Third Person's POV

All four seasons of New York City had already gone by countless times. The blooming flowers of spring, the humid weather of summer, the leaves changing their color in autumn, and the coldness of snowy winter—it all happened fast, like bliss, it was as if time was fleeting.

It had been seven long years after all the tangled events of the past.

Alina who was under the roof of the Wilson's was doing a household chore when her mother arrived from work.

"Mom!"

Almost leaping in joy, she wiped her hands and went to her mother, Cecilia, who seemed really tired. Yet, as soon as she saw her lovely daughter, a smile formed on her lips. Just a glimpse of Alina and her fatigue had already gone away.

"How is your day, love?" Cecilia asked and kissed her daughter's forehead. That made Alina giggle.

"Fine, Mom! I helped Grandpa with the household chores. When am I going with you to work?" she asked while looking up at her mother.

Although they were poor and barely making it, Alina was grateful for how her mother and uncle James were treating her. She was full of love and they made sure she could feel the warmth of a family. Their situation also made her not look at their status in life nor be greedy for money, they taught her that those things were not all that mattered in life.

"Hmm? Do you really want to come with me?" asked Cecilia who seemed worried.

"Yes, Mom! I really want to help you so you won't get tired too much," she reasoned out and pouted her lips.

Even with the poor background, the girl was filled with love from the people around her.

"Are you sure you're not doing it because you wanted to earn money this early?" Cecilia asked further.

Alina instantly shook her head. "Of course not... I always carry the lessons you taught me, Mommy. I will never be blinded by money and the most important in life is love!"

That made Cecilia smile. She was grateful enough that her lovely daughter became a good person. She became someone so reliable, that she became someone who was never greedy for more despite the situation of their life.

But there was one thing that she was sorry for, and that was making Alina work that early. Sometimes, Cecilia found herself tearing up while her daughter came with her to work. She never wanted to let Alina experience such a life, but the financial instability became a huge hinder.

Alina, however, never thought of working at that age as degrading, she was actually happy that she could help her family somehow.

"Don't worry, Mom. I just want to help you," she assured her mother.

The truth was, even at her age, she was aware of how hard their life was. Although her uncle James was a nurse, a professional at that, she knew that his earnings were just enough for her grandmother's medications. Her Grandma had high blood pressure and diabetes, so they really needed some regular medications for her.

That was the reason why Cecilia had to work double for their family, and that was why Alina also had to work at that age. Aside from their every day needs, they also needed to save up for Alina's education.

"Mom, when are we going to visit, Dad? I really want to see him... Am I allowed to go there now?" she asked with a small voice.

Her question amid their talk surprised Cecilia. She knew how eager Alina was to see her father, but for some reason, Robert did not want to get even a glimpse of their child at all.

It hurt Cecilia knowing that even their daughter, Robert could not even look and gave her the love she deserved. She was aware that her husband did not love her at all, but it was a deep kind of wound to realize that Robert was not planning to care for Alina, their daughter.

Seeing how saddened her daughter was while asking that, she puffed out a sigh and closed her eyes tightly. At that moment Cecilia had decided.

"We will visit him soon, I promise," she whispered lovingly, trying to hide the pain lingering in her soul.

True to her words, days after that, they found themselves in the visiting area of the prison where Robert was held.

Alina was so excited while waiting for Robert to come and her mother could vividly see that. It was her husband's order not to bring the kid here but Cecilia brushed it off just to make her happy.

Deep inside, the girl was delighted and she was very enthusiastic to meet her father. Even though he was away for a long time, she still loved him very much.

The moment Robert came out and walked towards their table with a frown visible on his face, Alina saw him and immediately approached her father. She ran to him and gave him a tight hug around his waist.

"Dad! I miss you!" She exclaimed in glee, but to her shock, Robert harshly removed her hug.

"Why the hell did you bring this child here?!" With full annoyance, he asked Cecilia that who was busy with Alina who almost stumbled because of his push.

Her father's actions bruised the young heart of Alina, even his words cut deep within her soul and she was shocked to witness her father treating her like she was nothing.

