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.

Caspian Blackstone.

"Yes, it's because of you she's not alive." I heard her father say, my feet unmoving as those words were said by a father to a daughter, 'No person deserves to hear such,' I thought inwardly. My fist was tightly clenched as I averted my gaze towards Jordan; his eyes were expressionless, and he folded his arms across his chest—no remorse, no guilt, nothing. I felt infuriated, but I decided to stay still and see what would happen.

"Dad...she gave me life, and the least you could do is see Mum through me, not blame me for it." Her voice cracked as those words left her lips. I felt her pain, her eyes glossy with tears. I almost regretted my actions, but I knew I did what I had to do. I wanted her to find herself, to stop chasing shadows and see the potential within her, the woman with the big dreams.

"So you are... Not going to bail me out?" She asked after a few minutes of silence from her father and brother.

Jordan stretched out his hand and wrapped it around hers. He stared into her eyes as he shook his head. "I'm sorry, but we would have to keep you here to learn your lesson."

"Lesson! Seriously, Jordan, after everything that we once shared not just as siblings but as teammates, don't you see that I have always..."

"Enough, August. When you are ready to learn, you can inform the cops, and they'll allow you to talk to me on the phone." Her father cut her off, and just like that, he turned away and left. Jordan stared sadly, and for the first time, I saw guilt in his eyes before he also turned and left. They took steady strides towards where I was standing. I immediately lowered my face so Jordan wouldn't have to recognize me. My heart raced when they walked past me, but fortunately, none of them recognized me. I had told the cops that I'd be coming to see and check up on her, but I didn't expect to meet her family and hear words that cut sharper than a sword.

I found myself walking towards the metal bars. She lifted her gaze, her mouth hung open, her eyes wide in shock, but nothing came out of her lips. "What did you come here to do after sabotaging my reputation?"

"You don't get it? I want what's best for you, August. I want..."

"Just shut the fuck up because I remember; you don't give a shit about anyone, and you don't care about anything, Caspian, because you act like a robot on your team, useless and unprofessional." I stared, her words haunting me, my mouth refusing to say a word, because as much as her words hurt, she was right. Maybe I'm not just trying to help her; maybe I need her to help me find myself, to see maybe I'm not emotionless as everyone thinks I am.

Suddenly she went silent, eyes scanning mine. She walked closer to the metal bars as she wrapped her hand around them. "I know I shouldn't have said that, but it won't change the fact that you put me in this situation. You put that ring in my pocket; I know it was fucking you who did it."

"Me? You think I wouldn't have gone as low as doing that cheap scheme? To what end, August?" I asked rhetorically while trying not to smile because I love it when she sounds defensive.

She scoffs, lets go of the metal bar, and says, "So now you are not just stalking me; you are denying everything that you did." The way she said it made her look hotter in her silky red dress, smeared face, and disheveled hair.

Her eyes narrowed as she leaned against the metal. "You know I have always known you to be quiet, but I didn't expect this from you."

"I have always known you to be resilient, but I didn't expect you to just put your potential on hold because of a guy who will never value your presence even in the next few years."

"You don't know anything about Jordan." She counterattacks loudly.

"But at least I know the fact that you were the mastermind behind him winning that game."

She smiled weakly as she stepped away from the metal. "So this is what it is all about, to help your team win as well?"

I paused and thought for a moment, realizing that this rare gem is not only professional; she was intelligent, she observed, and she pointed out loopholes, and it makes her more beautiful in a way I can't explain. Realizing she had noticed I was behind the theft.

"Yes, that's why I'm here. Jordan will not appreciate your effort, but I'll be ready to bail you out of this sick hole only if you agree to be my coach."

"And what if I don't agree?"

I made my face expressionless, nodded my head, and turned away. "Then you can enjoy your stay here." I took every step carefully, hoping she'd stop me, but her silence was cutting deeper than it should because I have always admired August. From the day my teammate, Seb, had a fracture; I saw the way she had helped, the worried look on her face, and the way she handled the situation with class. Since that day, I can't get her out of my mind, but unfortunately, she prefers her sick stepbrother, who only calls on her whenever he needs something, and she'll always show up like a lost puppy.

I was almost at the door, and then I heard her voice, which pleased me more than I wanted to admit. "Okay, fine, but I’ll only coach you once a week,"

A smile curled on my lips because I know it'll definitely be more than a week.

"Okay, little rabbit, we'll see about that," I said before I walked out of the room, and then I went to the counter and asked how much for the bail. I was told a million dollars. I didn't hesitate as I swiped the card on the machine because the gem right there is worth more than a million dollars.

August Flynn.

"Miss Flynn, you have been bailed; please do well to change into more suitable clothes, and we will be escorting you back home." The police officer said calmly; the tone sounded respectful, while it made me raise an eyebrow in confusion.

