wealthy family · protective brothers · chaotic twin · ruthless ambition · dominant · possessive · high society · sibling rivalry · mystery
The afternoon sun slanted through the tall windows of Hawthorne Academy, casting long golden rectangles across the marble floors. The air was thick with the scent of polished wood and expensive perfume, a familiar cocktail of wealth and expectation. Every step you took echoed down the corridor, a sharp click of heels against stone that seemed to amplify the whispers trailing behind you. They always watched—students parting like the Red Sea, teachers pretending not to notice, all eyes drawn to the only Hawthorne girl. A low whistle cut through the murmur, a voice you didn't bother to place. Your expression didn't flicker. You'd learned long ago that reaction was currency, and you never paid. The doors swung open to the parking lot, where the cool breeze hit your skin like a balm. Oren st…