i-Spy | A Stalker Romance

Chapter 1: Freedom and Florence

The hum of the jet engines was a soothing lullaby as Stella Vasezzac stared out the window, watching the clouds drift by like lazy ghosts. Her heart pounded with a mixture of fear and exhilaration, a testament to the gravity of her decision. She was leaving behind everything she had ever known—her family, her home, her very identity. In their place, she would forge a new path, one that was entirely her own.

As the plane touched down in Florence, Stella felt a surge of hope. The city's sun-drenched streets and Renaissance architecture were a world away from the dark, oppressive halls of the Vasezzac estate. Here, she was not the eldest daughter of a mafia family. Here, she was just Stella, a young woman with dreams of becoming a psychologist. Or a writer. She will decide that later.

Navigating her way through the bustling airport, Stella marveled at the freedom she felt. Every step was a declaration of her independence, every breath a reminder that she was finally living on her own terms. She collected her luggage and stepped outside, where a warm breeze greeted her. A taxi took her to the university campus, her new home.

The campus was everything she had hoped for and more. Nestled in the heart of Florence, it was a sanctuary of learning and serenity. Ivy-clad walls encircled manicured gardens, and students lounged on the grass, engrossed in books or deep conversation. Stella's heart swelled with a sense of belonging.

"Welcome to the University of Florence! You must be Stella Carlton" a friendly female face greeted her near the main building, extending her hand for her to shake. 

"That will be me," Stella smiled back at her and shook hands.

"I am Reinna Contii, but you can call me Rei, everyone on campus does. I will be your guide and counselor for the next few days. I hope we get along well. I am excited to show you everything that our campus has to offer! Oh! I know where to start! I can show you around the campus, you know... a campus tour! Or maybe I can show you all the clubs and societies we have. We have very well-reputed sororities and frats here too like American colleges, but they are not so elite. Have you decided which classes are you going to take? There are plenty to choose from! And I-" she finally paused. 

"I'm sorry," she giggled when she noticed I was staring at her like a lost puppy.  

"This is my first time as a counselor, and I am just very excited!" she laughed. 

Reinna's honey-suckle skin glowed in the sunlight along with her hazel eyes. 

"You're like, the embodiment of honey" Stella didn't know what else to say, since her interactions with normal humans were very limited. 

Even as a kid, she was home-schooled, because stepping out meant more risk of getting abducted by some of the family's enemies. 
Her family was huge, and she was glad that she was not the only child to bear the torture of being tutored at home. 

Reinna was a brunette like her cousin Jenna. She mentally cringed at making that resemblance, especially after leaving everything behind. She didn't wanna think about any of the family. 

"That's a first" Rei chuckled. 

"I've heard a lot of compliments, but the embodiment of honey-" she waved her hand to the sound of it like it was some fantasy title, "-is a first. Are you gonna take literature? You seem to be like a writer"

"I- Uh maybe,"  Stella's cheek flushed.

"Relax. You'll figure it out. That's what colleges are for." she patted her back. That's when her gaze fell on the luggage sprawled across Stella. 

"Maybe I should show you your dorm first" she giggled again, the honey in her voice ringing like a sweet melody. 

"Yeah that will be good," Stella chuckled herself, looking at her bags.