At the top of the stairs there are four secrets hidden. Blond, beautiful, innocent, and struggling to stay alive… They were a perfect family, golden and carefree—until a heartbreaking tragedy shattered their happiness. Now, for the sake of an inheritance that will ensure their future, the children must be hidden away out of sight, as if they never existed. Kept on the top floor of their grandmother’s vast mansion, their loving mother assures them it will be just for a little while. But as brutal days swell into agonizing months and years, Cathy, Chris, and twins Cory and Carrie realize their survival is at the mercy of their cruel and superstitious grandmother…and this cramped and helpless world may be the only one they ever know. Flowers in the Attic is V.C. Andrews's first and most famous novel. It became a runaway bestseller upon its publication in 1979 and was the first book in the Dollanganger Family series, followed by Petals on the Wind, If There Be Thorns, Seeds of Yesterday, and Garden of Shadows. Nearly 35 years after publication, Lifetime TV aired a movie version of it in January 2014, which became one of the station's highest-rate programs, boasting more than 6 million viewers. Petals on the Wind, based on the book of the same name, will air on Lifetime TV on May 26, 2014. This excerpt of the opening chapters of the book will show you what millions of readers have already discovered--that the world of V.C. Andrews is an entrancing, fascinating place. Enjoy!

Alex Valentine. 22. Model. She had a life of glitz and glam, unlimited riches, gourmet food and hot toy boys whenever and wherever. She was loved, hated, envied and admired. She lived the ideal life. Rose English. 21. Photographer. She came from an honest, working class family which was crumbling around her. And fast. Loved by all who knew her, pitied by those that didn't, Rose lived a pretty tough life, not that she'd ever admit it. When Rose was hired as a photographer for "Valentine," a hot-shot fashion magazine owned by one of the most successful men in New York, she was surprised to find out that she would be snapping pics of his daughter Alex, one of the most well known models worldwide. This is the story of how two people born into such contrasting worlds grew closer under unlikely circumstances, and how this blooming relationship changed both their lives forever. But with dark secrets, shady characters and naive families, how will the story end? Will Cinderella get her happily ever after? Fingers crossed.