CHAPTER 7 The First Real Smile

Tamsin didn't look back. She just walked, fast, her heart still pounding in her chest. The hallway blurred around her.

Faces and whispers all melted into noise. She turned the corner hoping for air, for peace, for quiet, for anywhere that wasn't full of VASA girls and their lies.

Her cheek throbbed. Her mouth tasted like copper.

Every step felt loud in her own head. The walls of IE were beautiful, all glass and marble and money, but right now they felt like they were closing in on her.

She pressed a hand to her chest and kept moving. Students moved past her in their designer clothes, laughing, talking about planned vacations and new cars.

No one looked at her. No one asked if she was okay.

“Just keep walking,” she told herself. “Don't cry. Not here. Not in front of them.”

Alaric used to say: Head high Tamsin. Even when it hurts.

The memory made her throat tighten.

Instead she walked straight into someone.

“Heck not again,” she muttered under her breath before even looking up. Her voice came out tired. Frustrated.

The girl she bumped into stumbled back a step but didn't fall. She looked unreal.

She had very long black hair that fell past her waist, smooth and shining like ink. And grey eyes that were wide and bright, like glass in the sunlight. She looked almost like a porcelain doll from a store window– delicate, perfect and completely out of place in IE’s chaotic world. White cropped hoodie, black bubble skirt, white Nike sneakers. She looked clean. Too calm.

“I'm so sorry,” Tamsin said quickly, cheeks burning. “I was so upset, I wasn't watching where I was going.”

Surprisingly, the girl laughed. It was a light, easy sound that didn't match the tension Tamsin felt. Like wind chimes on a balcony.

“Apology accepted,” she said with a smile. Then her smile slowly faded when she properly looked at Tamsin's disheveled appearance. The split lip.

The purplish bruise on her cheek. The messy hair. The way Tamsin's shoulders were drawn up like she was preparing for a fight. She couldn't stop herself from asking. Voice soft.

“Hey…what happened to you?”

Tamsin stiffened. Her first instinct was to avoid telling the truth. To say “nothing.” To walk away and disappear into a bathroom stall and fall apart when no one could see her.

But something in her voice made her exhale in relief. It wasn't out of pity. It wasn't nosy curiousity either.

It was safe.

For the first time since the fight, Tamsin felt like she could talk without being judged.

“The VASA girls,” she said quietly. Her voice cracked a little.

“Valentina and her friends. They said I started it. But I didn't.”  

She gave the short version. The bump in the hallway. The slap. The accusations. The way Hugo didn't listen. The word “girlfriend” that tasted like acid on her tongue. She left out the worst parts. She didn't want to relieve them.

The girl's expression darkened with concern and a flash of anger.

“Ugh, those VASA girls,” she said with a look of disgust and frustration.

 “I heard stories. They've had a reputation here at IE ever since their first year.”

“They think they own this school and the rest of us are just background noise.”

She paused then her voice softened.

“I'm really sorry you had to deal with this on your first day here.” There was real sadness in her eyes.

Tamsin blinked. “Are you new here too?”

“Yeah,” the girl nodded. “I'm starting here at IE too. I'm Isidora by the way.” She gestured to herself and then smiled shyly, tucking hair behind her ear.

She tilted her head, looking Tamsin over again. “Also can I say something? You shape is so nice. You have a nice presence too. Your confidence even now… I admire it. I'm actually jealous in a friendly way.” She winked.

Tamsin laughed despite herself. It was the first real smile she'd had all day. It hurt her split lip but she didn't care.

“I'm Tamsin.” She said, still smiling softly.

“I know,” Isidora grinned. “I saw you in the courtyard this morning. Like damn girl, you looked ethereal. You looked like you belonged on a magazine cover.”

Tamsin giggled again, embarrassed.

“And before you get confused,” Isidora added quickly. “I have a twin, so I understand the whole “people assuming things about you. People always compare us. It's exhausting.” she heaved a dramatic sigh.

The tightness in Tamsin's chest loosened a bit.

A twin. Someone who gets it.

“Come on,” Isidora said, gently linking their arms together. Her touch was light. Careful. Almost feather like.

