The sweet smell of lilies filled the air, making it hard to breathe. Or maybe that was just my nerves. Mom held me tight, her perfume mixing with the flowers. Her eyes were full of worry and pride, like she couldn't decide if she should cry or smile.
"Lara, honey, are you sure about this?" she asked for what felt like the hundredth time. "You'll be so far away. There won't be anyone there to take care of you."
I hugged her back, feeling all mixed up inside. Part of me was scared, but another part was excited. I knew I had to do this. "Mom, I'm not a little kid anymore," I said, trying to sound braver than I felt. "I'm ready for this. I need to do this."
Mom sighed and stroked my hair like she used to when I was little. "I know you're all grown up now, Lara. You make your own choices. But to your dad and me, you'll always be our baby girl."
I kissed her cheek, fighting back tears. I had to be strong. "Don't worry, Mom. I'll come back better than ever. I promise I'll take good care of myself."
The big van in our driveway honked its horn. It was time to go. I picked up my suitcase and took one last look at our house. It wasn't just a house—it was my whole world up until now. The perfectly cut grass, the shiny white walls, the big windows. I tried to burn it all into my memory.
As the van pulled away, I watched my old life get smaller and smaller. This wasn't just some trip. It was a test, a big challenge. In my family, the Daniels family, we have this tradition. Before you can get a top job in the company, you have to prove you're tough enough. And me? I want to be the CEO of our international branch someday. But first, I have to make it through the academy.
After what felt like forever, the van stopped. I looked out the window, and my jaw dropped. There was a huge old building surrounded by tall trees. The air felt cold and fresh, nothing like the warm, familiar smell of home. This place looked wild and a bit scary, but also kind of exciting. My heart started beating faster. This was it—my new beginning.
"We're here, Miss Lara," said Ron, Dad's helper. He tried to smile, but I could tell he was nervous too.
I stepped out of the van, and my legs felt wobbly. This was happening. No more maids, no more bodyguards, no more familiar faces. Just me, all alone, facing the unknown. I felt a wave of fear wash over me, but I pushed it down. I had to be brave. I had to show everyone—and myself—that I could do this.
"Good luck, Miss Lara," Ron said, patting my shoulder. "Someone will be here to pick you up. See you in three years."
Then he drove away, leaving me standing there all alone. It was so quiet I could hear my heartbeat. For the first time, I was truly on my own. I took a deep breath, trying to take it all in. I might be Lara Daniels, heir to a big business empire, but right now, I was just Lara—a girl standing at the edge of a whole new world.
A woman walked up to me. She looked kind, but also like someone who was used to being in charge. "Excuse me, are you Miss Lara?" she asked.
"Yes, that's me," I said. My voice sounded shaky, and I tried to smile, but it felt fake. I was so used to being around people who knew everything about me and my family. Here, I was just another face in the crowd.
"Welcome to your new home, Miss Lara. I'm Miss Chen," she said with a warm smile. "Please follow me."
I picked up my suitcase and followed her. The academy was like a maze, with winding paths and big, scary-looking buildings. It was like a whole different world. The air smelled like pine trees and... something else. Something new and exciting. I tried to remember everything I saw, hoping it would help this place feel more like home.
