I waited impatiently until KC and Malik engaged in conversation before I made my way to Riley.

When I came here, I didn't intend to get involved in any assault or anything of the sort. But judging by the way things look, it's clear that the spoiled boy whose family owns nearly half the buildings in this state-oh, and did I forget to mention his father is running for governor?-is trying to provoke me. Right now, my sole objective is choking the bitch who lives in his building and confront her.

"Riley."

"Hey Caden, I'm guessing you're about to go on stage?" Riley is the fun-loving type. She's got the perfect model looks and a keen eye for luxury, the kind of woman most men desire but are hesitant to approach.

"I would if I had a guitar," I jokingly reply. I'm not here to make jokes, though.

"That's clever."

"That's me. Are you here alone?" As always, I attempt to gather information from someone unsuspecting.

A wide smile graces her richly made-up face as she responds, "KC and Daisy are here too."

I hide my excitement and act nonchalant, saying, "Oh, really? I haven't run into them."

"Oh, KC and Malik went to get more drinks, and Daisy had to use the restroom. We've had quite a bit to drink," she giggles.

"Clearly," I smirk, briefly glancing at my phone screen before looking back at her. "I would've offered another drink, but something urgent came up."

"That's alright. Go do your thing."

"See you around."

With that, I maneuver my way through the crowd of people screaming to the pounding beats of the music blaring from the large speakers.

With eagerness, I turn towards the female restroom.

For weeks, she has been avoiding me, making excuses to evade any encounter. Little did I know, she has a compelling hidden history.

Back in high school, I used to take pleasure in meddling in matters that didn't concern me. But times have changed, and I'm not that person anymore. However, this situation has entangled me, making it my concern to unravel.

I'm about to give up when my eyes land on her long, healthy caramel-colored hair as she walks away. I quickly change direction, and she collides with me unknowingly.

She's taken aback, visibly nervous as she mutters my name.

I know she must be aware of everything, which is why she's been avoiding me. "So, it's you. That's why you've been so cautious about your past."

Instantly, her forehead creases as she asks, "What are you talking about?"

She should stop pretending to be naive and start talking. She needs to quit acting bewildered by my statement; she's far from innocent.

Anger courses through my veins, and I feel an urge to slam her head against the concrete floor, just as her father did to my sister. To my family.

"Don't lie to me," I growl, shoving her delicate body against the wall without hesitation.

Fear is evident in her posture; she winces at the sudden movement and starts trembling.

"I don't know what you're talking about," she lies again, avoiding my cold stare that pins her in place. Without warning, I press her against the wall.

Her eyes widen, filled with dread, and I can feel her heart racing. Having Kane Esteban's only child like this brings me a sense of satisfaction.

"What should I do with you? How do you deal with someone who took everything away from you?" I whisper menacingly.

"Caden..." She tries to speak, but I swiftly interrupt, placing my finger over her attractive cupid's bow lips that no man could resist. I have to look away to resist the temptation.

"Your father, Kane Esteban, killed my only sister and destroyed my life afterward." And it's true-he made sure to ruin my life and brought Martha and her daughter to replace my mom and Cara.

Right now, all I seek is revenge. I'm determined to make the Esteban family experience the agony of losing someone, losing everything.

"I'm going to haunt you, I'm going to hurt you. You'll wish you never set foot in America again."

Though I may be seen as everything people say I am, watching a girl cry is something I can't bear. My ongoing battle with Mad continues primarily because I'm sure my attacks don't affect her emotionally or physically. Mad has never shown any vulnerability when it comes to my behavior, and that gives me the courage to continue whatever relationship we have. I'm certain she's not proud of the fact that I was only kind to her a few days ago, when I took her shopping, and that was because she seemed upset at the time.

Now, having a girl trembling before me and shedding tears makes me incredibly uncomfortable. Despite my anger, I can't help but step back. She tightly closes her eyes and bites her lip, her head tilting to the side, clearly wishing me away.

Unable to say anything more, I walk away, leaving her shivering against the cold wall.

I frequently run my hand through my hair as I head to the parking area, ignoring girl's pathetic attempts to flirt with me.

By the time I slump into the driver's seat, my thoughts are in turmoil. I'm consumed by rage, bitterness, and disgust, all boiling within me.

I strike the steering wheel multiple times, suppressing the scream rising in my throat.

With burning fury, I pull out of the parking lot. I've never been one to turn to alcohol or other means to solve problems, but right now, I'm determined to find a bar.

For the first time in my life, I yearn to escape from this messed-up thing called life.

A/N

Hi besties! If you're here, don't miss out on adding Daisy Esteban and Kaiser Chandler's story to your reading list. Deuce-Ace Roommate is book 2 in the Drowning/Bully series and is completed. They can all be read as stand-alones, but where's the fun in missing out? My Boyfriend's Cuckoo Roommate, book 3 in the Drowning/Bully series, will also be uploaded soon. It's about Amelia Coleman and Cameron Reynolds. Let me know what y'all think, guys. And I'm on my knees—please give the Hues series a chance too. I need your support there.

Love, xoxo