Blue

"What do you think you were doing, huh?! Showing up that late like that you idiot!" Robert scram in a reprimanding manner.

The meeting had just finished and now they both were on the fifth floor, just below the sixth where the chairman's study room is.

Allila stood still as a rock. She didn't feel the coursing and trembling fear she thought she'd feel after seeing the man who'd murder her, standing here barking out insults like a waterfall.

But though she didn't feel fear from the murder she felt it from the past. Allila could remember how they'd lock her up in her old dresser, for two to three days without water or food. None of the servants were allowed to come near her, even though none cared about her status and never treated her as they should, they were still human and had emotions.

"Huh?! You little bitch?! What?! Where did that mouth you had on you go now?!" He raised his hand to slap her, Allila dipped her head backwards and stiffened every muscle in her body, preparing for the slap.

Moments later and the pain never came, hesitantly her eyes perched open. Through the gaps of her bangs she saw her father's hand being held by Caden, her uncle. Allila was confused as to why Caden was helping her, but more so since this had not previously happened so there was no foretelling of what may happen.

"Now we can't have your child looking like a swollen lump once the Advens get here, they may think badly of us. We must not portray a bad image brother." Caden said in a knowing manner as if he was talking to a toddler, telling him not to play in the mud and dirty the house.

Her father looked furious as he aggressively pulled his hand out of Caden's grasp. "Don't tell me what I can and cannot do with my daughter Caden."

Her uncle chuckled slightly before giving Allila a mocking look. "Your daughter? This one? She looks like a tooth pick compared to Candice, her clothes are so out of fashion. I mean jeans and a sweater? How plain, you couldn't even put Dior on this girl without gagging."

Allila didn't feel in the slightest offended. She was used to this kind of behavior, where they judge, mock, reprimand and blame her whenever she's in sight.

"Anyway dear brother, I'll be off. Take good care of your child." Robert watched Caden's body disappear down the hallway and his head snapped back to Allila.

"You were lucky this time, bastard." Her father emphasized the last part with a taunting smirk.

She stood there for what seemed an eternity, just pondering. Thoughts running in and out like a fast-forward clip of traffic in a city. Long pauses then fast play throughs. Turning around Allila made her way to her room. There she sat on her bed and finally digested everything.

It was currently 2023, this was seven years in the past when Allila began to crave attention and love more than anything. School had gotten worse since more and more kids were bullying her. She attended the same school as Candice because the Camerons didn't want to look bad in the public eye. No one knew that she was her father's daughter from another woman, but that didn't stop them from torturing and disrespecting everywhere she went.

It was hard and brusome, but in the end Allila finished school and got her degree in medicine, she wasn't interested in that but the Camerons wanted to make sure that only Carter and Candice become lawyers, as they were the same age it would be a battle of patriarchy and they needed to secure an heir after the chairman dies and Caden takes the position as chairman.

Yes and aside from all that family drama Allila was left to the dogs when she got sent to prison after taking the blame for her sister. They of course didn't want one of the future heirs to have a bad record in their name, it could be fatal to her career. And of course Allila being Allila stupidly gave in out of love and understanding for her dear older sister.

"Hnngg, it sucked to remember that." She groaned out with a pained expression. After serving two years in prison she was luckily released, and her lawyer being Clayton, her half brother who rarely ever showed face near her. But she was thankful to say the least, on her release day Allila expected a big welcome celebration but instead she got a get out ticket, all her belongings were burned to make extra space for more household servants. But it was an obvious lie, they don't allow servants on the seventh floor.

Rethinking her life Allila felt more than regret, she felt emptiness, loneliness, sorrow and pain. It was then she remembered why she fell for Zachery.

<7YRS AGO>

'Sniff, sniff, sniff' Allila sat in the garden all alone. She wore a plain, simple, sleek, black, off shoulder silhouette with a pair of daffodil drop earrings and black heels. Her hair was curled, but her bangs remained straight and prominent covering her eyes.

Allila felt lost and betrayed when her older sister Candice was arranged to a man who was the same age as her, but whereas she on the other would be engaged to a man who was ten years older than her. And she hadn't even seen him yet.

"Here." A deep, smooth voice spoke in an offering manner. Allila jumped at the sound of another human near and stood stiffly as she watched her future brother-in-law stare at her in amusement. "I was offering you a tissue, I didn't think it'd scare you as much."