 “Let's get you cleaned up. Bathroom?”

Tamsin nodded. For the first time today, she let someone touch her without flinching.

                              ★

In the bathroom, the lights were bright and reflected on the glass. Tamsin splashed cold water on her face and dabbed at the blood on her lip. It stung. She hissed softly.

She reapplied lipgloss while Isidora stood behind her, gently helping to readjust her hair, tucking loose strands back into place. Her fingers were careful, like she was handling something fragile.

The bathroom smelled like expensive soap and flowers.

When they were both done, they glanced at each other in the mirror– grey eyes that held a quiet spark, the other with a bruise and defiance in her gaze– and both of the burst out laughing. The sound bounced off the tiles.

“Are you an international student?” Isidora asked as they washed their hands. “What made you come to study at IE?”

“Yeah. I'm from New York,” Tamsin said. “My mom's getting remarried so we moved here. It's kinda complicated.”

She didn't want to go into detail. Saying Dacio's name out loud made her skin crawl.

Isidora nodded with understanding. “I get it. I'm from Valencia, in Spain. The beach, the paella, the noise.

My twin and I moved here because daddy got transferred out of Spain. I miss home but IE is… starting to get interesting.” she looked at Tamsin. “Especially now.”

They talked for a while longer, about highschool, about favourite books, about past relationships, about homesickness, about how cruel the VASA girls were. Isidora told her a little about her twin but intentionally omitted the part about how jealous she got. 

For the next 10 minutes, Tamsin forgot about Hugo. Forgot about Valentina. Forgot about the bruise. 

Finally Isidora grabbed her bag. 

“Come on, I'll walk you to the administrative building. You probably need to complete your registration and check your courses for the semester.

Tamsin followed her out. Her steps didn't feel quite as heavy.

                              ★

The administrative building was large and really quiet and it smelled like paper and polish. Like money and old wood. As soon as Tamsin stepped in, the principal and the vice principal both stood up from their respective seats. Too fast. Too eager.

The principal's eyes widened delightfully. “Oh. You're Tamsin Dacio Bruno right? Your father has already completed all the necessary formalities. All you need to do now is select your courses, complete your registration, request for information concerning your campus accommodations, and prepare to begin classes.

Tamsin stopped walking. Her jaw tightened. 

The name sounded wrong in her ears. Like a costume that didn't fit.

“No," she said clearly lifting her chin. My name is Tamsin Alaric Dawson.”

The vice principal frowned while shuffling papers. “ Aren't you Dacio Bruno's step daughter? His new wife is Mrs Teal, now isn't she?”

“I am not his daughter,” Tamsin repeated, her voice shaking with controlled anger. “I am not his daughter and I am never going to be his daughter.”

The room went quiet for a moment. Then the principal sighed and nodded.

“Alright Miss Tamsin Alaric Dawson. My apologies.”

They moved on quickly after that.

The vice principal pulled out a folder with Tamsin's name on it.

The principal cleared his throat. “Due to Mr Bruno's standing and influence in Spain, and his long-standing support for IE, we were able to expedite Miss Alaric’s admission immediately. Normally the process takes months. For Miss Alaric, it took a day.”

He turned to Tamsin, his tone softening. 

“We've already enrolled you in the Bachelor in Business Administration (BBA) with a focus in luxury and retail management. It's the ideal program for someone who will one day lead major enterprises,but also understands brand, image and global markets. IE trains future CEOs…and future icons.”

The word “lead major enterprises” made her chest ache. This was her dad's dream. To see her get into a prestigious college and study her dream course.

But now he was six feet under the ground. Unable to even see the sunlight. 

Just the thought of it made her chest tighten and her eyes burn.

The vice principal's voice brought her out of her thoughts.

“Your courses have been selected, your student ID is ready, and your residence at IE Tower is confirmed. All that's left for you is to attend orientation and begin classes.”

Tamsin blinked. Everything had been decided already. Without her opinion.

The vice principal further went on. “Your residence at IE Tower has been arranged. Here's your timetable and your residence assignment letter confirming your place in a quad suite which you'll be sharing with Rosalia Navarro, Vega Ortega and Isidora Castillo.” She said concluding.

