Chapter 1 My Ruin
Diane's POV
I stared at my reflection like it might lie to me if I waited long enough.
Like it would tell me I was beautiful.
The dress hugged every part of me, exposing the parts I spent my life trying to hide. My arms were too heavy, the excess skin flapping as I raised them, narrowing my eyes at the mirror.
I sucked in a sharp breath, but it wasn’t enough to flatten my stomach, and I was stupid for thinking it would. The fat pushed against the fabric no matter how many times I tugged it down.
The black color was supposed to be slimming—at least that’s what the salesgirl had said, with an awkward smile—But I knew nothing could hide the truth of my body.
It was as clear as day. I was fat. And tonight, I wasn’t going to hide it anymore.
So I pulled my brown hair into a low ponytail, applied mascara to make my green eyes pop, smeared cheery lip gloss on my lips, then slipped into a pair of block heels.
With one last look at the mirror, I tried a smile, squaring my shoulders.
It was just a college party. I told myself
And even if it was my first, I didn’t have the intention to impress anyone. I was going because my boyfriend asked me to.
Because he loved me, and I was sure he was the only one who did.
As I descended the flight of stairs, the roar of motorcycle engines cut through the silence. Sharp and loud, just like their owners.
My heart sank as heavy boots marched into the house, laughter echoing off the walls.
I froze as I reached the bottom of the stairs, my fingers curling around the railings. I had wanted to slip out without them noticing, but I guess I couldn’t even do that.
Now they stood before me, sharing knowing looks among themselves. My three asshole stepbrothers, but most people knew them as the fearsome leaders of the Steel Serpent Riders.
Ronan Ashford, the eldest and president of the motorcycle club, is known as Viper.
Jaxon Ashford, the second eldest and vice president, is known as Fang.
Hunter Ashford, the youngest and the club’s enforcer, known as Venom.
“Well, well, well,” Hunter began, his serpent tattoo peeking from underneath his jacket. “Is our dear fatso going somewhere?”
Jaxon eyed me in disgust, his brows arched as he scoffed. “Has to be a circus, she would kill as the main act.”
Hunter snorted. “That dress is fighting for its life, or were you too scared to look in the mirror?”
I swallowed hard, trying my best to brush off their comments.
“Not like it’s any of your business.” I bit back, glaring at them. “But I’m going to a party—”
They didn’t even let me finish before bursting into laughter. It jabbed at my heart, leaving a bitter taste on my tongue.
It was always like this. Ever since I was eight years old. Ever since my
mother married their father and brought me into a house where acceptance came with conditions.
“Party?” Ronan doubled over as he laughed, holding his stomach. “You’ve gotten fearless now, fatso.”
“Stop calling me that!” I snapped, but I quickly regretted it as he took a threatening step forward.
“Or what?” Ronan’s gaze hardened, and every hint of humor vanished from his face in an instant.
I avoided his gaze, my grip on the purse tightening.
“Yeah,” he stepped back, a conceding smirk pulling at the corners of his lips. “Thought so.”
“Let’s go, Viper,” Jaxon called, tucking his hands in his pockets. “If she wants to embarrass herself, then let her.”
Hunter pulled out a cigarette, letting it rest between his lips. “I almost feel bad for her boyfriend.”
“Don’t.” I gritted out. “Don’t you bring Liam into this.”
Hunter looked surprised for a split second, but I didn’t wait for him or the others to respond. I turned sharply on my heels, storming out of the house.
When I reached outside, I took a deep breath, but it did nothing to soothe the building ache in my chest.
I should be used to their taunts by now. They called me worse when I was little, mocked my lunches, my clothes, the way I ran, and when I had a crush on a boy.
The only time I had ever escaped them was when I went abroad for high school. Thousands of miles away, I learned how to breathe again, away from their degrading insults and pranks.
But it seems it still wasn’t enough.
Coming back to college had been my biggest mistake. And the only good that came out of it was meeting Liam.
My phone buzzed, pulling me from my train of thought.
I looked down at the screen, my lips spreading into a warm smile.
Boyfriend: Hey, baby. I wouldn’t be able to pick you up. Let’s meet at the party, okay?
And with a simple text, the load lifted off my chest.
Okay. I typed back. See you there.
This was enough for me. Because whenever I was with Liam, nothing else mattered.
The condo was packed when I arrived. Music pounded through the hallways, and everyone seemed to know each other.
I spotted a few of my course mates, but before I could raise my hand to wave, they avoided my gaze and went on their way.
Yeah, how could I forget? I wasn't close to anyone. In fact, I was as good as an outcast.
“Who invited the truck?” I heard one girl whisper to another.
“Isn’t she Liam Quin’s girl?” The other whispered back.
“That’s impossible.” The girl snickered, and I tried to pretend like I didn’t hear them.
“How would a multimillionaire’s son settle for…. that?”
Just then, the roar of engines caught everyone’s attention, and my heart thudded in my chest.
What were my stepbrothers doing here? Did they follow me?
I watched as a crowd of girls surrounded them like ants on sugar, and they moved into the condo; they brushed past me as if I were invincible.
It was expected, but it didn’t hurt any less. No one knew we were related because at school, they avoided me like the plague. Fearing I would taint their perfect reputation.
So what were they doing here then? Last time I checked, they preferred private clubs to college parties.
“Hey, babe.”
I spun, meeting Liam’s bright smile.
“Oh, hi.” My cheeks flushed pink as he took my hands in his, leading me away from the noise.
I looked back at my brothers before following him, my breath hitching in my throat as I locked eyes with Ronan.
He looked….pissed?
His gaze lingered, sending chills down my spine.
“Diane?” Liam called, and I brushed off the thought and fully faced him.
“Yes?” He led me further away from the condo, towards a small garden by the poolside.
Liam’s grip on my hands tightened, warm and steady.
“I love you, Diane,” he started, his brown eyes softening, “I’ve loved you since the moment you came into my life. I don’t care about anyone else, but you, and I wish you could see yourself through my eyes.”
“Liam…” Tears stung my eyes, my chest swelling with a rush of emotions. I was at a loss for words, but before I could say anything else, he dropped to one knee.
I gasped, and suddenly the garden lit up with golden fairy lights.
My mind went blank as he opened the box, the ring catching the light.
“We’ve been together for three years, and with graduation just around the corner, I want to take the next step in life with you by my side. Will you marry me?”
My hand flew to my mouth, my fingers trembling as my blood buzzed with excitement.
Someone must have seen us, because a crowd gathered in an instant. At that moment, I didn’t notice the way my stepbrothers went rigid, or how their features darkened.
All I saw was the man kneeling before me—the man who chose me.
“Yes,” I whispered, tears streaming down my cheeks.
But little did I know….letting that diamond ring slip through my finger would mark the beginning of my ruin.
