Part 40 – The Arrival of Kylie Sinclair
The following week brought a shift in the air of Westwood High. Rumors spread like wildfire — a new student was joining, someone who wasn't just "new" but carried the Sinclair name. Everyone knew the Sinclairs — old money, a family that owned half the luxury resorts across the country, their name whispered with awe and envy.
And then she arrived. Kylie Sinclair.
She didn't walk into the school. She entered, like she owned the place. Long, silky brown hair with subtle highlights, sharp hazel eyes that could silence a room, and a figure that screamed confidence without her needing to try. She wore a simple black crop top, designer jeans, and boots that looked like they came straight off a runway. The kind of outfit that seemed casual but probably cost more than an entire month's rent for most people.
Boys turned their heads instantly. Girls whispered behind their lockers. But Kylie wasn't the type to flash a smile at everyone. She scanned the crowd once, her gaze sharp, and then simply moved forward, not caring who stared. That's what made her different — she didn't crave attention. Attention just followed her.
By lunchtime, everyone was buzzing. "She's Sinclair… her dad owns Sinclair Resorts." "I heard she has a villa in Malibu." "She was at Paris Fashion Week last year." The rumors stacked higher, and with every whisper, Kylie became more of a mystery.
But there was something everyone noticed quickly — Kylie Sinclair wasn't going to waste her time on just anyone. She didn't smile at the desperate boys who tripped over themselves to carry her books. She didn't bother replying to the fake-sweet compliments from girls who were already trying to suck up to her. Kylie was selective.
And one of the few she seemed to notice… was Nick Carter.
It happened during lunch break. Nick was casually sitting with his usual charm, surrounded by a couple of friends, and as always, there were a few girls hovering nearby, giggling at anything he said. Nick wasn't trying too hard — that was his appeal. He was confident without showing off, attractive without effort.
Kylie walked past, her eyes locking on him for just a second longer than necessary. It wasn't a smile, it wasn't flirting — it was a look that said, "I see you." And for someone like Kylie, that was more than enough.
Nick noticed. Of course he did. His lips curved into the faintest smirk, but he didn't get up, didn't rush after her. He just leaned back in his chair, as if amused that she'd looked his way.
Anna saw it too.
Anna was sitting at her table across the cafeteria with Ethan, and though she tried to stay calm, something twisted in her chest. She had never been insecure about her beauty — after all, Anna Rose had always been the girl who turned heads. But Kylie's arrival was different. Kylie was stunning, yes — her body screamed "sexy," her aura screamed "untouchable," and her wealth made everything about her seem larger than life. Yet Anna reminded herself quietly: Still… no one can match me. No one can touch my crown.
But watching Kylie's gaze flicker toward Nick? That bothered her.
Ethan, on the other hand, didn't miss the tension in Anna's eyes. He smirked, leaning closer. "She's not even close to you, Anna. Don't waste your time comparing."
Anna gave him a small smile, brushing her hair back. "I'm not comparing. I don't need to."
But deep inside, her thoughts were different. Kylie wasn't just another pretty girl. She was different — powerful, selective, and the fact that she gave Nick attention, even briefly, made Anna's heartbeat faster in ways she didn't want to admit.
Later that day, in English class, the new seating chart placed Kylie just two rows behind Nick. For the first time, Anna noticed Nick glance back. Once. Twice. Not obvious, not enough for others to notice, but enough for Anna's eyes to sharpen.
Kylie, on her part, didn't flirt. She didn't lean forward, didn't giggle, didn't try to catch his attention. That was her power. She didn't need to do anything. Just existing, just sitting there, was enough to make people notice her.
During a group assignment, when the teacher paired random students together, fate played its game — Kylie got grouped with Nick.
Anna's jaw tightened.
From her spot beside Ethan, she could see them talk — Kylie with that cool, calm expression, Nick with his lazy charm. They weren't laughing, they weren't touching, but there was something unsettling in the effortless ease between them. Kylie didn't look at anyone else the entire period. Just Nick.
After class, Kylie walked out with her books in her hand, Nick walking a step behind her. Anna caught the faintest trace of a smile curve on Kylie's lips when Nick said something, though no one else could hear what it was.
That smile burned Anna more than she expected.
On the ride home, Anna's silence was heavier than usual. Ethan noticed instantly. "You're thinking about her, aren't you?"
Anna turned her head sharply. "Don't be ridiculous."
Ethan smirked, leaning back in his seat. "Relax, Anna. You're Anna Rose. No one — and I mean no one — outshines you. Not even a Sinclair."
But Ethan didn't know what Anna felt deep down. It wasn't about who was prettier. Anna knew her beauty was unmatched, her presence magnetic. But Kylie Sinclair was dangerous in a different way. She didn't need the crowd, she didn't crave attention. She gave it to only a select few. And Nick had been one of them.
For Anna, that was the problem.
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