August Flynn.

"Will you marry me?" Jordan asked; he was on his knees, and I was standing in front of him hoping the question was intended for me. I but I saw him walked towards Avery, a broad smile on his face as he repeated the question.

"Will you be my wife Avery?"

I stood still, my nails digging into my palms; my heart plummets as the sentence reoccurs in my mind several times.

I stretched out my hand, staring at Jordan Reed, the best hockey player, the man I have always fantasized about day after day. Today he won the national championship, and a party is held in his name, but him popping the marriage question to Avery is something I never imagined in my entire lifetime, despite the hurt she had caused him.

"Avery Sinclair, I repeat, will you marry me?" He asked again when he noticed her silence, her eyes shows her hesitance then she turned to me, she the pain in the my eyes then she screwamef a loud yes.

My heart stopped beating for a millisecond ,He was still standing beside her, before hugging her tightly. The crowd was silent as they watched with anticipation but when she accepted his proposal, they all erupted in a thunderous applause.

The scene was making it impossible to breath,I couldn't continue standing there like a statue while they showed the world that they were meant for each other, while I was being killed from within. I recalled the day Jordan had arrived at our house; my father had introduced him as my stepbrother. My heart raced as I admired every fiber of his being. I was ready to do anything he ever asked of me, to the extent that I became his assistant whenever he went for a match with the team; he sent me errands, but I never cared.

Tears threatened to streak down my cheeks; I briskly walked out of sight, my eyes focused on the ground. I don't want anyone to see my saddened expression. I suddenly bumped into someone. I didn't want to lift up my eyes to see who it was, so I hurriedly apologized and changed my course of direction, only for the person to stand right in front of me again. I was about to lift up my gaze to vent out my frustration. I could feel the face close to mine; a feminine voice whispered incoherent but audible words, "Follow me, and I'll make you irresistible enough not to be ignored by Jordan." I held my breath, my feet frozen in place, wondering how he knew about my feelings for my stepbrother. I turned to look at the feminine voice that had just muttered gently, but she was nowhere to be seen. I looked forward and saw a lady walking away; my feet followed her. I was hesitant, but her words haunted me, her back familiar.

I found myself outside the building; the peeking moon from the west could be seen. A lurking dark figure stood in the distance. I stretched out my hand while hoping for her to stop, but she refused. A looming figure suddenly pinned me against the wall. I saw a lady; her face couldn't be seen because of the darkness, there was no evident light outside the building, and she was wearing a hoodie.

She brought down her hoodie; my mouth hung open when I saw Vivienne. Her eyes were unchanged, but her general physique was exceptional. The tears I had been holding back finally found their way down my cheeks as I hugged her tightly. "Vivienne... I miss you."

"It is not time for all that; let's change that nerdy look, and let's make Jordan regret treating you like trash." She husked and pulled away from the tight hug, wrapping her hand around my wrist.

I stopped and looked her in the eyes. "Where are you taking me to?"

"It's a surprise; just follow me." She seems excited.

I pout my lips, my feet still stuck in the same position. "Vivienne, I know what you are capable of. Where the fuck are you taking me to?"

She raised her hand in surrender, her eyes briefly scanning me, and let out a sigh. "I just want to change your look a little bit and make you more presentable."

"Am I not presentable enough?" I asked my voice to crack.

"No, that's not the point; just stop asking questions and follow me, okay, please." I sighed before I succumbed to her pleas.

She then took me to a small room in the security lounge. There was a lady already waiting there; she urged me to sit and told the lady, "Do what I paid you for." The lady nodded as she immediately started prepping me up. In less than an hour, everything was set. I paused, my heart racing as I watched myself in the mirror. I felt a newfound confidence. Before I could finish admiring myself, Vivienne immediately grabbed my hand and dragged me back to where the event was ongoing.

I was hesitant to follow her; I didn't want to deal with the pain of seeing Jordan doting on the woman who had rejected him several times, yet he kept running back to her like she had cast a spell on him.

I took graceful strides towards Jordan. I stood beside him, my hand outstretched. I was about to touch him only for Avery to stop me by standing in front of me. She briefly scanned me, a smile on her face. "Oh... you don't look so bad, but understand the fact that Jordan is mine now; you can clearly see we would soon be getting married."

Jordan turned, his arm wrapped around her waist; it struck something in me, and my heart broke to the tiniest pieces. Jordan also stared at me, his eyes glued to my face, the hesitation evident. "August... what are you doing here?"

I instinctively scratched my scalp; it became almost too itchy. I was not bold enough to look into his alluring eyes. "I…wanted…to ask if you guys would be going to...the hockey practice tomorrow?" I stuttered.

"You look..."

"Yes, I know. I look weird, right...I know you don't have to say it out loud."

