Monica's POV  I had always wondered what it felt like to be loved without having to earn it perhaps it was the way my father smiled whenever James walked into a room, or how my mother never seemed to get tired of praising Myra. Maybe it was the way Liam could make the smallest mistake and still receive a reassuring pat on the shoulder. Whatever it was, I had never experienced it growing up in the Hayes family meant having everything money could buy but never having the one thing I desperately wanted love I stood outside the dining room, adjusting the sleeves of my cream-coloured blouse. The sound of laughter reached my ears, and for a moment, I considered turning around and returning to my bedroom but I was hungry, and I couldn't keep avoiding meals just because my family made me feel like an unwanted guest. Taking a deep breath, I stepped inside "Good morning," I greeted   Nobody answered my father sat at the head of the long marble dining table, scrolling through something on his tablet. My mother was beside him, speaking to James about an upcoming business event. Liam was busy with his phone, while Myra laughed at something James had said. They looked happy a perfect family I wondered what it would feel like to be part of that picture "Good morning" I repeated, a little louder My mother briefly glanced at me "You're late" I looked at the wall clock. It was barely eight in the morning "I'm sorry I didn't realise breakfast had started" "Your father has an important meeting today. The least you could do is respect everyone's time." I pressed my lips together "I'm sorry, mom" I pulled out a chair and sat down. A housekeeper approached with my breakfast, and I offered her a small smile. "Thank you, Maria." "You're welcome, miss." At least Maria acknowledged my existence I picked up my fork and began eating quietly. "So Dad, are we still going to the golf club this weekend?" Liam asked. My father finally looked up. "Of course I've already spoken to the manager. You can invite your friends." Liam grinned. "Thanks dad!" "Just make sure you don't embarrass the family" "I won't" I continued eating, waiting for an opportunity to join the conversation I had something important to share with them. Something I had been excited about since yesterday. "Dad?" He didn't look at me. "What?" "I wanted to tell you something" "Can't it wait?" I hesitated before answering. "It's about the internship I applied for they reviewed my application, and I" "An internship?" James interrupted with a laugh. I turned towards him "Yes" He leaned back in his chair, looking amused. "Why would you need an internship when you're already living comfortably? Most people would be grateful to have the life you have." I tightened my grip on my fork "I want to gain experience and build a career of my own." "Something of your own?" He chuckled "You make it sound as though you're struggling." "James, leave her alone," Myra said, although she sounded more amused than concerned. I looked at her, hoping she would say something else she didn't. My father placed his tablet on the table "If you have time to worry about internships, perhaps you should find something more useful to do around here" I stared at him "I thought you would be happy that I was trying to build a career" "Don't tell me what I should be happy about" His response was immediate I lowered my eyes "Okay dad" That was the end of it It was always the same. Whenever I tried to share something about myself, someone found a way to make me regret opening my mouth. I finished my breakfast without saying another word after breakfast, I returned to my bedroom and closed the door behind me. My room was beautiful, with expensive furniture, a large television, a walk-in closet and a balcony overlooking the mansion's garden anyone who saw it would probably think I was living a dream But money had never been the problem I walked towards my dressing table and picked up my phone. There was already a message from Kianna Brooks, my closest friend. Kianna: Good morning, beautiful. Are you alive? I smiled for the first time that morning. Me: Barely just survived another family breakfast. My phone rang almost immediately I answered "Hello?" "Girl, when are you going to stop allowing those people to ruin your mornings?" Kianna asked I laughed softly. "Good morning to you too" "I'm serious, Monica. What happened this time?" "Nothing new. James being James, dad being dad, and mom pretending I don't exist." "Unbelievable" I sat on the edge of my bed "Don't start, Kianna" "Why shouldn't I? You keep making excuses for people who don't even try to treat you properly." I remained silent "Monica?" "I'm listening" "You need to stop seeking approval from people who have made it clear they don't appreciate you" I looked down at my fingers "I know" "No, you don't because if you did, you would have packed your bags and left that mansion a long time ago." I sighed "Where would I go?" "You have a friend remember me?" I smiled "Kianna, I can't just leave." "Why not?" I didn't have an answer the truth was that I still hoped things would change. I wanted my parents to look at me and see their daughter instead of someone they regretted having I wanted my father to be proud of me. I wanted