Friday evening, a calm, blood-red sunset was in view of the Cameron Mansion. Silence swept over the large, ten-story home, not even the wind dared to blow, yet none could hear the pitiful, dreadful pleas of a young girl as she took her last breaths.

"W-why a-ugh!" Blood splattered onto the floor before Allila could finish her sentence.

"Simple. I hate you." The man venomously spat out. Allila looked at her so-called father whom she craved to be loved by, stare down at her in utter disgust. He couldn't care less whether she was dying or dead, suddenly her heart felt a pang, not in pain nor sadness but in anger and regret.

"Y-you will n-never be ch-chairman-ugh!" One finally kick to her stomach, where the knife wound was and Allila felt her breath slip away.

Oh, how she wished she hadn't been a fool and blindly followed what everyone told her to do, blindly accepted the abuse while nobody helped her and blindly, naively, stupidly thought it would get her loved. In the end, it only got her killed.

'BASTARD'

"HUH!!" Allila jumped out of bed in a panic, her heart thumping and mind racing.

Where was she? What was she doing here? Where was her father? What happened to her? Why isn't she dead? And why the hell was there so much hair on her face?!

Questions raced through her head like a bullet train as she couldn't get her thoughts in place, Allila flung the black duvet off her body and checked her stomach, lightly touching the area hoping there wasn't any pain. But lord did she suddenly wish there was, now she couldn't get her mind to sit still.

It couldn't have been a dream, no it wasn't a dream! I know it wasn't! What's today?! She searched for her phone under her pillow and in the drawer beside her but couldn't find it, that's when she noticed something.

The colour of the walls were blue, the drawer beside her bed was black, the lamp had a fairy stand, the rug was gray and the dresser in her room was a brown, oak wood double door, broke down, old waste can that she had only very few to little clothes in there.

"N-no..." Her voice felt like it was being swallowed by realization. "Th-this ca-can't b-be happening."

None of it felt like a dream, and she was sure it wasn't a dream...what kind of sick joke are they playing now? She thought, thinking her family were making her suffer once more.

She rushed out of bed, in her long ankle length, white night dress, flinging the door open almost pulling it off its hinges as she rushed up the hall and barged into the bathroom.

Placing both hands on the sink Allila edged her body closer to the mirror, trying to process her image. Sleek, black hair, bagns that covered her eyes, pale white skin and pink, plump lips. No longer did she look like the 25 year old woman she was, instead she looked like a washed up 14 year old on the verge of going to rehab after serious cocaine addictions. She even checked her thigh from the scar she got while skiing when she was 19...it wasn't there.

Allila was sure she wasn't 14, but to be honest she wasn't sure how old she was in the general. She always looked like a kid even when she turned 25, the only difference was her she got a bit taller.

"No...NO!!!" She scram in rage. If she really came back to life some time in the past, she didn't want to relive the suffering and torture she had gone through...if any of that was even real!!!

"M-Miss Allila! Are you okay?" A maid rushed in, she had her hair in a tight bun and looked decades older than Allila. Her eyes bore pure concern, it was surprising since not many of the household servants cared for Allila, they actually ignored her almost every time. But that's not what caught Allila off guard, what really got to her was the fact that this was her nanny...who died 5 years ago.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!" She scram out in horror. "IT'S A GHOST!!!!!!!" The old woman seemed to be greatly affected by this and began screaming along with her, thinking there was some sort of creature in the bathroom and held her hands over her head.

"AHHH!! OH GOOD LORD!! AHHH! AH! MIS-MISS-OH LORD!" Her nanny rushed to her side when she noticed her laying flat faced on the ground. "Wake up miss Allila, oh no dear!"

"You're saying she woke up and began screaming?" Allila's stepmother; Clara asked unsure.

The old maid nodded her head vigorously, while clasping both her palms together in worry and anxiety at what the Mistress of the mansion planned to do to Allila for causing such a commotion that early in the morning. It had in fact woken all ten floors, her screaming was so loud it reached the basement- in a whispering manner of course.

"Alright, when she wakes tell her we have an appointment with the Chairman. And if she hasn't after an hour, just deal with her." Clara ordered in an uncaring manner, as if it didn't matter what or how they dealt with Allila. She walked out of Allila's room with a sway to her hips, like she'd done something she was proud of.

The old maid rushed to Allila's side and gently cupped her face. "Oh sweet child, please be more careful." Her quiet, concerned whispers reached Allila's ears and her eyes sprung open looking through the cracks of hair. They scanned the ceiling before shooting to her right where the old woman stood, bent back, at her ear. The look in Allila's eyes were enough to tell even a blind man that fear was coursing through her veins.