"U-umm I-I don't ne-need it." She stuttered out quietly, folding her arms against her chest while lowering her head.

Zachery stood there smirking before walking near her, he wore a black tuxedo, with satin lapels giving it a look of sophistication, a crisp white shirt underneath and black bow tie adding elegance and completing the formal ensemble.

"We all deny what we want as much as what we need. You don't want someone to see you crying and don't need help. But in the end you'll realize you were wrong. Don't be scared to ask others for help when you need or want it." He then took her right hand, opening her clasped palms and put the napkin right in it before squeezing it shut. "Don't let it stay dry."

And with that he walked off leaving Allila to watch his retrieving figure. Her heart began pounding in her chest, her breathing quickened and her cheeks flushed. What was this? Fear? No...it may as well be love.

She got over her stupid obsession by the time she reached 23, she knew it was painfully long,, but the poor girl couldn't help it. Allila was an innocent girl who didn't know the difference between kindness and love. God,she always imagined that he loved her too! It's painful to think about that moment. No more embarrassing.

"Ugh, this is not the time to be worrying about that." She muttered burying her head in the pillow.

It didn't matter whether he was her first, second, third or hundredth love he didn't feel the same way for her. And she was done trying to win people over, this time the only person she was going to love herself.

6 hours later.

Candice and Clara both had their makeup finished and hair done.

Clara wore a deep, red shade of lipstick, her eye shadow was a smoky red, with thin eye liner and a little blush. She wore a pair of rose casade long earrings, a red dress with a sweetheart neckline, long sleeves, crystalline fabric and a flowing skirt that reached her ankles, revealing the beautiful dark red heels with smaller diamond roses designed onto the back of the heels.

Candice on the other hand had her long, chestnut hair, curled and loose reaching her mid back. Her make was simple, light pink lip gloss, light foundation and light, cherry colored blush. She had a pair of gold triangular earrings that hung just above her shoulder blade. And as for her dress it was a beautiful lavender, floor length gown. Made of luxurious satin fabric, the bodice is adorned with intricate floral lace appliques, adding a touch of elegance and romance. The dress features a sweetheart neckline and silhouette that hugs her curves in all the right places. As the dress flows down, it cascades into a voluminous skirt with layers of tulle.

"You look beautiful my love." Clara said with a proud smile as she lovingly took in her daughter's appearance.

"Oh mom! Stop, you're making me blush!" Candice squealed out in response while giggling like a little girl. Her mother playfully slapped her on the shoulder with an equally toothy smile.

All the while Allila stood behind the doorway leading to the dining hall, watching intently. She remembered walking in on the mother daughter duo that evening and getting a mouthful of insults by Candice. She never actually stuck around to see what they were saying, but this is probably what would've happened if she hadn't stepped in.

"Come let's go take our seats before grandpa gets here mom!" Candice happily said while pulling her mother by the arm, to which she sighed at what an energetic kid Candice was.

God knows the only way Candice ever pulled Allila like that was to shove her into a wall or pool. And trust me shs wasn't jealous of how lovey dovey her sister was being to her mother, it would be fwenchning if that whench suddenly changed attitude.

Allila slowly made her way in and sat where her seat was assigned. She remembered it like it was yesterday, two seats away from Clayton facing no one. It was pretty lonely but no one noticed her or batted an eye towards her. They simply regarded her as...a shadow.

"Ugh, that ugly little shit is ruining my mood! Mom why does she even have to come? I'm the one meeting Zachery to see if I am OBVIOUSLY SUITABLE. She's sooo goddamn disgusting I think I'm gonna puke, what a plain dress makes my inside curl into a ball, and look at that hair you'd think she's a lowlife cavewoman or something. Ughhhhhh! Sooo frustrating." Candice poured out insults like a fountain with no end.

"What?" Allila asked aloud, both Clara and Candice and looked taken aback as their heads snapped to Allila in surprise.

'BANG!'

Candice hit the table with both her hands as she slowly stood up with a menacing glare. "WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?! TALKING BACK TO ME LIKE THAT?! HUH?!"

"Love stop it, you might ruin your dress by accident." Her mother warned, not concerned for Allila but the dress. THE DRESS.

"NO! Who does this little bitch think she is?! WHO?! You are NOBOD-"

"That's enough!" Robert shouted, standing at the doorway of the dining hall. "Sweet heart you can't be screaming like that, what if your face is still red by the time your beloved Zachery is to get here, huh?"