my mother to hug me without making it feel like an obligation most importantly, I wanted to belong. "I don't know," I whispered. Kianna sighed "Listen to me you don't have to keep proving that you're worthy of being loved you're already enough." My eyes began to sting "Thank you." "Now stop sounding like you're about to cry come over this weekend. We need to go shopping." "I'll see what I can do" "That's not an answer" I laughed "Fine I'll come" "Good love you" "Love you too" When the call ended, I placed my phone beside me Kianna was right about many things, but leaving my family wasn't as easy as she made it sound no matter how badly they treated me, a small part of me still wanted them to love me. Later that afternoon, I went downstairs and found my mother and Myra in the living room they were discussing dresses for an upcoming charity event "Mom, do you need help with anything?" I asked She glanced at me "No Myra and I have everything under control." I nodded "Okay I was just wondering if I could attend the charity event with you." My mother looked surprised "Why?" I frowned slightly "Because it's a family event?" She sighed and returned her attention to the dresses "Monica, I don't think that's a good idea." "Why?" "Your father has enough things to worry about. We don't need unnecessary attention." I stared at her I knew exactly what she meant the scandal. Several months earlier, confidential documents connected to Hayes Group had been leaked. The incident had damaged the company's reputation and affected some of my father's business relationships nobody knew exactly who had leaked the information, but somehow, I had become the person my family suspected. I had repeatedly denied having anything to do with it nobody believed me. "But I haven't done anything wrong," I said quietly. My mother picked up another dress "Then you should have nothing to worry about. Just stay out of situations that could make things worse." "You're still blaming me?" She turned towards me "I'm not blaming you, Monica. I'm simply telling you to be sensible." Before I could respond, James entered the living room. "What's happening?" "Nothing," my mother answered. He looked at me and smirked. "Still trying to convince everyone you're innocent?" I folded my arms. "I don't have to convince anyone I know what I did and didn't do" "Well, that's convenient." "James stop," Myra interrupted. He raised his hands. "What? I'm only asking questions." Myra turned towards our mother. "Can we please stop arguing? Mom, I think this dress would look better with the silver necklace." My mother's expression immediately softened. "You're right, sweetheart." I watched them for a moment before turning away It was always like that. Myra only needed a few words to receive the attention I had spent years trying to earn. That evening, my father returned home earlier than usual I was sitting in the living room, reading a book when he walked in "Good evening, dad" He barely glanced at me "Where is your mother?" "Upstairs, I think." He nodded and continued towards the staircase "Dad?" He stopped. "Yes?" I stood up. "I wanted to ask if you could look at my internship application. I think it would be good for me to start gaining some experience." He looked at me impatiently. "Monica, I have more important things to deal with." "I understand It won't take long." "Then ask someone else" My shoulders dropped "Okay" He turned away, but his phone rang before he could climb the stairs "Yes, I've seen the reports," he said, answering the call. "I don't want this matter discussed outside the company do you understand?" He paused. "Good I won't allow anyone to damage the Hayes name." I looked away the Hayes name. That was what mattered most to him not whether his daughter was happy. Not whether she was hurting not even whether she was innocent only the family name. When he disappeared upstairs, I returned to my seat I picked up my phone and opened the gallery. An old photograph appeared on the screen It showed me standing between my parents when I was much younger I remembered that day clearly I had won an award at school and begged my parents to take a photograph with me. My father had been too busy to attend the ceremony, but my mother eventually agreed to take the picture It was one of the few photographs I had of all three of us together I ran my thumb over the screen "Maybe one day," I whispered Maybe one day, my father would look at me and see something worth being proud of maybe my mother would stop treating me like an inconvenience maybe my siblings would finally see me as family. I placed my phone on the table and returned to my book a few minutes later, a notification appeared on my screen. I picked up my phone, expecting another message from Kianna. Instead, I saw an email from an unknown sender. Subject: Hayes Group - Confidential Information. My eyebrows furrowed I opened it there was no greeting, no explanation and no signature. Just one sentence you should be careful about what your family is hiding, Monica Hayes I read it twice then I noticed the attachment beneath the message. My heart began beating faster It was a document bearing the official Hayes Group logo and someone had just sent it to me anonymously.

