CHAPTER ONE

Yulia’s POV

“I’ve always loved you, Arya! From the moment you moved in here with your mom when she got married to my dad. It was like love at first sight, and I’ve been living in denial ever since. Trying to conceal my love for you, but I can’t keep it in anymore.” Eshun says as he reaches out for Arya’s hands. “What are you saying, Eshun? I’m your sister. Arya says while pulling away from Eshun. “Stepsister,” he corrected. “And I’m sorry for what I’m about to do, but then, I can’t control myself.” He added, 'And with that,' he drew her in and claimed her lips. 

“Aishhh. What kind of a weird plot twist is this?” I say as I stare at the novel I’m reading from my iPad.

“I thought he hated her from the very beginning. How’s this even possi…”

“Brrrriiiiiinnnnnng!!” My alarm suddenly went off, pulling me back to reality. “Ughhh,” I screamed, looking for the alarm with my eyes still on the iPad to turn it off. 

I need five more minutes to finish the chapter I’m currently on. 

But well, that pretty much didn’t happen when I heard a loud bang on my door just two minutes later, followed by my mom's loud voice, “Wake up, you sleepyhead. Otherwise, you’re going to be late for your first day of junior year.”

“Oh shoot!!” I exclaimed, sitting up as I put away my iPad. “How stupid of me. I almost forgot today was the first day of junior year!!” I exclaimed, smacking my forehead with my palm. 

“Yulia Addison! You better wake up, or else I’m coming in there to drag your ass outta bed.” My ever-cool mom’s screaming voice came in again. 

“Mom, it’s just six in the morning, and besides, I’m up. Please stop yelling already.” I said back in response.

“Alright honey, hurry up and come down for breakfast.” I could hear my mom's footsteps getting away from my door, heading back downstairs. 

“Oh, finally some peace,” I said to myself while getting out of bed. 

I’m finally in my third year at SUNY Buffalo State University. “Ahhhhhhhh!” I let out my excitement as I threw my arms up in the air. 

Finally, I’m getting closer to my dreams of becoming a fashion designer like I’ve always dreamed of. 

These past 2 years of being in the university have been nothing but good and worth it. I’ve had so many wonderful experiences already. 

And by experiences, I mean I met my now boyfriend Ryan, whom I love very much, after entering uni., and I also have a very good relationship with my course mates. 

Now, I'd better get ready for school before Mom finds her way back up here.  I first brush my teeth, get into the shower, and then do my morning skincare routine right after. 

All I have to do now is get some clothes on and get moving. I open my wardrobe looking for what to wear. “Mmmmh”, what do I wear today? Should I go for pants or a skirt? 

After some deliberation, I settled on a brown cargo skirt, a cream long-sleeve basic top, and a black T-shirt.

I put my hair in a slick bun, put on my sneakers, took my backpack, and off I went. 

I can hear giggles from the kitchen as I descend the stairs. Getting to the kitchen, I meet Mom setting the table while my Dad and brother are already seated. I put my backpack aside and help Mom out with setting the table. 

Then we all settled down for breakfast. 

I got up after I was done with breakfast, ready to leave. That’s when I heard my brother's annoying voice. “Sis, you’ll need to drop me off at my high school on your way to uni. “Today,” he said. 

And why would I do that, Yael?  I asked back. “His car had some issues, so I took it to the mechanic yesterday,” Dad replied. Well, too bad for him. “Anyway, I’m giving you five minutes to meet me in the car, or else I’m leaving you behind.” With that said, I walked out of the kitchen towards the front door. 

Getting into my car, I took out my phone to see a text from Ryan.

“Good morning, babe. How are you doing this morning?” It read. 

“Good morning, babe. I’m good. How about you?” I reply. 

“I’m good too. I just miss you.” He sent it back. 

“Miss you too, Ryan. Can’t wait to see you in a bit.” I sent back a reply.  

With that, I put away my phone and blew the car horn. Yael came out rushing to the car. “You know you’re going to get us late, right?” I said after he got in. “Sorry, sis,” he replied while putting on his seatbelt. “Never mind, baby bro,” I said while starting the engine and pulling out of the driveway. 

The drive from home to Yael’s high school was a smooth one. We had some chit-chat while listening to some music. 

Once we got to McKinley High School, Yael got out of the car, giving me a goodbye wave.

“Bye BB (baby bro). Hope you have a wonderful senior year,” I said. “Shhhh, sis! Don’t call me that out here. It’s embarrassing, please.” He says, covering his face with his palm. 

“Right, big guy. Forgot you’re already 18.” I said, laughing, while driving away. 

“Ping.” A notification sound came from my phone. I reached out for it to check, and Ouu it was a text from my best friend Ariela. She’s currently a student at the City University of New York (CUNY). She transferred from SUNY after her family had to move to Brooklyn per the demands of her dad's job as a neurosurgeon. I’ve missed her a lot, and I hope to see her sometime soon. 

“Hey, Lia. Gotten to school yet?” her text read. 

“Nerhhh. But I’m almost there. How about you?” I text back. 

“Yulia! School resumes here next week,” was her reply. 

“Sorry Ela, it skipped me,” I sent back. 

“That’s fine. “Hope you have a wonderful day, yeah,” she replied. 

“Sure, Ariela. Text you after class. Just got to school.” I replied, putting my phone away while looking for a spot to park my car in the parking lot. 

I parked my car, only to step down and see Ryan chit-chatting with Beatrice. Wait! What’s his business with that bitch? Why are they standing so close to each other? Well, that’s very weird.