Annalise bit her nails, her lashes fluttering as her heart raced in anticipation.
The school had ended, and they were now on break before the next semester, but what loomed over her was the report card her dad was about to ask for.
Anna had never been the serious type; she often found herself at the bottom of her class. Studying felt like a burden to her—she preferred texting her friends and her boyfriend.
She opened the report card, fully aware of what it would reveal. Yet, a tiny part of her hoped it might be different. Anna was more concerned about how her father would react than about the grades themselves. The last thing she wanted was for her birthday gift to be impacted. What if he decided not to get her the island? In reality, she didn't care much about the grades—she already had money.
After all, isn't the point of school to get rich in the future?
The serious students in her class, usually those struggling financially, were the study freaks.
That wasn't her concern—she was wealthy, and she didn't see the need to belittle herself by hitting the books.
As she glanced at her report card, red marks covered nearly every line. Not a single A in sight—just pass and failing grades. Her position in class? Eighteenth out of twenty.
Normally, this would be a source of shame, but she had to be the most shameless in all of history. "At least I'm ahead of two others," she thought.
Her wealth meant her parents could afford the best tutors, but her attitude drove them away. She often told her parents that the teachers were bullying her, and before long, they stopped coming. Since then, her grades have dropped, and she didn't care to change that.
Annalise tossed the report card aside with indifference. "So stressful," she thought.
Then a knock on the door jolted her back to reality. She quickly crumpled the paper and shoved it into her bag before steadying herself. Tucking her hair behind her ear, she walked to the door, opening it to find her dad, Marcus, standing there.
"Dad?" she said, her voice barely concealing her unease.
"Honey, I heard you got your report card. I want to see it," he stated without hesitation. Annalise bit her lip as she opened the door wider. He stepped into her lavishly decorated room, which was as grand as any princess's. She had a huge bed and a large chandelier. A vanity, expensive makeup, and skincare products. Huge wardrobe with lots of designer dresses and bags. A gaming center is at the corner of the room.
Annalise didn't lack anything.
"I'll get it for you, Dad," she said, her voice now subdued. She moved slowly to her designer bag, retrieved the crumpled report card, and smoothed it out before turning back to him with a feigned smile.
Marcus began, "You promised to top your class last time we spoke. Did you keep that promise?" He looked at her expectantly as he took the report card from her.
Annalise smiled internally. Keep that promise? More like she had gotten even worse.
As he examined the results, his surprise was evident. "What happened to this?"
"A student mixed it up. It was in this condition when I got it," she lied smoothly, and Marcus only nodded as he continued to analyze it.
His expression changed as he saw the reality of her performance. The numerous failing marks stood out, and the teacher's comment, 'She's highly interactive and can improve if she tries harder,' was glaring.
He worried for her future—she was nearing the end of high school, and college would soon follow. With these results, she would struggle to pass any entrance exams.
Annalise pouted, walking toward Marcus with a hint of desperation. "Dad, I know I promised, but there were setbacks and everything fell apart. I studied hard, see? I even surpassed two people in the class." She pointed it out, almost defiantly.
Marcus thought to himself, It's because they're as un-serious as you.
But he remained gentle. "Dear, if you don't focus on your studies now, getting into college will be a challenge, and that could affect your ability to find work in the future."
Work?
Work and Annalise never went hand-in-hand.
"Daddy, what's the point? You're wealthy enough to get me a position in your company. It's not a big deal," she retorted, and he sighed, wrestling with his frustration.
Just then, Keira entered the room, and Annalise rushed to her mother, who enveloped her in a protective embrace.
"Mom, I failed again. But tell Dad it's all good; he's wealthy enough to get me a job in the company, and the house is mine anyway. So, why should I have to work?" She questioned sharply.
Keira gazed at her daughter with affection, then turned to her husband. "She's got a point, doesn't she? Why should our little princess have to work when she has everything she needs?" she inquired.
Marcus let out a resigned sigh. "I suppose I was too hard on you, Anna. I apologize."
Anna nodded casually. "It's fine, Dad. I forgive you. But you owe me..." she added, a smirk playing on her lips.
Marcus braced himself for her demand. "My birthday has to be the best, got it? And the island better be ready because I'm hosting an after-party with my friends right after!" she declared. She then turned to her mom. "Mom, make sure he knows."
"Absolutely, dear," Keira responded.
Marcus glanced between Keira and Anna. "Alright, I'll make it happen—your island and the after-party," he muttered, shaking his head in resignation.
Anna immediately launched herself at him, her enthusiasm infectious. Ah, his little princess—someday she would be the end of him.
•
•
•
It was finally Anna's birthday, and she was beyond excited as the hour approached. The grand hall was opulently decorated with a red carpet, featuring two impressive cakes for the celebration along with a feast of delicious food. Balloons filled the area, and dessert stands overflowed, all perfectly complemented by champagne. Everything was on point.
Annalise herself was elegantly dressed in a stunning golden ball gown with a sweetheart neckline and adorned with a crown that left no doubt—she was the center of attention. She prepared in the room while her mother placed a set of exquisite jewelry on her.
Anna caught her mother's gaze in the mirror, a satisfied smile spreading across her face. "Thank you, Mom. This is beautiful," she said, admiring her reflection. With her ginger styled in a chic bun, the crown perched regally on her head, paired with a striking chain around her neck and an array of bangles.
"You are stunning, Annalise," Keira responded, beaming with pride as Anna's green eyes glimmered with joy.
"Come on, your friends are eager to see you," Keira urged, and Anna nodded before following her mother. Just then, she received a message from her boyfriend, instantly lighting up her face with a bright smile. He had gotten her an expensive necklace set from Bulgari.
As they descended the grand staircase, the spotlight swooped in on Anna. From below, she noticed her friends gazing up at her in awe. "Happy Birthday! We love you, Anna!" they cheered as she made her way down, a proud smile firmly planted on her lips.
As soon as she reached the bottom, her friends rushed over gifts in hand, clearly ready for her to claim them. Her mother excused herself to let Anna enjoy the festivities.
They began unwrapping the gifts, starting with Astrid, her best friend, who eagerly presented an expensive handbag. "This is nice, Astrid. I already have a Gucci handbag, but I'll take this one," Annalise remarked with a smile that was slightly polite than heartfelt. The group burst into laughter at her response.
Next was a Cartier wristwatch from Remi. "Oh girl, I've always wanted this! Thank you so much!" Annalise exclaimed, pulling Remi into a warm hug while Astrid observed silently from the side.
Then came a pair of pearl earrings from Portia. As Annalise opened the box, her expression tightened. "Where did you get this, Portia?" she questioned intently.
"I ordered it. Why? What's wrong?" Portia responded, surprised.
"It seems they sold you a fake. I don't want this," Annalise declared, pushing the gift back toward Portia. Her friend's face fell, but Anna added with a smile, "You'll have to get me something better next time, alright?" Portia managed a strained smile in response.