falling for the Badboy

chapter Thirty

~Micheala's POV~

One thing about me is that I don't stress myself too much, if a win is a win, I'll take the win. I have thousands and thousands of followers on all my social media platforms. I work hard every day thanks to Mum and yes, I enjoy every bit of it. I'm not her biological daughter but she puts in the effort to help me grow my following and I take it. A win is a win.

Even if I know the only reason she's doing so much for me is because Victoria keeps on refusing to do her part, a win is a win. I still get to be the most popular girl in school.

Here's where I'm having a problem with a win just being a win. She agreed to join in on getting our family to higher grounds of fame, snapped one picture and posted it on her Instagram and gained a thousand followers in less than 24 hours.

I wake up every morning, doing all the "get ready with me stuff" on weekends it's the "come spend a day with me" on Fridays it's "come watch B-ball with me". I take pictures of almost everything I do, and my picture- as in pictures of me-are always professionally taken.

What she wore in that picture was wack, I mean Victoria has the worst taste in fashion. It's like she never even spares a minute to think about it. Unlike all of us, she wears pants to school. She's always the exception to any rules out there. Whether it's the school boy trousers or the jorts and big graphic tees and sneakers, she still looks amazing to the point where others want to copy her.

She also posted a few selfies of herself with her two friends. Though, if I were her, I'd stay away from Raven-but that's a story for another day. Those selfies and one full-body picture are what got her a freaking thousand followers in less than a day, while my hard work only gets me fewer than ten in a week.

But, as they say, a win is a win. Today, I'll be introduced as her sister and Mum as our mum. That's because Mum wants my followers and hers to follow Victoria, but I know it'll go both ways. I'll get more famous for being her sister, and a win will still be a win.

I sound like I really hate Victoria, but that's not it. I just envy her so much. It feels like she has it easy in life while everyone else has to put in the work. It was easier knowing that nobody knew she's my stepsister and that THEE Catherine Smith is her mother. Now, they'll all find out, and the little shine I had will be taken away just like that.

I take one last look at myself in the floor-to-ceiling mirror, amazed at how flawlessly everything has come together-the makeup, the hair, the dress. For once, I feel like the main character in my own story. Satisfied, I grab my clutch and leave my room, heading to the other wing of the Smith mansion. This part of the house is reserved for events like tonight-extravagant parties and endless networking sessions.

The soft hum of music greets me first, mingling with the low buzz of adult chatter. They're probably talking about mergers or some other business stuff. It's always business with them. My heels click against the marble floor as I strut toward the grand staircase, scanning the ballroom for a familiar face. Bev, maybe. Or Christian-definitely Christian.

From the top of the stairs, I spot him instantly. He's standing near the far side of the room, deep in conversation with Alex and his cousin Tyler, who's paying more attention to his phone than the conversation. Christian's suit is tailored to perfection, clinging to his frame in a way that screams money. Expensive as hell, and he wears it like it's casual.

My gaze flickers away for a moment. On the opposite side of the room, Raven, Alexis, and Alexa are grouped together, all looking stunning in their coordinated designer outfits. I can admit they look good-but I know I look better. Across the room, I see Dad, his green eyes gleaming like emeralds as he chats with the producers from his latest movie. Beverly is with her parents, locked in conversation with some older man. No doubt another business deal brewing.

But no sign of Mom, Jake, or Victoria. Mom's probably chasing after Jake, warning him to behave, or coaxing Victoria to leave the safety of her room. Victoria and her so-called anxiety are always Mom's top priority during events like this.

I take a deep breath and head down the stairs. The faint murmur of conversations slows as a few heads turn in my direction. My dress is gorgeous, after all-it's no surprise they're looking. As I descend, Christian glances up. Butterflies erupt in my stomach like a tidal wave.

He says something to Alex and Tyler, then starts walking toward me.

He's smiling.

Christian Taylor is smiling at me.

"Hi," he says when he reaches me. "You look awesome. I told you you'd kill it tonight, just like you always do."

My heart stumbles. Christian Taylor doesn't just smile at people-and yet, here he is, smiling at me.

"Not bad yourself," I manage to say, forcing confidence into my voice. "You should drop basketball and become a model."

He chuckles, and I feel like my stomach might burst from the chaos of butterflies.

Then he asks, "Where's Victoria?"

The butterflies still. Before I can answer, his gaze shifts past me, his eyes lighting up in a way I don't need explained. I don't even have to turn around to know who he's looking at.

Victoria.

The realization hits like a slap. The smile, the compliment-it wasn't for me. It was just a stepping stone to get to her.

"Excuse me," he says, brushing past me like I was never even there.

I watch as he crosses the room, his steps quick, his smile growing wider the closer he gets to her. Everyone's looking at her now, of course. Victoria, the perfect one.

My throat tightens, but I force myself to swallow the lump. There's nothing to cry about. Not really. This is just how it is. How it's always been.

I glance at Bev, standing with her parents, her eyes flashing with anger as she watches the same scene unfold. For once, I know I'm not the only one who'll be crying into their pillow tonight.

A/N sorry I took so long guy. Please vote and comment. I just wasn't feeling well these past weeks but now I'm back.........stay tuned.

I proofread this so I hope my grammar is showing some improvement. And I'll try by all means to do this in the other chapters that are to come.

Share the book with your friends if you like it and PLEASE vote and comment to show that I'm not just writing this for myself, it's really demotivating when you don't.

See you in the next chapter. Love y'all.