𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐢𝐧𝐤 | 𝘙𝘢𝘧𝘦 𝘊𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘯

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏

𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐢𝐧𝐤 |

𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐞

𝐌𝐘 𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐌  pierced through the early morning silence, pulling me from a dreamless sleep. I groaned softly, stretching out beneath the silk sheets before reaching over to silence the noise. It was 6:30 AM, like every other weekday morning. Time to get ready for another day at Instituto Monteverde.

I threw the covers off and slid out of bed, my feet touching the plush carpet of my meticulously designed bedroom. The space was an extension of myself-
elegant, with a touch of pink everywhere. Soft pink walls, a vanity cluttered with luxury beauty products, and a closet that could rival a designer showroom. But the centerpiece of it all was the delicate baby pink choker with a ribbon that hung on my mirror.

I padded over to the bathroom , the tiles cool under my feet as I flipped on the light and began my routine. First, I reached for my favorite cleanser, massaging the foam into my skin in gentle, circular motions. After rinsing off the cleanser, I patted my face dry with a soft towel and applied a light layer of toner, followed by my go-to serum that gave my skin its natural glow. Next, I smoothed on a moisturizer, making sure every inch of my face was perfectly hydrated.
Finally, I brushed my teeth, the minty foam almost as sharp as the thoughts running through my mind.

I walked over to my room again, sitting myself down on my vanity, my reflection staring back at me with the same poised expression I always wore. From my gleaming white teeth to the perfect arch of my eyebrows, I was meticulous with every detail.

I slowly picked up my pink brush,running it through my perfectly straightened,blonde hair.

I knew I was what people might call a "spoiled princess" It wasn't just the way I dressed or the way I carried myself-it was in every deliberate move I made. I had mastered the art of being untouchable, of keeping everyone at arm's length. The boys at school adored me, but I never let any of them get close. They all wanted to be the one who could break through my defenses, but none of them ever did.

Setting the brush down,I applied a touch of make up, thinking about the day ahead.

Instituto Monteverde was the most prestigious school in the city, a place where the children of the elite were groomed to inherit their parents' empires. It was also a place where secrets were currency, and I had plenty of my own. But nobody needed to know that, right?

I moved to my closet, pulling out the school uniform: a navy blazer with the school crest, a crisp white shirt, and a pleated skirt. I slipped into the uniform with practiced ease, but it wasn't complete until I tied the pink choker around my neck, the ribbon falling just below my collarbone.

My life might looked perfect on the outside-immaculate looks, impeccable grades, and undeniable  control-but it wasn't all as flawless as it seemed.

My parents were always busy, consumed by their work and social obligations, leaving me to navigate my world alone. I was an only child, raised in a mansion where the silence was as deafening as it was comforting. They provided me with everything money could buy, but not the one thing I secretly craved: attention. Not that I'd ever admit it to anyone. It would be weak and I'm surely not weak.

I glanced at my reflection one last time. I knew exactly who I was: the girl everyone wanted to be, or be with, but never quite could reach. And that was exactly how I liked it.

My heels clicked softly against the polished marble as I descended the grand staircase. The house was still, bathed in the early morning light that filtered through the tall windows. As I reached the bottom, I turned left and made my way to the kitchen. The space was vast, sleek, and modern, with every appliance one could imagine-yet it felt as cold and empty as the rest of the mansion.
I opened the stainless-steel fridge and reached for a bottle of water, my usual breakfast substitute.Food in the morning just never appealed to me. As I straightened up, I noticed Maria, my family's long-serving maid, standing nearby. Maria was the one constant in my life, always there with a warm smile and a caring question.

"Buenos días, Catalina," Maria greeted me with the same gentle tone she always used. "Are you sure you don't want something to eat before you go?"
I smiled, genuinely fond of the woman who had practically raised me.

"No, thank you, Maria.
I'm not hungry."

Maria sighed softly, a hint of concern in her eyes, but she knew better than to press the matter.
"Alright, mija. Take care today."
"I will," I assured her, giving Maria a quick peck on the cheek before heading out the door. The sleek black car was already waiting in the driveway, and the chauffeur opened the door as I approached.

Carefully I slipped inside, the cool leather seats welcoming me as I mentally prepared for the day ahead.
The drive to Instituto Monteverde was short, and as the car pulled up to the entrance, I could already see my friends waiting for me. Adriana, my best friend since childhood, stood with her arms crossed, chatting animatedly with Sofia, the newest addition to our group. Sofia had transferred to Instituto Monteverde a few months ago, and while I was cautious about letting new people in, Sofia had proven to be kind and fun to be around.

I stepped out of the car, adjusting the strap of my backpack on my shoulder as I joined them.

"There she is," Adriana greeted, her tone playful. "We were about to send out a search party."

I rolled my eyes with a grin.
"Please, you know I'm always on time."

Sofia smiled warmly. "Morning, Catalina. Ready for another day of paradise?"

"If by paradise you mean surviving until the weekend, then yes,"
I replied with a smirk as we began walking toward the school's main building.

We strolled down the hallway, our conversation naturally drifting to the upcoming weekend.

"Have you heard about the party at Felipe's place next week?" Adriana asked, her voice brimming with excitement. "It's supposed to be insane. The kind of party where anything goes."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. Felipe was notorious for throwing the wildest parties— luxurious settings, unlimited alcohol, and yes, all kind of drugs.

"Sounds like a typical Felipe party. Are we going?"

"Definitely," Adriana answered without hesitation. "I'm not missing this one. Sofia, you should come too. It'll be the perfect way to, you know, officially welcome you to our world."

Sofia hesitated for a moment, glancing at me as if seeking my approval.

I gave a small nod, a sign of acceptance. "You should come. Felipe's parties are legendary."

Sofia's smile widened, a mix of excitement and nervousness in her eyes.

"Alright, count me in."

Just then, the bell rang, signaling the start of classes. We exchanged knowing looks and continued our walk to our first period, laughing and chatting about who might show up and what we'd wear.
As we entered the classroom, I spotted Alejandro already seated near the back. Alejandro was my guy best friend, someone who understood me in a way few others didn't

"Saved you a seat," Alejandro said with a grin as I approached.
"Thanks," I replied, sliding into the chair next to him. Adriana and Sofia took their seats nearby, still whispering about the party.

The classroom buzzed with the usual pre-class chatter, but I barely paid it any attention as I settled in.
Alejandro leaned back in his chair, giving me a sideways glance.
"So," he began, his voice low enough that only I could hear,
"what's the verdict on Felipe's party? You in?"

I gave a small shrug, playing it cool.
"Seems like everyone's going. I don't see why not."

Alejandro chuckled softly, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Just be careful. You know how those parties can get."

"Please," I replied, giving him a playful nudge. "Since when have I needed a babysitter?"

He raised his hands in mock surrender. "Fair point. But still, someone's got to look out for you."

I rolled my eyes, but there was warmth in my tone. "I can handle myself, Alejandro."