"Nanny Mu-Mure...If this is about my b-bad c-cady habit! I-I I'm sorry, p-please d-don't h-haunt me." Allila begged, pushing her body into bed. Wishing it would just swallow her whole.

The old woman seemed surprised by her plea and slowly stood back straight. "Miss Allila, I don't know what you mean by haunting but I am very much not dead. And about your candy habits, I don't mind."

Oh, God! what's happening?! Haaaa...the darkness took over Allila once more as she fell into an unconscious slumber.

"It's good to see you all made it in time." The chairman said, his voice dominant and powerful. Though old and pale, his wrinkled skin and souless eyes bore evidence to the tough life he led to get to this point.

"Hehehe, yes pa, we all were wondering why you so suddenly called upon us." Allila's aunt, her bastard of a father's younger sister who had no place here but is somehow here.

She was not much to look at with a bob cut, brown eyes and black hair, smooth white skin and a scrawny figure. But don't be fooled by her frail and soft appearance, she's a snake who craves money behind all that.

The chairman sat on his desk, leaning into a large red chair, in the center of the two black aligned couches that faced each other.

On the left sat Allila's father; Robert, beside him was Clara her stepmother, beside her was Candice her sister a year older, and at the very end her brother Darwin the same age as her. Both Candice and Clayton looked like their mother, with chest just hair and brown orbs.

On the right sat Clara's older brother, Caden he had darker skin compared to Clara and dark hair, more like the chairman. Beside him was his son; Carter who had similar features to Candice, except darker skin, and beside Carter was Allila's aunt, Daniella and... Allila who was not seated there yet.

"Robert." The chairman called to his son-in-law, his eyes asking the question for him.

"Pa I'm not sure where Allila is. I sent a servant to retrieve her a few minutes before the meeting started but she still hasn't shown face." Robert spoke in a quivery manner. His words breathless and eyes fearful.

The chairman picked up his pen and tapped his desk with it a few times, as if he were deciding something.

"Robert it's your duty as her father to raise her right. You see my children, none of them are as impudent as Allila, and their children as well." The chairman commented in a snarky manner, Caden and Clara smirked in pride as the shot mocking glares at Robert. He felt the pressure evident on his shoulders but it was overridden by embarrassment and hatred for Allila.

"Yes, I'll go look for her now." Robert spoke through gritted teeth as he stood up with clenched fists.

'BANG!' The chairman's study room door flung open.

"Sorry I'm late." Allila announced, breathlessly as she hurried to her seat beside Daniella. Everyone in the study room including the chairman looked at her in a baffled manner.

"A-Allila...where have you been?" Her father asked, confused by her sudden entrance. And what more her confident posture.

"I apologize, I haven't felt well since this morning. But luckily mother had come and checked on me, informing the attendant about the appointment. It took me quite a while to get dressed but I made it here a few minutes late, I'm sorry for the wait." No one could believe that the dense, quiet, shy, pushover Allila was talking as confidently as she was.

"I-its fine, make sure this doesn't happen again Allila." The chairman quickly dismissed Allila's apology while clearing his throat. He too was quite confused about her sudden change in behavior. It was only yesterday the girl had been quivering in fear while her older sister scram profanities at her. "Ahem, the meeting I called for today was to address the recent situation with the Adven family. As you all know they've been the leading fashion industry for over three decades, but today they've set up a competition amongst the other industries. We of course are nowhere close to being a merchandising company, but being one of the best lawyer firms with over fifty schools in our names and more than a hundred world renowned lawyers, the Adven family might just be interested in us." The chairman took a slight pause before clasping both his palms together and leaning his elbows against the desk. "Money isn't a problem to them, they could buy three whole countries the size of Africa and it would be like giving a penny to a homeless man. But what they really need is insurance and safety. What better more than one of the best lawyering legacies in the world; The Camerons. And the competition they've set, which will be publicly announced in a week is for the hand in marriage to their only son, the heir to the Adven empire, Zackery Adevn."

The room was in utter silence, the faces of pure astonishment and disbelief, everyone looked at Candice like this would be their big break. And it would, truth be told. Having even the slightest connection to the Adven's, a driver for example would set you up for life. But they weren't mere drivers, they were in-laws. DIRECT IN LAWS. They would not only be set for life, maybe in even in the next thirty lives they live.

