IN LOVE 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.

"Good morning, bad boy," he smirked at his reflection, pulling off his shirt.

His tattoos came into view-there was a compass inked on the left side of his stomach and a small bird on his chest. His toned abs showed off without effort, and his strong chest looked like the perfect pillow for the best sleep ever. He was only 19, but he looked every bit like a grown man.

He was just too handsome-so handsome that girls were falling over themselves just to be his girlfriend. But unfortunately for them, James wasn't the romantic type. He wasn't into relationships or love. Instead, he was known for his one-night stands. Any girl who threw herself at him got what she wanted for a night... and the next day, he acted like she didn't exist.

James came downstairs and saw his mom and little sister sitting at the table, already eating breakfast.

"Good morning, bro-James!" his little sister, Princess, said with a big smile.

"Morning. Aren't you going to school?" James asked as he sat down.

"I have a cough," Princess replied, pouting a little.

"Aww, sorry, sis. Good morning, Mom," James greeted.

"Keep that 'good morning' to yourself, you naughty boy. You were out partying all night! And look at the time-you're just heading to school now?" Mrs. Walter snapped.

"Come on, Mom, stop yelling. It's not good for your health. I was just having fun last night," James said casually.

"Fun? You mean fooling around?" Mrs. Walter cut in sharply. "James, you're just 19 years old!"

"Exactly, Mom. I'm 19. I'm not a kid anymore," James said with a cocky grin, striking a swagger pose-until his mom smacked him lightly on the head.

"Mom! That hurt!" he said, rubbing his head.

"Did I miss something while raising you? Where did you learn all these bad habits? Your dad is so disappointed. How can he trust you to run the company one day when you're so unserious about life?"

"But Mom, it's not my fault. All these girls just keep coming to me. And me, being the kind guy I am, I give them what they want. Even the Bible says, 'Ask and it shall be given.' So I gave them what they asked for," James said, trying to look innocent.

"Wow! So now you're quoting the Bible? Really, James? You need to change. You're getting worse by the day. You're just 19 and already got a tattoo! And wearing an earring? What kind of example is that?"

"Okay, Mom. I'll think about it," James said while gulping down his tea in one go.

"That's what you always say. I'm tired of hearing it," Mrs. Walter replied, clearly frustrated.

"You don't have to be, Mom. I'm your son," James said with a smile, then stood up, kissed her on the cheek, and pecked his little sister too.

"Bro-James! Don't forget to get me chocolate when you come back!" Princess called out.

"Sure thing," James said, grabbing his backpack and heading out the door.

"We're here," Dad said as I looked up from my phone and stared at the huge, beautiful building in front of me.

My stomach flipped. "Dad, I'm scared," I whispered, resting my head on his shoulder.

He wrapped his arm around me gently. "You don't have to be, Bella. You'll be just fine. Make some friends, and before you know it, this place will start to feel like home."

I gave a small nod and managed a shy smile. Taking a deep breath, I slowly opened the car door and stepped out.

"Take care of yourself, sweetheart," Dad said, handing me my water bottle. "And don't forget-wait for me after school. I'll come pick you up myself."

"I will," I said, remembering his words. I waved at him as he smiled back.