Cecilia eyed her husband with pain in her glaring eyes. She gritted her teeth and answered Robert.

"She came here because she wanted to see you, Robert. Can't you at least treat your daughter fairly? Is that so hard to do?!" The pain laced in her voice when she exclaimed those words.

But her husband was too stoned-hearted. "Bringing that child here will not change any-fucking-thing, Cecilia. I don't need her! What I need right now is parole! I need to get out of here as soon as possible!" Robert wailed and disgustingly looked at the child. "You bringing her here will not change anything, so better leave her home."

Hearing her father say those disheartened Alina who was hugging herself while already sitting beside her mother. She wished she could do something about her father's problem, but at the same time, her young heart could not take those words well.

Before Cecilia could somehow scold Robert for his behavior against their daughter, her husband dismissed them.

"Just go home, you just ruined my mood by bringing that child."

Without even a single goodbye, Robert stood up and let the policemen guide him inside the prison again.

While on their way home, Cecilia noticed how quiet Alina had become ever since they left the jail. She felt really bad that her daughter had to experience that from her very own father. To stop the tears from flowing, she bit her lower lip so hard that she almost tasted metal in her mouth.

"Mom... Dad doesn't want to see me?" Alina asked and she was on the edge of crying.

That threw Cecilia off guard. Faking her cough, she answered her poor daughter. "M-Maybe he is just tired? You know, love... prison life is hard. Your Dad must be having a hard time. That's why he acted like that."

Although her words assured the child, she knew very well that it was not the truth at all. Of all times she visited Robert, never did he once ask about Alina. He did not even dare to act like he cared whenever she was telling him stories about their child. Robert was always uninterested.

That was when she realized that he did not care about their daughter at all. Learning that hurt Cecilia to the core, she was so pained for Alina's sake.

"Mom, I promise," Alina suddenly spoke. "I promise that I will work hard so I can earn enough money to give Dad a good lawyer. I will work very hard to get her out of the prison... Maybe, at that time, Daddy will love me."

Shocked, Alina's mindset drove Cecilia to tears. She cried softly and as quietly as possible as she hugged her so hard so she would not see her sobbing. Never did she want to see Alina doing something just so she could receive love. For her, she deserved everything in the world.

Contrary to Alina's world, Vida, who was in her huge room in the mansion of the Millers, was embracing all the luxury she could have. Her life was lavish and there was nothing that her parents could not give her.

She was inside her dressing room, looking for a dress she could wear that day. But after realizing that her tons of dresses did not pass to her liking that day, she went down the stairs and there she saw her parents hugging each other.

"Mom, Dad," she went to them with an obvious frown on her face.

The two loosened their hug and smiled at her.

Emily caressed her face before asking, "Is there something wrong?"

Without hesitation, she told them what she really needed.

"I don't have any dresses to wear anymore, Mom. I wanna go shopping."

Her mother blinked a bit and thought for a while before she slowly nodded her head. "Alright. Just tell our driver to send you to the mall."

Vida was so happy when her mother said that that she leaped in joy and hugged them tightly. After that, she quickly went back to her room to get ready while her parents were left in the living room.

Watching their child go up the stairs, Oliver, who was quiet all those times, started speaking seriously to his wife.

"Don't you think we should not spoil Vida too much?"

Deep inside, he was really hesitant about spoiling their daughter because it might affect Vida's behavior and view on life.

"But love, didn't we work hard just to give her everything she deserved? All our hard work is for Vida... isn't just right to give her everything she wanted?" Emily pointed out, slightly caressing his jaw, and as she was trying to get him on her side with that one.

Sighing, Oliver nodded his head. "Just make sure to stop when she's already too much, alright?"

"Of course... but our daughter is a good girl, you see? Nothing's wrong," she assured and smiled sweetly at her worried husband.

They had always treated Vida like a real princess. She always got the latest bags, she always got branded shoes and clothes. Whenever the girl liked it, they would give her toys and gadgets and, of course, she ate all the delicious foods the world could offer.

