The cool morning breeze slipped in through the open windows, and the sunlight falling on her face made her glow even more. Disturbed by the light, she turned her face to the other side. At the same moment, the phone lying on the bedside table started ringing loudly—it was the alarm, going off for the third time. The same alarm she had set herself.
Without looking, she reached out and turned it off, pulled the blanket over her face, and tried to go back to sleep. But just then, the door opened.
"I knew you'd still be asleep. Hurry up, Bella! This is the second time I've come to wake you. You know if you're not downstairs and ready in 20 minutes, Uncle Luke will come get you himself. And you do know your Dad."
Bella pushed the blanket off her face and stared at the person standing in front of her.
"You talk too much, Noah."
Noah looked at her and smiled. "When Uncle Luke starts his lecture on discipline, even your Dada won't be able to save you."
Bella covered her ears with her fingers. "Okay, okay, okay! I'm coming. You go!"
Noah smiled at her again. "Hurry," he said, and walked out.
Bella took a deep breath and immediately ran toward the bathroom.
*****************************************************************************************
The Three Influential Families of NCY.
The Obreins, the Lightwoods, and the Grays — three powerful and influential families, all tied closely to the Special Investigation Department (SID).
The house of Luke O'Brien and White Holland—a happily married couple with three children.
White Holland was not only Luke O'Brien's best friend, but also the subject of an experiment conducted by Luke's father.
The result of that experiment? Three children—Salazar Holland O'Brien, the eldest son; Clary Holland O'Brien, the daughter younger than Salazar; and the youngest, Bella Holland O'Brien—were all brought into this world by none other than White Holland himself.
Luke O'Brien is the Chief of the Special Investigation Department (SID), West Wing. White Holland O'Brien is one of the top heart surgeons at NYC Hospital.
Salazar, the eldest, followed in White's footsteps and became a doctor too—but his heart belongs elsewhere. His boyfriend, August Miller, is an SID officer. August is the son of Luke's old friend. After the tragic death of August's parents, Luke took him in and raised him like his own.
Clary Holland O'Brien and her husband, Simon Lewis, are both SID officers as well—partners in both life and duty.
And then there's Bella—the youngest of the O'Brien children. Freshly graduated from NYC University, she's just cleared the written test, interview, and medical evaluation for SID. Now, she's headed to SID Headquarters for one year of official training
Argent Lightwood and his wife, Denise Lightwood, were parents to two sons. Their eldest, Nick Lightwood, a seasoned diplomat, had married Ashley Hardin the daughter of a highly influential government official. Together, Nick and Ashley had a three-year-old son named Jade Lightwood, a bright-eyed boy full of curiosity. Owing to the nature of his diplomatic duties, Nick lived overseas with his small family, rarely returning home except for brief visits. The younger son, Noah Lightwood, was an SID officer. He'd known Bella since they were kids. Though he was three years older, they had shared the kind of bond that forms quietly over the years steadfast, familiar, and not easily explained.
The Gray family was a force of its own. Owen Gray, Chief of the North Wing of the SID, and his wife, Anna Taylor, who led the South Wing, were both known for their sharp minds and unshakable authority. Together, they had raised two sons.
The eldest, William Gray, had chosen a different path one built on ambition and enterprise. He had become a business tycoon, with a powerful foothold in the armed and aviation industries. He was married to Dr. Alison Hale; a brilliant neurosurgeon whose quiet strength matched his intensity. They had twin daughters, Emma and Ariana, both just a year old.
The younger son, Ethan Gray, had followed more closely in his parents' footsteps. A high-ranking officer in the SID, Ethan held influence beyond his years. He was sharp, decisive, and carried the kind of presence that made people fall silent when he entered a room.
***********************************************************************************
"Luke, Bella's heading to SID Headquarters today for training. Don't be too hard on her," White said gently, adjusting Luke's tie with practiced hands.
Luke picked up his wristwatch from the table, fastening it as he replied, "I know. She's our daughter, White. But I want her to be more like Clary disciplined, mindful of rules and structure."
White sighed, reaching for Luke's coat from the hanger and helping him into it. "Can't you stop comparing them? They're both our daughters. Their natures are different; their strengths are different."
Luke paused, then pulled White into his arms. "I know," he said quietly. "I'm only talking about discipline and rules the very things Bella struggles with the most."
White just smiled, a soft, knowing smile.