MAURICE POV
I hated my life. Every day, I felt the weight of Pa's expectations, heavy on my shoulders. Nothing I ever did was good enough for him. I always knew Salome was his favorite. Me and Eli? We were just tools for Gregory Marks, our father's chess pieces in his grand game.
When Pa sent me off to Armand Inc., I didn't even flinch. I knew what it meant. I was disposable. And Eli? He stood there like he owned the place. I heard rumors, and whispers, about him dating Armand James, but I did not believe them. Not until today. Seeing the way he held Armand's hand, the way they exchanged looks—it was all too real. That smug look on his face, the confidence oozing off him as he had finally found his place. And then Armand walked over to me, fists clenched, rage in his eyes. Before I knew it, his fist connected with my jaw, sending me staggering back.
