STUCK WITH THE BAD BOY

I slowly wake up and sit up in bed, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. After a few minutes, I get up and head to the bathroom. I brush my teeth and take a quick shower, feeling a little more awake.

Back in my room, I apply some lotion to my skin before opening my wardrobe. I take out the brand-new school uniform I got yesterday. Today is my first day at Royal Kids High School. I'm not sure if I'm scared or just really nervous.

After putting on the uniform-which fits me perfectly-I tie my long black hair into a neat ponytail. I dust a little powder on my face; I want to look nice, especially on my first day!

I don't forget my lip gloss, then I grab my pink backpack and step out of the room.

I walked into the kitchen and found my dad making breakfast.

"Good morning, Dad," I said, dropping my backpack on one of the dining chairs.

"Morning, Angel. Ready for your big day?" he asked, placing a glass of juice on the table.

"Yeah, just a little nervous," I replied, sitting down and taking a sip.

He chuckled as he walked over with a plate of toast.

"It's totally normal to feel nervous," he said, setting the toast in front of me. "But don't let it get to you."

"Okay, Dad. Can I take a cab to school today? You don't have to drop me off. I mean, I'm a big girl now," I said, hoping he'd say yes.

"No way. You're still my little baby," he said with a grin. "Now hurry up, you don't want to be late on your first day."

I rolled my eyes. Ugh!

My dad is way too protective. He never lets me go out unless it's school-related. I've never even been to a party because he always says no. It drives me crazy sometimes-especially now that I'm growing up-but to him, I'll always be his newborn baby.

Oh! My bad-I totally forgot to introduce myself. My name is Annabelle Smith, but my dad always calls me Belle. I live with my dad, Mr. Alex. I've never really known my mom. According to Dad, she left when I was just two years old... and she took my twin sister with her.

She never came back. Not once. But honestly, I've learned not to care too much. As long as I have Dad and I'm happy, that's enough for me. Still, if I could have one wish, it would be to meet my twin sister. But I guess life doesn't always go the way we want.

After breakfast, I grabbed my backpack and headed outside. Dad followed right behind me, holding his car keys and my water bottle.

We got into the car, and I quickly pulled out my lip gloss to reapply it-breakfast had completely wiped it off.

"Young lady, seatbelt," Dad reminded me with his usual dad voice.

I rolled my eyes playfully and buckled up. He started the car, and off we went.

---

Meanwhile...

The morning sunlight spilled through the window and landed on his face. He frowned a little, then slowly opened his eyes. With a lazy stretch, he rolled over on the bed before finally getting up.

Even half-asleep, he didn't look like someone who just woke up-his good looks were impossible to ignore.

His name? James Walter. The only son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter, the wealthiest family in the city.

James stood up, walked into the bathroom, and splashed cold water on his face. He looked into the mirror and smiled, fully aware of how handsome he was.