"Happy birthday, sweetie."
Hazel's father, an FBI officer, lifted his daughter into his arms and kissed her cheek. Her mother, a detective, placed the cake on the table before taking Hazel from his arms with a smile.
"Happy birthday, cupcake," her mother said warmly, handing her a small gift box. "This is from both of us. Open it quickly."
Hazel tore the wrapping and opened the box, her eyes lighting up at the necklace inside.
"I love it, Mum, Dad!" she squealed, hugging them tightly.
"Come here and make a wish," her father said, placing the cake in front of her. Hazel clasped her hands together.
"I wish me and my parents will live a happy life forever," she whispered before blowing out the candles.
Her mother chuckled. "So, what did you wish for?"
"Mum, it's a secret," Hazel grinned.
"You're ten years old now, Hazel," her father said with pride. "You're a big girl."
But in that moment, his phone rang. His face turned grim as he stepped aside to answer, then called his wife over. After a brief conversation, they both grabbed their coats.
"Cupcake," her mother said softly, "your father and I have urgent work to do. We're sorry, but we promise when we come back, we'll spend the whole day with you."
"Okay," Hazel said quietly, though disappointment lingered in her eyes.
"Be good," her father told her, kissing her forehead. "Your babysitter will be here any minute."
"I love you."
"We love you too," her parents said together before hurrying out.
Thirty minutes later, the phone rang. Hazel answered, and her little world shattered. Tears streamed down her face as she collapsed to the floor. Her babysitter grabbed the phone, her expression paling at the words she heard.
Mr. and Mrs. Collins were dead.
The babysitter pulled Hazel into her arms as the girl cried uncontrollably.
---
Ten Years Later
"Wake up, you trash!"
Hazel blinked awake to see Amber—her cousin—standing in her room.
"What is it, Amber?" she asked wearily.
"I'm hungry. Go make me something to eat."
"Why don't you cook for yourself?"
"I would, but I just fixed my nails."
"Then cut them and cook."
Slap!
"Don't you ever disrespect me," Amber hissed. "Don't forget who you are—you're nothing without us. You're trash. A curse. My father only took you in because you're miserable and helpless. You're just a poor, homeless kid no one will ever love."
Hazel didn't answer. She had heard it all before. Scoffing quietly, she headed for the bathroom.
Since she was eleven, Hazel had been reduced to a servant in the house—cleaning, washing, cooking, doing whatever chores were thrown at her. After finishing her endless tasks, she prepared dinner. She'd been taught to cook by her childhood best friend, Vorden. When the table was set, the family gathered, except her cousin Kaden, who had long moved out at nineteen.
"What did you make?" asked Sonia, her aunt.
"Soba noodles with fried beef."
"Alright." Sonia dug in.
Hazel didn't touch a bite. She was only allowed one meal a day.
Afterward, Hazel grabbed her bag. "I'll be going now."
"To where?" Sonia asked.
"The dance studio."
"Hmm. Is the house clean?"
"Yes."
"Then you can go."
Hazel slipped outside, where her childhood best friend was waiting.
---
Character Notes
Hazel Collins – Beautiful, kind, gentle. Skilled at rapping, decent at singing and dancing. Naturally stunning with ocean-blue eyes and long dark hair—so much so that makeup isn't necessary. At university, she's the Queen of Beauty. Loves novels. Her dream is to debut as part of a girl group with her best friend Dior.
Amber – Hazel's cousin and tormentor. Same age as Hazel. A cheerleader, hot and popular, dating Bryan, one of the campus stars. A trainee dancer and singer. Bullies weaker students, always jealous of Hazel's natural beauty.
Kaden – Amber's older brother, 22. Handsome, hot, and a player who changes girls weekly. A talented dancer and rapper, plays basketball, and is popular among women.
Dior – Hazel's best friend and roommate, 20. Cute, fashionable, and flexible. A trainee singer and dancer, model, and cheerleader. Lived in Australia before moving to London. Has secretly had a crush on Kaden since childhood. Dreams of forming a girl group with Hazel.
Vorden – Hazel's childhood best friend and playboy. Born on the same day, same time, and in the same hospital as Hazel. Spoiled yet charming, talented at soccer, cooking, drumming, and drawing.
Mia – Amber's best friend. Pretty, sexy, a cheerleader. Also bullies weaker students. Has a crush on Kaden and only joined dance class because of him.
Jack – A talented dancer and singer, skilled in sports and drawing.
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