Chapter 1 PROLOGUE

"I told you to stop following me,Ave."Bliston's voice held annoyance.I just looked down ang bite my lips.

"But I don't know anyone here,BT."I reasoned out as I roam my eyes in the crowd..His parents are throwing a party to celebrate his graduation and birthday.And since I don't really have much friends like his big circle,I stick beside him everytime.Both of our families are talking business with the other bigshots and there's no way I could understand them.I am only a freshman in a university and knows little thing about business since I chose to go in a different path.I am not like Bliston who are really determined in inheriting his family's business,given that he is an only child just like me.Our parents are bestfriends since college and they become business partners too.So,I grew up with Bliston dispite the age gap.And he was my first love.He is not the approachable looking-type of a man but he is so nice to me.He defended me from bullies who noticed nothing but my small and pale appearance.I was not like Bliston who had a nice build and a tall height with his dashing tan skin.We are the complete opposites as I inherited mostly of my mother's genes.

"You are in your first year of college,Ave.You should make friends other than following me around."Bliston said in a low voice,avoiding to be overheard by someone.I pouted while he was greeted by his batchmates.I have known them since they always hang out at BT's house.I am also staying there everytime I was left by my parents for business trips.I am always glad that I have to stay in his house.

"Happy birthday,man."Ethan greeted.

"so you'll be a lot busier then?No more clubbings?"Alexander inserted followed by the tease of his other friends.I smiled at their closeness knowing that BT has a good squad other than me which makes me sometimes envious.I wish I had that kind of friends too.

"ohh!But we can bring Avery with us if Bliston can't."Thompson suddenly pulled me in the conversation.I immediately greet them with full smile.This is something that I like about his squad,they never let me feel out of place.

"Ave can't drink yet."Bliston contradicted.I can't help but smile everytime he becomes overprotective to me.I feel a weird feeling in my stomach.

"Come on,BT!He is not a kid anymore and besides,he's of legal age already."Thompson opposed.He glance at me and winked.I chuckled and his mischief.Thompson and his antics.

"I'll find time to go with you so let Ave off the hook.He is not used to crowded places.So,If you'll excuse us,we have a lot of people to meet.Go and enjoy the party.We will join you after."BT then pulled me to meet some guests.I just waved at them before letting BT dragged me.My smile didn't fade while looking at BT's big and warm hands holding mine.We greated more guests until his phone rang.He excused himself with a soft smile in his lips.

I was left in a corner while controlling the emotional whirlpool in my heart.His smile made my heart aches.I bite my lips to avoid myself from tearing up.I felt pathetic,again.I felt so stupid for forgetting what I know about the person he's infatuated with.I should have think things out instead of letting myself be driven by my emotions.I am so desperate of his love and attention that I look like a damn fool.I just can't accept the fact that he has feelings for someone that was never been with him for a long time,longer than I've known him.Why can't he just love me?I know him better than anyone else.I know that I can't blame him for liking someone else.He doesn't even know my feelings for him because I don't have the courage to tell him.I feel so inferior because I don't have anything else besides my parents wealth.I am basically nobody compared to him so I never took the chance to tell him about my feelings.

I suddenly felt cold and empty despite the party being held.I felt the feeling of being out of place again.I hate being in a crowd since I was a child but I somehow had the courage to attend to gatherings because Bliston is always there.But after he left me,I feel like I am back to the inferior and introvert me.I look around to spot where my parents are before heading to the tables where the gifts are loaded.I took the small rectangular box from my pocket and removed the card attanched to it.I silently put my gift in the table before I look down and walk out.

I sent my mother a quick message that I'll be heading home first,explaining that I left a report unsubmitted.Though I know that my mom won't buy it,I am just too careless to think.I just want to go home and find my place.I was immediately greeted by our driver and lead me to our car.My mom was also quick to respond as she wished me good night and they will be also off in an hour.After settling myself inside the car,I turned off my phone and closed my eyes.

How long did I know about it?It's been six months but I continued sticking with him senselessly.I am feeling guilty now about what would the person he likes would feel knowing that somebody has been sticking with Bliston like a leech.If I was that person,I'm sure I'll be really jealous.All I know about the person he likes is that they were classmates since college.Maybe it is when they develop their feelings towards each other.It felt unfair for me because all this years,I was the only one who had my feelings towards him but it only took 4 years for him to have feelings with someone else.

As soon as the car stopped,I immediately bid my farewell to the driver and head to my room.I thrown myself in my mattress and let my pain out.It was the only way I know to stop myself from a massive breakdown.I just hope that my eyes won't betray me tomorrow.