"Ho,ho,ho,ho, Candice, Candice you have to get him-pa!p-pa Candice is more than suitable for a marriage partner-don't you agree-don't you all agree?!" Robert enthusiastically asked as he looked around the room at the people who shared the exact same thoughts...Greedy, sly little thoughts.

Candice on the other hand couldn't be happier, she was on cloud nine. This would be her next big step in life, not only was born into a high, respected family, but now she would marry into an envied, rich, prestigious one. Forever she would be remembered as the bond linker between two of the most world renowned families, her name would probably go down in history as the first woman to catch the eye of the cold, ruthless, handsome, devil Zachary Adven. The generations to come will know her name, even after several hundred years, they would know where their luck in life was born, made, sealed and-

"But pa how do you know about this?" Caden, the eldest son asked.

The chairman simply chuckled and gave a smug look at everyone. "Because the Advens reached out to me first."

There was more than astonishment and disbelief in eyes of every soul in that room. It was otherworldly at this point. Never before in the past three decades had the Adevns been the one to push first, the always rowed the boat not push it into sea.

"Are they really that desperate for my hand marriage?!" Candice asked, astounded and excited all at once.

"Well they'll be here at dinner to meet you in person to decide whether or not you'd qualify for their son." The chairman replied. "So you'd better act right." Candice suddenly became serious and nodded her in determination.

All the while Allila sat there with a dreadful expression. She remembered this day like the back of her hand, because not only was this the day the Adven family would formally meet the Camerons...it would be the day Allila meets her first love.

Zachery.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Thank you to whoever read!!!!! (⁠｡⁠♡⁠‿⁠♡⁠｡⁠)

"What do you think you were doing, huh?! Showing up that late like that you idiot!" Robert scram in a reprimanding manner.

The meeting had just finished and now they both were on the fifth floor, just below the sixth where the chairman's study room is.

Allila stood still as a rock. She didn't feel the coursing and trembling fear she thought she'd feel after seeing the man who'd murder her, standing here barking out insults like a waterfall.

But though she didn't feel fear from the murder she felt it from the past. Allila could remember how they'd lock her up in her old dresser, for two to three days without water or food. None of the servants were allowed to come near her, even though none cared about her status and never treated her as they should, they were still human and had emotions.

"Huh?! You little bitch?! What?! Where did that mouth you had on you go now?!" He raised his hand to slap her, Allila dipped her head backwards and stiffened every muscle in her body, preparing for the slap.

Moments later and the pain never came, hesitantly her eyes perched open. Through the gaps of her bangs she saw her father's hand being held by Caden, her uncle. Allila was confused as to why Caden was helping her, but more so since this had not previously happened so there was no foretelling of what may happen.

"Now we can't have your child looking like a swollen lump once the Advens get here, they may think badly of us. We must not portray a bad image brother." Caden said in a knowing manner as if he was talking to a toddler, telling him not to play in the mud and dirty the house.

Her father looked furious as he aggressively pulled his hand out of Caden's grasp. "Don't tell me what I can and cannot do with my daughter Caden."

Her uncle chuckled slightly before giving Allila a mocking look. "Your daughter? This one? She looks like a tooth pick compared to Candice, her clothes are so out of fashion. I mean jeans and a sweater? How plain, you couldn't even put Dior on this girl without gagging."

Allila didn't feel in the slightest offended. She was used to this kind of behavior, where they judge, mock, reprimand and blame her whenever she's in sight.

"Anyway dear brother, I'll be off. Take good care of your child." Robert watched Caden's body disappear down the hallway and his head snapped back to Allila.

"You were lucky this time, bastard." Her father emphasized the last part with a taunting smirk.

She stood there for what seemed an eternity, just pondering. Thoughts running in and out like a fast-forward clip of traffic in a city. Long pauses then fast play throughs. Turning around Allila made her way to her room. There she sat on her bed and finally digested everything.

It was currently 2023, this was seven years in the past when Allila began to crave attention and love more than anything. School had gotten worse since more and more kids were bullying her. She attended the same school as Candice because the Camerons didn't want to look bad in the public eye. No one knew that she was her father's daughter from another woman, but that didn't stop them from torturing and disrespecting everywhere she went.

It was hard and brusome, but in the end Allila finished school and got her degree in medicine, she wasn't interested in that but the Camerons wanted to make sure that only Carter and Candice become lawyers, as they were the same age it would be a battle of patriarchy and they needed to secure an heir after the chairman dies and Caden takes the position as chairman.