"No, you look hotter tonight; I never knew you had some fashion sense." His words left a mark where they shouldn't have, because he has always seen me as boring old cargo.

"But this is not how you were dressed at the beginning of the party..." He paused and thought for a moment, "Did you dress up for me?"

"No, actually..."

"Stop the pretense, August; it's clear you have always cared about Jordan, but unfortunately, he's mine." Avery cuts in with a mischievous smile.

I saw Jordan pinch his nose, slightly frustrated. "You know what, August? Just pretend pretend like I am your real brother."

"But you are not..." I cuts in, my voice cracking.

"Please, understand that I'm your brother even though we are not related by blood."

"I know, I just wanted to lo..."

"Please say no more, August; just leave before you ruin my mood, because I can't let you ruin my night with Avery."

His words cut deep; I swallowed a lump, I immediately turned away with trembling hands, and then I stopped. I desperately wanted to tell him he's making a mistake by proposing to Avery, but I was not brave enough to face him anymore. Deep within, I still wished he could stop me and tell me that everything was just a prank and he only cared about me, but it never came; his entire attention was focused on Avery. My face was facing the ground as I walked away. I knew I can't continue being humiliated and broken, I have to pick up the remaining pieces that is Left of me. I clenched my fist, determination surged, and I realized within my being that I needed to love myself enough to see that Jordan might actually never be worth it, but why do I still care?

I was still walking when I bumped into a hard, masculine body. I gently lifted my face, and I saw the coach standing in front of me. The calming and romantic music that was played in the background was not helping matters. It was Jordan's coach, his gaze focused, a smile evident before he leaned close to my ear and whispered, "I know you care about your stepbrother; you don't need to fake it."

I paused lifting my gaze to look at him, I can't help wonder if portraying my feelings for Jordan was so obvious for him to had noticed?

August Flynn.

"I know deep inside you care about him; everyone in the team knows." He lets out a breath. I lift my gaze, eyes boring into his; I straighten up, feeling a newfound confidence.

"And if I care about him, so what? Does that make you feel better? At least I care—unlike you.”

He smiled, a smile that didn't reach his eyes, "You are playing a dangerous game, honey."

"At least it's for someone I care about, but unfortunately, some people are too cold to coach their teammates well enough in love and care; they prefer to be cold, stoic, and brutal."

The smile that was once on his face slowly disappeared; he didn't say a word before he walked out of sight, leaving me alone in the crowd. I found myself turning back; my father was standing, welcoming his now favorite son to the stage. He applauded him, and right in front of my eyes, he offered him a key to a brand new Rolls-Royce. I opened my mouth to say something, but nothing escaped; I could feel the growing lump in my throat when Jordan pulled her into his arms and sealed his lips with hers.

I couldn't hold the tears anymore; they slowly found their way down my cheeks, smearing my makeup and making me look like a cheap little nerd, begging for scraps of attention.

"Is it now clear that you really care?"

"Fuck off," I roared as I bolted out of the crowd, taking every step as briskly as I could, until I found myself outside the building. The air felt dense; the night felt cold as the wind blew my hair into curly waves.

'Fuck, why does my heart have to choose my stepbrother of all people?' I thought inwardly, tears slipping. My chest tightened, my emotions spiraling, and suddenly, I realized I needed the restroom.

……

When I was done emptying my once full bladder, I found myself standing in front of the mirror, watching my blotchy face. I turned to leave, and I figured someone was standing by the door. "What the fuck..." I cursed; I placed my hand on my chest, heart pounding while my breathing was slightly ragged.

I saw the coach walk towards me, a smile that was creepy yet seductive, revealing his set of white teeth. His masculine cologne gave him a dangerous look, unlike the simple one I had known him to have.

I was done with mind games. I stared into his eyes, my chest slightly straightened, my eyes intense as I said, "Are you now following me?"

"Yeah, if only you could help me with a favor."

"A favor?" I can't believe this man has some real nerve, forgetting the fact that he's a rival.

His smile turned mischievous; he leaned, his breath fanned my skin, and my heartbeat increased. "Be my personal coach," he muttered.

I lifted my gaze, eyes wide, almost having a strong urge to land a slap across his face. "This is ridiculous, a coach wanting a coach?" This is the greatest joke of the year.

He slightly pulled back, his gaze averting in a different direction; his expression turned dark and dangerous, like he was capable of anything. I saw the opportunity to leave, so I ignored his presence and briskly walked towards the door. I felt his strong hand wrapped around mine, pulled me into a warm embrace, and whispered, "You are going nowhere; we aren't done talking."

"From the way you sound, you don't need a coach; you certainly need a therapist because you are mentally un…" Words were caught in my throat, and my breath hitched when he removed what seemed like a silicone mask, my brow slightly furrowed, knowing the face was familiar yet unable to recall.

