CHAPTER 1: Colliding Worlds
The golden rays of the morning sun danced across Anna's face, coaxing her awake. She sprang from her bed and headed straight for the window, throwing it open to inhale the intoxicatingly sweet scent of spring.
"What a beautiful morning," Anna whispered to the breeze. But the tranquility was short-lived. She scrambled back to her bed, her heart hammering against her ribs as she reached for her phone to check for the admission notification. She bit her lip nervously, the metallic taste of anxiety on her tongue.
"God, please... I really need this," she breathed.
Her eyes widened, nearly popping out of her head, as the bold letters on the screen confirmed her dreams: ADMITTED. A piercing, joyful scream erupted from her throat, loud enough to bring her mother skidding into the room.
"Anna! What's wrong? Why are you shouting?" Esther asked, her breath hitching in alarm.
"Mom! I got in! I got into Dream High College!" Anna shrieked, launching herself at her mother and nearly knocking her over.
"Geez, Anna, calm down!" Esther chuckled, though she gently pried her daughter off. As the initial shock wore off, a shadow of sadness flickered across Esther's tired features.
"Mom? Aren't you happy for me?" Anna asked, her joyful pout turning into a look of concern as she caught the shift in her mother's gaze.
"No, honey, I'm thrilled. Truly," Esther sighed, smoothing her apron. "It's just... you'll be staying in the school hostel. I'm going to miss you so much."
Anna's expression softened, and she reached out to stroke her mother's hair. "I feel bad too, Mom. I hate the idea of leaving you alone in the hands of that monster I call a father, and his cruel second wife. You know how she treats you when I'm not around."
"Calm down, Anna," Esther said, her voice trembling slightly. "Everything will be okay. Remember, regardless of everything, he is still your father."
Anna's hand dropped, her warmth turning to ice. "Oh, please, Mom. What kind of father brings his mistress and her daughter into his own home while he still has a wife? That's not a father; that's a stranger."
"Hey, baby, stop. Please," Esther whispered, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. "I still love him."
"What kind of love is that?" Anna's voice rose to a half-yell, fueled by years of resentment. "He can't even provide for us, yet he squanders his money on that witch and her brat. He hits you, Mom! And you still say you love him?"
Seeing the tears finally spill down Esther's cheeks, Anna stopped abruptly, her anger replaced by a pang of guilt.
"I'm going to finish up in the kitchen," Esther said, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. "Then we'll go get what you need for school. Go freshen up."
"Okay, Mom," Anna sighed, pulling her into one last, tight squeeze. "But don't be sad anymore. He doesn't deserve a single one of your tears."
"I won't cry again, don't worry about me," Esther promised, breaking the hug and playfully shoving Anna toward the bathroom.
"If you say so," Anna called out, pausing at the door to give her mom a mischievous wink. "But I won't hesitate to confront Dad if I see you crying when I come home!"
Esther watched her go, a small, genuine smile finally touching her lips. "What a crazy, fierce child I have."
THE RICCARDO's MANSION
The Riccardo's estate didn't just suggest wealth, it screamed it. From the marble pillars to the gold-leaf accents, it was a temple of luxury, exactly what one would expect from the wealthiest family in California.
At the massive mahogany dining table, Mr. and Mrs. Riccardo sat in a heavy silence, waiting for the staff to finish serving the morning meal.
"Good morning, Mom. Good morning, Dad," Ruby chirped, gliding into the room and taking her seat.
"Good morning, my dear," Mrs. Tessa replied warmly. Mr. Riccardo simply offered a sharp, distracted nod.
"Where is your brother?" Mr. Riccardo asked, his voice booming in the quiet room.
"I don't know, Dad. Probably still staring at himself in the mirror," Ruby answered with a smirk.
"Go call him, Ruby," Tessa instructed.
"Mom, you know what a jerk he is," Ruby complained, picking up her silver cutlery as the maid bowed and retreated. "He'll just complain that I'm annoying him, or something."
"Wow. So I'm a jerk now? Careful, Ruby, or I might have to cut that tongue out," a deep voice drawled. John walked into the room, looking effortlessly polished and profoundly bored.
"I don't have the energy to argue with you today," Ruby said, rolling her eyes toward the ceiling. "I'm just happy you're heading back to school. At least I won't have to look at your annoying face every day."
"You've really lost your manners, little sister," John said, taking his seat. "But guess what? You're the one who's going to miss me the most."
"In your dreams," she glared.
"Will you both stop acting like toddlers?" Mrs. Tessa snapped, her gaze sharp enough to silence them both.
"So, John," Mr. Riccardo said, raising a brow. "Do you need anything replaced at your hostel? Any new equipment?"
"No, Dad. Everything is still intact," John replied dismissively.
"Are you sure?" his mother pressed.
John groaned, his frustration bubbling over. "Yes, Mom! Geez, stop treating me like a child."
"Fine," Mr. Riccardo said, setting his napkin down. "Since you're so grown up, you'll be the one dropping your sister off at school today."
John's face contorted in a groan. "Let the driver do it. She's a massive pain in the neck. She'll drive me into a ditch before we hit the highway."
"The driver is busy," Tessa said firmly, leaving no room for debate. "You will take her yourself."
John sighed, the sound of a man defeated by his own family. "Fine. I'll take her. But Ruby, if you breathe too loud, I'm leaving you on the side of the road."
"Whatever," Ruby snapped, finishing her breakfast in a hurry to keep up with him as he stood. "I'll just sit in the back and pretend you're the hired help."
"Good," John muttered, heading for the door.
"Honey, get ready," Mr. Riccardo said to his wife as he grabbed his keys.
"This evening, we're going to visit an old friend of mine."
"I heard you," Tessa replied, already planning her outfit.
THE SHOPPING MALL
Anna stepped out into the bright afternoon sun, her arms laden with bags. She had spent the last few hours gathering everything she needed for her new life at Dream High. Her mother, who ran a small restaurant nearby, had gone back to work, leaving Anna to the busy streets alone.
"Ahh! What the heck?!" Anna screamed as the screech of tires tore through the air. A sleek, expensive sports car had missed her by mere inches as she crossed the street.
The door swung open, and a young man stepped out. It was John. He didn't rush over to check on her; instead, he stood by the car door, staring at her with a blank, icy expression.
"Can't you apologize?" Anna yelled, her heart still pounding from the near-miss. Her knuckles were white as she gripped her shopping bags.
John looked her up and down, his lip curling in disdain. "And why would I apologize? It's not like you're bleeding."
"You are such an arrogant jerk!" Anna shouted, her temper flaring. "You nearly hit a human being with your car and you can't even manage a simple 'sorry'?"
"Look, missy," John said, stepping closer, his presence radiating power and coldness. "Watch your tone. I have enough money to buy you and your entire family tree. Don't test me."
Anna felt a wave of pure disgust wash over her. She didn't care about his car or his money. "Oh, wow. You really are just a spoiled, pathetic brat."
Before he could respond, Anna leaned forward and spat right in his face.