Raven's POV

It's been two months since I caught my sister, Blair, in bed with my boyfriend. Scratch that, ex-boyfriend, Jamie. The shock of the betrayal still stings, and my life has been on repeat since the incident. I just sleep, eat, read, attend lectures, and repeat the whole process. 

Telling my mom about Blair's infidelity was a disastrous mistake. Not only did she dismiss my accusations as baseless, but she also decided to punish me by cutting off my allowance. According to her, I was disrupting the harmony of our "perfect" family with my groundless claims. 

Sometimes, I just want to run far away, but I have nowhere to go, so I'll just wait till I graduate from college, and then, I'm out of here.

To the outside world, I have the perfect family. I mean, when you have a mom who's successful like mine and my sister who's one of the best models, you'll get what I mean.

My mother runs a modeling agency, while Blair also works at the agency as a model. She's the face of the company, the crown jewel in my mother's empire. My mom takes pride in Blair's success, and I'm pretty sure she'll be taking over ABES (A Beacon Of Elegance And Success) when my mom retires. Oh, and by the way, that's the name of my mom's agency. 

I've always dreamt of working with them, I had so many ideas for the company. I didn't want to work as a model but as a fashion designer, I planned on transforming ABES from a modeling agency into a full-fledged fashion house. But my mom never listened to any of my suggestions, she said I'm not fit to be a model and I'm not pretty. So I stopped trying to explain to her since she didn't want to give me a chance to speak.

I have always wondered what I did wrong, and how my mom and Blair developed this hatred for me. 

One time I thought of showing her my designs so she'd know I was good at making designs for clothes and shoes, but then I heard her telling some of her partners that I was as good as not having a daughter because I was good for nothing.

She was on a business call and I guess the person asked why I wasn't working in the agency yet. It was at that moment I decided not to tell anyone about all the drawings I had. Knowing my mom, she would probably take them from me and launch them, claiming she made them and I couldn't do a thing if she did. No one would believe me. Not many people knew I even existed.

Sitting at my desk, I buried myself in my textbooks. My final exams were just around the corner. My concentration was shattered when my mother stormed into my room, she looked at me as if I was the ugliest thing she'd ever seen. 

"Hi, Mom," I said, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach my eyes. 

She scrutinized me with a disdainful glare. "I see you've become rude, is that how you greet your elders now?" Her voice dripped with sarcasm. 

"No Mom, I'm sorry. I was just surprised to see you here. I mean, you haven't been here for a very long time. It's just..." I stammered, my anxiety making my words tumble out in a disorganized rush. I always got nervous whenever she was around, you could say I was terrified of her.

"Might I remind you who the owner of this house is?" She snapped. Her glare was like a physical weight, making it hard to breathe. "Did you think this was a holiday home?" I flinched. Her words were harsh, but they were nothing new. 

"Besides you should be happy I even graced this dumpster with my presence." Yeah, narcissist much? No wonder she and Blair get along so well. They only love themselves. 

"I'm talking to you." She snapped her fingers in my face. Shit, I zoned out again. 

"I'm sorry, I didn't hear you." I tried my best not to upset her. 

"I see you've managed to get yourself into a comfortable routine," she continued, "but let's be clear, you're an adult now. It's time you start thinking about your future so you won't have to keep munching off of me."

Her words were like a knife twisting in my gut. "Mom, I... I don't understand what you mean." I asked though I had a sinking feeling about where this was headed.

"What are you, 5?" She scoffed. "At twenty years old, you should be prepared to support yourself. Blair managed to buy her place at eighteen." She said, her voice rising with every word. "You're twenty, and you're still living off me. You're good for nothing."

I felt a surge of anger and frustration. "You can't compare me with Blair, Mom. I don't get the same support as Blair does. I barely get my allowance, and it's only enough to cover my tuition fees. How am I supposed to afford an apartment?"

Her response was a chilling smile. 