Yes and aside from all that family drama Allila was left to the dogs when she got sent to prison after taking the blame for her sister. They of course didn't want one of the future heirs to have a bad record in their name, it could be fatal to her career. And of course Allila being Allila stupidly gave in out of love and understanding for her dear older sister.

"Hnngg, it sucked to remember that." She groaned out with a pained expression. After serving two years in prison she was luckily released, and her lawyer being Clayton, her half brother who rarely ever showed face near her. But she was thankful to say the least, on her release day Allila expected a big welcome celebration but instead she got a get out ticket, all her belongings were burned to make extra space for more household servants. But it was an obvious lie, they don't allow servants on the seventh floor.

Rethinking her life Allila felt more than regret, she felt emptiness, loneliness, sorrow and pain. It was then she remembered why she fell for Zachery.

<7YRS AGO>

'Sniff, sniff, sniff' Allila sat in the garden all alone. She wore a plain, simple, sleek, black, off shoulder silhouette with a pair of daffodil drop earrings and black heels. Her hair was curled, but her bangs remained straight and prominent covering her eyes.

Allila felt lost and betrayed when her older sister Candice was arranged to a man who was the same age as her, but whereas she on the other would be engaged to a man who was ten years older than her. And she hadn't even seen him yet.

"Here." A deep, smooth voice spoke in an offering manner. Allila jumped at the sound of another human near and stood stiffly as she watched her future brother-in-law stare at her in amusement. "I was offering you a tissue, I didn't think it'd scare you as much."

"U-umm I-I don't ne-need it." She stuttered out quietly, folding her arms against her chest while lowering her head.

Zachery stood there smirking before walking near her, he wore a black tuxedo, with satin lapels giving it a look of sophistication, a crisp white shirt underneath and black bow tie adding elegance and completing the formal ensemble.

"We all deny what we want as much as what we need. You don't want someone to see you crying and don't need help. But in the end you'll realize you were wrong. Don't be scared to ask others for help when you need or want it." He then took her right hand, opening her clasped palms and put the napkin right in it before squeezing it shut. "Don't let it stay dry."

And with that he walked off leaving Allila to watch his retrieving figure. Her heart began pounding in her chest, her breathing quickened and her cheeks flushed. What was this? Fear? No...it may as well be love.

She got over her stupid obsession by the time she reached 23, she knew it was painfully long,, but the poor girl couldn't help it. Allila was an innocent girl who didn't know the difference between kindness and love. God,she always imagined that he loved her too! It's painful to think about that moment. No more embarrassing.

"Ugh, this is not the time to be worrying about that." She muttered burying her head in the pillow.

It didn't matter whether he was her first, second, third or hundredth love he didn't feel the same way for her. And she was done trying to win people over, this time the only person she was going to love herself.

6 hours later.

Candice and Clara both had their makeup finished and hair done.

Clara wore a deep, red shade of lipstick, her eye shadow was a smoky red, with thin eye liner and a little blush. She wore a pair of rose casade long earrings, a red dress with a sweetheart neckline, long sleeves, crystalline fabric and a flowing skirt that reached her ankles, revealing the beautiful dark red heels with smaller diamond roses designed onto the back of the heels.

Candice on the other hand had her long, chestnut hair, curled and loose reaching her mid back. Her make was simple, light pink lip gloss, light foundation and light, cherry colored blush. She had a pair of gold triangular earrings that hung just above her shoulder blade. And as for her dress it was a beautiful lavender, floor length gown. Made of luxurious satin fabric, the bodice is adorned with intricate floral lace appliques, adding a touch of elegance and romance. The dress features a sweetheart neckline and silhouette that hugs her curves in all the right places. As the dress flows down, it cascades into a voluminous skirt with layers of tulle.

"You look beautiful my love." Clara said with a proud smile as she lovingly took in her daughter's appearance.

"Oh mom! Stop, you're making me blush!" Candice squealed out in response while giggling like a little girl. Her mother playfully slapped her on the shoulder with an equally toothy smile.

All the while Allila stood behind the doorway leading to the dining hall, watching intently. She remembered walking in on the mother daughter duo that evening and getting a mouthful of insults by Candice. She never actually stuck around to see what they were saying, but this is probably what would've happened if she hadn't stepped in.

"Come let's go take our seats before grandpa gets here mom!" Candice happily said while pulling her mother by the arm, to which she sighed at what an energetic kid Candice was.

