Forever Changed Part One: A College Bully RH Romance (Forever Changed Duet Book 1)

by Amber Nicole

  Synopsis

  I used to dream of the day I would be able to carry on my Mama’s legacy.

  To follow her footsteps and attend her alma mater.

  I would listen to her for hours during her chemo treatments about all the friends she made and the amazing parties and events she attended.

  But life had a different path for me.

  I never thought my soul mate would become my step-brother, or that my sorority sisters would hate me just for being a legacy.

  What was supposed to be four of the best years of my life turned into lies, betrayal, and heartache.

  My college experience was nothing like I had hoped, but if I could go back and change things, I wouldn't dare.

  My eyes are open now.

  I will never be blindsided again.

  I had made a promise, but some promises are too hard to keep.

  It's time I take charge of my own life, and live for myself ... but is it too late?

  Has my life been forever changed?

  Contents

  Synopsis

  Playlist

  Author’s Note

  Dedication

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  Epilogue

  Acknowledgements

  Trigger Warning

  Also By Amber Nicole

  About The Author

  Copyright

  Copyright 2021 © Amber Nicole

  All rights reserved.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used to be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations for articles or reviews. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials.

  Editing: CB Editing Services

  Proofreading: Locke & Key Proofreading Services

  Photography, Cover Design & Formatting: TalkNerdy2Me

  Playlist

  Add to Spotify

  “Hold On” (a song by Chord Overstreet)

  “Like My Father” (a song by Jax)

  “Ruin The Friendship” (a song by Demi Lovato)

  “Woke Up In Nashville” (a song by Seth Ennis)

  “Primadona” (a song by Sueco)

  “Bad Habits”( a song by Ed Sheeren)

  “90s Kids” (a song by Jax)

  “A Year Without Rain” (a song by Selena Gomez& The Scene)

  “Build a Bitch” (a song by Bella Poarch)

  “She Wolf” (a song by Shakira)

  “Most Girls” (a song by Hailee Steinfield)

  “Montero (call me by your name)” (a song by Lil Nas X)

  “Fly” (a song by Hilary Duff)

  “Crush” (a song by David Archuleta)

  “Blind Man” (a song by Black Stone Cherry)

  “Paralyzer” (a song by Finger Eleven)

  “Black Velvet” (a song by Alannah Myles)

  “Bully” (a song by Shinedown)

  “Same Old Love” (a song by Selena Gomez)

  “Inside The Fire” (a song by Disturbed)

  “Triggered” (a song by Sky Dxddy)

  “I miss the misery” (a song by Halestorm)

  “Animals” (a song by Nickelback)

  “The Enemy” (a song by Godsmack)

  “Beggin’” (a song by Maneskin)

  “Suga Daddy” (a song by Inayah)

  “My Own Worst Enemy” (a song by Lit)

  “Crush Crush Crush” (a song by Paramore)

  “FMRN” (a song by Lilyisthatyou)

  “You Right” (a song by Doja Cat & The Weeknd)

  “Slumber Party” (a song by Ashnikko, Princess Nokia)

  “Here’s To Never Growing Up” (a song by Avril Lavigne)

  “...To Be Loved” (a song by Papa Roach)

  “Stay( feat Justin Bieber)” (The Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber)

  “Monster” (a song by Red Velvet- IRENE & SEULGI)

  “Try” (a song by Colbie Caillat)

  “La di die (feat. jxdn)” (a song by Nessa Barret, jxdn)

  “Paralyzed” (sueco)

  “Yummy” (a song by Justin Beiber)

  “Sabotage” (a song by Bebe Rexha)

  “Loser” (a song by 3 Doors Down)

  “I Hate This Part” (a song by The Pussycat Dolls)

  “When was it over? (feat. Sam Hunt)” (a song by Sasha Alex Sloan & Sam Hunt)

  “Mama’s Broken Heart” (a song by MIranda Lambert)

  “Going Out Like That” (a song by Reba McEntire)

  “Follow Your Arrow” (a song by Kacey Musgraves)

  “We’re Good” (a song by Dua Lipa)

  “Peter Pan” (a song by Kelsea Ballerini)

  “All Alone” (a song by Sky Dxddy)

  Author’s note

  Hey everyone, just me. I wanted to thank you all for continuing to support me through this new adventure of mine. All your kind words and reviews mean the world to me and give me the motivation to keep writing.

  Please note: this book is a dark book which contains potential triggers. If you are unsure, please flip to the very back of the book for a detailed list (This will contain spoilers)

  Also, this book does contain MM. So if you do not like MM please don’t read on.

  Now this is a reverse harem, why choose MMFMMM romance, which means that Carson will have more than one love interest and her harem will grow throughout the duet. Also that two of the men in her relationship have an already established relationship, before meeting her.