Isidora gasped and immediately hugged Tamsin. Tight.

“Oh my God! We're roommates! Actual fucking roommates!”

Tamsin couldn't help but smile. For the first time all day, something felt right. Not forced. Not paid for.

“ I'm glad too.” She said quietly.

The principal took his seat again, wiping his forehead. “Isidora, please take Miss Alaric to the IE Tower student residence and help her settle in. Classes begin tomorrow morning.” 

“On it,” Isidora said, already pulling Tamsin towards the door. Her grip firm but gentle.

As they stepped out into the warm IE afternoon, Isidora grinned. 

“Four of us in a room. Me, you, Rosalia and Vega. It's going to be chaotic. But in a good way. 

Tamsin let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. New school. New course. New roommates. Maybe this year won't be so bad after all. 

Maybe she could survive Madrid.

Just Maybe.

                                ★

Isidora dragged Tamsin in, still grinning. 

The suite was huge. Spacious.

White walls, big windows letting in golden light.  A spacious kitchen area. Four bathrooms. A walk-in closet. Four beds with different vibes already showing.

They both sat on the beds facing each other.

Isidora leaned forward, eyes wide and curious. But kind.

“Spill. So wait you're Hugo's… step sister? Wait, sorry. Your mom is getting married to Dacio Bruno?”

Tamsin nodded. “Yeah.”

Isidora gasped. “Omg. He's the richest man in Spain.”

Tamsin shrugged and looked away. “Yeah, but I don't care. I'm not going to consider him as my father. That's never happening.”

“Oh, sorry,” Isidora said quickly, reaching out to squeeze her hand. I didn't mean to upset you.”

Then she frowned. “Wait… so Hugo is supposed to be your step brother? And he defended that bitch even when she was the one who slapped you first?”

Tamsin scoffed lightly. “I don't care about Hugo. Or whether he defends me. We've never liked each other and I want it to stay that way.”

Isidora nodded. “Okay. We won't talk about him again.”

They switched to lighter topics after that– classes. Madrid food. How badly they miss home. Isidora showed her pictures of Valencia. Tamsin showed her a picture of her dad and mom. Smiling. Happy before life happened. 

Then— knock knock.

“Who's there?” Isidora called standing up.

She opened the door and squealed excitedly.

“Rosalia!”

Rosalia Navarro stepped in. She was a second year-student. Emerald eyes. 20. Tall with a model's build and warm energy. She wore a short flair gown that brought out her hourglass figure. She had short hair– a mix of fiery red and brown, like autumn. She smelled like Vanilla and sunshine.

Isidora hugged her tightly. “I missed you!”

Rosalia laughs heartily “How are you, my baby?”

Then she turned and saw Tamsin. Her eyes lit up.

“Oh my Godness, Mamacita you're so lovely. Welcome. Welcome.”

Tamsin blushed while covering her face a little. “ohh… thank you. I'm Tamsin. Tamsin Alaric Dawson.

“Rosalia Navarro,” Rosalia said, smiling. “So what brought you to study in this part of the world.”

Tamsin sighed. She told her everything all over again. How her father died. How her mother was set to marry Dacio Bruno. How they had to move from New York, Manhattan city to Spain, Madrid. 

Rosalia listened. Really listened. No phones. No interrupting. Then she pulled Tamsin into a hug. 

“Welcome to the chaos, preciosa. We've got you.”

She was still talking when there was another knock. And before any of them could get to the door…

It swung open and in, bounced Vega Ortega. 

19.

Tiny.

She was small and petite in a cute way. Her hair was in two high ponytails– one black, one pink. She was wearing a black and pink furry short with a cropped hoodie. She was literally radiating energy.

“Hey girls,”Vega said, waving heartily. Then she spotted Tamsin and stopped.

“Mama mia who's that beauty?”

Tamsin blushed again. “ I'm Tamsin. And thank you for the compliment.”

Vega was already spinning around, taking in the room.

“This place is HUGE. Like wow! A walk in-closet? Four beds?? Four Bathrooms?? IE really outdid themselves.”