"Need I remind you that ABES isn't the only place in the world where you could get a job? Blair deserves her position because she's earned it. You, on the other hand, don't even deserve the things you get." Her words were like ice-cold water, numbing my senses. "You've been cut off. As soon as you graduate, don't expect any support from me. You'll be out of here, and to make things clearer, Mr Clinton will be considering you as his new wife." She declared with finality. 

The room spun as her words echoed in my mind. How could she do this to me? I barely had time to process her departure before the door slammed shut, leaving me alone with my thoughts. The weight of her words pressed down on me, making it hard to breathe. I was so weak right now, was that my mom or someone else? How could she even say that to her daughter? What did she mean by I don't deserve any of this? 

All these questions kept haunting me through the night. I need to find a way to escape whatever plans she made with that old man.

~~~~

The next day, I decided to visit my dad's grave. I may not have met him, but I always felt like my life would have turned out differently if he were here.

Blair and my mom were out at the Barretts for dinner, which meant I had the house to myself. I headed to the cemetery, the quiet graveyard was like a balm to my frayed nerves. I spent a few moments by the grave, speaking to the man I never knew, sharing my frustrations and dreams with him. 

~~~~

My mom cut me off just like she said she would, and she still hasn't bothered to know how I was surviving without any allowance. I knew a day like this would come, which was why I got a job as a waitress, but I couldn't help but think she would be worried about me. I guess a part of me wanted her to care, a part of me craved her affection. I know working as a waitress wasn't the glamorous start to a career I had hoped for, but it was a start.  I did my best to remain positive despite the grueling hours.

Now I have to balance school and work; it's tough, but I don't have a choice. I read on my breaks, then continue at night. I have some money saved up but I still need to work if I ever want to live on my own. I wasn't going to sit and wait for my mom to kick me out or, worse, marry me off to some old man. 

"Dahlia, take this order to the VIP section, table 6." Mariah, the head chef, ordered. "Hurry up, we still have to attend to the other customers."

I grabbed the order and headed to table 6. As I was serving the customer, my hands trembled slightly, causing me to spill wine on his suit. 

"Oh my..." Before I could even apologize, I accidentally knocked over the plate of food, splattering it all over him. "Shit. I'm so sorry, sir; I didn't mean to." I blurted out, my face flushing with embarrassment. I recognized him immediately, he was the same man that almost knocked me down on the street last night.

His face darkened with anger, and I braced myself for the inevitable tirade. I think he also remembered who I was but his phone rang before he could speak. As he spoke to the person on the phone, irritation was evident on his face.

"What's going on?" He demanded, his voice laced with frustration as he spoke into the phone. 

I hung around nervously, waiting for him to finish his call. When he hung up, he looked at me with a mixture of irritation and exasperation. He groaned as he pinched the bridge of his nose. I wonder who that was, better still if he's going to take his anger out on me. I just started working here.

"Don't just stand there, show me the washroom." He ordered. And I did a silent prayer so I don't lose my job today. Oh God please save me today.

I led him to the restroom, trying to remain calm. He began removing his shirt, and I felt a surge of panic. I was on the verge of leaving when he spoke. 

"And where do you think you're going, little girl?"

"Back to work, sir," I replied, trying to sound as composed as possible. 

"Did I say you could leave?" His tone was icy. 

I swallowed hard. "Is there anything else you'd like me to do for you, sir?" I couldn't afford to annoy him further. 

"Here, clean this up and be fast about it." He handed me his stained shirt, and I set to work with a heavy heart. 

The restroom was quiet except for the occasional rustle of clothing and the sound of him speaking on the phone. "Did you get my text?" His anger was palpable, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. This was my second week on the job, and I had already made a terrible impression. 

A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. A man in a suit entered, carrying a bag. 

"What took you so long, Fredrick?" The customer asked, his voice strained. 

"I'm sorry boss, there was..." Fredrick tried to explain but was cut off by Mr. Grumpy over here.

"Save it, I don't have time for excuses." He snapped, taking the bag and pulling out a fresh shirt. He had another shirt and still asked me to clean up the first one.

