Chapter 2

[Not continued from prologue] Isabelle’s Point of View: I roamed the halls with a worried expression. “This is not right. I have told her many times, but she just won’t listen.” “What should we do?” “Why are you asking me?” Numerous mutterings fluttered across the room as my mom, and stepdad talked between themselves. It was completely stupid. I just wanted to get a career of my own, but my stepdad—Mr. Richard Roman wanted me to join him and his son in his company. I finally stopped and walked over to them. “So?” He asked me with a hopeful expression. “My decision is not going to change. Moreover, I believe Achilles is more than capable of handling the company on his own,” I confidently replied. “Oh, I know I am.” A deep voice resounded in the room. I froze for a second. Then, making my breathing stable, I turned around. Achilles was coming down from his room. He wore casual clothes but still looked so devilishly handsome. When he looked up and met my eyes, my heart raced and I looked down. “And of course, he isn’t going to give you the management post. Right, dad?” I looked at Mr. Roman, who had a troubled face. “Well, about that…” “So, it is not about my skills,” he cut him in between and I looked back at him. “It is about yours.” “What?” He smirked. “Why don’t you tell her about that, dad?” It felt as if everyone knew what was happening other than me. They were clearly making me feel embarrassed, but… why? I had always been the daughter they had wanted me to be! I looked back at Achilles, but his smirk was enough to shut me up. I took a deep breath as I processed my options. “I see what this was about.” I turned to Mr. Roman with a bold face. “And I will prove to you and everyone who doubts me. I will leave this house to make my career and come back successful.” I was about to turn around and go to my room when Achilles suddenly blocked my way. I jerked back and looked at him, trying to quiet my racing heartbeat. “What?” “And what if you don’t?” “I will do anything,” I replied sharply. A satisfying smirk appeared on his lips yet again, and I scoffed. I went back to my room to pack things up. Of course, what was I expecting? Achilles was a good person—but the worst step brother anyone could ask for. He was so devilishly handsome and his features were perfect. And having him as my stepbrother? Not good. Things were worse because now that we were ‘siblings’, there was a competition. A competition I couldn’t and didn’t want to win. So, I could only suffer in silence with my feelings alone. After packing up all of my stuff, I went downstairs. Everyone was back in their rooms, so I just had to up and leave with the guards being the last ones to see me here. ________________________ “I know, I know. No, I am just moving now.” I laughed and said to my friend, Chloe, who I was conversing with on the phone. “But really? I never thought you’d go away from that house. From Ac—” “Chloe!” I exclaimed, and she laughed. Chloe and I were best friends for almost seven years now. She knows everything about me and I do about her—including my crush on him. “Anyway. Where do you think you would go?” She asked me. I didn’t have any universities in mind. As I was just done with high school, I had to join a medical university to achieve my dream of becoming a doctor. However, I wasn’t even sure which city would be perfect for that. “I don’t know. Do you have any universities in mind?” I asked while looking outside the window of the cab I was in. “I have a lot of them, but their acceptance rate is less. You should apply to a few, even if I know you’re talented. I will send you a list after I research them.” I smiled, even though she couldn’t see me. “Thank you, babe. Meet me at the club tonight?” “Sure! Tomorrow my college is closed, anyway. The usual?” “The usual.” “Okay. Gotta go.” “Bye.” I kept the phone down and immersed myself in my thoughts. Tonight was probably my last night in Lebanon, Kansas. Tomorrow, I will be away from everyone. I will not see Achilles and I don’t know how I will survive because in my mind, seeing him gave me a reason to live. The energy to survive in this endlessly tiring life. And even though he hated me, I couldn’t stop loving him. I wanted to—God knows how much I tried. But just one glimpse and I was back to square one. The car stopped in front of Chloe’s house. I was going to give her a surprise visit—after all; we were also going to be apart. I was really glad she put me first and wasn’t sad about me leaving. I got out and paid the fare. After ringing the doorbell of her house, I painted a smile on my face. “Coming!” I heard her voice and waited. The door opened, and she was shocked—not happy—when she saw me. “Hey!” I exclaimed, and she curved her lips into a fake smile. “Hey, Isa!” “What’s wrong?” I asked and tried to peep inside the house from the half door that she had opened. “N-nothing, I—” “Chloe, who’s at the door?” When I heard that voice, my breath hitched. No, it wasn’t possible!