God knows the only way Candice ever pulled Allila like that was to shove her into a wall or pool. And trust me shs wasn't jealous of how lovey dovey her sister was being to her mother, it would be fwenchning if that whench suddenly changed attitude.

Allila slowly made her way in and sat where her seat was assigned. She remembered it like it was yesterday, two seats away from Clayton facing no one. It was pretty lonely but no one noticed her or batted an eye towards her. They simply regarded her as...a shadow.

"Ugh, that ugly little shit is ruining my mood! Mom why does she even have to come? I'm the one meeting Zachery to see if I am OBVIOUSLY SUITABLE. She's sooo goddamn disgusting I think I'm gonna puke, what a plain dress makes my inside curl into a ball, and look at that hair you'd think she's a lowlife cavewoman or something. Ughhhhhh! Sooo frustrating." Candice poured out insults like a fountain with no end.

"What?" Allila asked aloud, both Clara and Candice and looked taken aback as their heads snapped to Allila in surprise.

'BANG!'

Candice hit the table with both her hands as she slowly stood up with a menacing glare. "WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?! TALKING BACK TO ME LIKE THAT?! HUH?!"

"Love stop it, you might ruin your dress by accident." Her mother warned, not concerned for Allila but the dress. THE DRESS.

"NO! Who does this little bitch think she is?! WHO?! You are NOBOD-"

"That's enough!" Robert shouted, standing at the doorway of the dining hall. "Sweet heart you can't be screaming like that, what if your face is still red by the time your beloved Zachery is to get here, huh?"

"But da-"

"Enough, leave that worthless girl alone. She's not worth the time or your beautiful voice." Candice immediately stopped shouting and pouted sadly while her father went over to comfort her. Both Clara and Robert WERE NOT on good terms, but they made due for their children... including Allila. And by that meaning whenever she was around they teamed up and tortured her. She was never sure why they even kept her around since she's not related to the Camerons and was her father's product of an affair.

But Allila could care less about that now, what confused her even more is why that even happened. The words that Candice and Clara said were exactly what they said to her before. And Robert's dramatic entrance was exactly the same, with the same words and expression. The only difference was the time.

Soon the chairman walked in accompanied by Caden, Carter and Clayton all in matching gray tuxedos. "Candice what was all that screaming huh?" Her grandfather asked angrily.

Immediately the girl went silent, her face dreadful and fearful.

"Respond with your mouth girl. You sure weren't talking with your face a while ago." The chairman impatiently scolded Candice while taking his seat followed by the three other men.

"I-I was scolding Allila...." Her voice faded off to the end, as her once daring eyes meekly looked to the floor and threatened to flood.

The chairman gave her a dangerous look before banging the table causing everyone to flinch. "Keep up with that attitude and you'll go nowhere with tonight's dinner."

Silence swept over the room, the atmosphere was so intense you could cut it with a knife.

Back then Allila completely blamed herself for the situation, thinking that if she'd just try to be more presentable for her sister she wouldn't have reacted like that. But no matter how sorry or understanding she was about anything it always turned out to be the worst for her. But right now, she wasn't scared of Candice...she was scared of this life. She was thinking as hard as she could but wasn't so sure. If she left would things outside be any better? Challenges are set in life everywhere. Could she take her revenge if she really wanted to? Did she even want to take revenge?

"Allila I'm talking to you." The chairman's voice disrupted her chain of thoughts and her head instinctively looked towards the dumbfounded. Not that they could tell her expression from half her face being covered.

"Y-Yes?" She asked quietly, not sure why he was calling out to her. This didn't happen? She thought, wondering if she'd forgotten. Besides she died when she was 25 not 16, she can't remember what happened the rest of the year.

"I'm asking if you're not going to make a scene again."

Allila looked at him quizzically and finally remembered. Back then her full attention was on the chairmn and he directed this question to both of them, to which they both immediately responded. But now she was busy daydreaming about life and death. He must have thought she was ignoring him, with that deathly look being given and the mocking gazes of everyone.

So she tried something bold. If he thought she was ignoring him, what more if she stood up for herself. "Why should you be asking me that? I'm not the one who caused the scene."

Everyone gasped in surprise, Candice just about ready to claw Allila's eyes out, Robert and Clara on the other looked bewildered while Caden played an amused smirk, his son Carter bore a perfect image of that very smirk and Clayton last but not least looked genuinely surprised just as his grandfather.

"How dare you talk back to the chai-!" Before Robert could finish his sentence the chairman held up a hand.