The silence was heavy, he looked at me with a mixture of frustration and something else. For a second I thought I saw a glimmer of desperation in his eyes.

"You can leave that." He told me. He was on his phone and it seems he was trying to reach someone but couldn't. "Come here." He called for me.

"I'm sorry about your shirt sir." I apologized, not knowing what else to say.

"Listen," he began. "I need a favor. I want you to marry me."

I blinked, unsure if I had heard him correctly. "Excuse me!"

"It's just temporary," he continued, clearly sensing my confusion. "I need to sort some things out, and once that's done, you're free to leave."

I stared at him, disbelief etched on my face. "With all due respect sir, I can't marry you." Was this guy mentally unstable? How did that sound in his head?

He sighed, running his hand through his hair, clearly frustrated. "I understand your hesitation. But it's a complicated situation. I'm under pressure to resolve certain issues quickly, and this is a way to buy some time."

I shook my head, feeling overwhelmed. "I don't know what kind of problems you're dealing with, but this isn't something I can just agree to without understanding more. Besides,  temporary or not, marriage is a big commitment. I'm not sure this is something I can handle."

Raven's POV 

He ran his hand through his hair, clearly agitated. "Look, I'm in a tough spot, and I'm not asking for a lifetime commitment. Just a temporary one. I promise you that once things settle, you'll be free to do whatever you want. There won't be any strings attached."

I stood there unable to comprehend the nonsense this man was sprouting from his mouth. Who in his right senses would ask a girl he doesn't know to marry him? My only theory was that this dude had lost his senses. Thank goodness his madness only started and not while I was alone with him in his car.

"I'll pay you, any amount. Whatever you want, okay?" His voice tinged with desperation. "My fiancée isn't here, and I need to get married today, or I'll be forced to marry the girl my parents have chosen." He explained, sounding desperate. "P... Please." The man standing beside him gasped like he just did something special. So he has a fiance.

"I don't even know your name, how do you expect me to just marry you?" I asked. "For all I know, you could be a serial killer or maybe even worse."

"Mason," he said quickly. "My name's Mason. I'll buy you a house, a car, a private jet, just tell me what you want." He begged. "You're not going to spend the rest of your life with me just a few weeks until my fiance arrives."

"So you're asking me to be a substitute bride?"

"Exactly."

I can't believe I'm even considering this. The offer was undeniably tempting. I have nothing to lose, by the way, so it's worth the risk. If I'm married, my mom can't force me to marry that old man.

"So what do you say?" He asked eagerly. 

I thought about his offer, it was good. I mean, I've been cut off, and I need to move out soon. I need a house and a car and the opportunity is right in front of me. This guy might be a serial killer or something but here I was, about to accept his offer. Call me crazy or whatever, I don't care. I'm not committing any crime, just getting married temporarily. He looks rich and is willing to give me anything I want.

"Anything?" I asked, my voice trembling slightly. 

"Yes," Mason confirmed, his eyes locked onto mine with a sense of pleading. 

"And you promise not to ask for anything else from me?" I needed to be certain. 

"I promise." His response was immediate, filled with earnestness.

I was aware of how reckless this seemed, but who cares?

"Fine, I'll take the house and the car."

Mason's relief was almost palpable. "Alright, now let's go." He started pulling me towards the door. 

"Wait a minute. I'm still working. I can't just leave."

"Don't worry, no one will fire you." He assured me. But how could he be so sure?

"How are you so sure?"