Monica's POV I stared at the email for several minutes, unsure whether I should open the attachment The sender's address was unfamiliar, and the message contained no explanation. Whoever had sent it knew my name and seemed to know something about my family I had spent enough time being treated like a traitor I wasn't going to believe an anonymous message without proof. Still, curiosity got the better of me I tapped the attachment a document opened on my screen. It carried the Hayes Group logo and several pages of figures, dates and transaction references. Most of it meant very little to me. I wasn't involved in the company's daily operations, and my father had never encouraged me to learn about the business I scrolled through the first page, then the second. There were names I didn't recognise and figures large enough to make my stomach tighten. At the bottom of the document was a short sentence some things are not what they appear to be. My fingers went cold before I could examine it further, footsteps sounded in the hallway. I quickly locked my phone and placed it on the table. My mother entered the living room "Monica, what are you doing here?" "Reading" She glanced at the book beside me. "Your father wants everyone downstairs tomorrow evening we have something important to discuss." I sat up. "What is it?" "The anniversary celebration for Hayes Group is coming up. There are arrangements to make, and we need to be prepared." I nodded slowly "Am I expected to attend?" "Of course why wouldn't you?" Her answer surprised me. For once, she wasn't telling me to stay away from a family event I wanted to believe her "Your father wants the family to appear united," she continued. "There will be investors, business partners and members of the press I expect you to dress appropriately and avoid unnecessary conversations." I understood what she meant don't embarrass us "I won't," I replied. She gave a brief nod and walked away I considered showing her the email, but I knew how that conversation would end. She would ask why I was receiving confidential company documents and probably accuse me of creating another problem so I said nothing. The following evening, I went downstairs at the time my mother had requested everyone was already gathered in the living room. My father stood near the fireplace, speaking to James. Liam occupied one of the sofas, while Myra sat beside our mother "You're here" my mother said when she noticed me "Yes, mom." My father cleared his throat. "As you all know, Hayes Group will be celebrating another successful year. This event is important to the company, and I expect every member of this family to understand what is at stake." James nodded. "The investors will be there we need everything to go smoothly." "Exactly," Dad replied. "The press will also be attending I don't want anyone making careless statements." His eyes briefly settled on me I looked away "Monica," he continued "I expect you to behave yourself" I frowned. "I always do" "See that you continue" James let out a quiet laugh "Don't worry, dad. We'll make sure she doesn't get into trouble." I turned towards him "I don't need you to supervise me." "Then don't give us a reason to" "James," my mother warned, but there was no real anger in her voice. Myra reached for a glass of water "I think we should just focus on the celebration It's supposed to be a happy occasion." Everyone agreed I waited for someone to mention what I would be doing nobody did "Is there anything you need me to help with?" I eventually asked. My mother looked at me. "You can attend with us nust make sure you are ready on time." That was all I nodded, hiding my disappointment. Over the next few days, the mansion became busier than usual. Staff members moved between rooms carrying decorations, garment bags and boxes my mother spent hours discussing the event with the organisers, while James received calls from people connected to the company. I tried to keep myself occupied I submitted applications for two more internships and searched for opportunities outside the family business. I wanted something that belonged to me, something I could achieve without needing my father's approval. The scandal had followed me farther than I expected that afternoon, I called Kianna "How is my favourite rich girl doing?" she asked I laughed. "I'm not sure whether I should be offended." "You're supposed to be grateful. How's life in the mansion?" "Busy the anniversary celebration is coming up" "Are you going?" "Apparently, I'm allowed to attend this time." "How generous of them." "Kianna" "What? I'm just saying." I smiled, but it faded quickly "I'm worried people will still be talking about the leaked documents." "They probably will but you didn't do anything, Monica. Don't let their opinions make you forget that." "I know" "Do you?" I didn't answer immediately "Just promise me you won't let anyone humiliate you again." "I'll try" "That's all I ask" After we ended the call, I returned to my laptop. I had another application to complete, and I was determined not to let my family's treatment distract me then my phone vibrated. It was a message from an unknown number I hope you're prepared for the anniversary celebration not everyone there wants you to be seen. I read it twice a second message arrived before I could respond and whatever happens, don't trust the person who smiles at you the most. My heart began to race I immediately called the number, but the call didn't go through I stared at the screen, wondering who would send me such a message. Then I looked towards the doorway my younger sister, Myra, was standing there. She was smiling, but the moment her eyes fell on my phone, her expression changed "Who are you talking to, Monica?" she asked

