Chapter 1: Not So Perfect Life.
High school, they said, was about popularity, about the right crowd. But Hannah knew the real measure of success was darker, sharper.
"When someone wants to tear you down," she thought, her smile tight, "that's when you know you've climbed high."
"Who wants a bite of perfection?" a girl in a shimmering mini pink dress, a dress that screamed 'expensive,' held out a tray of biscuits. Each one bore her flawlessly airbrushed image.
Hannah watched the swarm, the eager hands reaching. They all want a piece, she thought, her practiced smile playing on her lips. A piece of what, though? They think it's a fairytale. They don't see the thorns.
"Hannah, darling!" A flashbulb popped, and she turned, angling her chin just so. Click, click, click. Another picture, another perfect pose. The smile never wavered, but her eyes held a glint of steel.
At a nearby table, Mia picked at her biscuit, a bored expression clouding her usually bright eyes. "This party's… something, right, Niel?"
Niel's gaze was fixed on Hannah, a cold intensity in her usually playful blue eyes. She swirled the ice in her drink, the clinking sound a sharp counterpoint to the music. "Something else," she muttered, her voice low and dangerous. She snatched a hand fan, the same face staring back. "Look at this. Face card. Like she's royalty."
Mia leaned in, her eyebrows drawing together. "What's eating you?"
Niel sighed, a puff of frustrated air escaping her lips. "It's Hannah. This isn't even her party. She waltzed into Sara's High on a scholarship, and suddenly she's the queen bee, the center of everything." She stood abruptly, the chair scraping against the marble floor. "I'm done playing nice."
Mia watched her go, a flicker of unease in her eyes.
Hannah and her entourage, a glittering cloud of designer dresses and perfectly styled hair, approached Niel. "Trying to steal my spotlight, Niel?" Hannah asked, her voice light but with a sharp edge.
Niel's eyes narrowed, her words like icicles. "The only reason you're even breathing the same air as us is Sage. You couldn't afford a tea party for your precious Pomeranians, let alone this spectacle." She paused, her voice dripping with venom. "Not without Sage's daddy's money to cover up your… humble origins."
Sage stepped forward, her red hair a fiery halo around her face. "Careful, Niel. You're skating on thin ice."
Hannah, her smile still intact, gently pressed a biscuit into Niel's face. "Here. Have a sweet bite. Maybe it'll neutralize the bitterness in your soul." She and Sage turned and walked away, the unspoken threat hanging heavy in the air.
"Wow," Sage breathed, her eyes wide. "That was… powerful."
"Too much?" Hannah asked, glancing at the girl in the pink dress, a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes.
They exchanged a moment of awkward silence.
"No," Hannah decided, her smile returning, a touch more confident this time. "It was… understated. Elegantly understated."
"Gagged," Sage corrected, grinning. "Totally gagged. I love you."
"Love you too," Hannah replied, the words sincere.
"We have a situation," Clowe announced, her voice tight, as she and Sofia approached, their faces grim.
Hannah's smile vanished. "What now?"
Sofia's eyes darted around the garden, her voice low. "Lila. The Instagram witch. She saw you buying your dress… at the Salvation Army."
Hannah's hands tightened into fists, her knuckles white. "What?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Clowe winced. "She knows you're… on a budget. We think it's chic, and your mom…" Sofia cut her off with a sharp glare.
"What do you want me to do?" Sofia asked, her voice laced with a dangerous edge. "Push her in the fountain? Set her hair on fire?"
Hannah sighed, a flicker of weariness in her eyes. "No. We're not resorting to violence."
Sage nodded, her red eyes flashing. "We'll handle this with… finesse. Tell her to pack up her filters and leave."
Clowe and Sofia nodded and disappeared into the crowd.
"Time for a toast," Hannah said to Sage, her voice regaining its usual confidence. "Gather everyone. I need a moment to… compose myself."
Everyone played a role, Hannah thought, walking into the powder room, her reflection staring back at her. I just played mine better.
She stared at her reflection, her blonde hair a cascade of perfection, her blue eyes sharp and calculating. Seventeen years. I've built this. No one will take it away.
