chapter one

Bella was seated in her room, reading her most favorite novel ,One Life to Live.

She dimmed the lights in her room, letting the soft glow wrap the walls in a warm amber hue. The cozy light made everything else fade from her sight ,as if the entire world had melted away, leaving only her and the story in her hands. She felt herself transforming, drifting into another world.

She sat on her most comfortable reading chair, positioned near the large open window. The cool evening breeze slipped into the room, brushing her skin and stirring her hair. The soft sound of rustling curtains and the faint scent of roses from the garden below made her room feel even more enchanted.

This meant the world to her. It was her therapy her peace. Reading made her view life differently, more gently, more beautifully. Besides going to church, this was her second happy place , something she adored and loved with her heart, mind, and soul.

She was so deep in her story that she didn't notice her twin sister walk in.

Lilly stunning, confident, and effortlessly charming was the kind of girl whose beauty could light up a room. Yet, behind that confident smile lay a loneliness she never spoke about. There was an emptiness inside her that haunted her no matter how much she pretended. To appear happy, she felt she had to be perfect.

A people pleaser, you could say.

Bella was the exact opposite.

"Bella," Lilly began, signing as she spoke, "Dad says you should get ready for the event tonight. Lots of businessmen and celebrities will be there, so please wear something nice something fashionable." She sighed, a flicker of annoyance crossing her perfect features.

Bella's calm brown eyes lifted from her book. She was unique simple yet radiant, pure and humble in every way.

Though she and Lilly were born on the same day, the same hour, the same month, the same year — even looking so alike that their father still mixed them up eighteen years later their souls were vastly different.

Bella had been born with a speech deficiency that made her unable to speak. Yet she never saw it as a curse. It was a blessing in disguise — one that taught her to see the world differently, to find light in silence. Every day, she thanked God for it.

"Right now?" she signed softly.

"Dahhh," Lilly replied, exaggerating the sign with playful irritation before leaving the room.

Bella sighed quietly.

Argh, why does Dad always make me go to these fancy gala events when he knows I don't like them? she thought, closing her book.

"Well, I'll read you later," she signed gently, placing her novel down on the side table.

Bella lived in a vast mansion with her father a home so large it could swallow an entire neighborhood. She was the second richest teen in her school, yet she never acted like it. She was humble enough to sit with anyone, even the poorest kids in class. Her kindness drew people to her, and her compassion made them stay.

Her bedroom was twice the size of a three-bedroom apartment, her closet even bigger larger than her sister's and hers combined.

She walked inside her enormous walk-in closet, the lights automatically flickering on. Rows of elegant gowns, shoes, and handbags lined the walls. She trailed her fingers along them, then paused at her favorite dress a long-sleeved white silk gown she loved to wear to church. It hugged her body perfectly, modest yet graceful, covering her from neck to feet while still showing her natural curves and edges.

Once dressed, she reached for her all-black Balenciaga Speed 2.0 sneakers — her go-to pair. Bella loved heels, but she could never walk comfortably in them. Sneakers made her feel free.

From the top shelf, she picked up her Hermès Kelly bag sleek, white, and elegant, the second most expensive purse brand in the world. She packed her essentials: lip balm, Vaseline, some extra cash, a handful of sweets (she was always snacking), and finally, her phone.

Walking down the staircase, the grand chandelier shimmered above her like a thousand tiny stars. Her father stood near the bottom, phone pressed to his ear, voice low and firm business as usual.

Probably another deal, Bella thought as she descended.

When he saw her, he stopped mid-sentence, ending the call. His eyes softened immediately.

"Ah, my baby," he signed with a proud smile. "You look so beautiful. But must you wear that same dress again, my princess? I've bought you thousands of gowns, my love."

Bella smiled, signing back, "Dad, you know me. I just like being casual not fancy-fancy all the time."

Her father chuckled, shaking his head affectionately. He knew better than to argue with her gentle stubbornness.

Deep down, though, he adored Bella more than anyone even more than Lilly. That quiet favoritism sparked jealousy in her sister's heart.

Just as Bella and her father shared a laugh, Lilly appeared at the top of the stairs. She was breathtaking in a black-and-gold gown that shimmered with every movement, the open back revealing flawless skin. On her feet were Christian Louboutin stilettos, red-soled and dazzling beneath the chandelier light. A small Prada clutch completed her look.

"Arghhh, you're wearing that again?" Lilly muttered sharply, her hands signing with irritation.

"Being me," Bella signed with a soft grin.

"Dad?" Lilly complained, looking toward him with frustration.

"You look gorgeous, my princess," he said warmly, "but you're not your sister. Let it be, okay?"

"Fine," Lilly sighed dramatically. "But when we get to the venue, we don't know each other. I don't want to be seen with someone who has zero fashion sense."

Bella caught her lips moving and smiled faintly. She could read them perfectly.

"I don't know how that's possible, since I look a lot like you," she teased, and her father burst into laughter.

"Okay, girls, that's enough," he signed firmly, though his smile lingered. "Lilly, we're one family stay close to your sister, understood?"

Bella's smile faded slightly. Deep down, she felt a pang of sadness.

Sometimes, it felt like her father didn't believe she could take care of herself as if being mute made her fragile.

I'm an independent woman. I can take care of myself, she thought quietly.

On the other side, Lilly was growing more irritated. Always having to watch over her sister, always being the one responsible.

When am I ever going to live my own life? she thought bitterly.

But both girls knew better than to defy their father.

A young man dressed in a black suit and dark shades entered the room. His posture was upright, his expression unreadable.

"Sir, the cars are ready and parked outside. It's time to go," he said respectfully.

"Okay, girls let's go," their father replied plainly.

Outside, more than twenty bodyguards surrounded the mansion, with six stationed inside. Their father, Mr. White, was a man with secrets secrets his daughters knew nothing about.

One of the guards, Luka, opened the car door for the twins. Bella gave him a kind smile and signed, Thank you.

Luka her father's most trusted man smiled back softly, a rare expression from someone known for his stoic nature.

Bella's heart warmed. Baby steps, she thought as she climbed inside.

The car doors shut, and the convoy of black vehicles began to move.

As the mansion lights faded behind them, Bella leaned her head against the window, the cool glass pressing against her skin.

The night had only just begun.