One

Isabella Lombardi froze at the school entrance, her breath catching in her throat.

Standing there, as if he had stepped straight out of a dream, was Alessandro Valenti—the most popular, most desired boy in school, holding a bouquet of fresh red roses.

Waiting for her.

Her heart skipped.

Today was her birthday… and he remembered.

Just a few months ago, Alessandro hadn’t even known her name. Yet somehow, against all logic, she had caught his attention, and now, she was his girlfriend.

Even now, it didn’t feel real.

She knew girls like her didn’t date boys like him.

“Alex really loves you,” Valeria, her best friend, whispered beside her, nudging her lightly. “You’re so lucky.”

Isabella felt her cheeks warm.

Lucky.

That was exactly how she felt.

Alessandro's lips curved into a charming smile as she approached. Without hesitation, he handed her the bouquet and placed a soft kiss on her cheek.

“Happy birthday, sweetheart.”

Isabella's heart fluttered. “Thank you, Alex… I really appreciate it.”

“Well,” he said, eyes gleaming with mischief, “this isn’t all.”

Her brows lifted slightly. “There’s more?”

Alessandro reached into his pocket and pulled out a sleek black card, placing it gently in her hand.

“After school, go shopping,” he said casually. “No limits.”

Isabella stared at the card, stunned. “You’re serious?”

Alessandro slipped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer. “Bella, you’re my girlfriend. You deserve the best.”

He pressed a quick kiss to her forehead before stepping back. “I’ll see you later.”

With that, he turned and walked toward his group of friends, who had been watching the entire scene with amused expressions.

Isabella stood there for a moment, clutching the card and flowers, her heart full.

As she and Valeria made their way toward class, Isabella couldn’t stop smiling.

Behind them, Alessandro joined his friends.

One of them leaned closer, smirking. “So… have you slept with her yet?”

Alessandro scoffed lightly. “Soon. She’s easier than she looks.”

They all laughed.

----

The boutique was nothing short of breathtaking.

Isabella stood in the middle of it, completely overwhelmed by the racks of expensive clothing. Dresses, heels, accessories, everything looked like it belonged in a world far beyond hers.

“I don’t even know where to start,” she admitted softly.

She wasn’t like the other girls in school.

Most of them came from wealthy families. She didn’t.

Isabella was there on scholarship, a fact she never forgot. In a few months, they would graduate, and everyone would go their separate ways.

Valeria, however, had always stayed by her side.

Their friendship had started when Isabella helped her with schoolwork, and since then, Valeria had been nothing but supportive… even if she had her own elite circle that Isabella didn’t quite belong to.

Valeria suddenly held up a delicate piece of lingerie, her eyes lighting up.

“This one is perfect.”

Isabella blinked. “Why would I need that?”

Valeria stepped closer, lowering her voice. “Isabella… you’re eighteen now.”

Isabella's stomach tightened.

“Don’t you think it’s time?” Valeria added gently.

Isabella hesitated.

She was still a virgin.

And unfortunately, it wasn’t exactly a secret.

People whispered. They laughed.

But she had always believed she would give herself to someone who truly loved her.

“I… I don’t know if I’m ready,” she admitted.

Valeria's expression softened. “Alessandro has been patient with you. He cares about you.”

Isabella swallowed.

“Don’t you think he deserves it?”

The question lingered heavily in the air.

Valeria smiled reassuringly. “Tonight would be perfect. A birthday surprise he’ll never forget.”

Isabella's heart began to race.

“I’m scared…”

“You don’t have to be,” Valeria said, squeezing her hand. “I’ll help you. Everything will be perfect.”

Isabella looked at her, uncertainty still flickering in her eyes… but slowly, she nodded.

That evening, back in Valeria's room, shopping bags were scattered everywhere.

Isabella stood in front of the mirror, trying on outfit after outfit.

She barely recognized herself.

The clothes were bold. Confident. Different from anything she had ever worn before.

“You look amazing,” Valeria said proudly.

Isabella smiled shyly. “It’s not really my style…”

“It is now,” Valeria replied. “You’re dating Alessandro Valenti. You have to keep up.”

Isabella nodded slowly.

Maybe Valeria was right.

Maybe this was what it meant to belong in his world.

Valeria reached into her drawer and pulled out a small bottle filled with a clear liquid.

“Take this.”

Isabella frowned. “What is it?”

“It’ll help,” Valeria said smoothly. “Make your first time easier… and more enjoyable.”

Isabella hesitated for a second, then nodded and slipped it into her bag.

“You’re sure I should just go to his house?” she asked nervously. “Without telling him?”

“Of course,” Valeria said. “It’s a surprise. He’ll love it.”

Isabella took a deep breath, her heart pounding.

“Don’t worry,” Valeria added with a reassuring smile. “Tonight, everything changes.”

Isabella forced a small smile in return.

“Tonight,” Valeria continued softly, “you become a woman… and finally secure your place in Alessandro's life.”

Isabella held onto those words as she picked up her bag.

She had no idea…

That this night would change her life forever.