Chapter 1: His Shadow, Their Rules

Because our parents are old friends, wherever Carter Hayes goes, he gets stuck bringing me along.

Honestly, it’s like some unspoken rule—if Carter’s heading out, I’m getting a text from his mom or mine, and the next thing I know, I’m riding shotgun. Sometimes I swear he’s just as over it as I am, but he never actually says so, at least not out loud. It just hangs over us, like we both know there’s no getting out of it. The whole thing feels like family ties you just can’t break, no matter how hard you try.

Word is, around here, Carter’s known for being wild and well-connected.

He’s the kind of guy who can get into any club, knows every bouncer by name, and always has an answer for everything. Seriously, even the adults in our parents’ friend group talk about him—some proud, some worried. It’s like he’s Maple Heights’ own urban legend, the kid who does whatever he wants and somehow gets away with it.

Everyone watches us like it’s a reality show. I swear, they’re probably placing bets on how long it’ll take before Carter gets tired of having me around.

Sometimes I catch people whispering behind their Solo cups, like they’re waiting for some big, dramatic fallout. It’s almost entertaining—if it didn’t make me so nervous. The whole thing feels like high school gossip on steroids.

But when he notices me trying to keep my distance, Carter’s dark eyes narrow, and the hand on my waist slowly slides lower.

It’s subtle, but there’s this tension—like he’s daring anyone to say something. I hold my breath, not sure what comes next. I freeze, feeling the heat of his palm, not sure if I should step away or just let it be. The music’s loud, but I can still hear my heart pounding in my ears.

“If you’re so freaked out by me, why do you keep tagging along?”

His voice is low, teasing, but there’s a challenge there too. He always knows how to put me on the spot, making it impossible to hide what I’m feeling.

At the Maple Heights Lakeside Estates, the music is pounding, and all the usual rich kids are here.

It’s the kind of party where someone’s dad owns the lake and the dock, and there’s always a rumor about who’s hooking up in the boathouse. Fairy lights are strung up between the trees, and the smell of barbecue drifts over from the patio. This is peak suburban rich-kid energy—everyone’s dressed for the yacht club, even if they’ve never set foot on a boat.

Carter lounges lazily on the couch, playing games on his phone, looking bored and half-asleep.

He’s stretched out like he owns the place, one arm slung over the backrest. Every so often, he glances up with that half-lidded look, and you’d think nothing in the world could faze him. His phone buzzes, but he barely reacts, thumb flicking across the screen.

At the party, a couple of new girls keep glancing his way, but none of them dare to go over and start a conversation.

You can see them whispering, fixing their hair, checking their lipstick in their phones, but when Carter looks up, they suddenly remember something else to do. Everybody knows—you don’t go up to Carter unless he comes to you first.

Carter is seriously good-looking—broad shoulders, slim waist, the whole deal.

He’s the kind of guy who could model for Abercrombie, all sharp jawline and lazy confidence. When he walks in, people notice. Even the moms at book club have commented, half-joking, half-serious.

Whether it’s his family’s name or his looks, he’s basically out of everyone’s league.

Everyone knows the Hayes family. Their house is the one with the infinity pool and the Tesla charger in the driveway. Carter’s got that old-money ease, like he’s never had to try for anything.

But no one dares risk ticking him off—Carter’s famous for being wild and unpredictable in this crowd.

He’s the guy who once drove his dad’s Porsche into the golf course pond on a dare. People laugh about it now, but no one’s forgotten. If Carter’s in a mood, everyone treads lightly.

He’s not scared of trouble—he just acts like everything’s too much effort.

Honestly, he acts like nothing’s worth the energy, unless it’s something he really wants. Most of the time, he just shrugs off drama, but if you cross a line, he’ll remind you why he’s the one people don’t mess with.

And with the Hayes family’s standing in Maple Heights, even the most rebellious heirs here fall in line when he talks.

It’s almost funny—these kids grew up breaking rules, but one word from Carter and suddenly everyone’s on their best behavior. He’s got that kind of authority, the kind that doesn’t need to be announced.

I sit quietly, head down, on the couch next to Carter.

My hands are folded in my lap, and I keep my eyes glued to the floor, wishing I could just melt into the cushions. Every so often, I sneak a glance at Carter, but he doesn’t seem to notice—or maybe he just doesn’t care.

I do my best to make myself invisible. I try to ignore the stares burning into me.

It’s like I’m the new exhibit at the zoo. I can feel the weight of everyone’s curiosity, their whispered questions hanging in the air. I wish I could just disappear, blend into the background.

“Who’s the girl next to Carter? Never seen her before.”

Someone’s voice cuts through the noise, just loud enough for me to hear. My stomach drops, and I try to shrink even further into the couch.

“Looks like she’s some kind of sister to Carter. Madison, you just got back, so you don’t know—Carter drags her everywhere these days.”

The way they say it, it’s almost like I’m a stray puppy Carter picked up. I can feel the judgment in their tone, like I don’t quite belong here.

Madison Langley glances at me coolly. “Sister? Really? You think Carter would have a sister I don’t know about?”

Her voice is sharp. There’s an edge to her smile that makes me nervous. Madison’s reputation precedes her—queen bee, untouchable, always in control.

Madison is the only daughter of the Langley family, and everyone knows she’s gorgeous.

She’s the kind of girl who could walk into any room and instantly become the center of attention. Her style is effortless, her confidence unshakeable. I’ve seen her pictures on social media—always surrounded by friends, always perfectly put together.

A guy next to her jumps in, eager to please: “Maddie, you wanna know about Lily Brooks? Her family just moved back to Maple Heights.”

