Before The Storm

Chapter 1

I opened my eyes to the soft light filtering through my silk curtains, the scent of fresh linens filling my room. It was just another day in my perfectly curated life, and as I stretched, I heard the familiar soft knock on the door.

"Good morning." my maid, Ella, chirped as she entered with a tray in hand. On it sat my usual breakfast: a vibrant green juice, the color of envy. I rolled my eyes. I was surrounded by the finest things money could buy, yet here I was, sipping kale like some wellness influencer.

I took a sip, grimacing at the bitter taste. Just outside my door, I could hear the soft chatter of my younger sister, Hannah. She was the opposite of me—sweet, nerdy, and completely oblivious to the world we lived in. While I draped myself in designer clothes and threw lavish parties, she preferred books and art supplies. My parents adored her, spending hours on end doting on her creativity, while I was left to fend for myself.

I set my juice down and grabbed my phone, scrolling through my feed when I stumbled upon a post about a new family moving in next door.

"Ugh, just what I need," I muttered. "More neighbors."

"Hannah!" I called out, irritation creeping into my voice. "Do you know anything about the new family moving in?"

She peeked into my room, her glasses sliding down her nose. "I heard they have two sons. I hope they are nice!"

"Nice?" I snorted. "This is suburbia, Hannah. Nice is overrated."

I finished my juice and headed to the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face to shake off the remnants of sleep. I spent a good thirty minutes perfecting my hair—blonde waves cascading over my shoulders—and applying just the right amount of makeup to highlight my blue eyes. I had a reputation to maintain, after all.

Dressed in my cheerleading uniform, I grabbed my bag and headed to the garage before I noticed something out of place. A sleek black car was parked haphazardly in front of my shiny convertible, blocking me in. I stopped, irritation flaring.

"Seriously?" I muttered, irritation bubbling up. I marched toward it, ready to confront whoever thought it was okay to block my way. As I approached, a tall figure emerged from the driver's side—dark hair, a cocky smirk, and an attitude that screamed trouble.

"Hey! Move your car!" I demanded, glaring at him.

He leaned casually against the car, unfazed. "And if I don't?"

"Then I'll have to find a way to move it myself," I shot back, crossing my arms.

"Good luck with that," he replied, amusement dancing in his eyes. "This isn't exactly the best place to be in a hurry, princess."

"Don't call me princess," I snapped, my frustration mounting. "I don't have time for your bullshit."

He stepped closer, the smirk still plastered on his face. "Funny, I was just about to say the same thing. You're not the only one who's busy, you know."

I rolled my eyes. Giving him a death stare.

After a few more heated exchanges, he finally climbed back into his car, still smirking as he turned the key in the ignition. "You're really going to block me like this?" I snapped, arms crossed, tapping my foot impatiently.

"Relax. I'll move," he replied, his gaze bored.

He put the car in reverse but didn't move right away, clearly enjoying my frustration. "Maybe you should learn to be more careful where you park, princess," he taunted.

I huffed, watching as he finally backed up, the car rolling slowly out of the way. "You think you're so clever, huh?" I muttered under my breath. "This is my driveway."