THE TRIAL12-Chapter Novel Plan (60,000 words)MAIN IDEA (Premise)A drug test from a big company goes wrong and causes a deadly sickness. Only the rich can buy the cure. In the middle of this crisis, a poor girl and a rich boy fall in love. Their story challenges social class, family pressure, and corporate greed.---CHARACTERSMAYA CHEN (20) – HeroineWorks two jobs: bakery in the morning, cleaning offices at night.Lives in a poor area (Riverside) with her younger brother Tommy (12) and grandmother Nana (68).Strong, smart, and protective of her family.Dreams of becoming a nurse but has no money for school.Quick to defend herself with sharp words when insulted.ALEXANDER "ALEX" STERLING (22) – HeroRich heir of Sterling Pharmaceuticals.Studies biochemistry at Westmont University.Looks proud/arrogant at first, but deep inside he feels lonely.Likes helping people secretly at free clinics.Struggles to act natural in real relationships.DR. ELENA VASQUEZ (45) – The ScientistOnce worked at Sterling Pharmaceuticals.Discovered the infection’s cause but got fired for speaking against unsafe rules.Now helps poor people at a community health center.Becomes a teacher to Maya and a supporter of Alex.Feels guilty for helping create the drug that caused the sickness.MARCUS STERLING (52) – The FatherAlex’s father and CEO of Sterling Pharmaceuticals.Cares more about money than people.Wants to stop Alex from dating Maya.Deep down, he thinks he is protecting his son.TOMMY CHEN (12) – Maya’s BrotherSmart and curious boy who loves science.First in the family to catch the infection.His sickness pushes Maya to fight harder.Brings humor with his funny comments about rich people.Helps connect Maya and Alex’s worlds.