"I own this restaurant." He said nonchalantly, his casual tone making me pause. My heart sank. I had spilled food on my boss and now I was marrying him?

~~~~

Outside the courthouse, I waited for Mason, my new husband. That sounds foreign to me. Earlier, Mason had taken me shopping for a new dress, insisting I needed to look the part for our temporary marriage. 

I didn't even bother looking at the certificate because I know it's only temporary, so what's the use? I just dumped it in my bag.

He approached me, extending his hand for my phone. "Give me your phone," I handed it over, and he typed in his number. "Send me your address when you get home, I'll send someone to pick you up tomorrow."

"Wait" I called out as he turned to leave. "How long are we gonna stay married for?"

"You have nothing to worry about," Mason said without looking back. "Once I get things sorted out with my fiancée, we'll get a divorce. Let's say... a week or two."

"What if it takes longer than that?" I pressed, anxiety gnawing at me.

"Then I'll make sure to compensate you for your time." He got into his car and drove off, leaving me standing there with a mix of frustration and disbelief. What an asshole. Just moments ago, he was pleading, and now he was driving away as if our arrangement was a mere inconvenience. 

~~~~

I returned home to find my ex-boyfriend, Jamie, loitering outside and it made my blood boil. What the hell was he doing here? He's probably here to see Blair, the both of them are so shameless. I tried to walk past him but he grabbed my arm.

"Jamie, what the hell?"

"Please baby, just hear me out." He pleaded, holding onto me with a grip that only heightened my anger.

"Have you lost your mind? Who are you calling baby, you asshole? Let go of me before I lose my temper."

"I swear, I don't know what came over me, Raven. Your sister seduced me, you know I would never do anything to hurt you."

"You're here because you found out she's getting married, not because you're sorry. So get your stupid self away from me, we're done. The next time you come near me, I'll file for a restraining order. Piece of shit." I yelled before going inside. The nerve of that guy.

He took my love for granted. Why do they keep doing this to me? It would be better if they cheated with a stranger, but every time, it had to be with her. My sister.

The memory of seeing them together still haunts me. It's been two months but I still can't get it off my mind.

~~FLASHBACK~~

I just got back home from lectures, tired and hungry but I decided to freshen up first. Yeah, you heard that right. I go to college from home. One would think it was because I had overprotective parents but it's the exact opposite for me. My mom and I had an agreement, she was going to keep paying my fees as long as I remained close. Those were her words, not mine; she doesn't care what I do, but she wants to know what's going on in my life at all times.

It's weird, but I kept telling myself that it was just her own fucked up little way of showing she was worried about me.

Jamie, on the other hand, lives near our college. I don't get why she wouldn't let me stay on campus like everyone else, it's not like we see each other every day. Even while living here, it feels like we're in different worlds.

As I made my way upstairs, I heard strange sounds coming from my room. "What the hell?" I thought, moving faster toward my room. I decided to listen properly but I couldn't make out the words the person was saying.

"Blair, are you in there?" I called out but got no response. I decided to go in, besides it's my room. Don't tell me she's having sex in my room.

"Blair are you..." My words got stuck in my throat as I saw my very own sister in bed with my supposed boyfriend, Jamie. I know, I should have gotten used to it already but I've never really caught my sister in the act before. The guys just break up with me and the next thing I know, they're dating her. 

"Jamie?" The word came out more like a question. I didn't want to believe it even though the truth was right in front of me.

Startled, Jamie pushed Blair aside and rushed towards me. "Baby, it's not what it looks like." He tried to touch me but I just swatted his hand away. I felt disgusted by him.

"Of course it is; she's not blind," Blair said so casually like it was a normal thing. But who am I kidding? It was a normal thing in my life. Jamie's face was a mix of regret and confusion, but Blair's cold, detached voice cut through. 

"You're not blind, are you? Jamie and I  were having fun before you interrupted us."

My heart ached as I took in the scene before me. I'd always been a fool for believing Jamie's lies. Seeing them together like this was a brutal confirmation of what I had feared would happen from the beginning. 

"If anyone's blind, then it has to be you, Blair; this is my room. Of all the rooms in this house, you chose to have sex with my boyfriend on my bed." I yelled trying not to show how hurt I was. 

"Baby... I promise I didn't mean for any of this to happen. I was waiting here like we agreed before she came in and seduced me." Jamie explained. 

