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In the Hospital
The room smelled faintly of disinfectant. Roselette lay weakly in her bed, her pale face glowing under the dim hospital lights. The door creaked open, and a girl stepped inside.
"...Andria?" Roselette whispered, her voice frail but filled with hope.
Andria hurried to the bedside, pulling the chair closer. She clasped her mother's cold hand. "Mom... are you alright?"
Roselette studied her daughter's appearance. Her eyes widened slightly. "You've changed... You cut your hair... and... is that—" she pointed weakly—"the Brighton Wisdom uniform?"
Andria nodded softly, trying to calm her mother. "Yes, Mom. I'll explain everything, but don't stress yourself now. Just rest."
But Roselette kept staring at her daughter as though she had grown older in a single night. Suddenly, she asked, almost in a rush, "Did you meet your father?"
Andria's throat tightened. She hesitated, then nodded.
"I know you must be upset," Roselette sighed. "I didn't tell you much about him... but that doesn't mean he was bad guy."
Andria's grip on her mother's hand tightened. Her eyes grew cold. "Mom... I accepted him as my father for society. But not in my heart."
Roselette froze, shocked by her daughter's sharpness.
Just then, Andria's phone buzzed. She unlocked it—messages from the Silver Storm group.
Raina: Guys, party at my house this evening! Don't forget. Gabriella, you too.
Selina: Sure, but what's the occasion?
Raina: Nothing. Just a friends' gathering.
Han: Yes.
Ronnie: Of course! There's no party without me.
Jake: Mmm.
Andria stared at the screen, undecided. She didn't type anything. But another notification popped up—this time a private message.
Jake → Gabriella: You better not attend our party. Don't spoil the mood.
Her jaw clenched. Who does he think he is? Ordering me? I'll go. I'll show him.
She didn't reply to Jake but typed one simple word in the group chat: Yes.
"Gabriella..." Roselette called faintly.
Andria leaned down, kissed her mother's forehead. "Mom, I'll come later. I have to go now." She slipped out of the room.
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At Raina's House
Raina's mansion stretched out like a palace—huge glass windows, marble pillars, and a glowing swimming pool sparkling under neon lights. Music pulsed through the air as youngsters danced, laughed, and played both inside and outside.
Gabriella's car slid into the driveway. She stepped out gracefully, her black knee-length gown shimmering under the lights. A thin silver chain rested against her neck, her hair falling in perfect waves as the night wind caressed it.
She walked smoothly, every step radiating confidence. Heads turned. Girls admired her elegance, and boys seemed utterly spellbound.
Raina's lips curved into a knowing smile. She swept forward, hugging Gabriella with one arm. "Forget whatever happened in school. From today... you're one of us."
Gabriella smiled faintly. "You don't need to say it. I already know."
Raina smirked in satisfaction, while Selina stepped closer with a smile. Raina subtly signaled her. Selina guided Gabriella toward a group of well-dressed girls.
One girl tilted her head. "Aren't you the daughter of Mrs. Frederick? My father and yours were close friends."
Before Gabriella could reply, Selina made the introductions. "She's the heir of the Hamilton Group. This is Dona Hamilton, Richard Hamilton's daughter."
"Nice to meet you," Gabriella said politely.
Selina handed her a glass. "I don't think you can handle this drink. It's strong."
Gabriella chuckled and downed it in one smooth gulp. "You don't know my capacity."
Selina froze for a second, hiding her surprise. But Gabriella's sharp gaze had already drifted to Selina's shoes. A flash of recognition hit her.
"Those shoes... Are they yours?" Gabriella asked coolly.
Selina chuckled. "Of course. I never use anyone else's things."
Gabriella's eyes narrowed. The same royal blue shoes... the one that kicked me in the face... Was it Selina?
Selina blinked, sensing Gabriella's stare. "Why are you looking at me like that? Is there something on my face?"
"Your shoes look familiar," Gabriella murmured.
Selina laughed lightly. "No way. It's a limited edition. Only two pairs exist. One is mine... and the other—" she paused slyly—"I won't tell."
Gabriella turned away, biting down her thoughts. Dona quickly followed her.
"Where are you going? Stay, enjoy the party with us."
"I need fresh air," Gabriella replied.
Dona lowered her voice. "Are you upset because of Selina? Don't take her words seriously. By the way... did you know your father and mother were lovebirds since college? They even studied in Canada together. Can't you share some details about their love story?"
Gabriella's gaze sharpened. "Who told you that?"
"My father," Dona said casually. "He told my mother, and I overheard."
"Then why don't you ask him again?" Gabriella shot back coldly.
Dona flinched. Did I say something wrong?
But Gabriella's attention had already shifted. A familiar figure lingered near the entrance gate. Gabriella walked over swiftly.
It was Anitta.
"What are you doing here?" Gabriella asked.
Anitta's face lit up despite looking upset. "We're classmates, right? Can you talk to the security and let me in?"
Gabriella's voice softened. "She's my friend. I invited her."
The guards immediately let Anitta through.
"Thanks, Gabriella," she smiled gratefully.
"Who invited you here?" Gabriella asked curiously.
Anitta hesitated. "It was... him. A Silver Storm member..."
"Who? Han? Ronnie? Or Jake?" Gabriella pressed.
Anitta only smiled mysteriously. "Oh, I got a message. I have to go now." She slipped away quickly, leaving Gabriella frowning in thought.
As Gabriella walked back, a loud roar of an engine cut through the music. A sleek sports bike sped past her, halting dramatically in front of her, just like a hero's entrance in a movie.
Gabriella staggered back, her anger boiling. "What the hell are you doing? If you want to show off, do it with someone else—not me!"
The rider wore a black jacket and a helmet. Casually, he looked at her, then removed it. Blond silky hair spilled out, glinting under the lights, swaying with the wind. His face came into view.
Jake.
Gabriella froze, caught completely off guard.
Jake smirked, still seated on his bike. He leaned slightly, his voice low and taunting. "You were scared, weren't you?"
Her lips parted, but no words came.
His smirk faded into a sharp smile. "That's exactly what I wanted." He winked at her.
Gabriella's heart raced, but she glared, refusing to let him see her shaken.
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