Chapter 1

Chapter 1.

2 Years Ago- High School Senior Year

“Daphne!” I turned around to see Winter, one of my friends, waving for me to go over to her.

“Callum’s looking for you. He says he has something to talk to you about.”

“Where is he?” I asked.

“He’s at the school entrance. Don’t keep him waiting too long, he seems pissed off,” Winter responded.

I quickly thanked her as I ran towards the school entrance. What could have possibly made Callum so mad?

I spotted Callum and greeted him with a smile on my face.

“Hi babe, what’s up?” I asked, looking up at him.

“Don’t ‘babe’ me. You still have the audacity to say that after what you did?” he glared at me furiously.

“Did what?” I asked, still confused about the whole situation.

“You know what you did. I honestly can’t believe you,” he said shaking his head. “We’re done.”

“What? What do you mean we’re done?”I asked frantically, searching for an answer on his face but all I got was a cold blank stare.

“What I mean is we’re breaking up. Hope you’re happy now,” he said turning around and walking away.

I stared at his back in confusion. What just happened? Why was I getting dumped for no reason?

I turned around to the group of girls who were just watching us.

“Tell me, do you know why he did that?” I demanded.

One of the girls stepped forward and stared at me.

“Rumors say, you slept with Gray. How can you do that? Especially with one of his closest friends?” she said with a snarl.

What on Earth was going on? Was this a prank? I did not remember ever sleeping with Gray. Who could be spreading these horrible rumors behind my back?

I left the school grounds and drove home. This was the first and only time I cried so hard.

After a while, I stopped. This wasn’t my fault. Why was I crying? It’s his loss for losing me over such a dumb rumor.

The next day, I got a call from my father.

“Hey, dad,” I mumbled.

“Hey Daph, happy birthday!” he said enthusiastically.

Today was my birthday? I guess I forgot about it after everything that happened yesterday.

“We’re throwing you a party at the mansion, make sure to come quickly,” he added.

“Okay okay, I’ll go get ready,” I sighed.

“See you soon,” he said, hanging up.

What’s the rush? It’s probably the same party as the previous ones. Same old people, same old party.

After I finished getting ready, I got into my car and drove over to the family mansion.

“Daphne! Over here!” someone shouted.

I turned to my right and saw Lilliana, my best friend. A smile immediately appeared on my face.

I ran over and greeted her with a warm hug.

“Shouldn’t you be giving your old dad a hug first?”

“Dad!” I said laughing and went over to hug him.

After a while of greeting everybody and receiving my birthday gifts and wishes, it was time to gather in the main hall.

My father got up on the stage and started speaking.

“Everyone, as you already know, today is my daughter’s 18th birthday!” Everybody applauded.

“Today is also her coming-of-age ceremony where she trains to take over the family business.” More applause.

“Starting tomorrow she will be sent to preparation camp to prepare for upcoming missions.” Even more applause.

Wait a second. Preparation camp? As in the high intensity training camp Lilliana had been complaining about? She was also sent to the camp the day after her birthday.

“Nobody should contact or bother Daphne until the completion of her training. Unless it’s another coming-of-age ceremony or an important event that she must attend, she will not be leaving the camp,” he said seriously. “Thank you, now let’s have the birthday girl come up on stage for her birthday speech.” Everybody applauded.

I went up on stage and gave everyone a cheerful smile.

“Thank you to everyone here tonight. Because this is my coming-of-age ceremony, I pledge to fulfill my father’s destiny and make him proud. Thank you,”I said. More cheers and applause.

After the speech was over and everybody went back to chatting with one another, I found Lilliana.

“I’m so excited for you! There are a lot of hot guys at the camp by the way. Speaking of hot guys, where’s that boyfriend of yours?” she asked looking around.

“We broke up yesterday,” I responded sullenly.

“What?! Why?” Lilliana exclaimed.

“Shhhh. Lower your voice,” I said shushing her. “I honestly have no idea either. I don’t really care. Trash like him doesn't deserve me. Anyways what were you saying about the hot guys?”

“Oh yes. The guys there are just so dreamy but the instructor doesn’t really allow much interaction. I ignore him though,” she said shrugging.

I laughed. “Obviously you would ignore him.”

She smiled and gave me a quick squeeze on my shoulders.

“Are you ready for tomorrow?”

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