"You're right, I shouldn't be asking you that question. Candice here is perfectly capable of handling the situation. And as your older sister she should've been more mature." Her calmly stated while Candice gaped at her grandfather.

"I can't believe you're ta-"

"I side with logic and facts girl." He cut her off before she could reply and sat back with a satisfied sigh. "You also need a reality check."

Candice was not only embarrassed but outraged. She wanted nothing more than to teach her dim-wit of a sister a lesson she'd never forget. Maybe even cut her tongue off in the process.

'Knock, knock'

The family's attention was drawn by one of the household servants who stood at the doorway in a waiter attire. "Chairman, the Advens have arrived. They are currently being escorted in."

Immediately the emotions from the recent scene washed away and were filled in by anxiety and nerves.

"Allila, sit next to Clayton, the space in-between you two is going to raise a few brows." It was a surprise to say the least, but Allila had no choice but to follow.

She stood and sat next to Clayton, she felt quite shaky and shy since in all her 25 years of living she had not once sat next to any of the Camerons aside from her father and aunt. Speaking of which, Daniella was not allowed to sit in for dinner as she had no purpose there. Which should be said for her general living status, having no place to be in this mansion at all. Much like Allila, but that never made them friends more so family.

"Ahem, please welcome the renouned Adven family." Everyone around the long rectangular dining table stood and faced the doorway.

In walked a tall, pale, wrinkled old man, with grey strands threatening his dark brown hair. He wore a white tuxedo with a blood-red tie, diamond watch on his left wrist, neatly polished shoes and kind brown eyes.

Behind him came a shorter woman, her jet black hair tied into a low, loose bun, a few strands hung loose on her creamy, white skin. She wore a floor length gown, that was a royal shade of blue, which complimented the intricate lace detailing on the bodice. It was an off shoulder, sleeveless dress with gentle spaghetti straps behind, the gown showcased her fit figure and complimented her white skin. Her make up was light and delicate, with light eye shadow that couldn't steal spotligh from her cold blue eyes and pink lips that fit her small, face frame.

And last but not least, Zachery. He strode in confidently with his black Tuxedo. Like the spitting image of his mother, he had a delicate beauty among a harsh and cold attitude. His jawline was straight and prominent, his lips plush and plump and his eyes were cold and blue.

Allila looked him up and down, before tilting her head a quizzical manner. Maybe it was his face that made me like him. She thought. But definitely knew that this time, second wasn't gonna cut it.

"Good evening Chairman." Mr.Adven respectfully bowed to which the chairman smiled gratefully.

"You shouldn't do so much for me Mr.Adven. I'm but a mere man compared to your status." The chairman humbly replied.

"But as you are my elder I'm expected to do so." Much to say, the Camerons were very flattered by his approach. First they reach out and now humbly come onto them, how astounding.

Although Allila was not in the least bit surprised, as she had gotten to know Mr.Adven from observation, of what a kind and humble man he is. That he takes pride in his work but is not egotistical about it. Truly he was a good man. But his wife...

"Thank you for sending servants to greet us. We must truly be worthy of meeting your acquaintance." Mrs.Adven said in a bland tone, her poker face was truly trophy worth and they couldn't tell whether she was mad, offended or playing a joke. If anything it wasn't the last.

The chairman seemed slightly baffled before putting on a smile to match her own. "Ah yes Mrs.Adven, we hope they haven't caused you trouble."

"No, you'd know if they did." She replied in a cocky tone. "And I'd love to meet this bride to be. I hope she's as pretty as smart."

"Love, enough." Mr.Adven warned his wife quietly before turning back to the Camerons with a warm smile. "This may not be my house but shall we start feast?"

"Ah yes of course. Miguel bring in the food." The chairman instructed the servant behind them who stood obediently at the door.

Everyone was seated in this order. From the chairman (center front), Mr.&Mrs.Adven (Right front), Caden(third right), Robert (fourth right) then Zachery (Left front), Candice (Second left), Clara (third left), Clayton (fourth left) and Allila (fifth left).

Mr.Adven had not wanted the chairman to strain his voice he decided he and his wife would sit next the chairman, to which the Camerons were overly charmed at that point.

Candice on the other hand couldn't stop trying to make small talk with Zachery.

"So I heard your really talented in playing the piano, I'd love to hear it sometime" "Sure yea."

"Do you like painting? I've been taking a few classes recently. Want to see some of my pieces? They're in my room." "No thank you."

"You like swimming?" "Not really." "Do you like shopping?" "No." "Umm, does that food taste good." "Yes." "So..."

