It's crazy to think of how fast that trust shattered to pieces at those simple words. The simple implication of being betrayed and I'm a goner who has crossed the small line between love and hate.

I hate them. I hate that they would do this to me.

Alec and Dustyn have always been my permanent support system. They were more than brothers, more than a friend, they helped raise me. Planted my head with stupid mantras and memories, took me out on Sundays, and spent time with me.

Inside, I was still the little girl who was forced to grow up fast when they left for college. I had to stay strong as Dad and Amelia got married. I had to smile through my hatred as I watched her tear down the pictures of my mom, the picture of our family on each corner of the house. I didn't have anyone to lean on. Even the twins never understood what I went through.

Then Alec came back and I thought, things were going to be fine now. My brother is back and he'll protect me again. I can live without looking behind me every so often. And for a while, it was exactly like that.

Then, finally, Dustyn came back and I was ecstatic. We were all finally back here, in New York.

But shit always happened.

They both shattered the trust I had for them. Even Alec couldn't look me in the eyes when he came home from his trip, Sunday morning. I chose not to speak to him because I was afraid it would hurt more than Dy's lies. The apartment has become a ground for hide-and-seek between us and I am not willing to listen to his explanations as of yet.

The twins have taken it upon themselves to ensure I always had company so Alec would not dare talk about such private matters. Even Dustyn's attempts at meeting me inside the campus were complete failures, thanks to Apollo.

Things were going just fine with me ignoring Alec until Dad decided that a family dinner would be nice tonight, for a change he said.

"I don't know how I'm supposed to survive dinner with Alec and Amelia," I said to Artemis as I changed into a suitable pair of washed ripped jeans and a simple white tee. Dad never said anything about formal attire. This is as dressed up as I can manage with my mood spiralling down as the week had taken a toll on me.

"Amelia is a pain in the ass. Alec, however, is still the best brother in the world. He'll always be on your side."

"I'm still mad at him," I replied as I put some blush on my pale cheeks. Artemis encouraged me to put some on seeing as I looked like a ghost at how pale I was, her words not mine.

"I know. But have fun, okay? Pete is calling. Love you!" She said and hung up on me.

I rolled my eyes at the excitement in her voice and placed my phone on top of my vanity. Pete better deliver some good news for my hopeless romantic friend or things will go bad, real quick.

"Baby girl, are you ready?" Alec's voice and knocking made me roll my eyes in irritation. I got my black ankle shoes and strapped it on before getting a clutch to put my phone and a few dollars in case something came up, like Amelia acting up.

I opened the door and welcomed the sight of Alec in baby pink polo and a dark gray sports jacket in his arms. His hair was combed back with gel. He looked good. But I didn't dare tell him that.

"Ready," I mumbled and walked past him. I heard him sigh before his footsteps followed me down to the stairs.

My eyes widened at the woman in the living room who looked like a prostitute more than anything else. The black skin-tight dress was barely hiding her fake ass and her boobs are probably spilling out on the top of the dress. If that wasn't enough, she had several bangles on her arm which makes a sound every time she moves her arm.

"What's wrong?" Alec asked, wondering why I've stopped walking. I can only point my finger in disgust at Amelia. "Christ!"

Amelia turned her body towards us and I was right. Her boobs were spilling out of that thing, she calls a dress. "There you are. Mara, what are you wearing!"

I scoffed at her question. "What are you wearing?" The nerve of this woman. She was dressed in a piece of cloth that barely covered her figure.

Dad's heavy footsteps could be heard from the stairs. He was walking down with pieces of clothing in his hand, eyes blazing with anger. I can only assume that he didn't like her choice of clothing or the lack of it.

"Dad!" I greeted him, stepping on his line of sight. Anger dissipated from his eyes and was filled with adoration.

"You look wonderful, sweetie." He said and kissed my cheek. "How is college?"

"It's fun dad. Exciting."

"Good, good." He said to me before turning to Alec who only gave Dad a curt nod. Alec's relationship with Dad was bleak to near non-existence. He refused to accept Amelia in our life, but at this point, do we have a choice? We both agree that she's a gold digger but Dad's opinion of her is different from ours, after all, it didn't hinder him from marrying her. "Amelia."

Amelia looked at Dad, smiling like she won the lottery. And she has. Dad spoils her more than he spoils me. "Yes, honey?" She asked sweetly and I almost gagged at her fakeness. She's as fake as her whole body.

"Get changed to these decent clothing. You look like a stripper." Dad said in a hard tone. He was not happy to find his wife dressing like a, well, stripper. I stifle my laughter at Amelia's glare. She probably never expected to be told off in front of us - his kids. It's almost pitiful to watch her. Almost.

Like a little kid told off by a parent, she marched to dad angrily and snatched the pieces of clothing in his hand, her heels clicking as she went to the changing room in the hallway to the pool.

"And get rid of some of those bangles would you?" Dad shouted after her. I flinched at the loud bang the door made. She's pissed.

"Wow, Dad. Never guessed you would be so harsh to your wife." Alec said casually.

Dad shook his head in disappointment. "She's forty-five years old and has had more surgeries than I ever have. Besides, if we were going to a club, I might not have said anything."

I shivered in disgust and decided to tell them of my plans instead. "Daddy, I've decided on my major," I informed him, just to stray the subject away from Amelia's poor choice in clothing.

"That's good. What would it be then?"

"Photography and Business Administration."

