CHAPTER 1

Lily Gray stood up and savored the moment as she walked towards the stage. It was her last chance to participate in the Fastematics contest, as it was her final year in college, and as usual, she secured first place again this year. As she stepped onto the stage, her classmates erupted in applause and cheers, celebrating her victory. She received the medal around her neck and shook hands with everyone on the stage. She could no longer count on her fingers how many times this had happened in her life. As those who knew her would say, she was an overachiever.

“Lily is truly perfect. How can a girl like her exist?” A man from the crowd asked his seatmate. Later, they both giggled. Because of her exceptional intelligence and beauty, it was no wonder that many men were enamored with her.

Standing at 5’8” tall, her naturally well-shaped body is evident. She has mesmerizing eyes that seem to speak and reject her from trying to hide her emotions. She has a high nasal bridge and prominent, well-groomed eyebrows. Her face is heart-shaped, as are her beautiful, rosy lips, making her smiles captivating. Aside from these, Lily achieved every dream she ever had in her life – from being a consistent class valedictorian to winning different contests she ever participated in.

Lily stepped down from the stage; her lips curved into a broad smile as she was greeted by congratulatory messages from her classmates. Though she was enjoying the moment, part of her was eagerly waiting for the ceremony to end so she could meet someone she sincerely wanted to be proud of.

After the awarding ceremony, Lily went straight to M&B Construction Company to meet that someone. She drove her car fast. When she got in front of the building, she walked out of the car quickly, driven by excitement.

“Good afternoon, Ms. Gray,” a staff greeted her.

“Good afternoon,” she greeted back and smiled at her.

She rode an elevator. She stopped at the floor where Kevin works and breathed deeply. She walked closer to his office and the secretary blocked her.

“Good afternoon, Ms. Gray. I am sorry but Mr. Kevin is not welcoming any guests for now,” the secretary said. Lily smiled at her and just winked. Not minding the secretary, she entered the room, where she found her boyfriend on the sofa, hooking up with another woman. At that very moment, she wished she listened to the secretary. Lily felt as if her world had crumbled around her. Both the woman and Kevin turned to look at her, startled by her presence.

"Lily," Kevin called out, rushing towards her. The woman hastily adjusted her nearly undone dress and grabbed her sandals, which were scattered under the table. In a swift motion, Lily slapped Kevin across the face.

"That is for cheating on me," Lily said, tears streaming down her cheeks. She turned to leave, but Kevin caught her hand.

"Lily, let me explain," Kevin pleaded, attempting to embrace her, but she pushed him away.

"Try to follow me, and I will make a scene," Lily warned him sternly. She turned and walked out decisively, leaving Kevin behind, who stood helplessly, unable to do anything but watch as she left.

The pain and betrayal Lily felt were intense. Each step away from Kevin marks the end of what she once believed in. Lily made her way straight to her car, where she broke down in tears. The pain of what she had just witnessed was overwhelming. They had been in a relationship for a year, and the depth of their shared experiences made the betrayal even more hurtful. Alone in her car, she allowed herself to fully feel the weight of her sorrow and disappointment. The realization that a significant chapter of her life had ended so abruptly and painfully was heart-wrenching. As she cried, the memories of their time together played in her mind, juxtaposed harshly against the reality of what had just unfolded. Lily’s crying was interrupted by the sound of her cell phone ringing. She quickly rummaged through her bag to find it. Upon seeing her phone, she immediately noticed that the caller was her father, so she quickly answered it.

“Hello, Dad,” she greeted his father.

“Hi, honey. Your mom is cooking dinner for a celebration of your win. Be home at 6:30, OK?” Lily’s father said, bringing another drop of tears to her face.

“Yes, Dad,” she replied.

“I love you, honey,” her father said.

“I love you, too, Dad. Bye,” she said before ending the call and putting her cell phone back in her bag. She spent another thirty minutes in her car crying before speeding off to their house.

As soon as Lily arrived home, the beauty of their two-story house's exterior design greeted her, as did the exquisite chandeliers, vases, and other furnishings upon entering. The house is a blend of classic and modern design. The living room is expensive, and the ceiling is high, as are the stairs that spiral through the second floor.

"Ma'am Lily, your parents are waiting for you," one of their housemaids, Benny, said while greeting her. Benny is one of her closest maids. She is in her 20s. Benny quickly took the belongings Lily was carrying. Lily was not used to delegating small tasks to others, but because she was in a hurry to see her parents, she let Benny take care of them.

"Thanks, Benny."

She went straight to the kitchen where she found her parents torridly kissing. 

"Oh God, you should have informed me," she said, laughing.

Her parents stopped and felt embarrassed.

“I’m sorry, Lily. Your father was just so busy these past days, and he missed your mother so much,” Mr. Gray quipped as he adjusted Mrs. Grays’ clothes. Lily turned back at them and laughed.

“Whatever, Dad. Let’s set the table,” she said and moved forward. Just like that, they started to set the table. They talked and laughed as they went back and forth to the kitchen and the dining table. This was one of Lily's admirable qualities. Even though she grew up in luxury, she was taught to live simply and not be lazy. She did not depend on others for things unless necessary, and her parents were the same way.