She was getting nowhere with that and Allila vividly remembered her having a small tantrum in the bathroom, and sadly she spotted her. After taking all her frustration out on Allila she left her there in the bathroom, crying and sobbing. To which the incident with Zachery then played out after she ran into the garden.

"Hey can you pass the salt?" Clayton asked in a hushed whisper.

Allila nodded and picked up the salt bottle with shaky hands before placing it next to her brother. The little movement caught Zachery's eyes and he looked down to her.

Zachery watched her slow breathings, and took in notice of her long, straight black hair and awfully long bangs, her dress was simple and black and her skin was pale, white. She didn't look well fed but he crossed out idea seeing as she came from a well off family. Either way, Allila had sparked an interest in him. He flinched slightly at the thought and shrugged off before looking back at his food and praying that God damned woman beside him wouldn't utter another word.

-----

Thank you all for reading.

I noticed quite a lot while writing this, so I apologize if it seemed most of the paragraphs were just repetitive ramblings. Also if you didn't find anything mind-blowingly, amazing to the point where you just think I'm crazy good I'd get it. I don't have high expectations for myself since this is my first book so please bare with it

You could call me an amateur if you like-i technically am.

(⁠ ⁠◜⁠‿⁠◝⁠ ⁠)⁠♡Thanks for reading!

Allila sat boredly at the dining table, while the chairman and Mr.Adven conversed about business. Of course Robert would try to shove Ina few opinions here and there to get some attention, to which Caden smirked upon.

"Grand pa, may we leave? I'd like to show Zachery around the house. We've finished dinner ages ago, it may be quite tiresome for Zachery here to sit down all night long." Candice politely asked in a respectful manner. And no, it wasn't only because the Advens were there, but because her grandfather was still mad at her.

"Mr.Adven?" The chairman looked at the middle aged man questionably.

"Why of course. You're the head of the house, if you agree then I agree chairman." Mr.Adven replied with a warm smile.

"He is still our son, they can't tell him what to and what not to do. Only we have that right." Mrs.Adven said in a factual tone.

"Yes, honey. I know." Her husband replied, with a tight smile and worrisome expression. "Please excusey wife."

An awkward laughter erupted around everyone to which it did not lighten the mood.

"Well kids, you all can leave." The chairman ordered.

Candice took Zachery by the arm and pulled out of the dining hall in excitement. Whereas Allila, Carter and Clayton left the hall quietly.

"Allila." Clayton called out hesitantly.

She turned around in response and looked at her brother in surprise. "Have a goodnight." He quickly said before walking off.

Allila was too stunned to reply and just watched his body disappear through the corner of the hall. "That's...strange." She didn't remember conversing with Clayton before, but they'd already been seated together so there must have been some change.

Clayton was the only Cameron who didn't bully Allila, or mistreat her or talk to her. He just ignored her in general. Allila made her way up to the fifth floor, but stop mid way.

She then remembered, that this is where Candice had her tantrum. In a few seconds she'd bust open the bathroom and see her. So Allila quickly turned away and ran down the stairs, she heard the bathroom door slam open and was grateful she had gotten away. But just then she tripped on her foot and fell down the stairwell, bracing herself for the fall, she covered her head with her hands tumbled onto the floor.

"Ahhhh.." Allila groaned out.

A few moments passed by and her dizzy vision faded away. She looked up towards the ceiling and saw her sister Candice, leaning against the rail with a smirk.

"Hnngg." Allila winced in pain when she tried to support herself using her right arm. The area around her shoulder stung painfully and sorely.

"Here." A deep, smoothe voice said from behind. Slender, long, creamy, white fingers reached out to her and offered her help.

Instantly Allila knew who it was and turned head in a different direction.

"I was offering you a hand, I didn't think it'd offend you as much." Those same haunting words that Allila would reply again, and again were no longer funny and stupid but terrifying and horrible at this very moment. She tried not to get caught by Candice and end up going to garden-maybe she should've just got caught, gotten the beating and sit still in bathroom.

"I don't-Ahem, I'm doing just fine. I can help myself thank you." Maybe a different speech would do the trick?

"We all deny what we want as much as what we need. You-"

"Shut up." Allila said, cutting off Zachery.

He stood there wide eyed and dumbfounded. "What?"

"Please u-umm just stop talking." Allila quickly muttered before pushing herself up with her left hand and standing on her two feet.

Candice leaned against the rail in fury. "What is that bitch doing?"She whispered to herself. "Zachery! There you are!"

