Episode 1.
INTRO/PROLOGUE
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TEENS HEART
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The night's shadows danced on the wall as Diana's world shattered into a million pieces. Michael's words still lingered in her mind like a deadly poison: "You were just a bet." The pain was suffocating, her heart heavy with the weight of his betrayal.
In the darkness, she felt a glimmer of determination ignite within her. A flame that would fuel her pursuit of revenge against the man who'd destroyed her. The father of her unborn child. The man she'd loved with every fiber of her being.
The silence was deafening, but Diana's resolve was clear: she'd make Michael pay for his deceit. The question was, would she be able to separate her emotions from her quest for justice? Only time would tell.
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Diana rushed downstairs to the breakfast table, her mom's voice still echoing in her mind. "Diana, hurry up! Breakfast is ready." She had barely managed to apply her signature silver eyeshadow and lip gloss, but she didn't want to keep her mom waiting, so she hastened her pace, her feet padding softly on the floor.
As she entered the dining area, she was greeted by the spread Rita had laid out - a feast fit for a queen. The aroma of freshly baked croissants and brewing coffee filled the air, making her stomach growl with anticipation.
"Wow, my favorite!" she exclaimed, her eyes widening at the steaming plate of eggs benedict, rich Ethiopian coffee, and juicy strawberries arranged artfully on her plate.
"Mom, you're the best," she cooed, digging into her meal with gusto. The flavors danced on her tongue, and she felt a surge of energy for her first day at Teens Heart Academy, a prestigious school known for producing leaders and innovators.
Diana was dressed to impress in her bespoke uniform, complete with a silver pin bearing the school's crest. She felt a mix of excitement and nerves as she grabbed her bag and headed out the door while her mom cleared the table.
Standing in front of the school gate, she scanned the bold letters: "Teens Heart Academy - Where Excellence Meets Ambition." A smile spread across her face as she hugged her bag tightly. The school's sprawling lawns and state-of-the-art facilities seemed to stretch on forever.
As she made her way to the principal's office, she couldn't help but notice the admiring glances from her peers. She had managed to secure a coveted scholarship to attend the academy, and she was determined to make the most of it.
Ms. Evana Theo, the principal, greeted Diana warmly and reviewed her files. "You're one of the students who received the prestigious Golden Scholarship," she stated, her voice filled with admiration. "I'm impressed by your hard work and dedication."
Diana smiled humbly as Ms. Theo handed her a map with her class location marked. "And, Miss Diana, if you have any problems, don't hesitate to reach out. I'll be here for you," she offered, her voice warm and reassuring.
As Diana walked out of the office, she felt a sense of belonging she hadn't felt in a long time. But her moment of calm was short-lived. She collided with a solid chest, and the world spun around her as she landed on the cold, hard floor with a thud.
A sharp pain shot through her tailbone, and she winced, rubbing the sore spot. As she looked up, six boys towered over her, their faces a blur of confusion and amusement. The boy she had collided with stood out from the rest, his piercing blue eyes blazing with intensity as he gazed down at her.
Diana felt herself drawn to his burning gaze, her eyes locked on his chiseled face, despite the anger emanating from him. She struggled to her feet, dusting off her uniform, her movements swift and precise.
"I expect an apology," she thought, but instead, his voice cut through the hallway, sharp and deadly.
"Get the fuck out of my way," he growled, his velvet-smooth tone laced with venom, making her recoil in fear.
Diana blinked, taken aback, as he shoved her aside, his movements swift and decisive. He walked away, leaving her feeling like a discarded obstacle. The other boys trailed behind him in silence, their laughter dying on their lips.
"Seriously, what was that?" she muttered to herself, picking up her file and glancing at the map. Just then, a soft voice interrupted her thoughts. "Are you lost?" A girl with a warm smile approached her, her eyes sparkling with kindness.
"Hi, I'm Sia," the girl said. Diana hesitated for a moment, still trying to process the encounter with the group of boys. But Sia's friendly demeanor put her at ease.
"Hi, I'm Diana," she replied, trying to shake off the lingering unease. "Yeah, I think I might be a little turned around. I'm trying to find my classroom."
Sia nodded understandingly and took the map from Diana. "Oh, you're just a few corridors away. I can walk with you if you'd like." Diana smiled, grateful for her kindness.
As they walked, Sia chatted about the school's various cliques and social hierarchies, giving Diana a heads-up on some of the teachers and students. Diana listened intently, trying to absorb as much information as possible.
"So, what's your story?" Sia asked, her eyes curious. "You're new here, right?" Diana nodded.
"Yeah, I just transferred here. I'm on a scholarship." Sia's eyes widened.
"No way! That's amazing. What's your background?" Diana hesitated, unsure how much to share. But there was something about Sia's genuine interest that put her at ease.
"I come from a pretty humble background," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "My mom works hard to support me, and I managed to secure a scholarship to attend this school."
Sia nodded thoughtfully. As they turned a corner, Sia pointed to a door. "That's our classroom. We're just in time for the first bell." Diana's eyes widened in surprise.
"Our classroom?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Sia chuckled at Diana's expr
ession.
"Let's get seated before the professor comes," she said.