Chapter 1

Author's Note:

Hello, everyone! Thank you for giving my book a chance!

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Reina.

Someone was calling my name, again and again, their voice echoing through the small apartment.

Hi there, I'm Reina. I'm twenty years old, Black American, and currently living in New York City. By nature, I'm an introverted and somewhat shy person. Physically, I'm 5'7" (I know, not that tall!), with a curvy build that falls somewhere between slim and full-figured. I guess you could say I'm pretty average—except for my bright blue eyes. My whole family has them, actually.

We're a middle-class family that's had its fair share of struggles. My dad passed away some years ago, and my mom, Martha, has health issues that keep her from working. As the oldest child, it's fallen on me to step up and provide for us.

Family is everything to me. My little brother, Rex, is the most lovable mix of annoying and adorable. My mom is the strongest person I know, and I honestly can't imagine my life without her. And then there's Briar, my best friend—the petite redhead who's been my partner in crime since high school. She saved me from bullies back then, and we've been inseparable ever since.

But let's get back to the chaos.

"Reina!" My mom's voice thundered again, jolting me out of my daydream. My heart raced. Oh, no. Mom's going to kill me.

I bolted out of my room and came face-to-face with her—a five-foot tower of fury, her bright blue eyes blazing. Despite the stern expression, she still managed to look adorable when she was mad. Not that I'd dare tell her that.

"Young woman! I've been calling you for ages. Care to explain why you didn't answer?" Her voice was sharp, almost scolding, but I could tell she was more irritated than angry.

I froze, scrambling for an excuse. I couldn't exactly tell her I'd been lost in memories of a time when life felt perfect.

Thankfully, salvation arrived in the form of Briar, who waltzed in like she owned the place.

"Hi, Mrs. Martha!" she said sweetly, flashing her signature charming smile. "Reina was actually on the phone with me, helping me with a personal issue. Sorry if I kept her too long."

I glanced at Briar, silently thanking her for her quick thinking. She caught my look and gave me a barely perceptible wink.

Mom sighed, her expression softening just a little. "Alright, Briar. And as for you, Reina—this had better not happen again."

I nodded earnestly. "Of course, Mom. I love you. You're the best." I leaned in to give her a quick kiss on the cheek, pretending not to notice the faint blush that crept across her face. Mom had always been dramatic, but she had a soft heart beneath the tough exterior.

Ever since Dad passed, she'd done everything in her power to keep our family afloat. It wasn't easy, but she never let us see her break. I admired her for that more than I could ever say.

After smoothing things over with Mom, I darted off to take a shower, savoring the delicious meal she'd prepared before starting my day. Another round of job hunting awaited me.

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