Chapter one
The Harrison Mansion gleamed in the early morning sun, every corner alive with activity. At 7:00 AM, the sprawling estate buzzed with the rhythm of a perfectly run household.
In the driveway, the driver polished the luxury cars, making them shine like mirrors. Inside, the maids hurried from room to room, dusting, arranging furniture, and straightening curtains with precise care. The kitchen smelled of freshly brewed coffee and warm bread, while Susan Harrison briskly instructed the staff.
"Breakfast! Faster, everyone! We don't have all day!" she called, waving her hands as the servants scurried to obey.
Meanwhile, in the study, Richard Harrison sat at the mahogany table, reading the newspaper with a serious expression. After checking his watch, he folded the paper, and a broad, proud smile spread across his face. Rising gracefully, he headed upstairs.
On the second floor, in a lavishly decorated bedroom, slept his daughter—Bella Harrison, the sixteen-year-old princess of the household. She clutched her teddy bear tightly, a serene smile lighting her delicate face. Her hazel eyes were closed, her black hair fanned around her pillow, and she looked utterly peaceful, completely lost in her dreams.
Minutes later, her cellphone buzzed insistently, displaying a video group call. The names on the screen flashed: "Brother" and "Monkey." But Bella, lost in slumber, ignored the persistent ringing, completely oblivious to the phone's desperate cries.
Richard quietly opened her door, smiling at his sleeping daughter. He paused, drinking in the sight of her innocent, flawless face, and leaned forward to kiss her forehead gently. His eyes softened, full of adoration.
Then his attention shifted to the phone. Chuckling, he answered it. On the screen appeared two handsome young men in their early twenties, grinning mischievously and winking at him.
Richard raised an eyebrow, immediately understanding the wink. A sly smile spread across his face as he held the phone near Bella's ear.
"MORNINGGGGGGGG!" came a loud, teasing voice.
Bella's eyes snapped open, wide with shock, and her body stiffened. She blinked rapidly, still trying to process the sudden noise.
Richard and the two boys erupted into uncontrollable laughter, their voices echoing in the room. Bella, once fully awake, realized what had happened. Her father was grinning like a maniac, and the voices from the phone confirmed it—her older brother Abby and cousin Jake had pulled another prank.
Pouting adorably, Bella's frown deepened. She threw her hands up and screamed at the top of her lungs, "Mommmmmmmmm!"
Richard's eyes widened. Panic flitted across his face. Susan's going to kill me… he thought.
Across the hall, Susan Harrison heard her daughter's voice and came running, her brow furrowed with concern. Richard looked at Bella with pleading eyes, silently begging her not to complain, but she simply turned her face to the side, muttering with a dramatic sniff, "Hmph… as you deserve this."
The boys on the screen doubled over with laughter, clearly enjoying every second of their sister's distress and her father's helpless pleading.
When Susan entered the room, she immediately took the phone from Richard's hand. Her gaze swept over the scene: Bella's furrowed brow, her pout, and the furious glare aimed at her dad and the mischievous boys. She instantly understood—the morning teasing had become a regular habit.
Suppressing a smile, Susan stepped forward. She pointed at the phone, her voice firm.
"Abby! Jake! Stop laughing right now! And Richard—don't think I didn't see you joining them! That's not fair! Look at her—how upset you've made my daughter! I can't stand seeing that frown on her face."
She leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss on Bella's cheek and then on her forehead, her head resting briefly on her daughter's shoulder. "Apologize. Now."
The boys grinned sheepishly but still mischievously.
"I'm sorry, Mom," they chorused. "Our morning isn't complete without teasing her."
Bella crossed her arms and glared, her eyes sparkling with the promise of revenge. "You both," she said, pointing at the phone, "don't talk to me anymore. You don't love me, and Dad… you don't love me either. Only Mom loves me!"
She hugged Susan tightly, leaning into her warmth, while shooting her father an exaggeratedly angry glare. Richard held his ears in mock despair, heart aching at how quickly his princess could make him feel guilty.Richard held his ears in mock despair, watching Bella. How could she get so upset with him?
"Princess, I'm sorry. I love you more than anyone—even more than Mom. Look—I'm on your side. I'll never listen to these little demons again." He pointed at the phone, where Abby and Jake grinned. "And look—I even brought your favorite chocolate."
Bella crossed her arms, suspicion in her eyes. "You say that every morning. I'm still angry. Puppy face won't work today."
Richard glanced at the boys on the phone. Abby and Jake held their ears, muttering apologies, knowing their prank had gone too far.
Ignoring them, Bella hugged her mother and whispered a cheerful "Good morning," then hopped off the bed, walking toward the bathroom without a glance at her dad.
Richard's face fell, pleading with Susan with his eyes.
"See? Now you regret teasing her," she said, shaking her head. "You always do this. Don't expect me to help—you're on your own." She left, calling out for Bella to hurry to school.
Richard glared at the boys. "Because of you, my daughter isn't talking to me! If you tease her again, I swear…"
Jake grinned. "But Uncle, you were the one who held the phone!"
"Yeah, Dad," Abby added. "You joined in too. We can't handle her anger either."
Richard groaned, but when the boys started plotting a birthday surprise for Bella, his face lit up. "Alright… anything to make my princess smile. But don't blame me—she ignored me because of you two."
After half an hour, Bella kissed her mother goodbye, still ignoring Richard. He watched her with a sad, longing look.
Then she noticed him making a puppy face and holding his ears. Her lips curved into a smile, and before he could react, she ran into his arms, hugging him tightly.
"I forgive you—on one condition," she whispered, eyes sparkling.
Richard softened, tears threatening to spill. "Anything, my princess. Anything for you."
Bella pouted adorably, tapping her finger to her chin.
"Drop me at school, and after school, you have to pick me up. Then ice cream… and shopping. Deal?"
Richard's face lit up instantly, his eyes twinkling with love and amusement.
"Deal," he said, scooping her into a warm hug and pressing a gentle, lingering kiss to her forehead.
Then, leaning toward Susan, he gave her a soft, affectionate kiss on the lips. It was more than just a goodbye—it was tender and full of love, a quiet reminder of the bond they shared. Susan's eyes fluttered closed as she savored the warmth, the comfort, and the years of affection behind it. When they pulled back, their foreheads touched for a brief moment, smiles mirrored, hearts connected. Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she bit her lip, a shy smile tugging at her mouth.
Richard chuckled softly at her reaction. "You're adorable."
Susan shook her head with a soft laugh. "Hopeless… but I love it."
Turning back to Bella, Richard noticed her hands covering her eyes, pretending she hadn't seen anything. He gently moved her hands down, smiling. Bella's eyes sparkled with mischief as she gave him a naughty grin.
Richard gave her a playful, mock-angry glare.
"I didn't see anything—but I can guess what you two were doing," she teased. "Mom's blushing… you did something romantic, didn't you? Next time, I'm keeping my eyes open."
Richard feigned worry, putting on a dramatic face.
"Shhh! You're getting late!"
Bella laughed, her pout melting into a bright smile. She grabbed her bag and skipped toward the car, while Richard followed, still grinning. The warm, playful energy lingered in the room as they began their journey to school, hearts light and laughter echoing behind them.