"But da-"

"Enough, leave that worthless girl alone. She's not worth the time or your beautiful voice." Candice immediately stopped shouting and pouted sadly while her father went over to comfort her. Both Clara and Robert WERE NOT on good terms, but they made due for their children... including Allila. And by that meaning whenever she was around they teamed up and tortured her. She was never sure why they even kept her around since she's not related to the Camerons and was her father's product of an affair.

But Allila could care less about that now, what confused her even more is why that even happened. The words that Candice and Clara said were exactly what they said to her before. And Robert's dramatic entrance was exactly the same, with the same words and expression. The only difference was the time.

Soon the chairman walked in accompanied by Caden, Carter and Clayton all in matching gray tuxedos. "Candice what was all that screaming huh?" Her grandfather asked angrily.

Immediately the girl went silent, her face dreadful and fearful.

"Respond with your mouth girl. You sure weren't talking with your face a while ago." The chairman impatiently scolded Candice while taking his seat followed by the three other men.

"I-I was scolding Allila...." Her voice faded off to the end, as her once daring eyes meekly looked to the floor and threatened to flood.

The chairman gave her a dangerous look before banging the table causing everyone to flinch. "Keep up with that attitude and you'll go nowhere with tonight's dinner."

Silence swept over the room, the atmosphere was so intense you could cut it with a knife.

Back then Allila completely blamed herself for the situation, thinking that if she'd just try to be more presentable for her sister she wouldn't have reacted like that. But no matter how sorry or understanding she was about anything it always turned out to be the worst for her. But right now, she wasn't scared of Candice...she was scared of this life. She was thinking as hard as she could but wasn't so sure. If she left would things outside be any better? Challenges are set in life everywhere. Could she take her revenge if she really wanted to? Did she even want to take revenge?

"Allila I'm talking to you." The chairman's voice disrupted her chain of thoughts and her head instinctively looked towards the dumbfounded. Not that they could tell her expression from half her face being covered.

"Y-Yes?" She asked quietly, not sure why he was calling out to her. This didn't happen? She thought, wondering if she'd forgotten. Besides she died when she was 25 not 16, she can't remember what happened the rest of the year.

"I'm asking if you're not going to make a scene again."

Allila looked at him quizzically and finally remembered. Back then her full attention was on the chairmn and he directed this question to both of them, to which they both immediately responded. But now she was busy daydreaming about life and death. He must have thought she was ignoring him, with that deathly look being given and the mocking gazes of everyone.

So she tried something bold. If he thought she was ignoring him, what more if she stood up for herself. "Why should you be asking me that? I'm not the one who caused the scene."

Everyone gasped in surprise, Candice just about ready to claw Allila's eyes out, Robert and Clara on the other looked bewildered while Caden played an amused smirk, his son Carter bore a perfect image of that very smirk and Clayton last but not least looked genuinely surprised just as his grandfather.

"How dare you talk back to the chai-!" Before Robert could finish his sentence the chairman held up a hand.

"You're right, I shouldn't be asking you that question. Candice here is perfectly capable of handling the situation. And as your older sister she should've been more mature." Her calmly stated while Candice gaped at her grandfather.

"I can't believe you're ta-"

"I side with logic and facts girl." He cut her off before she could reply and sat back with a satisfied sigh. "You also need a reality check."

Candice was not only embarrassed but outraged. She wanted nothing more than to teach her dim-wit of a sister a lesson she'd never forget. Maybe even cut her tongue off in the process.

'Knock, knock'

The family's attention was drawn by one of the household servants who stood at the doorway in a waiter attire. "Chairman, the Advens have arrived. They are currently being escorted in."

Immediately the emotions from the recent scene washed away and were filled in by anxiety and nerves.

"Allila, sit next to Clayton, the space in-between you two is going to raise a few brows." It was a surprise to say the least, but Allila had no choice but to follow.

She stood and sat next to Clayton, she felt quite shaky and shy since in all her 25 years of living she had not once sat next to any of the Camerons aside from her father and aunt. Speaking of which, Daniella was not allowed to sit in for dinner as she had no purpose there. Which should be said for her general living status, having no place to be in this mansion at all. Much like Allila, but that never made them friends more so family.

"Ahem, please welcome the renouned Adven family." Everyone around the long rectangular dining table stood and faced the doorway.