Monica's POV "Who are you talking to, Monica?" I quickly locked my phone and looked up at Myra "Nobody" She raised an eyebrow. "Nobody?" "It's just a message" Myra walked further into my room, her eyes briefly settling on my phone before returning to my face "You're acting strangely." I frowned "I'm not" "Okay" She shrugged. "Mom asked me to remind you that the dress for the anniversary celebration has arrived she wants you to try it on." "Alright I'll come downstairs shortly" She nodded and turned towards the door "Myra?" She stopped "Have you received any strange messages lately?" Her expression changed slightly "What kind of messages?" "Nothing serious just an unknown number." She gave a small laugh. "You should stop answering strangers not everyone has good intentions." "I didn't answer anyone" "Good" She walked out before I could ask anything else I stared at the doorway for a moment. There was something about her reaction that bothered me perhaps I was becoming too suspicious of everyone, but after everything that had happened, I couldn't help it I picked up my phone and looked at the messages again. Don't trust the person who smiles at you the most I wondered who the sender could be the next morning, I woke up earlier than usual. The anniversary celebration was only two days away, and the entire mansion seemed to be preparing for it. My mother had arranged for a stylist to come over, while my father spent most of his time on business calls I wasn't particularly excited about attending. However, I had already promised myself that I wouldn't allow my family to make me feel invisible after getting dressed, I went downstairs. My mother was seated in the living room with a woman I recognised as the family stylist "There she is" Mom said when she noticed me The woman stood up with a polite smile "Good morning, Miss Hayes" "Good morning" "Your mother asked me to bring a few options for the celebration" She opened a garment bag and brought out a beautiful black evening dress I ran my fingers over the fabric "It's lovely" "I thought you would like it," my mother replied "Try it on." I took the dress upstairs when I returned, the stylist smiled approvingly "It fits you beautifully." I looked at myself in the mirror the dress hugged my petite frame perfectly, and its simple design made it elegant without being too revealing. My long black hair fell over my shoulders, bringing out the green in my eyes for a moment, I felt beautiful "Well, at least you won't embarrass us with your appearance," my mother commented The smile disappeared from my face I turned towards her "Thank you, mom." She barely acknowledged my response "Make sure you keep your hair neat the photographers will be everywhere." "I will" She returned to discussing the remaining arrangements with the stylist I went upstairs and changed out of the dress. Sometimes, I wondered whether my mother realised how much her words hurt me that afternoon, I decided to visit a small café near the shopping district. I needed a break from the mansion, and I wanted to see Kianna before the celebration she was already waiting when I arrived. "Finally!" she exclaimed when she saw me. I laughed and hugged her "Traffic was terrible." "That's your excuse every time." We ordered coffee and spent some time talking about ordinary things. For a little while, I forgot about my family and the strange messages. Then Kianna noticed my expression "What's wrong?" I hesitated "Someone sent me another strange message" She placed her cup down "What message?" I showed her the screenshots her expression became serious as she read them "Monica, who sent this?" "I don't know the number is unknown." "And you haven't replied?" "No" "Good don't. Whoever this is clearly knows something about your family." I nodded "That's what scares me." Kianna returned my phone "Have you told your parents?" I laughed without humour. "You know my parents If I tell them, they'll probably accuse me of trying to create another problem." "Then don't tell them but be careful." "I will" She reached across the table and held my hand "And remember, you don't have to face everything alone." I smiled "Thank you, Kianna." We continued talking, but the messages remained at the back of my mind by the time I returned home, the mansion was unusually busy. Several employees were carrying boxes into the main hall, and my father was standing near the staircase with James "Where have you been?" he asked as soon as he saw me. I stopped "I went out." "Without informing anyone?" I frowned "I didn't know I needed permission to leave the house." His expression hardened "Watch your tone, Monica." I lowered my eyes "I'm sorry." James chuckled "She's becoming quite bold lately." I ignored him my father adjusted his cufflinks. "The anniversary celebration is important. I don't want any unnecessary incidents. Do you understand?" "Yes, dad." "Good I expect you to remember that." He walked away, leaving James behind my brother stepped closer "You should be careful tomorrow" I looked at him "What do you mean?" He gave me a mocking smile "People have long memories, Monica don't expect everyone to welcome you with open arms." I stared at him "I haven't done anything wrong." "Keep telling yourself that" He walked away I stood there for a moment before heading upstairs I was beginning to understand that attending the celebration wouldn't be as simple as I had hoped. The following evening, I was in my bedroom getting ready when my mother knocked "Are you ready?" "Almost" She entered and looked at me from head to toe I had put on the black dress, simple earrings and a pair of silver heels. My hair was styled in soft waves, and I had kept my makeup light. My mother nodded "That's acceptable" I forced a smile "Thank you" "Your father is already downstairs. We need to leave in twenty minutes." "Okay" She turned towards the door but stopped "Monica?" "Yes?" "Whatever happens tonight, don't argue with your father in front of people. We have worked too hard to build this family's reputation." I stared at her "Why would I argue with him" She sighed "Just remember what I said." Then she left I looked at myself in the mirror. I had done nothing wrong, yet everyone seemed determined to remind me that I was a potential embarrassment. Taking a deep breath, I picked up my purse and headed downstairs the celebration was being held at a luxurious hotel in downtown Los Angeles. The ballroom was decorated with crystal chandeliers, expensive floral arrangements and enormous screens displaying the Hayes Group logo. Business executives, investors and influential guests filled the room the moment we entered, cameras began flashing. My father immediately put on his charming public smile. "Mr Hayes congratulations!" "Thank you It's good to see you." My mother stood beside him, looking every bit the elegant businessman's wife. James and Liam were greeting several guests, while Myra stayed close to our mother I followed quietly. For once, I wanted to enjoy an evening without feeling like an outsider but that hope disappeared when I overheard two women whispering near the entrance. "Isn't that the daughter involved in the leaked documents?" "I heard she was responsible for the whole thing." "I wonder why the family still allows her to attend their events." My steps slowed I pretended not to hear them and continued walking. A waiter passed with a tray of drinks. I picked up a glass of water "Monica?" I turned at the familiar voice Henry Williams stood a few feet away. He looked different from the last time I had seen him taller somehow, dressed in a perfectly fitted black suit, with an expression that was difficult to read "Henry?" He smiled faintly "It's been a while." I nodded "It has" He glanced towards my family before looking back at me "How have you been?" I almost laughed that was a difficult question "I'm fine" He studied my face as though he knew I wasn't telling the truth. "Are you sure?" Before I could answer, my father appeared beside us. "Henry! I didn't know you had arrived." Henry turned towards him "Good evening, Mr Hayes." They exchanged greetings, and my father immediately began discussing business I quietly stepped away. For the first time that evening, I was grateful for the distraction but as I moved towards the refreshments table, I noticed something strange Myra was standing near the corridor, speaking to a man I didn't recognise. She looked nervous when she noticed me watching, she quickly ended the conversation. The man walked away Myra approached me with a smile "Monica, there you are mom has been looking for you." I looked towards the corridor "Who were you talking to?" Her smile faltered "Nobody important." Before I could ask another question, the sound of microphones being adjusted came from the stage. My father was preparing to address the guests everyone began gathering around the main stage I moved closer, hoping the speech would be over quickly. My father stepped forward and welcomed the guests, speaking proudly about the company's achievements and the family's dedication then a journalist raised her hand. "Mr Hayes, before you continue, could you address the allegations surrounding the confidential documents leaked several months ago?" The room became noticeably quieter my father's smile disappeared for a brief moment another journalist stood up "Has Hayes Group identified the person responsible for the leak?" I felt my stomach tighten my father adjusted his microphone. "We are currently handling the matter internally, and I assure everyone that the company remains committed to protecting its interests." I tried to move further away from the stage then another journalist spoke. "Mr Hayes, we've received information suggesting that the person responsible may be someone within your own family." A murmur spread through the ballroom I felt several pairs of eyes turning towards me my fingers tightened around my glass. Then my father's gaze found mine and the expression on his face made my heart sink. Something was wrong before I could understand what was happening, his assistant rushed towards him and whispered something into his ear. My father went completely still he looked at me again. Then he reached for the microphone "Before this celebration continues, there is something everyone needs to know about my daughter, Monica Hayes."