I had forgotten about our little arrangement. Today, I was finally going to lose my virginity to Jamie, and I asked him to wait for me in my room when he arrived. But that doesn't justify anything. 

"But it did, I was wrong about you. You're just like all the rest. She bats her fake lashes at you and you fall for her." I laughed dryly. 

"Baby, please, I'm sorry---"

"Get out. I don't ever want to see you again." I yelled, holding back the tears that were threatening to spill. Jamie was about to apologise again but Blair interrupted him.

"Stop whining. It's not like this is the first time we've had sex. You didn't feel guilty when you kept coming back for more." What the actual fuck!

"How long?" I asked the question so casually.

"Excuse me?" Blair asked.

"Jamie, how long have you been sleeping with my sister behind my back, you pig?" I demanded, my voice wavering. 

"I... I can't answer that." He quickly dismissed it but I knew Blair would want to rub it in. 

Blair smirked, unrepentant. "It's been exactly 4 months and 11 days but who's counting?" She replied chuckling, no sign of remorse for what she did. 

The words stung like a physical blow. "If you were so in love with her, why bother with me?" 

I kept hoping that I would be able to hold back my tears a little longer. Wouldn't want to give them that satisfaction.

Jamie's answer was a cruel reminder of my failures. "I'm a guy with needs Raven. Fine, here's the truth: I never actually had feelings for you. I only asked you out so I could sleep with you but you were just so difficult. Every time I try to get intimate with you, your phobia for sex gets in the way and it's tiring. So since I wasn't able to have sex with you then it's only right I let you go now." 

What the... Was he being serious right now? Let me go? 

Blair added her insult. "Look, Raven, I know it's hard on you but you should have known this would happen. As long as you have a sister who's as sexy as me, no guys would want you. So I suggest you stop trying to find love and try to work on your pathetic life."

I couldn't hold back my tears any longer. "You know what, you two deserve each other. By the way, Blair, if those sounds were your moans, then you need to work on that. You moan like a dying pig." 

The look on her face was priceless but I decided it was only going to hurt me if I stayed any longer. So I stormed out, leaving them to keep enjoying each other's company.

"Are you sure she won't do anything drastic?" I heard Jamie ask. 

"She'll probably cry herself to sleep, that's all." I couldn't help but smile at that. 

"Oh, I'll cry, but it will be tears of joy for finally realizing just how overrated love is," I whispered and proceeded to the kitchen with my mind made up on one thing: I was done with relationships.

~~END OF FLASHBACK~~

Returning to the present, I realized that Mason's offer, no matter how insane, was a way out of my current mess.

Mason's POV 

After a long, sleepless night, today had finally arrived. I was eagerly anticipating the look on my father's face when he discovered I was already married. Last night, I overheard him discussing plans with Margaret, something about the Prescotts visiting again today to finalize wedding arrangements. I still couldn't comprehend why that girl couldn't take a hint and understand that I was not interested in her. She seemed so wrapped up in her world that she failed to see that I had no interest in getting married to her. 

I glanced at my watch and noticed it was already past 10 am. What was taking her so long? I sent my driver to go pick her up an hour ago, so why isn't she here yet? The anticipation was gnawing at me. 

I already instructed someone to move my belongings to my penthouse; as soon as she arrives, I'll introduce her to my dad, and then we're out of here.

The knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. Julie walked in, her face a mask of frustration. 

"Mason, Dad wants you to come downstairs. Blair and Lenora are already here," she said, her tone indicating she was less thrilled about the situation. I forgot to tell her about yesterday, but then I decided to wait until Raven arrived. Raven, what a weird name.

"Sure, I'll be down in a minute," I replied, attempting to sound calm despite the tension building inside me.

Julie's eyes narrowed. "Why don't you seem bothered? They're planning your wedding and your engagement has been announced to the public." She asked furiously. I sent a quick text to Raven, I needed to know what was taking so long. "It seems I'm the only one who's not happy about this marriage, but never mind, carry on with your texting," she stormed off before I could respond.