He leans in, like he’s sharing some big secret, hoping to score points with Madison. The way he says my name makes me feel even more exposed.

Madison’s little sidekick looks unimpressed. “Brooks family? Never heard of them. What do they even do? Must be some small-time folks, that’s why she’s clinging to Carter.”

She tosses her hair and rolls her eyes, like my family’s just a footnote in her story.

The guy shakes his head. “Lily’s family isn’t in business—I heard they’re all in politics. My dad told me more than once to get along with Lily Brooks, so their family must have some serious pull.”

He lowers his voice, glancing around to make sure no one else is listening. Suddenly, I feel like I’m under a microscope, my whole life dissected for public consumption.

“Why do you call her Lily, anyway?”

The question hangs in the air, and for a second, everyone waits for his answer.

He scratches his head, sheepish. “Because Carter and the guys all do.”

It’s a small detail, but it matters here—what Carter says, everyone else follows.

“Impressive. Not only is she glued to Carter, she’s cozying up to everyone around him? Besides looking a little too sweet, what’s she got on our Maddie?”

There’s a sharpness in her tone, and I can feel the tension building. It’s like I’ve been cast as the villain in a story I never asked to be part of.

Madison runs a finger around her wine glass, saying nothing.

She’s cool, composed, but there’s a storm brewing behind her eyes. Her silence is louder than anything she could say.

The sidekick leans in, whispering, “Maddie, you’re the only one who can keep up with Carter and the others. Now, you’re gone for a bit and this Lily shows up—is she trying to take your place or something?”

Her words are meant to sting, and I can feel Madison’s gaze burning into me. The air between us is electric, charged with something I don’t quite understand.

Hearing this, Madison’s gaze zeroes in on me.

It’s like being caught in a spotlight—there’s no escape. I try to keep my expression neutral, but my heart is racing.

As if sensing something, I look up and accidentally meet her eyes.

For a split second, the room goes silent. Her stare is icy, assessing, like she’s trying to decide if I’m worth the trouble.

Her gaze is icy and a little arrogant. Across the crowd, she sizes me up, head to toe.

I feel exposed, like she can see right through me. My cheeks flush, and I quickly look away, hoping she’ll lose interest.

My body freezes for a second.

I can’t move, can barely breathe. The tension is almost unbearable.

Maybe noticing my discomfort, Carter puts down his phone, suddenly reaches out, and pulls me a little closer.

His touch is warm, grounding. For a second, the room fades away. For a moment, I feel safe, shielded from the judgment of the room. He doesn’t say anything, but his presence is enough.

He doesn’t look at me. Instead, he hands me a glass of orange juice. “If you’re uncomfortable, just tell me.”

His voice is gentle, softer than usual. It’s the first time tonight I feel like someone’s on my side.

I take it, dazed. “Th-thank you.”

My hands are shaking, but I manage a small smile. Carter’s eyes flicker with something I can’t quite name—maybe concern, maybe amusement.

Madison narrows her eyes at me, then suddenly lets out a soft laugh and stands up.

The sound is light, almost musical, but there’s an edge to it. She’s playing to the crowd, making sure everyone’s watching.

“Sister? Carter doesn’t see her as a sister.”

Her words hang in the air, dripping with implication. The room goes quiet, everyone waiting to see what she’ll do next.

Madison sits down right across from me.

She moves with the kind of grace that comes from years of being watched. Her posture is perfect, her gaze unflinching. I feel like I’m being interviewed for a job I never applied for.

She’s wearing a white dress, a blazer draped over her shoulders, her hair in soft waves.

The outfit is effortlessly chic, like she just stepped out of a magazine spread. I can’t help but admire her style, even as I feel completely out of place.

My first impression? She looks dangerous.

It’s almost intimidating, how flawless she looks. For a second, I forget how nervous I am, just taking in the details—her delicate necklace, the way her lipstick matches her nails.

Carter sees her sit down and greets her with a bland, almost bored expression.

He barely looks up, but there’s a flicker of recognition in his eyes. It’s clear they have history, though what kind, I can’t tell.

“When’d you get back?”

His tone is casual, but there’s an undercurrent of something more—maybe annoyance, maybe curiosity.

Madison smiles, lips curled. “Just got in yesterday.”

She says it like she’s been gone for years, not weeks. There’s a hint of pride in her voice, like she’s expecting everyone to be grateful she’s returned.

She props her chin on her hand and looks at me. “Hi, I’m Madison.”

Her greeting is polite, but there’s a challenge in her eyes. She’s sizing me up, waiting to see how I’ll respond.

I answer quietly, “Hello, I’m Lily.”

My voice barely carries over the music, but I manage to meet her gaze for a split second before looking away. I can feel everyone watching, waiting for some kind of drama.

Just then, Caleb and the others, who were grilling outside, come in.

The smell of charcoal and burgers fills the room, and the energy shifts. Caleb’s laughter is loud, infectious, breaking the tension for a moment.

The atmosphere quickly heats up.

People start moving around, grabbing drinks, and the volume of conversation rises. It’s like someone flipped a switch, and the party comes alive again.

Madison sits in the center, organizing everyone to play drinking games.

She takes charge effortlessly, explaining the rules with a smile. Everyone listens, eager to please her. It’s clear she’s the ringleader here.

Caleb keeps losing and has to chug drink after drink.

He puts on a brave face, but his cheeks are already flushed. Each time he loses, the crowd cheers, egging him on.

“Damn, Madison, are you out to get me? Why do you keep targeting me!”