Zachery couldn't take his eyes off Allila as she stood there, watching her sister calmly walk down the stairs.

"Oh Alli! What are you doing here?" Candice asked sweetly. She knew exactly what happened to Allila but didn't care, she'd much rather have her dead. "Did you two meet by coincidence?"

The question was directed to Allila but she made it seem like it was sent to both. When no one replied Candice just smiled and held Zachery by the arm.

"I came from the bathroom just now, I saw you and my sister chatting down here. It was quite a surprise, she rarely speaks." But all words fell def on Zachery's ears. He only had one question. Who was Allila Cameron?

"Excuse me, I'll be on my way now." Allila muttered, bowing momentarily before walking off.

Zachery snapped out of his trance as his eyes followed her, small figure, though the dress was fairly loose, it didn't hide much of her curvaceous figure.

"So Zachery where did you disappear to after we visited the music room? I thought you were just going to take a call, but you ended up leaving me alone. Hehehe." The man didn't even bother to act sorry as he chuckled along with her. Candice had now noticed that his attention was stolen by Allila, she would teach that little bitch more than a lesson once the Advens leave. She'd teach her life. "Shall we continue the tour?"

"Sure." Zachery replied in a bland tone.

------

"Sss." Candice winced in pain, her shoulder was surely dislocated. She wondered what was happening.

Sitting down in the library her mind began running wild. She wasn't sure how to avoid her fate, nor was she sure how to do it. Since the moment she had awoken, Allila was confused on what to do. All her life she'd only done what everyone wanted her to do, now how was she supposed to lead a life on her own? It was scary. Doing something she wanted, it was a risk honestly speaking.

Then suddenly she remembered her thoughts in her last moment. She'd experienced death before but...life was worse than death. It can make you feel like you're dying without dying, it's unpredictable and nothing is final. But with death... everything is final. Except this. This is not final. And Allila wanted to know why? But first she needed to figure out the simpler things...or the more processable issues. Like how to avoid her fate.

There's no sure saying but, Allila assumed that maybe there were consequences for every time she tried to avoid her faith. But wasn't so sure, as when she tried to avoid the scene that Candice would make in the dining hall nothing happened. Or maybe her falling dow the stairs was a consequence for trying to avoid Candice twice. Or was there something she missed? What game was fate playing?

She thought and thought till her head throbbed as much as her shoulder. "I should probably see nanny about this." Allila got up and carefully made her way down to the first floor, where the maids quarters were. She walked down to her nanny's room and knocked on the door.

"Nanny it's me." Allila called out, the door was opened after a few moments with a warm smile greeting her before words could be said.

"Please come in miss Allila." Her nanny said, opening the door wider. "What may I have the pleasure of receiving your visit?"

"Ummm, my arm. I think I must've broken my shoulder blade." She replied coyly.

"Oh good lord!"

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The chairman sat in his study with Mr.&Mrs.Adven. Their faces were serious and stern, even for the ever so bubbly Mr.Adven.

"I'm entrusting my son into your care. And your granddaughter will be entrusted with my care." Mr.Adven said in a factual tone. "But whatever happens between the two is not any of our fault. We raise them but not decide for them. So if this relationship fails or pulls through there are no promises to be made."

"I understand that Mr.Adven. And I can assure you there will be no accountability taken on both sides if anything happens." The chairman replied, he thought it was a fair deal and liked the part about no accountability being taken.

"Then we shall be off now chairman." Mr.Adven announced before getting up with his wife and shaking his hands with the chairman.

Soon the Advens were standing outside with the every Cameron member-except Allila, seeing them off.

"You're always welcome back." The chairman told Mr.Adven as they stepped into their cars.

Candice waved with a cute smile towards Zachery who barely acknowledge her presence and instead nodded in the direction of the chairman. She slowly took back her hand with a grim look and didn't bother to wave anymore.

Once the Advens had driven off everyone walked back inside. That's when Candice noticed Allila wasn't around.

"You, I'm glad Allila isn't here. Otherwise my mood would worsen." She said with a sigh of relief. Everyone began to notice that Allila wasn't there and the chairman felt greatly disappointed.

"Enough girl." The chairman coldly warned. "Send someone to find Robert's child."

Candice smirked and looked at her mother with a hint of mischief, to which her mother caught on earlier.

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Thank you very much for reading. It may not have been long, but I hope it was entertaining.(⁠ ⁠◜⁠‿⁠◝⁠ ⁠)⁠♡