Chapter 1

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Hazel POV

I was looking out the subway window, admiring the breathtaking view of New York City. The city has always held a magical quality for me. As I made my way to our apartment, I picked up some dinner for Chloe and me.

Chloe and I have been best friends since we were five years old. We are now both 27. She comes from an upper-class family while I come from a low-income one, but that never mattered to us.

Growing up, I faced my fair share of hardships, including losing both my parents at a young age. I lost my mom to cancer when I was 10, and then I lost my dad in a car accident when I was 18. Through it all, Chloe was always there for me.

When we turned 19, Chloe convinced me to move to New York with her. At first, I was hesitant, but I couldn't say no to her. She even offered to let me live rent-free, but I insisted on paying my share. I told her that I was going to get a job and pay her monthly rent. She declined at first, but then she accepted. She thinks I don’t know, but I know she deposits the money every month to a special account and doesn’t touch it. However, I didn’t care, I knew her parents owned the apartment we lived in, but I needed to feel like it was of use.

I work as a temp, which pays decently but leaves me uncertain about where I'll be working next. Chloe, on the other hand, is a model and the center of attention wherever she goes. She has always been the complete opposite of me, with her blonde hair and blue eyes. I, on the other hand, was the girl with brown hair brown eyes and  glasses who doesn’t have a stable job that no one really noticed. Despite our differences, we've always had each other's backs.

I always wanted to go to school, but I could never afford it. Chloe’s parents offered to pay for my education, but unfortunately, just like my parents, I was too proud to accept it. They have done enough for me, and I couldn’t take advantage of them.

As I walked towards our apartment complex, I greeted Eddie, the bell boy. The building was in a wealthy area, and I never really interacted with the other residents.

I made my way to the elevator, and just as the doors were about to close, I heard someone say, "Hold the elevator." I pressed the open door button, and in walked Aiden Jameson.

Aiden is in law school and is next in line to inherit his father's firm. He's lived in the building for five years, and I've had a crush on him ever since he helped me up after I tripped and fell 5 years ago in the buildings entrance.

“Thanks” he said, and I immediately looked away and made my way to the back of the elevator, pretending to be busy with my phone. I knew he lived on the floor right below us with his roommate Spencer, so as always, I tried to make myself invisible.

As soon as Aiden got off on his floor, I let out a breath. I didn't like to admit it, but I couldn't help liking him.

As I entered the apartment, Chloe was on  her phone. "Hey, Chloe. I'm finally home," I said, dropping my bag on the couch. She looked up and exclaimed, "Hayz, you brought Chinese!"

I grinned as I placed the food on the table. Chloe's appetite was always voracious, but she never seemed to gain any weight. We settled down to eat, and she said, "So guess what?"

I replied, "Umm, you finally met Leonardo Di Caprio?"

Chloe rolled her eyes. "No, I wish. We got invited to a certain neighbor's party," she said, looking at me expectantly.

"You mean you got invited to a party," I said skeptically, knowing how Chloe loved to exaggerate.

"No, Hayz, we got invited to a party. Apparently, Spencer is graduating, and they're having a small get-together to celebrate," Chloe said excitedly.

I groaned inwardly. "There's no point in me going. They're your people, not mine," I said dismissively.

"Hayz, the only reason I accepted is so you can finally talk to the guy you've had a crush on for over 5 years," Chloe whined. "You know how much I hate Spencer. He always follows me around, but I'm willing to endure that for you!"

"Chloe, you know how much I hate those parties. Besides, isn't he dating one of your friends now? I wouldn't even talk to him. You of all people should know a guy like him would never like a girl like me," I said, feeling self-conscious.

Chloe looked at me, her eyes flashing with anger. "Hazel, first of all, don't insult me by saying they're my people. You are my people. Second of all, she's not my friend. She's a real bitch, and they broke up. But that's not the point. The point is you really are the best person I know. He's so lucky that a girl like you even notices him. You're the sweetest and kindest person in the whole entire world. You genuinely care about people. You're a billion times better than any of those people. Money means nothing. I know you feel self-conscious about that too, but believe me, I'd rather be poor and have you as a friend than be rich and not have you as a friend."

I felt tears prickling in my eyes. Chloe always knew how to make me feel better. "I'm sorry, Chloe. Okay, I'll go to the party," I said, giving in.

"Yay!" Chloe exclaimed, jumping up and down. "It's tomorrow night, and they're having it on the roof."

"Wait, is it a pool party?" I asked nervously, knowing that the pool was on the roof.

Chloe nodded. "Yeah, but you don't have to wear a bathing suit. People can go in if they want, and if they don't, they just dress normally."

I sighed. "Okay, fine," I said, feeling apprehensive about what I had gotten myself into.  I didn't want to feel out of place among Chloe's wealthy friends, and I didn't want to be seen as someone who was using Chloe's connections to get ahead. However, Chloe was insistent, and I finally agreed to go to the party. As much as I tried to convince myself that it wouldn't be a big deal, I couldn't help feeling nervous about the whole thing.


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