  This is book 1 in the Forever Changed duet so there will be a cliffhanger—I know I know, I'm sorry, but I promise to have an HEA at the end of the duet!

  If this seems to catch your fancy then please jump on in!

  I hope you love Carson and her guys as much as I do.

  Love you all,

  Amber Nicole

  Dedication

  This book is dedicated to my husband Logan, who still stands by me every day supporting this dream and encouraging me to step out of my comfort
zone and try new things.

  To my children, I know you hate everytime my computer comes out and I have to go into a bubble, but I do this for you. I love you both and thank you for pushing me to succeed.

  Also

  To my family, thank you so much for everything you have done these past few months: helping me get through this time and especially taking the kids on the weekends so I could finish this book. Even though you are prohibited to read this. I dedicate this to you. Love you all so much.

  “What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us.”

  - Helen Keller

  Prologue

  Age Fourteen

  Carson

  "Just wait baby girl. Kippa Nu will change your life," she says, patting my hand and kissing my temple. Her skin is cold, but her eyes still shine with love for me. I nod my head and give her a gentle hug. My dad said we have to be careful with Mama these days, she bruises easily. I reach up to my tippy toes and give her a smooch on her cheek.

  "I love you, Mama," I whisper, then step away with a shaky smile. I may be young and a tad naive, but I can tell my mama is leaving me soon. Obviously, I don’t want her to go. She’s my mama and my best friend, but I hate seeing her in so much pain. The hundreds of tests she has to go through and the poison they keep putting into her body to supposedly kill the disease. It’s supposed to make her better, so why isn’t it? All it’s doing is making her more sick.

  “Don’t do that, baby,” she says, bringing my thoughts away from my inner rant. “Don’t give me that look. I’m still here. Let’s enjoy the time we have, okay? Tell me about the new song you wrote.”

  I hunker down in the uncomfortable chair they have sitting beside her bed and pull out my phone. “It’s not very good yet. I’m hoping Memphis can give me some notes. I think I have the melody down though.” I start to hum the tune I came up with in the shower and watch as she closes her eyes and smiles. I add the first verse and a tear slips from the corner of her eye.

  If Heaven only knew how much I need you. It wouldn't try to steal you away.

  Selfish as I am. I’ll still hold your hand and listen to the words you say.

  All of the days with still so much to do. I just don’t want this to be true.

  I can feel myself getting choked up, my voice gets shaky, so I stop and sigh. “I still have to finish it, but I think it could be something,” I fib. I have a few more verses ready, but the mood I’ve been in lately isn’t very uplifting. She doesn’t need that right now.

  “Baby girl, it’s beautiful. I wish you didn’t drop out of the church choir. You’ve always had a lovely voice.” I lean forward and take her hand, resting it on my cheek.

  “Choir took up too much time, Mama. You know this. Besides, with Memphis helping coach the football team, Daddy needed some help around the farm.”

  She nods and pats my other cheek. “I know, but promise me you’ll follow your dreams. No matter what. You were born to be a star, baby girl. After college you go out there and give the world your gift. You live every day to the fullest. You never truly know how precious time can be.” I go to reply, but Memphis opens the door to her room and pops his head inside, "See, Miss Daisy. That's what I keep telling her. But will she listen to me?” He shakes his head with a fake frown. I scoff.

  “Oh hush you!” He laughs and gives me a look. I know that look. He’s checking to see if I’m okay. I give him a small nod and he sighs before shooting me a wink. He’s up to something.

  “Come on, shortcake. Let's get some ice cream," he says with a big grin, offering me his hand. A giggle sounds from the bed, and I smile. It may be weak, but it's there. I glance her way to see a bright, tired smirk, and a knowing look in her eye. "Go honey. It's a gorgeous day. Go enjoy it for me."

  “Are you sure? I came to see you. Memphis and I can get ice cream any time, Mama.” I don’t want to leave her. I don’t know how many more days we have left.

  “Go, Cara, enjoy your life. Be young. Be wild. Be free. All I have ever wanted for you, was to be happy, healthy, and to follow your dreams.”

  My eyes water and my throat tightens. I need to leave before I lose it. I know my tears upset her.

  I nod and bend down to give her a kiss on her clammy forehead. “I love you Mama,” I whisper, then take Memphis’ hand letting him guide me out into the hall, before completely breaking down.

  “Shhh shortcake. Come on, let's move to the waiting room. You don’t want her to hear your tears.” He walks me to a small room with some more uncomfortable chairs inside. You would think with how many people wait here, they would have comfortable seating.

  I glance back at the cold, sterile hallway and release the sob I’ve been holding. He sits on the far chair and pulls me onto his lap, rocking me. A few minutes pass and my sobs are now hiccups. His hand touches my cheek and wipes the tears away, I look up into his eyes and give him a trembling smile.

  "What am I going to do, Memphis?" I croak.