She walked out, her steps slow and deliberate, and ascended the mini stage, her smile dazzling. "Thank you all for being here," she said, her voice clear and strong. "And thank you, Sage, for this… unforgettable night."
Niel rolled her eyes, her expression a mask of disdain.
"And Sofia," Hannah continued, gesturing to the billboard, "this… masterpiece means the world to me."
"And now," she said, her smile turning sharp, "where's Lila? Our favorite social media star?"
Lila rolled her eyes, her expression defiant. "What?"
"Lila," Hannah said sweetly, her voice laced with amusement, "your spider hat is… truly a statement. And you've generously agreed to donate your entire wardrobe to the Salvation Army. A true act of charity."
Lila's eyes widened, her jaw dropping. "That's not—"
The crowd erupted in applause, the flash of cameras blinding.
"Don't video me," Hannah said, her voice laced with amusement. "Video Lila. Our philanthropist."
Lila forced a tight smile.
"Hello, beautiful," a deep voice said, cutting through the noise. NK, in a sleek black suit, holding a bouquet of vibrant flowers.
The crowd parted like the red sea.
"Sorry I'm late," he said, bowing slightly. "I wanted to make sure my surprise for Hannah was… perfect."
He climbed the stage, kissed Hannah's hand, and presented her with the flowers. "I love you, my queen."
The girls screamed, a wave of high-pitched adoration.
"Everyone look up," NK said, placing his hand possessively on Hannah's waist.
Fireworks exploded, painting the night sky in a riot of colors.
"Beautiful," Hannah murmured, her eyes reflecting the light.
"Not as beautiful as you," NK replied, his voice low.
They toasted with champagne, the bubbles fizzing like the tension in the air.
"Thank you," Hannah said, kissing his cheek, her smile genuine.
"Tonight was… interesting," Lila said to NK later, her voice tight.
"I'll miss you," NK whispered to Hannah, kissing her forehead. "Don't forget me."
"How could I?" Hannah replied, her voice soft.
"Send me a… reminder," he said, his voice laced with a sly undertone.
Hannah smiled, a flicker of something dark in her eyes. "Of course."
Later, back in her room, the echoes of the party faded, replaced by a cold, calculating silence. Hannah picked up her phone, the screen reflecting her determined expression. She pulled out a small tripod and set it up, angling it carefully. He wants a reminder, she thought, her lips curving into a small, almost cruel smile. He'll get one.
She glanced at the bikini lying on her bed, then at her reflection in the mirror. He wants to play games? she thought. Let's play. The soft glow of the room's lighting cast a warm, flattering light on her skin. She began to record.
With a deliberate slowness, she unbuttoned her top, her movements fluid and confident. She paused, meeting her own gaze in the mirror, a hint of defiance in her eyes. This is for him, she thought, her blue eyes sharp. Then, she continued, her fingers tracing the curve of her waist as she slid the bikini bottoms down. A soft moan escaped her lips as she touched herself, the sound amplified by the quiet room. She moved with a practiced grace, her eyes never leaving the camera, like she was performing for an audience of one. When she was finished, she reviewed the video, a satisfied smile curving her lips. Perfect. With a click, she sent it to NK.
The next day, Hannah and Sage walked together, the aftermath of the party hanging in the air.
"Montana's celiac," Sage said, her voice laced with exasperation. "Your birthday is going to be a logistical nightmare."
People stared at Hannah, some whispering compliments about her "content," others casting dark glances.
"Why are they looking at me like that?" Hannah asked, her voice tight.
Sage showed her her phone, the video playing. "Ahh NK (Moaning)."
Hannah's world shattered. "How could you?" she screamed, her voice raw with betrayal.
"I don't know," NK pleaded, his eyes wide. "Someone hacked my phone. I swear, Hannah, I love you."
"You're a liar," Hannah spat, her hand connecting with his cheek then she placed an heavy punch on his cheaks which made NK to fall down. "And you'll regret this Hannah said as she turned to walk away."
"I'll get revenge," she vowed, her voice cold and deadly then she walked away."