GENESIS: THE CATALYST

CHAPTER TWO

"In the warmth of family, shadows still linger, reminding us that even in brightest places, darkness finds its way"
-Clara Rossi-Smith, Genesis: The Catalyst

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The alarm blared at 6:30 AM sharp, pulling Maya out of her deep sleep. She groaned softly, reaching out to silence it with one lazy swipe. Sunlight filtered in through the half-drawn curtains, casting a golden glow over her room. Maya stretched, her muscles tightening under her satin sheets, and blinked up at the ceiling. The day was just beginning, but already she could feel the weight of the day ahead.

She reached for her phone that was on her nearby dresser, scrolling through notifications. Social media was a flood of perfectly filtered lives - vacations, parties, and luxury fashion, which was basically her normal life. Now it felt ordinary to her although people wanted to live the life she was living, or more say they wanted to be her rather than be like her.

Pushing the blankets aside, Maya swung her legs over the edge of her bed, throwing her phone on the soft mattress and padded across her spacious room. The room was immaculate. The walls were a soft cream, accentuated by a few pieces of abstract art her mother had insisted on hanging-an original Rossi design. An oversized mirror, with an ornate gold frame, hung opposite her bed, casting light throughout the room.

Her walk-in closet stood open, rows of designer clothes, accessories and perfectly aligned shoes on display, but today she reached for the classic uniform of Riverside Academy-her elite private school: a crisp white blouse, a navy pleated skirt that flared just above her knees, a blazer adorned with the school's golden crest and her polished black loafers. She tugged the blazer off its hanger, smoothing out the fabric, and glanced in the mirror.

Her long, dark hair cascaded down her back, waves framing her olive-toned face, which was a perfect blend of her parents' strong features. High cheekbones from her mother, sharp eyes from her father. Her gaze lingered on the small diamond pendant around her neck- a Rossi family heirloom passed down through generations. It was her mother's idea for Maya to wear it daily as a reminder of her roots.

Maya sometimes felt the weight of her family's legacy but was determined to create her own path. She appreciates all the privileges her wealth brings but not entirely enamored by it. Maya is close to her siblings, particularly Kylie, though the shadow of Kendall's abduction has left its mark on her - on everyone.

Though she seems composed on the outside, Maya struggles with the pressure of living in a family so public and successful, and she harbors fears about the dangers that come with it. She enjoys the finer things, but she often contemplates her identity outside of being a "Smith" or a "Rossi." She looks forward to family vacations, where she can escape the constant scrutiny and just be herself. She also found that with her friends.

After dressing, she looked out the window of the penthouse suite. Below her was the view of the bustling city of New York, where skyscrapers towered as far as the eye could see. The penthouse was breathtaking, with glass walls providing a panoramic view of Central Park. Inside, luxury surrounded her: polished marble floors, chandeliers, and modern art pieces. Despite the grandeur, Maya often felt conflicted about her family's immense wealth. Sometimes all the luxury felt like part of the decor.

The scent of coffee wafted through the penthouse, a comfort she clung to even as her mind drifted to the pressures waiting outside.

Downstairs, the kitchen was already buzzing with activity. Their mother, Clara Rossi-Smith, stood by the stove, flipping pancakes, her hair in a loose bun. Despite her role as one of the leading geneticists in the country, Clara always made time for her family. Their mornings together were sacred, a rare moment of normalcy in their chaotic, high-profile lives.