The early morning sunlight poured into the mansion through tall glass windows, birds chirping softly outside. Ariana had just finished bathing when Margaret, her longtime maid, walked in.
Margaret: "Oh, Ariana, you're awake already! I'm sorry I wasn't here sooner, you woke up extra early today. The chefs are still busy with breakfast. Let me help you get dressed."
She zipped Ariana's Crestmond uniform and tied her long, curly hair into a neat high bun.
Ariana: "It's fine, Margaret, relax. It's my last day at Crestmond — my last day of annoying, nagging teachers. After today, I'm free. I'm finally about to be an adult. No more curfew… hello freedom. Jayden, university… mostly Jayden."
She grinned.
"I can't wait. Maybe I can even convince Daddy to get us an apartment close to campus. I can already imagine the acceptance letter: 'Ariana Goldberg, you are accepted into Aurelia University.' I can't wait. That's where Mom and Dad met, so I'm sure Jayden and I will flourish there."
Margaret (teasing): "Young love… so pure. I'm sure everything will go well, my dear. Enjoy your last day."
Ariana headed to the dining room and froze in surprise — her brother Adrian was home. He was supposed to be at university; he was only two years older, in his second year.
Excited, she moved toward him, ready to hug him — until she heard the name he was saying on the phone.
Adrian (on the phone): "Zara, babe… I only got home an hour ago. Of course we'll meet up after your exam."
Before Ariana could confront him, the chef startled her.
Chef: "Breakfast is ready, my princess."
Everyone at home called her that, courtesy of her father.
Ariana: "Oh, yes, thank you."
She sat and took pancakes — her favorite — and fresh orange juice. Only then did Adrian finally notice her.
Adrian: "Princess! How are you? I came to see my favorite girl and wish her good luck on her final exam."
Ariana: "Doesn't seem like I'm the only one you're wishing good luck to. Was that my best friend? After I told you to stay away from her?"
Adrian (downplaying): "Relax, sis. You didn't get the context. Besides, why would I harm Zara?"
Ariana: "You know what? Y'all are fools. And if you dare hurt her, you'll know me. I know you have a whole roster at Northidge. Anyway, let me go — I'm not ruining my day because of you two."
She grabbed her blazer and headed to the waiting Rolls-Royce. Her chauffeur opened the door as her phone rang — her mom, Carol.
Ariana: "Hey, Mommy."
Carol: "Good luck, my baby. Did your brother get home safely? Your father and I will only be back tomorrow — these business associates are being difficult, so we had to delay."
Ariana: "Yes, Mommy, he's fine. Tell Daddy I love him. Bye."
The car stopped, the chauffeur opening her door.
Chauffeur: "Have a lovely day, my princess."
Inside the buzzing halls of Crestmond Royal Academy, she spotted the person she wanted to see most — her soulmate, Jayden Harrington.
She ran to him. He hugged her tightly and kissed her — long, lingering, electric.
Jayden: "I missed you so much, baby. Good luck. Go kill that paper."
Ariana: "I missed you too. Good luck, my love. See you after."
The exam started. Mrs. Grobbler handed out papers.
Ariana whispered to herself, This is it. My last high school paper.
She glanced at Zara sitting beside her and smiled, then focused and wrote for two hours.
"Pens down," Mrs. Grobbler announced.
Students rushed into the hallway.
Zara caught up to Ariana. "Let's go have lunch at your favorite restaurant!"
Zara: "Girl, the timing is bad — I'm busy. Maybe later I'll come to your house. Don't you have plans with your man anyway?"
Ariana blinked,not so suprised.
Since when do you decline a girls' brunch and have plans?
Ariana (suspicious): "I only said that to provoke you. I know you have plans with Adrian. But girl, it will end in tears. Anyway, you're grown. Do your thing. And yes, obviously I have plans with my man."
Zara: "I know what I'm doing. I'm just having fun. Not everyone is locked into their relationship like you. I'll see you later."
The Surprise Picnic
Ariana gasped when she saw the setup — roses, candles, champagne, a charcuterie spread.
Ariana: "Oh, baby, you didn't have to do all this…"
Tears filled her eyes as she recorded everything on her iPhone 16.
Jayden: "You deserve it. We're done with high school — that's huge. And thank you for always being there for me. Through everything."
Ariana: "Stop, you're gonna make me cry."
She lay beside him. He leaned in for a slow, passionate kiss, sending butterflies through her stomach.
Jayden (breathing harder): "We better stop… if we continue, I won't be able to."
Ariana blushed — a rare moment for her.
Later that day.
Girls' Night
Zara came over for a sleepover, fully planning to sneak into Adrian's room later. It helped that Ariana's parents weren't home — her billionaire father had an aura that demanded respect. No way she'd be doing this if he were around.
The girls watched a movie in the living room, face masks on, popcorn and wine beside them. Zara stared out the window where Adrian played basketball shirtless.
Ariana: "Girl… don't tell me you came here to stare at Adrian. Ew."
Zara: "What? Friend, no… okay maybe a little. Damn, he's so fine though."
Ariana: "See? I'm losing you again to him. When he breaks your heart, don't cry to me all snot-faced and choked."
Her phone rang — Jayden.
"Bye, girl. I'm going to bed. You know the guest room… or Adrian's room. You know what? I don't even wanna think about that. My man is calling."
As Ariana left, Zara rolled her eyes.
She's always on her 'my man' preachings. Like we're messy and she's perfect.
Still, she wasn't giving Adrian up — not this time.
She went to his room, slipped under his sheets naked. Adrian was in the shower.
He came out, stunned, then smirked.
Adrian: "Oh, baby… you're already here and ready for me. I love it."
He kissed her everywhere.
Zara: "Seeing you outside made me wet… I had to come here."
They stayed together and made passionate love until dawn.