However, unlike what her parents were thinking, even though Vida had all those things, she could not help but feel empty, she felt hollow deep inside.

Vida had been very jealous of her friends and classmates who always had their parents with them, while her parents, Emily and Oliver had always been busy working for their company.

In the huge mansion, instead of warmth, she felt so cold because she was always left alone with their housekeeper, Lily.

The girl wanted to feel loved, she wanted them to be physically there for her. The truth was, Vida could go on with life without those material things, all she needed was the presence of her parents.

Third Person's POV

Ten long years had already passed since then and around that time of the year, both Vida and Alina had already grown up. Both were beautiful, intelligent in their own way, and had already attained so much despite their seventeen years old age

"I'm so proud of you, Alina!" Cecilia exclaimed with teary eyes while hugging her daughter. She could not believe that her daughter would grow up to be such a fine girl.

"This is all for you, Mommy," Alina whispered and gave her the diploma.

She had already graduated from high school and she was even at the top of her class. For Cecilia, her child graduating was already an achievement but Alina had been always exceeding her expectations. Her daughter was an honor student! It was already such a great reward for a parent like her.

Cecilia was so proud that Alina grew up like someone possessing great beauty and intelligence.

The same thing was happening in the family of the Wilsons. Vida also graduated at that time and just like Alina, she was also at the top of her respective class.

"You see this, Mom, Dad? I did it," she bragged to her parents with a smile plastered on her face.

But unlike what she was showing, it took her so hard to climb to the top of her class. It took countless nights staying up late, with nose bleeding just so she could secure the best for her parents.

"Congratulations, love. We are so proud of you," Emily mumbled softly and held her cheek.

"Dad is proud too, Vida." That time around, Oliver pulled her for a hug.

Far from what they know, it took Vida blood and sweat to attain those. Although her parents were not pushing her to do anything, she did all those just to impress them.

From the very beginning, she was so keen on making sure she was impressing her parents. Vida wanted their attention so bad, she wanted their time, she hoped that at least they would give her that once she let them see how good she was. That she was the best, that she was the perfect daughter.

***

Inside the prison where Robert was jailed for seventeen long years, Cecilia and her husband were facing each other.

There was an obvious fit of anger forming on Robert's face while talking with his wife. However, Cecilia had always been the same, she was still the same woman loving the monster and only looked at the good things that the man in front of her could offer.

"How fucking long do I have to stay here? Do you expect me to rot in jail, Cecilia?"

His deep running anger was already making him grew really impatient. Robert had waited almost half of his life. He sacrificed his youth in prison, he sacrificed years, and yet there were still no signs of going out! It was as if there was no hope of freedom.

His eyes were dead serious, he was so furious to the point that he would rather turn ballistic.

Biting her lips and looking at him with her tired eyes, Cecilia began speaking. "We already saved enough money to hire a lawyer, Robert... So don't worry. Soon enough, you will be out of prison."

Hearing that awakened all Robert's demons hiding deep within. It awakened his monster, his desires, and his greatest obsession.

Slowly, a grin escaped his lips as he thought of all the things he would do once he got out of the hell where his life pushed him.

'Once I come out of his pit, I will get you back, babe. I will be back to you, Emily...'

His deep-rooted obsession with Emily grew for years that he was inside. Instead of atoning for his sins, all he did was imagine the day he would finally get a hold of his freedom and finally be with Emily.

'Ah... I will surely take back what is rightfully mine. Oliver is nothing once I come back to get you, Emily,' he muttered deep inside.

He had the urge to smile evilly but he contained himself. For Robert, Emily had always been his. He knew that she still loved him, that up until that moment, no man could ever own his woman except him.

All those delusions kept him living, all those thoughts that were whispered by his monsters were the very reason why he chose to survive life in prison.

That even though life in jail was absolute hell, with all politics, the hierarchy, and violence inside— it was almost shocking how he lasted so long.

There was only one thing that Robert vowed to the very core of his heart. It was that once he went out of that damned prison, he would make sure to own Emily, the love of his life, again. He would live all the time remaining with her and his real daughter.

