"Ohh, what a bad nightmare," I muttered while stretching on the bed. "It felt too real though… whatever, I have to prepare for school before I go late."
I dragged myself out of bed, bathed, and dressed up quickly. The moment I stepped out of my room, the heavy silence in the house wrapped around me like a thick blanket. Everyone's eyes shifted in my direction, filled with guilt and worry. That alone told me what I didn't want to hear—it wasn't a dream.
My father looked at me, forcing a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Bella… you didn't eat last night. Hurry up to the dining table, let's eat."
I rolled my eyes. "So you're trying to act as if everything is normal, huh? Well, I'm not hungry. I'm off to school."
I turned toward the door, trying to escape the suffocating air, when a familiar voice called behind me.
"Isa."
I froze but didn't turn around. I already knew that voice.
Luca came closer, his hand brushing against mine before he held it gently. "Let's go then."
I let him lead me out. On the way to the bus stop, he glanced at me. "How are you?"
I only nodded.
"You know," he said softly, "you don't have to be mad at me too. I knew nothing about the whole thing."
"I'm not mad at you," I replied, my voice low. "I'm grateful you took my side. I'm just… not in a good mood. It's normal—nobody goes through something like that and comes out smiling."
Luca gave me a sad smile and didn't push further.
The bus finally pulled up, and we climbed in. I pressed my forehead against the window, staring at the blur of streets flying past, my chest heavy with thoughts I didn't want to face.
When we got to school, Luca left with his friends. I was heading toward my classroom when I heard my name being called.
"Bell!" Leonardo's voice carried easily across the yard. He jogged over with that cocky smile plastered on his face, the kind that could annoy me and comfort me at the same time.
Oh—sorry, I didn't even introduce this cocky bastard before. Leonardo Sergio. Heir of Sergio Vogue, one of the most popular fashion companies in Italy. He's twenty, hot enough to make half the school drool, but always burning with jealousy because—newsflash—Luca's still the more handsome one. We've been friends since elementary school, and somehow, the older we get, the stronger the bond gets.
"Ella!" a voice sang right behind me, just as arms wrapped around my shoulder. That was Elena DeNero—miss slay herself. Her father works for one of the Moretti companies, so she's always dripping in some kind of expensive perfume. A sassy bitch with a pretty face and a mouth that never knows when to shut up. Still, she's my ride-or-die, the one who's been glued to me since kindergarten. Her secret? She's hopelessly crushing on Luca. Like, seriously. Sometimes I want to smack her for it.
"You look dead, Bell," Nardo smirked, falling into step beside me.
"Gee, thanks," I muttered. "Maybe I should get a new best friend who doesn't insult me first thing in the morning."
Elle giggled and tightened her arm around mine. "Ignore him, Ella. Lenny's just cranky because his hair didn't sit right today."
"Hey!" he scowled, running a hand through his perfectly styled dark hair. "Don't act like this isn't magazine worthy."
"Magazine for clowns maybe," I shot back, and Elle laughed so hard she nearly stumbled.
We were halfway across the yard when Elle suddenly tilted her head at me. "So… where's Luca?"
And there it was. I didn't even get the chance to roll my eyes before Nardo groaned. "Oh, here she goes again," he muttered with the biggest eye roll ever.
"Oh, shut up! You're just jealous you're not him," Elle snapped, tossing her glossy hair back.
"Him?" Nardo smirked, leaning closer. "Please. I wouldn't even want a flat-ass girl like you crushing on me."
I nearly choked on my own laugh. "Ohhh, that hit a nerve," I said, watching Elle's face twist into the most dramatic offended look.
She recovered fast, flashing a sheepish grin. "Don't worry, I'll upgrade myself. Maybe a little BBL—with your father's money, of course."
I shook my head, stifling a laugh. "You guys are so unserious."
But Elle wasn't letting go of her original question. "Back to what I asked—how's he?"
I gave her a deadpan look. "Oh, please. He's fine. You can call him to ask, or better yet, go drool in his classroom."
"Whatever," she muttered with a wave, though the faint smile on her lips betrayed her.
Beside me, Nardo chuckled low, clearly enjoying every second of her embarrassment.
We didn't even notice the time slipping by until the sharp voice cut through the hallway.
"Romano! Sergio! DeNero!"
The sharp voice made us all freeze. We turned to see Professoressa Bianchi glaring at us from the doorway, arms crossed, foot tapping like a ticking bomb.
"Late. Again," she said, her tone dripping with annoyance. "Do you three think my class is optional?"
Elle bit back a laugh and whispered, "Maybe she just misses us too much."
"Silenzio!" Bianchi snapped before I could even smirk. "Inside. Now."
We exchanged quick glances—me rolling my eyes, Nardo smirking like he owned the world, and Elle suppressing another giggle—before shuffling into class under her burning stare.
We slid into our seats, still earning daggers from Professoressa Bianchi. She smacked a stack of books down on her desk, the sound echoing through the room.
"Open to page eighty-two," she barked. "And for once, try to use those brains you carry around for decoration."
Elle leaned toward me and whispered, "She's in a mood. Must've been a bad date last night."
Professoressa Bianchi's head snapped up. "What are you two whispering about?" she barked.
"Oh, careful, miss. I know it all," Elle shot back without missing a beat. "What are you? A golden little miss? You're feeling yourself way too much — so I should keep quiet like this is some kind of graveyard just because you're here? If you're pained you shouldn't come to class." She slid into her chair with a dramatic flop and a perfect, furious smirk.
Laughter rippled through the room. Someone clapped — of course, it was the other psycho.
"That's my girl — you should have wiggled that ass in conclusion, baby," Nardo called, grinning. He didn't even try to be subtle; he faced her and blew a ridiculous kiss.
Bianchi's face went three shades of crimson. She swallowed, opened her mouth, then closed it. "Are you guys for real? I can't believe this. Get ready for your punishment," she snapped, and stormed out of the classroom in a flustered huff, leaving everyone buzzing.