NATALIA BIANCHI is the golden girl of Woodcrest Academy. She never gets anything below a hundred on her report cards, she's the kindest girl you'll ever meet, she's a talented cheerleader and is captain of the chess team, she was the Ice Princess at Winter Formal and to top it all off, she's one of the most popular girls at the academy. She's everything you want to be... at least, when you're looking from a distance. But behind her pretty face and perfectly done makeup is a tormented mind. Her school uniform hides the scars and concealer covers the bruises she receives from her alcoholic shitbag of a father. And unknown to the entire student body, she attends the academy on scholarship and works night shifts at an underground bar to pay for the bills and keep her little sister fed. Her reality is a living hell, and between school and supporting her family, the pressure is slowing catching up to her. ATLAS KINGSTON is the exact opposite of the term "golden boy." He has a reputation too, except he's more known for his sarcastic comments, violent nature, and piercing stares. He's also been Natalia's academic rival since he stole the first place prize in the 6th grade science fair, and they've despised each other ever since. Their mutual hatred for each other stayed limited to academics until the day he walks into the bar she works at and asked for a negroni, only to discover that her life isn't as perfect as she portrays it to be. After getting a glimpse into her real life, he's determined to figure out the puzzle that is Natalia Bianchi. Only thing is, she's determined to make sure that never happens.
3 parts