Still no reply from her, did she change her mind or something? But we're already married. I headed downstairs, feeling a mix of anticipation and irritation. As I descended, I felt someone wrap their hands around me. 

"What the fuck!" I flinched and pulled away sharply from whoever was holding me. If there's one thing I hate most, then it is body contact. The only time you can see me near someone is when I'm having sex with them.

"Hi, I just wanted to let you know how excited I am about our wedding." She said in a bubbly voice. I looked at the girl with disinterest. The nerve of this girl to touch me. She's lucky I don't hit women.

"Congrats on your wedding then," I said, my voice devoid of warmth as I tried to maintain a polite distance. 

Her eyes lit up with an enthusiastic smile. "You're really funny, but thanks. Congrats to you too, on our upcoming wedding."

"Sorry to burst your bubble, but I'm already married," I said firmly, taking a step back. I could feel the eyes of everyone in the room shift towards me in shock.

"What nonsense are you talking about Mason?" My father's voice boomed from across the room. 

"It's not nonsense dad, remember you and I had a deal?" I said, trying to keep my composure.

"What deal?" Margaret, my father's wife, inquired, clearly perplexed. 

"48 hours is up." My dad said, his voice carrying a hint of anger. 

"Good thing I got married before it ended, right?" I smirked, feeling a sense of satisfaction. 

"What are you talking about Mason? You and I are supposed to get married. I've already announced it to all my friends, it was even on the news yesterday." Blair interjected, her voice tinged with desperation. 

"And how is that my business? And I don't remember permitting you to say my name." I retorted, my patience wearing thin. 

"If you are married like you claim, then where is your wife?" My father demanded. I scanned the room and spotted Raven walking in at just the right moment. I heaved a small sigh of relief. 

"She's right here, Dad," I said, making my way over to her. I reached her and gave her a light peck on the cheek. "Hey gorgeous, what kept you so long?"

"Sorry, I overslept. But I'm here now." Raven apologized, her voice laced with genuine regret. She returned the peck on my cheek, and I was relieved she was playing along. 

"Dad, Margaret, Julie, this is..." I started to introduce Raven. 

"Raven?" Lenora's voice cut through the air. She took a few steps forward, her expression darkening with recognition. I instinctively pulled Raven closer, almost protectively. 

"Mom?" Raven's voice trembled. Did she just say, Mom? "Wh... what are you doing here?" She stuttered. 

"I should be asking you the same question, what are you doing here?" Lenora's voice was a sharp contrast to Raven's nervousness. 

"What the hell, Raven? Get away from my fiance." Blair demanded, trying to drag Raven away. I intervened, pushing Blair's hands aside.

"Don't you dare put those hands on my wife," I warned her, my voice low and threatening. I was stunned by the revelation of their relationship. That's what I get for not doing my research first. But honestly, I didn't have time for that. This was all my dad's fault. 

"She's not your wife, stop saying that," Blair shouted, her frustration palpable. 

"You told me you had a fiance back in France, so how did you end up marrying the second daughter of the Prescott family?" My dad asked, his tone surprisingly calm despite the chaos unfolding before him. 

"I did, but when I arrived, I bumped into her that night of the dinner, and we had a connection. So I asked her to marry me, and she said yes. Isn't that right love?" I turned to Raven and pinched her nose playfully, hoping my dad would buy my story.

"Yes sir, there was just something about him that seemed to have worn my heart over," Raven said sweetly, laying the charm on thick as she patted my chest. Her performance was convincing enough that I almost believed it myself. 

"But dear, why would you marry on such short notice?" My father pressed on, his curiosity piqued. 

"Let's just say it was love at first sight, plus I also didn't want to be forced to marry someone I don't love," Raven explained, her gaze pointedly directed at her mother. Her words seemed to carry an unspoken message. What did she mean by that?

"So this marriage is real?" My dad's calm demeanor was unnerving. 

