Chapter 1: New life

Ariana POV

If someone had told me a year ago that I'd be packing up my life to transfer universities, I probably would've laughed in their face. Or at least given them one of my Are you serious? looks.

But life has a funny way of throwing curveballs when you least expect it. And somehow, here I was-standing in my bedroom, surrounded by half-packed suitcases, about to start a whole new chapter.

"You're seriously taking all that?" a voice whined from the doorway.

I didn't have to turn around. I already knew who it was.

My younger brother, Damien-the absolute pest of my existence, even though he was barely a year younger than me-stood there with his messy hair sticking up in every direction, wearing the kind of smug grin that made me want to throw a pillow at him.

"It's called being prepared," I said sweetly, tossing a pair of heels into my suitcase.

"Prepared? Ariana, you packed like you're moving to another planet, not transferring schools."

He waltzed into the room like he owned it, dramatically collapsing onto my bed and squishing the clothes I had just neatly folded.

"Damien!" I shrieked, launching a throw pillow at his face. He caught it effortlessly, laughing like he hadn't just destroyed an hour's worth of my hard work.

"You should be thanking me. Lighten the load a little," he said, flipping onto his stomach and kicking his legs like a little kid.

I stormed over and tried to yank him off the bed, but Damien was faster. He scooped me up like a sack of potatoes, spinning me around the room while I screamed and laughed at the same time.

"PUT ME DOWN, YOU GREMLIN!" I yelled, pounding my fists against his back.

"Say 'Damien is the cooler sibling!'" he teased.

"NEVER!"

With a wicked grin, he plopped me onto the bed, and in revenge, I grabbed the closest thing I could-a rolled-up pair of socks-and whacked him squarely on the head.

Damien yelped dramatically, clutching his head like I'd seriously injured him.

"MOM! Ariana's trying to murder me!" he hollered, already laughing as he rolled off the bed to dodge another sock missile.

"Good! Maybe you'll finally shut up!" I shouted back, both of us grinning like idiots.

"That's enough, you two!"

Our mother's voice floated up the stairs, full of exasperated fondness.

Damien stuck his tongue out at me and sprinted down the hall before Mom could come investigate.

I flopped back onto the bed, breathing heavily, a stupid grin still plastered across my face.

As annoying as he was, I knew I was going to miss him like crazy.

A soft knock sounded on my door, and a moment later, Mom poked her head in.

She looked like she always did-elegant but effortless.

My mom, Amelia Smith, was a professional interior designer, known for turning even the dullest rooms into something magical. She had that natural touch, like she could see beauty where no one else could.

"You ready, sweetheart?" she asked, walking in and smoothing my messy hair back with her hand.

"Almost," I said, blinking faster than usual.

I hated goodbyes.

From the hallway, I heard the sound of heavy, careful footsteps. My dad, Dr. Liam Smith, appeared in the doorway, leaning slightly on his cane.

He'd been forced to retire early from his career as a doctor after being diagnosed with a chronic illness.

But he still wore that same kind, proud smile-the one that made me feel like no matter how crazy the world got, everything would be okay.

"You'll be amazing, Ari," Dad said warmly. "You always are."

I tried to smile, but my heart squeezed painfully in my chest.

"I'll miss you guys so much," I said, voice wobbly.

"We're just a call away," Mom reminded me, pulling me into a hug.

"And besides," Damien's voice called from downstairs, "the house will finally be peaceful!"

I laughed through my tears. "You wish!"

After a flurry of last-minute checks, a million hugs, and Dad insisting on carrying my suitcase even though Mom and I tried to stop him, we finally loaded up the car and my mom and I sat in.

My stomach twisted in nervous knots as I waved at my father and my brother, we pulled out of the driveway, my old world shrinking behind me.

I was transferring to Westbridge University, one of the top schools for Business and Enterprise Management. It was prestigious, competitive, and, honestly, a little terrifying.

But I knew it was the right step.

Especially with the internship opportunities they promised-including some at major companies... like the one owned by Garcielle's Group.

_________

The drive felt like forever with all the thoughts bouncing around my head.

Just as I was about to spiral into another panic attack about new beginnings and prestigious programs, my mom's phone rang.

"It's Anna," she said, putting it on speaker.

Anna Garcielle was one of my mother's closest friends-practically family at this point. She had a warmth to her that made you feel at home, even through a phone call.

"Hi, Amelia!" Anna's cheerful voice filled the car. "Is Ariana ready for her big adventure?"

I smiled, a little shy. "Hi, Auntie Anna," I said.

"Sweetheart, I'm so excited for you! And listen, don't you worry about anything, alright?" Anna said brightly. "The boys are thrilled to have you."

"Boys? Mom you didn't tell me I was going to live with boys" I said, a little alarmed. She didn't say anything and just blinked, I smiled at that.

"Oh, yes!" Aunt Anna laughed. "My son, Ivan, and his two friends, Max and Ethan. They're all attending Westbridge too. The mansion's much too big for just the three of them, and honestly, it'll be good for them to have someone responsible around."

I blinked. I'm going to leave with Ivan Garcielle?

What kind of sweet setup was I walking into?

"And don't mind Ivan, alright?" she continued in a conspiratorial whisper like she thought I couldn't hear. "He might come off a bit cold at first, but he's a really sweet and funny guy once you get past the iceberg exterior."

I bit back a nervous laugh.....I know him already.

"And who knows," Anna teased, "maybe you two will hit it off. I'd love to see you end up together!"

I felt my cheeks warm, and I glanced helplessly at my mom, who was stifling a giggle.

"Auntie Anna!" I whined, but deeply I know I stand no chance and it wasn't like I wanted him to consider me. I just admire him, that's all.

"What? I'm just saying!" she laughed. "You're both young and gorgeous-what's the harm in a little fate?"

I shook my head, smiling despite myself.

Love? Relationships?

Please.

Those words weren't even in my dictionary right now.....I've had enough in my past life. Moreover, I was here to study, chase dreams, and maybe figure myself out along the way.

Falling for some cold, handsome boy was definitely not on the agenda.

______

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***