"So you are now walking around in disguise, or should I say eggshells?" I asked. My lips sealed as I stared at his sharp features and hazel green eyes, which took me off guard.

"Or it seems you are no longer the nerdy rabbit that has been following Jordan everywhere he sets foot; today you seem quite feisty, huh?"

"I have always been feisty for jerks like yourself; if you don't let me leave, I might as well act defensive."

He lifted his hands in surrender, the annoying smile still evident on his face as he took a step back. I took the opportunity to leave, but before I reached the door, he said something that made me rethink, "Remember, your family and crush, who is your stepbrother, they don't give a shit about you, August; they are just using you to get what they want. After they are done, you will be dumped like a piece of shit." I ignored him and walked outside the building, feeling my temperature rising. I cursed under the dimly lit environment. I found myself leaning against the wall for support; my breathing was ragged while trying to calm my aching heart. Then a crowd of people poured out of the building; they were all standing in front of a car that was beautifully decorated with flowers and was wrapped in red wrappings, making the whole process look more beautiful. I saw the crowd give way, allowing Jordan and Avery to pass through; they walked like the power couple that they were towards the car, and my father handed them a pair of scissors while encouraging them to cut the wrap. Jordan stretched out his hand to cut the wrappings only for Avery to stop the process.

"Mr. Stones, or I might as well call you my father-in-law, don't you think it won't be fair that Jordan is the only one cutting the linen? Don't you think August, who's also your daughter, should be here?" When she said those words, deep inside, I felt somehow included even though I knew the motive of Avery was not a good one, but at least she thought about me, knowing how I have always felt left out in most of the family occasions.

"Uh...I think she'll get her time to celebrate w..."

"Dad, she's right, August needs to be here as well; she's also your child," Jordan interrupted, his smile evident as he stared at the car. When he made that statement, I wished to see some warmth in his eyes, but nothing. The uncomfortable look on my father's face clearly showed he didn't want me there, knowing there were people of high caliber that were present and they'll know that he has a nerdy daughter he had never appreciated since the death of his wife.

He forces a smile before he calls out my name in the crowd. Before I could react, a hand covered my mouth from behind; this deep voice echoed through the dimly lit night. "You don't expect to see your brother with that smeared face, do you?" The voice of the man who had just stalked me in the restroom said, his voice deep, which made the memory come flooding in. I now recalled the jerk who was standing in front of me; it was the quiet, calculated rival in Jordan's opposite team, which is the Hotchedog Team. Whenever Jordan's team wins, I have seen him a couple of times the way he doesn't smile or show disappointment; he just stares, his eyes cold and expression stoic. I have never seen or heard him say a word, and his talking to me today is almost a miracle.

"Caspian!" I sounded shocked.

"Or the little bunny now remembers me."

He averts his gaze, turns back to me, and says, "Believe me when I say that is not the best decision for you to meet your father right now."

"But..."

"Just hide there; I'll take care of the situation."

"August…" The voice of my father resounded again.

"I have to go and meet them." My voice trembled, almost imagining how my father would make a scene when we eventually got home. I stared at Caspian, almost forgetting that he was someone who was never to be trusted, recalling how his words had always been weighed before being spoken.

I saw him walk away; only then was I able to properly observe his well-sculptured face and his eyes focused as he took steady strides towards them.

I could see my father's eyes scanning the people around, waiting for me to show up.

In less than a minute, Caspian was standing beside Avery; he whispered something her that suddenly made her let out a horrendous scream.

August Flynn.

My body froze; I found myself covering my face with the palms of my hands. A wave of guilt hit me, like I had committed the crime myself that had resulted in the loud scream from Avery.

"What happened?" A lady wearing a blue jacket rushed to her and asked with a concerned voice about why she had screamed.

I saw Avery lift her finger, eyes red with rage. "I... I... can't seem to find my million-dollar engagement ring," she stuttered while raking each person's presence, almost scanning every individual with a look.

Jordan had stared, his expression unreadable. I saw him stretch out his hand and wrap it around Avery. "Everything would be okay, I promise." He said gently, loud enough for me to hear despite the distance.

Jordan lets go of her. A smile crept on his face, the kind of smile that has always made me doubt if my beauty was a match for his striking features. I saw him whisper something to his guard, who was standing beside the car. The guard nodded his head and turned to leave; everyone stared. My father had a nervous smile, his hands folded in his pockets, while Avery stood beside Caspian, who looked unperturbed as he checked something on his phone, as if he had never said a word to Avery. I felt rage surge within me, my fist tightly clenched, before I took steady strides towards Caspian.

"Oh August, where the fuck were you when I was calling your name?" my father thundered, forgetting we were in the presence of high-caliber people.

He raised his brows slightly, gritted his teeth, and wrapped his hands in a fist, clearly showing that he'll handle my situation later, but for now, let's tackle the current situation.