I ignored it and nodded my head, and then I did as he had instructed. I was offered a new set of clothes and taken to a room where I could change. When I was done, I was accompanied by one of the cops to a car, where I slid in and was driven home.

I am now standing in front of the house, my heart racing, thoughts lingering as I take a step forward. I raised my hand and knocked, my fingers trembling. Seconds turned to a minute; no one responded. I knocked again, then the door slid open. My mouth hung open, and my hand lowered as Jordan stood, shirtless; he was wearing shorts, and his hair was slightly messy. His presence made me forget that he had abandoned me to my fate at the station, and I found myself ogling his exceptional physique.

"You're back..." He sounded nonchalant until Avery arrived behind him; a towel was wrapped around her waist, and she hugged him from behind and sucked his earlobe right in front of me. I sucked in a breath, trying not to act pathetic in front of him.

So I ignored them and walked past him, heading to my room, which was upstairs. Every step felt heavier as I heard their laughter, giggles, and muffled kisses. I was now standing in front of the door, and, with trembling hands, I twisted the doorknob, but it wouldn't budge. I tried once again; it was the same thing.

"Jordan, why the hell is my door locked?"

"I don't know, but I believe Dad would be in the best position to explain it better." I shook my head, taking a breath, trying not to let my emotions cloud my reasoning. I walked back to the sitting room and sat on the couch, waiting for my father. I saw the way Jordan would frequently steal glances at me while holding Avery, only for me to hear her whisper something I didn't expect: "I'm sorry, Jordan, but I'll be traveling to California in a day, and I will spend a month there." The news shouldn’t have pleased me—but it did, so I brought out my phone and pretended to check something so I could hear the full information.

"But Avery, we would be getting married soon, and I have my life here; I can't leave you here so we can eventually get married in California."

"You know my career lies in California, and I have to leave to be able to achieve my goal."

Silence followed, while I hoped that he'd say no so I could spend time with him and make him realize that he had been chasing the wrong person.

"Okay, I'll think about it."

"What! What about the team? Are you just going to abandon it?" I snapped unapologetically.

"August, please, not now. I know you have always cared like a little sister, but this is a relationship matter, and I'd appreciate it if you..."

"Oh, that's it, a sister...I get it now," I interrupted him mid-sentence, my voice cracking, wondering why it hurts.

"Or don't tell me you have always seen Jordan more than a brother, August..." She paused, let out a subtle laugh, and added, "I have always known, but I didn't believe it because you guys are siblings."

"Step siblings," I corrected her instinctively.

Jordan, who once didn't show any sign of emotion, suddenly turned to me. I couldn't properly read his expression, but I knew something was lingering in his mind. "August...so is it true?"

"True? About what?"

"Don't play dumb with me. Have you always seen me as more than a brother? Have you imagined yourself being intimate with me?"

That question hit harder than it should have. I swallowed hard, my breath hitching, wanting to scream a loud yes, but knowing Jordan is getting married soon and nothing would ever come out of it, so I just shook my head without saying a word.

"Are you sure?" He asked again, his voice deeper this time.

"What difference does it make? You are getting married anyway," I let out before storming out of the room, finding myself outside the building. I refuse to let those burning tears slip again; I can't continue hoping for the impossible. I know Jordan doesn't love me as much as I do. Every day I see him, I find myself craving his touch, holding his hand, and kissing his lips, but I know it's just a fantasy, and I believe it'll always be that way.

"August, what are you doing here? Are you not supposed to be in jail?" The voice of my father thundered. I lifted my gaze and immediately dried my tears as I straightened up to look at him.

"I...I was bailed out?"

"By who? Don't tell me, you committed another theft to get yourself out?"

"Dad, are you sure I'm really your daughter?" I asked, slowly, my voice trembling.

"I have been asking myself the same question; that's why I wanted to carry out a paternity test, to be certain that you are my daughter."

I nodded my head, tears sliding. "And what if I am?"

"Then you will get the opportunity to continue living in my house, but before then, I want you to leave this place." That explained why my door was locked—my father was throwing me out. I wish my mom were here; things wouldn't have ended up this way.

"Dad, I'm your only child; Jordan isn't even your blood." My voice cracked, hoping he would listen.

He scoffs and turns away, only to come back with my bags, urging me to leave. I stood there frozen, my feet unmoving, facing reality—it was no longer a nightmare I could wake from.

I was outside the building, my body shivering, my heart racing, and my stomach grumbling in hunger. I closed my eyes, wondering what I had ever done wrong, only for the rain to start pouring on my bare skin, making things worse.

"Please get in, little rabbit." A deep voice said as a car door was opened for me to slide in. Without thinking twice, I entered the car, trying to get some warmth. His voice reverberated again, which made me realize I might have just found myself in an inevitable situation. "I had to do what I did because you need to understand that your family doesn't value your presence enough to keep you there, but I do."