Chapter 1: Not So Perfect Life
High school, they say, measures success by the clique you run with. But Hannah's perspective? A little different.
"Do you want to know when you really reach the top?" she thought, her smile tight. "When someone wants to destroy you."
"Who wants a bite of me?" a girl in a mini pink dress called out, her wide smile framed by a tray of biscuits—each with her face printed on them.
Hannah watched people grab the biscuits, her eyes narrowing slightly. Trick question, she thought. Everyone wants a bite of me.
She smiled gently. "I know, right?" she murmured, her voice smooth. So ominous. They'll probably be like, Her life is perfect—why the riddles?
"Hannah!" someone called, a camera flash blinding her. She turned, smile widening. "Hey!" she said, posing. Another flash. Click. Click. "Perfect!" she breathed.
Two girls, Mia and Niel, sat nearby, nibbling on the biscuits. Mia set hers down, wearing a bored expression. "I mean," she said flatly, "the party is fun, right, Niel?"
Niel sipped her drink, eyes fixed on Hannah with a dark look. "Fun?" she scoffed. She picked up a hand fan bearing Hannah's photo. "Look at this face card."
Mia frowned slightly. "What is it again?"
Niel sighed, her voice low. "Is it not Hannah? It's not even her party. She got in here with a scholarship. To Sara's High. A whole scholarship."
She stood, her chair scraping across the floor. "I'm leaving."
Mia watched her go, confused.
Hannah walked up with her best friend, Sage. "Hope you're not trying to dismiss all my hard work," Hannah said, voice cool.
Niel scoffed, turning to Sage. "The only reason you're still here is Sage. You couldn't even throw a dog tea party without help. Now look at this extravaganza. All thanks to Sage covering for a poor little girl with thrift-store dreams."
Sage stepped forward. Her voice was calm but dangerous. "Watch what you say."
Hannah smiled tightly, then pushed a biscuit into Niel's mouth. "Want some cookies? Take it. Might sweeten your breath—it's a bit bitter."
She and Sage walked off, eyes cold.
"Oh my gosh, you're peak powers tonight," Sage said, wide-eyed.
Hannah smiled, uncertainty flickering. "Do you think I did too much?"
They looked at the girl in the pink dress.
"No," Hannah decided, smile back. "It's all really understated."
"Gagged," Sage said. "I love you."
"I love you too."
Two girls, Clowe and Sofia, approached.
"We have a slight problem," Sofia said.
Hannah and Sage exchanged looks. "What happened this time?" Sage asked.
Sofia looked concerned. "Lila—the Instagram witch—she says she saw you buying your dress from Salvation Army."
Hannah's eyes widened. Her hand clenched.
"Yes, I heard it clearly," Sofia confirmed.
Clowe looked at Hannah sympathetically. "We love you, and honestly, it's chic and eco to thrift. And your mom is—"
"Clowe!" Sofia snapped.
Clowe muttered, "Sorry."
Sofia sighed. "What do you want me to do? Push her in the water? Burn her hair?"
Hannah sighed. Sage replied, "No. We're not doing that. We'll handle Lila—elegantly. She's leaving this party."
"Got it," Sofia said.
Hannah looked at Sage. "I think it's time for a toast."
"I'll gather everyone," Sage said. "Freshening up real quick."
As you can see, Hannah thought, walking to the washroom, my friends were born into this. Golden spoons in their mouths. Me? I DIY'd my way here.
And before you judge me—everyone cares about status. I just worked harder to get mine.
She looked in the mirror. Her blonde hair was sleek, her blue eyes sharp. She reapplied her lipstick carefully.
I've spent seventeen years curating this life. No one's taking it from me now.
She stepped out, her walk measured and graceful. The crowd turned.
"Woah," someone murmured.
She took the stage. "Oh my goodness, stop!" she laughed. "Thank you all for being here, and thank you, Sage, for throwing this amazing party."
Niel rolled her eyes.
"And Sofia, editor extraordinaire," she gestured to a billboard with her photos, "this means so much."
"Actually," she said, eyes scanning, "where's Lila?"
Lila scowled. "What?"
Hannah smiled sweetly. "You look incredible tonight. I love your spider hat. So big."
Lila instinctively touched it.
"Lila's agreed to donate her wardrobe for a project I'm starting—for women at the Salvation Army. Isn't that amazing? Let's give it up for her!"
Lila froze. The crowd clapped.
"Don't film me," Hannah said, amused. "Film Lila."
Lila forced a smile. "Thanks, everyone."
"Hello, beautiful," a voice cut in. A guy in a black suit walked forward with flowers.
"It's NK," the crowd murmured.
He bowed. "Sorry I'm late. Just wanted the surprise to be perfect. I love you so much, Hannah."
She smiled.
The girls screamed. NK climbed the stage and kissed her hand.
He handed her the flowers. "They smell nice," Hannah said, eyes glowing.
He leaned close. "Everyone look up. You too, babe."
She looked up, smiling. Fireworks lit the night sky.
"Beautiful," NK said. "Let's toast to Hannah—to her bright future."
They toasted. Hannah kissed NK's cheek.
Later, under the stars, NK whispered, "I'll miss you this summer. Can't play with you."
"Play with yourself," she joked.
He grinned. "Maybe send me a little something. A video."
"You really want me to?"
"I love you," he whispered. "More than anything."
That night, Hannah stared at their photo. Her expression sharpened. She set up her phone, adjusted the lighting.
He wants a video? He'll get one.
She pressed record. She performed deliberately, confidence in every move, her eyes locked on the camera.
She finished, reviewed the video, and hit send.
The next day, Hannah and Sage walked together.
"I can't believe Montana is celiac," Hannah said.
"And picky," Sage added. "But your birthday will be perfect. Trust me."
Hannah smiled. But she noticed people staring—not in a good way.
"Sage," she whispered, "Why is everyone glaring at me?"
Sage checked her phone. Her face dropped. "Ah… 'NK (Moaning).' It's trending."
Hannah ran to NK. "How could you do this to me?"
"I'm sorry! Someone hacked me. I'm trying to delete it. I swear I didn't—"
"I trusted you," she whispered, tears falling.
"Babe, please, I love you so much. You don't even know."
Phones surrounded them. Cameras rolled.
Hannah slapped him. "Whoever did this—I will get revenge. I swear."
Hi everyone—Author here!
Thanks so much for downloading Revenge Twist. This is my second novel on Webnovel and I truly appreciate your time and support. I'd love to hear your comments and thoughts on Chapter 1.
Thanks for reading. Have a wonderful day.