought, and broken up. (And by “break up,” I mean their longest separation lasted exactly two hours and forty-five minutes.) Lily and I always find it amusing how they can’t live without each other. And now, once again, they’ve apparently broken up.

“Finally, Eve! I’m starving!” Amelia groaned, sitting across from Noah with an irritated expression.

“Sorry, I didn’t hear my phone.”

I sat down next to Noah, placed a hand on his shoulder, and whispered, “My condolences.” He gave me a puppy-eyed look and smiled.

“You two, stop acting like I’m not here!” Amelia huffed, crossing her arms. It was impossible to take her seriously at moments like this.

“Amelia, shut up and order something before you eat us instead,” Lily said, grabbing a menu and practically shoving it in Amelia’s face.

“Rude bitch,” Amelia muttered while staring at the menu as if it held the answer to life itself.

Food is extremely important to Amelia. She can eat all day and never gain weight. And when she’s hungry, she gets angry. Now I understand why they fought—or rather, why she fought.

Noah and Amelia balance each other perfectly. Noah is tall, half-British, and often compared to a young Prince William—something he’s heard way too many times. Amelia, on the other hand, is half-Spanish, with striking dark features and a fiery personality. Noah is calm; she is explosive. A perfect combination.

After twenty minutes, Amelia finally decided what to order. The waitress, wearing a short dress, took our orders and left.

“She must be new,” I mumbled.

“Yeah, I haven’t seen her before,” Lily agreed.

“If that new bitch looks at what’s already mine one more time, I’m gouging her eyes out,” Amelia said loud enough for the whole café to hear.

“Oh my God, Amy, the entire place probably heard you.”

“Good,” she smirked, first looking at me, then at Noah.

Noah loved that Amelia didn’t care what anyone thought—especially when it came to jealousy. He always said she was the most beautiful when she was possessive.

A few moments later, a different waiter brought our food. It only took twenty minutes for Amelia’s mood to improve, and soon enough, she had already forgiven Noah.

“Eve, you’re not working today, right?” Noah asked.

I shook my head and took a sip of my apple juice.

“Great! Let’s go to the movies, then!”

“I can’t. I have to study for my exam.”

“Come on, just this once! You know you’ll pass even if you don’t study,” Noah said, giving me those damn puppy eyes again.

“Sorry, I really can’t. You know how my English professor is.”

“Ugh, that bastard doesn’t let anyone pass,” Lily scoffed. She had hated the professor ever since he marked her down unfairly. And she was right—he was a bastard.

“Even his name fits him. Jeffrey,” Noah chuckled. “Like in Game of Thrones—except we don’t have the luck of him being poisoned at his own wedding.”

“Noah, you can’t say things like that,” Amelia said in a fake serious voice, looking at all of us. We burst into laughter because we all knew she’d personally strangle Professor Jeffrey if she had the chance. She still hasn’t forgiven him for failing her on that one test. Granted, Amelia has never been the best student, but we still hate him.

I stood up and grabbed my bag. “I have to go. See you all tomorrow.”

“Take care,” Amelia blew me a kiss.

“Wait, I’ll drive you,” Lily said, getting up.

“It’s okay, Lil, you know I love walking.”

She gave me a deadpan look and unlocked the car.

“Right. Walking. By bus. Who wouldn’t love that?” She gestured for me to get in.

Lily is the calmest among us—so calm that sometimes we forget she’s even there. Amelia, Lily, and I have been friends since elementary school, even before Noah joined our group.

She is the most comfortable person to be around. You can completely relax with her—something that is impossible with Amelia, who keeps you on your toes at all times. Maybe that’s why we work as friends—we balance each other out.

I’m not like Amelia or Lily. I think I’m somewhere in between.

As we drove, Lily suddenly said, “If Amy asks you to go shopping with her tomorrow, say no.”

“What? Why?”

“Because I already told her you’re helping me with something.”

I gasped dramatically. “You know I love you, right?”

Lily rolled her eyes. “If you mess up my hair again, I won’t help you escape Amy’s victim list next time.”

I quickly pulled my hand back and laughed.

Shopping with Amelia is a death sentence. She can walk around all day and buy absolutely nothing. And since Lily’s taste in clothes is very boyish, she’s no help at all, leaving me as Amelia’s only target.

Lily pulled up in front of my house. “Good night. See you tomorrow.”

I nodded, watching her drive off before going inside. Thankfully, everyone was in their rooms.

After taking a warm shower, I dried myself and put on an old pink pajama set that used to belong to my half-sister. My wardrobe had nothing new—except for the underwear I bought with my own savings. Everything else was what my half-sister discarded when she got bored of it. I never complained. She had decent taste, and I had no other choice. Every penny I earned at the café was for my plan.

I turned off the light in my room and lay down in bed, hoping that tomorrow would be as peaceful as today had been.