Alec's shocked face looked at me with worry. "Baby girl, that's too much. You can take one at a time."

"Your brother is right, sweetie. You won't have much time to yourself."

I rolled my eyes at them. It was a ridiculous reason for me. It wasn't even a reason. Just an excuse. I don't want to waste so much time trying to have fun when I could enjoy myself while studying the courses that I want. "I can do it. I want to. Daddy, please don't fight me on this."

Sighing, Dad's arms went around my waist and hugged me to his warm body. "Okay. I will support you, sweetie."

The clicking of the heels across the room caught all of our attention. Dressed in an eggshell colored dress that reached above her knees, with 3/4 sleeves and a v-neckline. She looked more presentable than she did a few minutes before. She also removed her bangles and settled for just one which made her even more like a decent human than anything.

I'd never thought she could dress like that.

"Better. Let's go." Dad said.

We followed Dad to the cars outside. Dad insists on having two separate cars for emergencies. He also never allows us to drive when we are going out for dinner, giving us a chance to drink to our hearts content.

An uncomfortable silence blanketed the car I share with Alec. Despite his efforts to get a response from me, I have successfully avoided it earlier. Even our driver is twitching uncomfortably in his seat, as he takes curious glances at us through the mirror.

"Eyes on the road," Alec warned.

Startled, he blushed in embarrassment at being caught by his employer. "Yes sir."

"Look, I'm sorry for going behind your back about the arranged marriage. But I am not sorry that I arranged you with Dustyn."

I can feel his eyes burning on the side of my head. I kept my eyes on the scenery outside of my window. I watched as we passed buildings and people walking outside, under the falling snow.

"Baby girl, I would never do anything unless it assures me of your safety."

"You sold me," I said through gritted teeth.

I am angry.

I know Alec does everything within reason. We don't always see eye to eye, but marriage? It's ridiculous to think that I would be marrying Dustyn for anything other than company benefit.

I hate feeling this way. I feel too much anger and hatred towards Alec right now. It's suffocating. I feel like someone is squeezing my heart in their hands, tightening their grip without relenting.

"Baby girl, don't say that. Please. Just... Trust me, will you?"

I shake my head. Tears are gathering in my eyes, threatening to fall any second. "Sorry, Alec." That was the only thing I could say to him.

"Miss, Sir, we're here." The driver's voice echoed inside the car. I didn't waste any second and got out of the car. I made my way to Dad's side before Alec could stop me.

Dad looped his other arm on mine and walked us to the front door of the famous Italian restaurant. A woman was waiting just by the door, ready to welcome guests.

"Good evening. Name please?" She asked with a practiced smile on her face.

"Ramirez," Dad answered with barely any emotion. Didn't smile, didn't say please, or even greet the woman talking to him. He was commanding, demanding respect, his whole aura was scary. I hate this side of him. The side of him who doesn't respect anyone below him. It's almost worse than Amelia's choice of clothing.

"This way please." The woman never once showed bad behavior as she led us to our table. Far on the secluded side of the restaurant, where people barely get reservations, was our table.

Alec pulled up a seat for me while Dad did the same for Amelia. The rectangular table was good for six people. Alec and I sat across Dad and Amelia.

"Your server will be with you shortly." The woman said before walking away.

While waiting, Dad launched on his travel stories. He, along with his friends, was on a fishing trip for a week and just got home yesterday. They caught a huge fish which they had fun having for dinner. I barely listened to him; my eyes were too focused on the sight of a familiar person, just a few tables away from us.

Rodrigo Franco.

He's sitting there, casually glancing at his watch now and then. Sipping his wine, his eyes wander around the room until they settle on me. Shock entered his features and he stood up from his table almost instantly. He made his way over to us, back straight, posture demanding respect as he walked across the room.

I lowered my eyes to my hands which were neatly folded on my lap. I heard him approach the table, the scraping of chairs as they all stood to greet Rodrigo. I can hear their voices which were filled with surprise and joy at their chance meeting. I wonder who he was waiting for.

"Mara," Dad called and I looked up to find his confused gaze on me. "Come greet Rodrigo, sweetie."

Exhaling loudly, I stood up on my chair and stood in front of Rodrigo. I met his eyes and forced the nice words out of my mouth. "Good evening. How are you?"

Rodrigo smiled a bit at me. "I'm fine. I'm sorry about the last dinner we had. My wife can be a bit... out of hand sometimes."

"Bitch you mean," I mumbled under my breath, without any intention of them hearing it. But as gasped surrounds me, I know I was screwed.

"Mara!" Dad's disappointment seeped through his words and into my skin. I shiver in resentment of my uncontrollable mouth. "Apologize!"

"No, it's okay. She kinda is. A bitch, I mean." Rodrigo said and I looked up to find an amused smile on his face. He gives me a small nod of encouragement.

"Sorry, Rodrigo. I didn't mean to say that." I said, not wanting the night to be worse than I imagined.

"Of course, darling. No problem."

Alec chose to just guide me back to my seat, even though he was disappointed at my actions but I couldn't care less. I'm disappointed with him. I guess we both had a taste of our own medicine now.

The server came and Dad asked him to come back in ten minutes, as they were all still conversing about, well, whatever it is they are talking about.

If inviting Rodrigo to our table wasn't enough, Dustyn arrived just as the rest settled down on their seats. The only available seat though was the chair to my left.

Great.

If it wasn't already going to be a disaster, fate just throws Rodrigo and Dustyn in the mix.