She spotted the corner with pink bedding, SPRINTS across the room and FLOPS unto it dramatically

 “MINE. This bed is mine. Pink bed equals Vega bed. It's the law. Nobody touch it or I'll fight you.” she said Dramatically

Rosalia from her bed, filing her nails. She didn't even look up “ Yeah princess. Have it. We're not fighting you over pink.

Isidora sitting on the other bed smiled politely “ It's all yours, Vega. Welcome to the suite. I'm Isidora by the way. This is Rosalia and Tamsin.” she says while gesturing to them.

“I know. I saw your names on the housing portal. I like to know my roommates. I'm Vega Ortega. Pink-black goth Barbie. Energetic. Chaotic. Make friends in 60 seconds. That's my brand.” She concludes with a bright smile.

There was a beat of silence.

Then Rosalia snorted.

The Isidora giggled.

Then Tamsin—

Tamsin laughed.

They all look at each other and one by one, they burst out laughing until their stomachs hurt.

They laughed so loudly, that it echoed into the early evening. Down the hall. Past the doors.

For the first time since landing in Madrid,

Tamsin didn't feel like a guest.

She didn't feel like “Dacio Bruno's stepdaughter.”

She didn't feel like defined by the last name she didn't choose.

She felt like Tamsin.

Tamsin Alaric Dawson.

In a room full of girls who didn't care about her last name.

Who saw her.

       

                           ★

The afternoon light in the Salamanca Mansion was golden, but if felt cold.

Teal had left for the mall with one of the maids and a driver. The house felt too big when it was quiet. Too empty.

On the second floor balcony, Dacio Bruno stood alone.

Phone pressed to his ear. A crystal wine glass in his other hand. Below him the garden was perfect. Manicured. Expensive. Nothing out of place.

The voice on the other end was low careful. Too careful.

“Sir,” the voice said. “We've reviewed everything. He signed it all. The shares. The properties. The investments. The trust and the boards too. Every single thing is under her name. There's nothing we can do sir?”

Dacio didn't answer right away. His jaw worked once. His eyes darkened.

The voice kept going. Thinner now.

“There's no loophole, sir. Unless we can get her signature voluntarily, there's no other way to take them. It was all done properly. Witnessed. Notarized. He signed the will a year before his death stating that if anything happened to him in the future, she was to inherit everything. Not a single dime out of place.”

Still silence.

Then Dacio Bruno turned from the balcony and walked back inside. Into his masters bedroom. The door silently closed behind him.

“We have to find a way,” he said finally. His voice was low. Commanding. “There has to be a loophole somewhere. There has to be a way. Keep looking.”

“Sir with respects, there isn't,”the voice said. “Unless she agrees to sign over her rights, there's nothing else we can do. I'm sorry.”

Dacio's grip tightened on the glass.

“I don't need your apologies,” he said. Each word was sharp. Final. “I need answers. I don't need excuses. Look for any way possible. Now!”

“Yes sir. We'll look deeper into it.” The voice said. “We'll look for another alternative.”

“Good.” Dacio ended the call.

For a second he just stood there. Then suddenly he hurled the phone across the room. It hit the marble wall and shattered. Pieces scattered across the floor like broken ice.

He poured himself another drink. The wine was dark brown. Rich like honey. He drank it in one go, then set the glass down too hard. 

He sat.

And as he sat, something in his face changed.

The man Spain knew— the philanthropist. The one who had opened a foundation in memory of Alaric.

The man who smiled at gala's and cut ribbons. The man who donated to Children's hospitals. 

The mask slipped. 

His expression went dark. Still.

It was the same look he wore in boardrooms when he dismantled a competitor in ten minutes. The same look he wore when he decided a company would not exist by next quarter.

He stood slowly and walked to the full-length mirror.

The man staring back wasn't benevolent.

Wasn't generous.

This man had eyes like steel. A mouth pressed into a thin line.

Dacio echoed it now. 

“Pretender.”

The same words Hugo had called Teal that morning. 

The word hung in the air.

In the mirror, his eyes gleamed. Sharp. Calculating.