Chapter 1 Defying Fate

                               

Prologue

When I was a little girl, I loved to listen to my mom telling me the story of when she and dad met; I always thought they were the needle in the haystack, an exception in destiny.

When the timing is perfect, and you find yourself in the right place, at the precise moment when your soul mate will be waiting for you, how likely is it that it will happen again?

And for me to be one of those people, I think the odds are against me; I don't expect to have a love story like my parents. I don't believe in fairy tales, but I do believe in finding the person who complements your body and soul.

I am not sitting around waiting for my prince charming to arrive. I will live to the fullest and enjoy everything that life offers me without limitation; I am a free and indomitable spirit, and I am not willing to sacrifice myself for anything or anyone.

 I know that destiny has many tests and challenges, but I am anxious to see what the future holds for me; I have a whole life ahead of me, and I will enjoy it thoroughly.

 Chapter 1 Defying Fate

Daniella Douglas is my name. I am an only child; my parents Tristan and Larissa Douglas, are the perfections of love in a couple and loving parents; I can't complain, however overprotective and as the rebellious daughter that I am, I decided to move out.

My father is the owner of the BlackWine company, one of the most important in the manufacture of wines in Europe, which will be mine in the future. As the only heir, I want to study business administration and the family business when the time comes.

So choosing a university was not so difficult. My mind was always fixed on one of the best, the University of London. In a few days, I will be starting my semester, and I am very excited.

Young, heiress to a large fortune, practically a millionaire at my young age, rebellious and beautiful, the only goal in my mind is to enjoy life.

But I will miss my best friend Oliver, the son of my parent's best friends, who are my godparents Aunt Laura and Uncle Roberto; Oliver has always been by my side since we were kids, we were inseparable.

He will be studying at the University of Paris. Still, he promised to visit me in London the first chance he gets, and we will be talking by video call; this year will be different, I can see my freedom on the near horizon.

"Daniella remembers you promised to let us know as soon as the plane lands," said my mother.

"mom, I am not a child; I promise as soon as I get to my campus and settle down, I will let you know," I said, smiling at her; even though I am 18 years old, to her, I am still a six-year-old.

"You can still change your mind; I have no problem paying the fee for Palmira University; I know important people who would do me a favor, no problem at all," said my father as always trying to make me change my decision.

"Dad, we had already talked about this, and you promised me that you would respect my decision," I said, looking at him with my spoiled little girl eyes.

"Tristan, remember that Oliver will also be a few miles away; she's not going to be alone," mom said.

"I don't understand why you have to go so far away when we have excellent universities here," said dad. 

"Tristan, don't try to convince her, you know that when she sets her mind to something, there is no way to make her change her mind," said mom "my love, don't worry, we are not the only ones, yesterday I talked to Laura, she and Roberto are also in the same situation with Oliver," said mom resigned.

"It will be tough for the 4 of us not to be close to you and Oliver; we are so used to you, suddenly not having you, it will be very sad and boring".

"Mom, make the most of it. This will be like an opportunity to meet again as a couple, don't think I don't hear at night those noises coming from your room, which I doubt very much is the TV," I said, looking at them.

"Dany!" said Tristan.

"What can I tell you? I can't seem to get your dad off my back," mom said with a mischievous grin.

"! Larissa!" said Tristan, covering his face with his hand.

"I don't know why I'm surprised, you're mother and daughter, and if there's one thing you're alike, it's speaking your mind without a filter," said papa.

"You are going to miss me, daddy, admit it, you can't be without me, but remember to watch the soccer games with uncle Roberto; I won't be here anymore, but I promise that when I go to the stadium, I will send you pictures," I said smiling at him and kissed him on the cheek.

"It's a deal, Dany," dad said, hugging me.

"All ready in the car, we should go to the airport. Laura and Roberto are already there waiting for us with Oliver; we don't want them to miss the flight," said mom.

My uncle Roberto has a house in London, Oliver and I will travel on the same plane. Oliver will go to the place that my uncles have in London. He will go to Paris in his car; it was the perfect plan to spend more time together and take advantage of our first trip alone.

Arriving at the airport, I saw Olí waiting for me with my uncles, "Honey, we will miss you so much, are you sure you still want to go to London" said aunt Laura.

"Mom, you can stop trying to convince us; we already have the tickets booked," said Oliver looking at her.

"Oliver, you know your mom will not stop trying to convince you until you are on that plane," said uncle Roberto. 

"Laura, I already tried everything, so we better wish them the best, and maybe later we can go visit them," said mom smiling at aunt Laura.

"Mom, you promised, dad, you have to give us space, please, we will be fine," I said, smiling at them.

"Okay, I can't believe what I am going to say but, these boys know what they are doing; if there is something I am proud of is that we have educated them well, we have nothing to worry about, so let's say goodbye they have to catch the flight" dad said.

"Thank you, and I promise we will be fine; I love you, daddy," she said, hugging him and smiling from side to side.

"I hope I don't regret making this decision, Dany. I hope you know what you are doing and have a fun little girl, don't hesitate to call me if you need anything," daddy said, smiling at me and kissing my forehead.

"I know, daddy, I will be fine, I promise."

"I adore you. Take care of yourself, always be careful, don't walk alone at night. Remember that..." mom said when I interrupted her and didn't let her finish the sentence.

"mom, don't worry, I know how to defend myself very well, kickboxing classes, remember," I said, smiling and hugged her.

"Bye, mom, try not to worry; we will be fine," Oliver said.

"As if that was possible, I love you, son, take care of yourselves and let me know as soon as you get to Paris, or I will come personally to visit you," said Aunt Laura.

"Ya woman, let him go, or he will miss his flight; Oliver takes care of yourself, son, and take care of Dany," said uncle Roberto.

"Sure, dad, you don't even have to ask me; I will take care of her," said Oliver.

"Flight number 215, direct to London, please board at gate 5," said the airport loudspeaker.

"It's our flight. We must go, Olí," I said, looking at him.

"We love you; we will let you know as soon as we get there," Oliver said.

We said goodbye to our parents and boarded the plane to London to live a new stage of our lives.

"When we get to London, we will take a cab to my house, I need to pick up my car, and then I will take you to your campus to help you settle in," said Oliver.

"I can't believe it, Olí; I'm finally free; a new life awaits me, I'm so excited I waited so long for this, and the day is here," I said, unable to hide my joy.

"Dany, remember that you promised me to take things calmly; I won't be by your side to take care of you, so I trust you and anything, promise me that you will call me, Paris is near, and I can come at any time," he tells me with his face of seriousness that characterizes him.

I raise my hand in an oath position, "I promise," I tell him, and the plane takes off, I can't wait to live my life in London, to the adventure, and here I go.