  "I don't know, shortcake, but you’re the strongest and most caring person I know. I can’t tell you what the future will bring, but I can tell you one thing. You will always have me. No matter what." I wrap my arms around him tighter and nod. I can always depend on Memphis. Even though he’s older than me and starting his senior year of high school, he has never made me feel like a nuisance. “I love you,” I whisper, and he squeezes me harder before kissing the top of my head.

  “I love you too, Carson Matthews. I always will.” I sigh and pull away, wiping my eyes and cheeks. He reaches over and hands me a tissue from a side table. I look into his warm caramel eyes, taking it, giving him a small smile. “You promised me ice cream,” I say, blowing my nose, cringing at the sound I just made. He laughs and wraps his arms around me tighter, tossing me over his shoulder, before standing and heading out the door into the sunshine. One of the nurses giggles and shakes her head as we pass. This place holds so much sorrow, and sadness. I almost feel guilty about the laughs escaping my lips and the big smile on my face. But I know if my mama could see me she would be happy.

  Cancer is evil. It not only infects the person who has it, it infects all their loved ones as well.

  I’m thankful to have a best friend that will always be around to pull me from the darkness and back into the light.

  Part One

  One

  Four years later

  Carson

  “Carson!” my dad shouts as I race up the stairs. I just need to make it to my room. I can’t believe this is happening right now. I race into my bedroom and slam the door, locking it quickly, before throwing my tired body onto my bed. It doesn’t take long for the knocking to begin. Well, more like pounding. I don’t think he’s capable of knocking.

  “Cara, please. I know you are upset, but I love her,” my dad pleads with me one last time outside my bedroom door. My heart is racing at the news I just recieved. I feel betrayed by the only man I thought would never hurt me. I grab my pillow and scream into it until my lungs hold no more breath, and if I don’t choose to breathe I will pass out. My behavior may seem childish and I know I’m supposed to be going to college next week, but after the news I happened to stumble upon, I think acting like a child is acceptable. I mean they weren't even going to tell me. Just run off and elope, then hope for the best. I grab my ear buds from my nightstand table, slide them in then crank up Like My Father by Jax. I scoff and immediately change the song. If that isn’t ironic I don’t know what is. I lie back on my bed and grab my phone pulling up his name.

  Me: I take it you heard the news? Or maybe not, since they weren’t going to tell anyone!

  I spoke to him just a few hours ago, and he never mentioned a thing to me, so I assume he is just as blindsided as I am. I wait for an answer but one doesn't come right away. He had mentioned having a gig tonight or something.

  I’m just starting to get into the music and relax when my door swings open.

  My father is standing th
ere red faced with a screwdriver in hand. Uh oh he’s really mad. I immediately sit up and turn my music off. “Did you seriously take my door apart?”

  “Are you done acting like a toddler?” he retorts. I roll my eyes and shrug. He walks closer to me, sighing while running a hand down his face, then takes the seat beside me. “I know this is a huge shock baby girl, but please, Carson, understand,” he pleads, but I avoid his gaze. “You’re leaving to go off to college and I will be all alone here. It’s been years since your mama passed away.” I wipe a traitorous tear from my cheek and slowly look at him. He looks exhausted, no longer like the man I used to know. His age is starting to show from the stress of the past few years. His once full head of blond hair is thinning a bit and graying by the temples. His eyes are showing a hint of crows feet by the corners and his posture is starting to slump. All those days working on the farm and doing the heavy lifting haven’t helped. I know his back hurts more now as well. But he is still a very attractive man, so I guess I can’t blame Frankie for falling for him. A lot of the women around here are always stopping by to bring us food, or to check in on me, but I know what their main agenda is. At least she won’t bleed my dad dry. I must have been stuck in my head for too long because he gives me a small shove with his shoulder. I groan and cover my eyes.

  “But did it have to be her? And did you have to hide it?” I ask. He grips one of my arms and forces me into a hug.

  “Yeah kiddo, Frankie has helped me a lot over the years. Our friendship turned into more recently and we are at the age now we don’t want to wait and date.” He shifts, laying his arm over my shoulder, tugging me in tight. “I know he is your best friend, Cara. I even know you’ve had a crush on him for a long time. But honey, he’s away in Nashville now living his dream and you’re going away to college to live yours. Plus, you need to focus on the sorority and continuing your mother’s legacy.” He pauses, taking a moment looking almost pained and uncomfortable. “If something was meant to happen it would have by now.” He lets me go and gives me a small shake, as if to wake me up from my fantasies. I meet his gaze and he winks. I scowl trying to hide the smile. He’s right. I’ve loved Memphis since the day I met him, but I was immediately thrown into the friend zone. I guess witnessing my braces, acne, and awkward stages turned him off. Who knows? My phone dings and I wince glancing at the new message. My dad stands up and moves towards the door with a grimace.