001

Chapter 1

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Natalie

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The moment I set foot into the school's campus, I was instantly reminded why I chose this life.

Attention, admiration, envy and respect, followed me like a perfume; all soft, expensive and impossible to ignore.

As I walked through the hallway of New Rome University campus, with my friends; Florentine and Mia, all eyes stared just a little longer than necessary, as our heels echoed against the marble floors.

The students stopped talking mid sentences, eyes widened like they were in a cartoon, and the whole hallways seemed to shake like they were all trying to contain their excitement but failing epically.

Whispers bloomed behind manicured hands, it wasn’t loud and it didn't need to be ‘cause power at New Rome was quiet.

The sound of music echoed from the courtyard through the school as students vibed hard to it. Of course they will.. it's the first day of school anyways, the smiles on each of their faces were enough to tell me they were all happy to be back.

I smiled, adjusting my jacket perfectly on my shoulders the golden detail caught the light just enough, while Mia's earrings glinted beside me and Florentine's Chanel bag hung effortlessly on her arm.

We strutted in, basically royalty, ‘cause to be honest, our families are basically known to be the ones funding half the school.

We basically belonged, and that was all that mattered.

I swept my hair back; controlled, but practiced and a small smirk curved my lips when I noticed a group of guys pretending not to stare.

“They're extra dramatic," Florentine said, leaning towards me.

"Always,” I replied, adjusting my sunglasses.

Meanwhile, the teachers smiled extra brightly, like they were trying to win a prize, and students parted like the Red sea.

"Good morning, girls!" Mrs Johnson practically cooed, her eyes lingering on the Chanel logo on Florentine's bag. We nodded graciously, like we were granting them an audience.

The hallway parted subtly as we moved forward, nobody blocks our paths, no one ever does. At New Rome, reputation travels faster than truth and right now my reputation screamed: Billionaire heiress.

The cafeteria crew probably already had our favorite lunch ready; organic, gluten-free, and extra avocado on the salad. It was like we had an invisible crown on or something, and everyone knew not to mess with the queens.

The popular girls, Emily and crew, gave us a tentative wave, and we flashed our million dollar smiles back at them. Game faces on.

Mia leaned in, her Gucci perfume wafting up, "There'll be a party tomorrow evening, are you coming?"

Florentine smirked, "Of course, yes. And you're coming too, Talie. Don't even try to escape this one."

“I'll be there,” I rolled my eyes.

“Great," Florentine said and we slipped into our seats, and .. yeah the shaking stopped.

Everyone was just too chill, like they were waiting for us to make the first move.

The DJ in the courtyard switched tracks, and someone cheered. Another perfectly curated day, another beautiful performance, ‘cause that's what this is.

A performance and I play my role flawlessly.

✧ ⋄ ⋆ ⋅ ✫ ⋅ ⋆ ⋄ ✧

By the time I got back home, my smile ached as I closed the bathroom door behind me, staring at my reflection.

Perfect hairdo, perfect makeup and a perfect lie, I exhaled sharply.

I walked out of my bathroom, dropping into my bed lazily and my phone buzzed; Mama.

I hesitated before I slid up the answer button reluctantly, placing the phone on my ear.

"Hi.. mama," I said in the lowest tone I could use.

"Natalie, you just got transferred today and you're already everywhere online? Are you going to tell me what's going on?,” Mama said tightly over the phone.

I shut my eyes, "What are you talking about?" I asked, feigning ignorance as I sighed softly, rubbing my temples.

"Photos. Pictures of you with the caption ‘Billonaire heiress’,” she said and silence stretched long between us.

"Mama it's nothing. Just exaggerations," I said quickly.

“Natalie, I just hope you do not drift too far from your real world while trying to chase something in your head… that is obviously not real,” Mama said softly and somehow it hit me so deep than shouting ever could.

"Mama, I've got it under control,” I whispered.

Do I really have it under control?

“I hope you do," she muttered quietly and the line went dead.

I turned over my bed, spreading my arms and legs all ajar, staring at the ceiling and for a second I almost felt guilty, then my phone buzzed again; Florentine.

"Hey, bitch,” Florentine’s voice came from the phone.

“So the party was moved to tonight, ‘cause the school wants lectures to resume back in full swing tomorrow. I'm heading to Mia's place, want me to pick you.."

"I.. I got the message too” I cut in quickly, "I'll meet you at the usual parking lot.”

There was a pause before she replied, " Okay.”

I sat up and slowly walked to my cupboard, my fingers trailed across fabrics and stopped and I pulled out a black Chanel dress; it was elegant and very convincing.

I slid it on, standing in front of a mirror. From a distance I looked exactly like the girl they think I am; untouchable, rich, and all that.

I smoothed the fabric to the waist, adjusting every fibre it was made of, to make sure it wasn't obvious it was a dupe