They say fairytales begin with beauty and Grace Watson was exactly that.
Long black hair, almond eyes that seemed to shine on command, lips as red as cherry blossoms in spring. Even her name carried elegance, soft and graceful.
But Grace wasn't just beautiful; she was brilliant. The kind of girl who always stood in the spotlight without even trying. She came from a humble family, yet somehow, she glowed brighter than those born with silver spoons. When she walked down the hallway, people turned. When she smiled, hearts followed.
Maybe that's why Austin Moore the school's golden boy fell for her the moment she appeared. One smile, and he was hers. The entire school called them heaven's match.
And me?
I was never part of their fairytale.
My name is Flora Campbell, the second child of the Campbell family. Not the prodigy older brother, not the charming younger sister just the quiet one in between. The kind people forget are standing there.
I was average in looks, average in grades, but born into wealth. The only thing remarkable about me was my last name. My parents often said I'd marry Austin someday, and for the longest time, I believed it. He was my childhood friend, my comfort. We grew up side by side, sharing secrets, laughter, and dreams.
When he finally asked me to be his girlfriend, I thought my world had settled into place. We went on dates, exchanged promises all the little things that made me think this is forever.
Until Grace arrived.
Austin fell for her, just like everyone else did.
And suddenly, I became invisible.
People whispered about how perfect they looked together, as if I had never existed. The same classmates who used to smile at me now said I should let him go that I didn't suit him.
I wanted to scream. To remind them that I had loved him first. That I had known him long before Grace Watson learned his name. But I didn't.
I stayed silent. Because in every story I've ever read, the fiancée who clings to her fading lover… always becomes the villainess.
And I refused to play that part.