Indie's Pov
I poured a little more tequila and drowned the whole shot, thankful that everyone around me is distracted by the cause of my misery. Everything blurred for a moment, the lightness in my body so wonderful like I could fly if I wanted to. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I watched the new couples—my best friend and step sister—and I wiped them away before anyone could see.
"Cheers to Dylan and Maggie."Leo yelled, handing out more shots.
I drowned mine before he even finished the words.
I needed to get out before losing myself.
"Where's the bathroom?"I whispered to Jennie on my right.
She pointed to the hallway on the left, and I dragged myself out before anyone could notice, especially Dylan and Maggie.
I bolted the door, but the image of his hands around her shoulder refused to blur.
I shut my eyes, yet the laughter and glass clinking echoed.
Being in there was hell.
Dylan asked Maggie to be his girlfriend—he deserves better than her.
'Like you?' the voice in my head mocks.
I stared at my reflection and sighed. Brown hair. Ordinary. Nothing like Maggie's strawberry blonde and blue-eyed perfection.
Since high school, boys flocked to her, and I was easily tagged as the friend.
I smiled through it all, but what about Dylan? We'd been friends for eighteen years, long before Maggie ever came into the picture. He knew how much she made my existence a living hell, yet he still asked her out behind my back.
I thought we were more than just friends. When my dad refused to sponsor my education after high school, Dylan rejected his own admission and joined the college that offered me a scholarship.
I guess friends do things like that too. We had spent so much time together that I knew him well enough to complete his sentences without thinking.
He never mentioned liking Maggie—did he really fall for her in just four months?
I wiped the tears that followed, my chest caving in at the sight of him smiling at her, holding her hand, and patting her hair.
I splashed water over my face. Stop dreaming Indie. I'd never have the courage to confess to him.
I got too excited when his message popped on my screen asking me to get dressed for something important— he said he had a surprise and had invited our friends over: Leo, his best buddy, Jennie, his girlfriend; and a few others.
After spending hours and half of my savings on branded outfits, I stepped into the club and froze. He was with Maggie, his hands around her shoulders, looking far too comfortable for people who had just reconnected after years apart. I couldn't say a word, even when it made my chest tightened.
Barely into the night, he asked Maggie to officially be his girlfriend, sliding his mother's ring onto her finger—the same ring he had worn around his neck for years.
I decided to head back and started to leave, but the door handle twitched. My chest constricted as I hurried over and unbolted it—Maggie was standing there.
"Awwn, poor pathetic Indie came to the bathroom to hide and cry," she mocked, arms crossed and a smug smile on her face.
I rolled my eyes. "Move."
She refused.
"Remember our deal?" She drawled, raising her brows.
I had sworn that Dylan would never date someone like Maggie. "Nope."I muttered, glaring at her.
Her smile dropped. "Well, I'll refresh your memories in your exact words."
I rolled my eyes as she continued, "Someone like you can not attract Dylan—he knows better."
"Get out of my way," I scoffed, hating the way her tone was getting to me.
"I won our little bet, and I clearly remember you mentioning something about crawling if he ever did," she mocked, tossing her hair back with a smirk.
"Dream on," I shoved past her.
She grabbed my arm, forcing me to stop. "Maybe you want me to inform Dad about your mom's jewelry," she whispered,"the ones you have been stealing."
I froze. This witch. "You—" I ripped my arms out of her grasp.
She dusted her hands, lips twitching. "If you want me to keep your nasty little secret, you'll do whatever I tell you."
"You—"
She pushed my pointing finger down, and for a moment, I wished I could strangle her, but landing in jail because of her wasn't much of an achievement.
Sighing in defeat, I gave in, knowing she would report the missing jewels to dad—and that Kelvin wouldn't be able to get treatment anymore.
"What do you want?" I asked, my voice tight. She smirked, holding my stare far too long, saying nothing.
"Are you dumb?" I snapped. "Stop wasting my time."
My patience and the alcohol were wearing thin; I'd sacrificed precious time with Kelvin just to watch them fawn over each other.
I might have to take back the thoughts of strangling her if she keeps smiling without a word. Stay calm—she has more mischief up her sleeves than anyone I've ever known.
"Dad has arranged a suitor for me." She says, frustration creeping into her voice. "I don't want him."
"Then tell him. He'll give you whatever you want."
"Not this time. The company is facing a big financial crisis, and only a strong alliance can save it from going down the drain."
That wasn't really surprising, with Dad dealing with two money-sucking dragons. I bit the inside of my cheeks to keep from smiling—it wasn't exactly bad news.
I dusted the invisible dirt off my outfit and faked a smile. "Not my problem. Besides, even if I wanted to help, he doesn't even acknowledge I exist." I tried to sound sympathetic.
She rolled her eyes, and I didn't bite back—she's getting married soon anyway. One thing about Dad: he wouldn't sacrifice the company for Maggie.
"Well, I have a plan."
"Dad would never agree."
"Exactly—that's why I need you, duh."
I stared at her, lips curling into that overconfident smile.
"You help me, and I'd still let you sell your mother's jewelry for that boy's hospital bills."
My eyes travelled from her hair to her nail, down to her glowing skin. Getting married was the least she could do for Dad—he'd made her look this good.
It should have made me angry, but all I could think was, 'How can I speed up their engagement?'
Life had become a living hell after mom died and Dad married Maggie's mom. I was the outsider in my own home.
Maggie had sabotaged my relationship with dad. No matter what I did, it was never enough. Their home, their rules and I was the outsider, the slave.
"Well… I can't help you." I cooed, masking my annoyance.
She shifted closer. I held her gaze—there was nothing she could do now.
"You can." A sly grin spread across her face. "By taking my place."