'Just wait for me, Emily.'

Once again, a smirk escaped his mouth.

On the other hand, Alina's heart was throbbing so hard out of joy after she read the email from the university where she applied.

"Mom!" She called her mother, who immediately went to where she was.

"Mom, I passed the scholarship program, oh my God!" she exclaimed with brimming tears of joy.

Her mother's eyes widened in shock and happiness for her. Cecilia also read the message in the email that was sent by West Grove University.

Alina could not believe that her dreams were already unfolding right before her eyes. It was just her dream to enter that university and yet, here was she now, getting the news that she was granted a full scholarship.

At first, she just tried to take the examination because somehow, she thought that there was nothing wrong with trying. But she did not accept that the result was good.

West Grove University was a prestigious university of the elites. Almost a hundred percent of their students were from wealthy families. Most were daughters and sons of tycoons, politicians, and well-known personalities.

"Goodness, I'm so happy for you!" Cecilia mumbled as she hugged her daughter. Proud was an understatement.

A lone tear fell from Alina's eyes but she quickly wiped it. Her heart felt so overwhelmed to the point that she could still not believe the news.

However, Cecilia had already expected that it would happen. Not just because she was proud of her, but because she knew that Alina had good scholastic records that would surely attract the people who would evaluate her.

Contrary to those who were almost celebrating in joy, Evelyn, who heard everything, was frowning that she could not help but butt in.

"University? Do you really need that?" Evelyn started, which made the two lose their smiles. "Isn't my medication the most important now? Your daughter doesn't need to go to college, Cecilia. That's just another addition to our expenses even if you say she's granted the full scholarship."

Cecilia was speechless hearing that from her mother-in-law. Of all things, she hated how Evelyn was too hot-headed towards Alina. That the old woman would always contradict what made her daughter happy.

She was about to speak again when Evelyn continued speaking.

"Just make her work so she can help her financially. She doesn't need education."

The pain lingered in Alina's heart when her grandmother said those things. Yes, she also wanted to help the family with the financial crisis, but she wondered if it was really worth it to sacrifice her education for that. She also had dreams... she also had her life.

James, who heard everything, sighed and decided to step up out of guilt.

"Mom, I can still pay for your bills well and I can still give some for our daily needs so you don't have to worry. Alina doesn't have to stop going to school."

The girl suddenly had the courage to speak after what she heard from her uncle James. So she smiled a bit and assured her grandmother. "Don't worry, Grandma. I will still try to do some part-time jobs while I am studying. By then, I will be attending college and also helping our family. You don't need to worry too much about our daily expenses."

That made Evelyn roll her eyes and shut up. Although she really hated the thought of sending the girl to college, she had no choice but not to stay anything seeing that everyone in the house was in favor of it.

Even James, her son, always favored his niece!

However, James was just treating her well because of the conscience left on him. That was the main reason why he always cared for Alina. For James, he thought that he owed the girl big time, especially after what he did in the past.

He was the sole reason why Alina was deprived of the good and comfortable life she should have. What made him more guilty was the fact that through the time and process, he had grown closer to the poor girl. He loved Alina as if she was his own child. That was also the reason why, while Robert was in jail, he acted like a father to her.

As a result of what they talked about at home, Alina's first day at West Grove University came to light.

While her eyes were roaming around the tall and amazingly designed building, she could not help but gasp. It was obvious how much time professionals spent just to make everything breathtaking. The university did live up to its popularity and luxuriousness.

But what she felt so lively about was wearing the uniform of the school. When she saw herself at the glass window from a meter away, she found herself looking good wearing that. She felt like she really belonged to everyone.

It was only in her dreams before to stepped in there or to even go to any college. Who would have thought that she would attain that dream and would even be able to study at that kind of university?

With that in mind, Alina promised deep inside that she would study hard, and she would work so hard just so in the future, she would land a job that would secure her future. Her biggest dream and the main reason why she chose to study was to give her family a good life, the life they deserved.

Her smile could not be erased as she walked down the lobby just to find the classroom for her first class.