"Yes, Dad, you can call my lawyer to confirm," I said, trying to sound more confident. The barrage of questions was starting to get on my nerves. 

"Come, my dear," my father said, reaching out to Raven. "Your father would be so happy right now. Welcome to the family." He enveloped Raven in a heartfelt embrace, his smile almost tearful. It was an unexpected reaction, I had never seen him this happy since my mother's death. "Finally, I kept the promise I made to my friend. We need to have a proper wedding."

I scanned the room, searching for Julie, but she was nowhere to be found. The maids informed me she had left when Raven arrived. She's probably with her boyfriend, Kyle. 

"This is not what we agreed upon. The contract clearly stated that he's to marry the first daughter not the second." Lenora's voice rose in anger. 

"Nora, calm down; we can discuss this later." Margaret attempted to pacify her. There was even a contract? And my father agreed to sign my life away?

"Don't tell me to calm down. After everything I've done for you, this is how you repay me? You had one job, Margaret." Lenora continued, her voice tinged with rage. 

"The contract didn't say he couldn't marry the second daughter. The deed is done, there's nothing we can do to change that." My father said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. I was growing more intrigued about this mysterious contract and my father's involvement. 

"No, he has to divorce her. I won't let her take Mason from me." Blair insisted, throwing a tantrum. "Mom, do something."

"Lenora, I think you should take your daughter home. I'll be in my study." My father said, dismissing them. 

"You. How could you stoop so low?" Blair's voice dripped with venom as she turned to Raven. I noticed a smirk tugging at Raven's lips, a clear sign that she was enjoying the drama. 

"Now you know how it feels, dear sister," Raven taunted. "Honestly, I had no idea who he was, but boy, am I glad this happened." 

Blair tried to charge at Raven, but she was quick to evade.

"Oh, I'm sorry, does it hurt, sister?" Raven's words were laced with spite, and her smirk widened. It was evident she enjoyed getting under Blair's skin. One could cut the tension between them with a knife.

"You ungrateful child, how could you do this to your sister, your flesh and blood?" Lenora's voice quivered with frustration. 

"I didn't do anything, Mom; this was not intentional, I swear," Raven said, her voice trembling slightly as she looked to me for support. I could see fear in her eyes. 

"Then do the right thing, get a divorce," Lenora demanded. I wanted to argue but decided to listen to what Raven would say. 

"I'm sorry, but I can't do that," Raven said decisively, her gaze unwavering. 

"We'll see about that. Come, Blair, let's go home." Lenora said, her voice filled with finality. 

"Just enjoy it while it lasts, sister; like the rest of them, he'll eventually choose me. They always do." Blair said with a smirk.

"I always knew you had a thing for my leftovers, but not this time, Blair," Raven said, her hand lingering on my chest. Her provocative words and gestures made me question my self-control. I needed to get Candice here soon.

~~~~

Later that day, I was preparing to leave. I still hadn't seen Julie, and she wasn't taking my calls. I instructed Raven to get ready because we'd be moving to my penthouse today. I wanted to escape the drama and the uncomfortable atmosphere of this house as quickly as possible. 

"I'm ready," Raven announced at the top of the stairs. 

"Okay let's go," I said as she neared me. 

"Aren't you gonna say goodbye to your dad?" Raven asked as we walked toward the door. 

"There's no need, let's go," I replied curtly. 

As soon as we got into the car, I pulled out my phone to check for any updates. A message from the private investigator I'd hired to keep tabs on Candice caught my eye. My stomach churned as I opened it. The pictures that were loaded were of Candice and my cousin, Justin. They involved images of them on dates, sharing intimate moments, and even in bed together. 

"What the fuck!" I muttered, my anger and betrayal mingling with shock. The images were a gut punch, and I felt a surge of rage that almost overwhelmed me. How could Candice do this to me, to us? And as for Justin, I'll kill him myself.

"Everything okay?" Raven asked, sensing my distress. 

I barely registered her presence, my mind was consumed by the betrayal I was seeing.