Chapter 1: Sisters, but Not by Blood
Daniella and Simone were more than friends; they were sisters in spirit. Growing up together in the heart of Orlando, they shared everything from laughter to tears. When Daniella’s mother was tragically murdered when she was only 16, Simone’s family took her in, making her feel at home. It was a bond forged by loss, but there was something about Simone’s life that Daniella couldn’t quite grasp.
Despite being raised in modest circumstances in their youth, Simone’s father had passed away when they turned 21, leaving behind a fortune. This sudden wealth moved them to an extravagant mansion in Winter Park, where they seemed to have it all. However, the reality behind the riches was a secret—Simone’s family could barely afford the luxuries they had once taken for granted. It was a shell of a life, with every penny spent on maintaining appearances.
As Daniella helped Simone search for her favorite designer slides, a sense of tension began to settle between them. Daniella had always stood by her, but something felt off lately.
“Simone, you’re about to make us late, and you’re still obsessed with those shoes. Tyrell doesn’t even care about that stuff,” Daniella remarked, rolling her eyes.
Simone flashed a smile, her eyes scanning the room. “Tyrell won’t be happy if we’re late, Dani. You know how he gets when we don’t follow his rules.”
As Simone rushed out the door, leaving Daniella behind, the silence between them felt heavy, like a storm was brewing, waiting to unleash.