In walked a tall, pale, wrinkled old man, with grey strands threatening his dark brown hair. He wore a white tuxedo with a blood-red tie, diamond watch on his left wrist, neatly polished shoes and kind brown eyes.

Behind him came a shorter woman, her jet black hair tied into a low, loose bun, a few strands hung loose on her creamy, white skin. She wore a floor length gown, that was a royal shade of blue, which complimented the intricate lace detailing on the bodice. It was an off shoulder, sleeveless dress with gentle spaghetti straps behind, the gown showcased her fit figure and complimented her white skin. Her make up was light and delicate, with light eye shadow that couldn't steal spotligh from her cold blue eyes and pink lips that fit her small, face frame.

And last but not least, Zachery. He strode in confidently with his black Tuxedo. Like the spitting image of his mother, he had a delicate beauty among a harsh and cold attitude. His jawline was straight and prominent, his lips plush and plump and his eyes were cold and blue.

Allila looked him up and down, before tilting her head a quizzical manner. Maybe it was his face that made me like him. She thought. But definitely knew that this time, second wasn't gonna cut it.

"Good evening Chairman." Mr.Adven respectfully bowed to which the chairman smiled gratefully.

"You shouldn't do so much for me Mr.Adven. I'm but a mere man compared to your status." The chairman humbly replied.

"But as you are my elder I'm expected to do so." Much to say, the Camerons were very flattered by his approach. First they reach out and now humbly come onto them, how astounding.

Although Allila was not in the least bit surprised, as she had gotten to know Mr.Adven from observation, of what a kind and humble man he is. That he takes pride in his work but is not egotistical about it. Truly he was a good man. But his wife...

"Thank you for sending servants to greet us. We must truly be worthy of meeting your acquaintance." Mrs.Adven said in a bland tone, her poker face was truly trophy worth and they couldn't tell whether she was mad, offended or playing a joke. If anything it wasn't the last.

The chairman seemed slightly baffled before putting on a smile to match her own. "Ah yes Mrs.Adven, we hope they haven't caused you trouble."

"No, you'd know if they did." She replied in a cocky tone. "And I'd love to meet this bride to be. I hope she's as pretty as smart."

"Love, enough." Mr.Adven warned his wife quietly before turning back to the Camerons with a warm smile. "This may not be my house but shall we start feast?"

"Ah yes of course. Miguel bring in the food." The chairman instructed the servant behind them who stood obediently at the door.

Everyone was seated in this order. From the chairman (center front), Mr.&Mrs.Adven (Right front), Caden(third right), Robert (fourth right) then Zachery (Left front), Candice (Second left), Clara (third left), Clayton (fourth left) and Allila (fifth left).

Mr.Adven had not wanted the chairman to strain his voice he decided he and his wife would sit next the chairman, to which the Camerons were overly charmed at that point.

Candice on the other hand couldn't stop trying to make small talk with Zachery.

"So I heard your really talented in playing the piano, I'd love to hear it sometime" "Sure yea."

"Do you like painting? I've been taking a few classes recently. Want to see some of my pieces? They're in my room." "No thank you."

"You like swimming?" "Not really." "Do you like shopping?" "No." "Umm, does that food taste good." "Yes." "So..."

She was getting nowhere with that and Allila vividly remembered her having a small tantrum in the bathroom, and sadly she spotted her. After taking all her frustration out on Allila she left her there in the bathroom, crying and sobbing. To which the incident with Zachery then played out after she ran into the garden.

"Hey can you pass the salt?" Clayton asked in a hushed whisper.

Allila nodded and picked up the salt bottle with shaky hands before placing it next to her brother. The little movement caught Zachery's eyes and he looked down to her.

Zachery watched her slow breathings, and took in notice of her long, straight black hair and awfully long bangs, her dress was simple and black and her skin was pale, white. She didn't look well fed but he crossed out idea seeing as she came from a well off family. Either way, Allila had sparked an interest in him. He flinched slightly at the thought and shrugged off before looking back at his food and praying that God damned woman beside him wouldn't utter another word.

-----

Thank you all for reading.

I noticed quite a lot while writing this, so I apologize if it seemed most of the paragraphs were just repetitive ramblings. Also if you didn't find anything mind-blowingly, amazing to the point where you just think I'm crazy good I'd get it. I don't have high expectations for myself since this is my first book so please bare with it

You could call me an amateur if you like-i technically am.

(⁠ ⁠◜⁠‿⁠◝⁠ ⁠)⁠♡Thanks for reading!

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