While looking around, excited and also nervous, she almost squealed in shock when she bumped into someone. Her books fell and it created a sound, causing some of the students to look in their direction.

"Oh my God! I'm sorry!" She told the woman.

When her gazes met the young lady's eyes, she swallowed hard in apprehension. The student was raising her eyebrow while looking at her with taunting eyes.

"Next time, watch your steps. Don't act like a noob blocking other people's way," she muttered with a cold distant voice that made Alina shiver.

Before she could even speak for herself, the young lady already turned her back and walked away with her heels clicking at each of her steps.

The unexpected moment caught her off guard. She did not know how to react at first, but Alina convinced herself by thinking that it was her first that and it should be nothing but a good day. The small incident should not spoil her mood.

Slowly, she took a deep breath and crouched down so she could get the books that slipped in her grip.

She was already holding one of them when suddenly, a young man approached her. He sat down on his side and helped her get the books that were scattered on the floor.

It was another odd and awkward moment. But when he handed the books to her, she went back to reality and stood up straight as he did.

Alina smiled a bit. "Thank you," she mumbled softly.

The young man grinned and held the back of his neck as if he was shy, but when he composed himself, he offered his hand.

"Lucas," the man uttered his name.

Third Person's POV

There were a lot of life hurdles for someone poor like Alina. That was what she realized upon experiencing discrimination at West Grove University.

Bowing her head while entering their, class, she could clearly hear the murmurs around.

"She's a scholar? I heard she's poor."

"She has a full scholarship, they must be that financially stable."

"My Mom would not like me associating myself with the likes of her."

Those things were clearly heard and the students did not even bother to make their voices lower so she would not hear. They made her feel like she did not belong at all.

Deep inside, Alina tried to console herself by thinking that it was fine, not all people would like her. She was aware that she could not attain everything in life and it was already a big opportunity to study there.

Trying to act strong and trying to make her heart stronger, she tried to grasp the unfair reality of life.

That was why her life at the university was not sunshine and daisies. Ever since they all heard how poor she was, no one even dared to come near her or become her friend.

"Don't bother befriending her, she's poor."

That made her look at herself as she bit her lower lip. They were all wearing the same uniform but Alina could clearly feel the difference in their status. While all of them were from elite and rich families, she was nothing but a girl from the mud.

At the school cafeteria, she was eating alone compared to the other students. For that reason, she decided to place herself on the corner, where no one could barely take a glimpse of her.

Alina was already chewing her food when suddenly, a young man sat in front of her and put his tray of food on the table.

Her eyes widened a bit when she realized who it was. It was the same young man who helped her back on the first day of class.

Lucas smiled at her. "Hey, why are you alone?"

As she blinked, she tried to weigh the words she would say first but she realized there was no point hiding it.

"No one wanted to be with me because of my status in life. But it's fine, I came here to study so..."

Sad about her situation, Lucas tried to make the mood lighter by smiling once again.

"I knew someone you could be close to. Maybe you can befriend her?" He offered.

Chuckling, Alina shook her head. "No need, Lucas. I can manage."

She thought it would be the end of their conversation not until the young man started telling her his life story.

"Honestly, I also experienced a poor life back then. We just got lucky because my father worked hard for us to the point that he was able to build a company from the scratch. From then, it grew and that is also why I am now here."

There was awe in her when she heard that. It was indeed amazing how they were able to stand up from that life. Alina was sure that his father was hard working. Suddenly, she could not help but wonder if her father was there. Would he be able to do the same as well?

Then again, she brushed it off while looking at Lucas. She could not explain the feeling, but she was comfortable being with the man. Perhaps it was because, since the very first day, he was the only one who showed goodness to her.

"Anyway, what level are you on and your course?"

"Well... I'm a freshman taking Political Science. You see, I want to be a lawyer."

Her eyes shone while talking about her dream and that made Lucas gleam.

"Oh! The friend I was talking about earlier is in the same year. She's also taking Political Science. Maybe you are in the same class?"

Alina's eyes widened. Somehow, it made her excited. She could still not deny that it was also good to have friends with her.

