Chapter 1: Everything Fell Apart - part 1

CELESTE’S POV

I was happy—truly happy, actually. My sister had just gotten into college. Finally, I wouldn’t be the only one in our family at a university, and to me, that was a huge win. My mom had always had a tough life. She worked as a housekeeper and left Brazil when I was six and my sister was four, following some employers who promised to take care of her as long as she lived with them…

A bullshit promise, really. The moment she had to take a week off because my sister got sick, they didn’t think twice before letting her go. She spent her whole life working from house to house for people way richer than us. For years, she heard her employers say her daughters would end up just like her—cleaning houses.

So when I got into one of the best universities in California—UC Davis, to study veterinary medicine—it felt like I was proving them all wrong.

It was tough at first. Even with a full scholarship, there were still plenty of expenses. I worked part-time and barely had time to study, but I gave it my all. I pulled all-nighters and worked myself to the bone. That’s what mattered.

And then I met the love of my life…

Patricio was one of the few guys at school who didn’t look at me like I was some poor girl who didn’t belong. I met him in anatomy class, and after that, he asked me out like some kind of prince charming.

It always bothered me a little that he was so rich, but ever since we got together, I hadn’t had to worry about anything. He paid for everything so I could just focus on studying without the constant fear of not making it in this city.

Even though our financial gap was more like a canyon, Patricio never treated me differently because of it—at least not that I noticed.

I walked across campus toward the dorms. Lya had already arrived at the university—I knew because I asked my mom to let me know when she got there so I could surprise her.

“I hope she likes this…” I murmured to myself, holding the little box of expensive chocolates I’d bought with the extra cash I saved up. Even with Patricio paying for most things, I still did part-time gigs on the side. I hated depending on people. I liked knowing I could always rely on myself.

Furthermore, I entered the massive dorm building practically skipping from excitement. Even if we weren’t in the same program, it would be amazing to have Lya close. Occasionally, I felt so alone around these people.

My sneakers barely made a sound as I walked, and the hallways were mostly empty. But when I reached my floor—the same one Lya was staying on—I saw a few people hanging around.

I waved at some girls I vaguely recognized. A few didn’t even glance at me, whispering to each other as they slipped into their rooms. I didn’t care about that kind of thing anymore. It wasn’t the first time some spoiled girl looked at me like I didn’t belong here.

I didn’t have time to dwell on it, though. The moment I got close to Lya’s door, I heard something that made me raise my eyebrows.

The moans were faint through the thick door, but anyone paying attention would’ve heard Lya’s voice mixed with a man’s.

I couldn’t tell whose voice it was at first. Lya's voice sounded muffled, but she was definitely enjoying herself… already with someone? She had just arrived! But hey, I couldn’t judge.

She always said she wanted a guy like Patricio. Maybe she’d finally found her prince.

At least she was trying.

I turned to walk away, figuring I’d give her the chocolates later—I didn’t want to interrupt.

But then I heard the man’s voice again, and this time, it made me freeze.

That deep tone—I knew it too well.

“Fuck… you’re so hot…” he groaned. “Took you long enough to get here… I couldn’t wait anymore, Lya…”

I rushed back to the door, pressing my ear against it, desperate to hear more, to not recognize that voice. To be wrong.

“Faster...” my sister moaned. “I told you it’d be worth it. I’m way better, aren’t I?”

Without thinking twice, I turned the handle. Everyone knew those locks were garbage—it didn’t take much to open them.

And when the door flew open, the world tilted. I had to hold on to the door frame just to stay upright.

Right in front of me, Lya was on top of Patricio, riding him like some goddamn slut—on my boyfriend.

For a second, I couldn’t move. Patricio’s eyes were still closed. Lya looked over her shoulder a few seconds later.

I thought she’d stop. I thought she’d at least have the decency to be ashamed. But no—she laughed.

She laughed, sped up her pace, planted her hands on my boyfriend’s bare chest, and smirked at me as she kept going.

“You bitch!” I screamed, hurling the chocolate box at her. That finally made Patricio open his eyes. He shoved Lya off and scrambled for the sheets.

“You fucking whore! How could you?”

Lya just shrugged. Her long brown hair—just like mine but less wavy—partially covered her naked body. But she didn’t bother hiding. She stared at me with a victorious look I never thought I’d see on her face.

“What’s the problem? Only you get to bag the rich guys? Didn’t know that was a rule,” she said with a smug little smile.

“Babe, wait, I can explain…” Patricio started, already pulling on his jeans.