I turned towards Caspian, wondering why he hadn't been able to secure the situation but had instead made things worse. I raised my hand, about to land a slap across his face. Suddenly the tip of my heel broke due to pressure; I almost fell to the ground. His strong hands instinctively wrapped around my waist, his hazel green eyes bored into mine, and his lips were inches away from my skin. I could feel my heart pounding so fast. "Oh, now you're careless! I thought the feisty lady was strong enough to show her stepbrother how she felt. " I pouted my lips and lunged a knee to his groin, which resulted in a painful groan.

He lets go of me, and I find myself falling to the ground. It smears my makeup further, my hair is more disheveled, and a striking pain in my head makes me almost black out until the guard of Jordan stands above me. More men arrive and help me to my feet.

"You will be taken to the station, Miss Flynn."

"Station, I didn't do anything wrong?"

"You might as well explain how the million-dollar engagement ring is found in your pocket and your disastrous face causes public humiliation and embarrassment to the Flynn family."

"A Ring!" I exclaimed, my hand gently rummaging through my clothes, trying to check how a ring got into my clothes; suddenly the expensive jewelry fell from my pocket, and my mouth hung open in disbelief.

I shook my head, realizing that there was definitely something wrong somewhere. "I...I think you guys must be mistaken; there's some mix-up." I tried to defend myself; I could feel tears burning my cheeks.

I resisted anyone laying their hands on me; my heart palpitated, and I fought the urge not to let down hot tears that threatened to stream down my cheeks. I took a deep breath and muttered with a cracked voice, "I didn't steal the ring; since I was born, I have never been found stealing, and I'm not going to start now."

I could hear the cold whispers of people who were standing there; no one bravely uttered a word; rather, little gossip was spread among their lips. I averted my gaze towards Avery; instead of the panic she once had, now there was a mischievous smile that made her look suspicious.

I knew I couldn't win against the clear evidence pointing right at me. I stretched out my hand; handcuffs were snapped around my wrist as I was dragged out of sight in front of the disdainful face of Jordan. The crowd all watched; my father shook his head, almost believing I had taken the ring. I lowered my head in disappointment while hoping he'd be coming to bail me out. I averted my gaze to Jordan; the look he had on his face broke me further into the tiniest pieces, making me feel the need to let it all out and scream how much I truly care about him, but I know it'll yield little or no results.

I was about to be shoved into the car, and I saw Caspian standing beside Avery; a smirk was clearly written all over his face, and his eyes made him look suspicious.

******

"Did you know the grievous crime you had committed?" The cop asked while rummaging through some copies.

I thought, wondering how that ring got into my pocket, many thoughts running through my mind, but I couldn't seem to fathom how. The ache in my head made me recall the painful fall I had, with his strong hands around my waist. I believe that was when that moron had sabotaged me.

"Uhm...I know who did this." I said almost excitedly as the memory flooded in.

"So now you are not denying the fact you are a thief; you are looking for someone to put the blame on?"

"No, please let me out, and I'll prove to you that I'm not the one, please."

The cop shook his head after letting out a deep sigh; he waved his hand to another cop who was present, and I was taken behind bars.

Everything happened so fast; I stood still, fighting the growing lump in my throat, wondering why the day was increasingly getting worse as every second ticked. I found myself sitting on the dirty, rusted bed; the smell that lingered made me fight the urge not to gag.

Seconds turned to minutes and later hours. I was waiting for my father, my stepmom, or Jordan to show up, but no one did.

I was hoping that at least one of my family members would have called. I found myself waiting while roaming around the cell, but no one showed up. I was immediately gripped by fear when the realization dawned on me that I'm really alone in this world.

After what seems like an eternity, my father showed up with my Jordan. I stood up weakly and walked towards the well-installed metal bars. I wrapped my hand against it, waiting for them to apologize for taking so long, but the look of disappointment on his face said more than words could.

"Dad..." My voice was gentle and pathetic.

"Don't call me Dad; I should have conducted a DNA test to be sure that you are even my daughter." Those words cut like a sharp dagger right through my heart.

"So..." I paused, swallowing a lump, "I'm not worthy to be bailed out?"

"August is not like that; it is just that..."

"Just that you became Dad's favorite son to the point where I don’t even matter anymore?" Fuck, I feel so disgusted while I can't ignore his eyes, despite the coldness in them. I nodded in understanding. "It is clear you don't give a shit about me, despite the fact you know well enough that without me by your side you wouldn't have won that match against the Hotchdog Team."

"Enough, August. What did you do, give him advice? Or I presumed to follow him around like a puppy."

"It's like you forgot the promise you made to Mum on her dying bed," I muttered slowly, tears freely slipping down my cheeks.

"Yes, and it's because of you she's not alive." His voice was cold and his eyes were full of disdain.