"May I know who it is?" she asked hopefully.

"It's Vida Miller, do you know her?"

Just the sound of her name made Alina frown. She remembered how many times Vida became rude to her. They were in the same class and she had been so vocal about her hate of her social status. Vida was among the girls who did not want to be associated with her at all.

"She doesn't like me too like the others, Lucas," she simply said, no longer wanting to say more because the woman was his friend. It was not nice to say negative things about her.

"Vida is really nice... maybe she's just going through something right now. But really, I swear, she's kind."

Before Alina could utter another word to reply, someone from went near their table and stood there while looking at Lucas. Her eyes widened when she realized that the young woman was Vida.

Lucas noticed her presence and stood up.

"Hey, you're here," he mumbled to Vida who was still confused about why they were together.

Vida saw them when she entered the cafeteria and she was having a hard time comprehending why Lucas was associating himself with the poor newbie.

"I know you already know each other but Vida, this is Alina," he told Vida while pointing at her. "And Alina, this is the friend that I am talking about, Vida Miller," Lucas introduced the two together. His lips were arched up and both of the young women could tell that he was happy.

Rolling her eyes, Vida did not speak and instead, she grabbed her friend away from the table, leaving Alina behind.

When they got to the far corner where no student could hear them, she started speaking, there was annoyance laced in her voice.

"Why are you close with that poor girl?"

Hearing what she said, Lucas was offended. His eyebrows furrowed and the young woman noticed that making her gulp. She was scared that he would get angry at her.

"It's not nice treating people based on their status Vida. Does that mean you will also treat me differently when I'm still poor?"

The woman opened her mouth to say something but she ended up closing it because she did not know what to say.

"You should not judge others based on their status again, okay? You're better than that," he mumbled softly and ruffled her hair, making Vida frown.

"Alright. I'm sorry..." she mumbled and sighed.

"Promise me, you'll be good to Alina. She's a new student here and she needs a friend, Vida."

Although there was still a bit of reluctance in Vida's heart, she nodded slowly and bit her lower lip. She had been so in love with her friend, Lucas, ever since they were kids. The truth was, because of those feelings, she could do anything just to please him.

However, soon enough, she carried all his reminders with her. That was how Lucas could easily tame the dragon within Vida.

While they were in the class, Alina was busy writing her lessons while Vida was happy while talking with her friends. The situation was like that when the professor came, making them sit properly in their own seats.

"Before anything else, I would like to announce the upcoming quiz bee contest. The university had already chosen the participants of our school, and that would be Miss Miller and Miss Wilson. Both are from your class, congratulations," the professor announced and clapped her hands afterwards.

That also made the students follow and clap to celebrate the two getting chosen. Although some could not hide their mocking that a mere poor girl would represent such an elite school.

But not even a single mocking could taint her happiness at that moment. Alina was so happy that her heart was racing so fast. She could not believe she was chosen! And it was her first time joining a prestigious competition, making it more memorable for her!

She was containing all the excitement while inhaling sharply with her glowing eyes when Vida suddenly approached her.

The smile on Alina's face fell when she saw the young woman. She thought that Vida would also ridicule her, but to her shock, she did the opposite.

Vida offered her hand and for a moment, all she did was blink because of surprise.

"Partners?" the woman asked.

Completely surprised by the sudden turn of events, she accepted her hand, and finally, Alina smiled once again.

"Partners," she echoed.

Meanwhile, it was a long seventeen years. Years of grief, years of delusions, years of pain and hatred. Years of wanting freedom.

After a long process after they got a lawyer, Robert was finally free.

He inhaled the fresh air outside the prison with a smirk plastered on his face.

"Damn freedom," he murmured to himself.

As he was freed from the hell he was in for long years, it was also like giving freedom to the legion of demons that he carried and befriended while inside.

While others repented as they stayed in prison, Robert was the opposite. He became the worst he could be with all the delusions in his head.

"Wait for my Emily..." he whispered once again.

He was now back to get what was truly his—or what he believed was his.