Since 1998

The Rebels

South Carolina, 2006.

At nineteen, Devin was tall, with sharp angles and lean muscle, a charming prince who hid himself from the crowd.

Devin’s face was that of a completely lonely boy. He didn't let anyone in. On campus, every girl wanted him, but he didn't even notice. He was a medical student, but his mind was always somewhere else.

A sudden car horn cut through Devin's daydream.

"Hey! Coming or not?"

Sam leaned out of a silver BMW 325i. Despite owning their own cars, the two had spent the last three years carpooling with a pact of brotherhood.

Devin climbed in, met by the scent of expensive leather and Sam's expensive perfume.

"Morning," Sam said, shifting into gear. He squinted at his friend. "You look like hell. Didn't sleep again?"

"I slept fine," Devin said, a beat too fast.

Sam knew better. He knew Devin's nights were spent writing letters he'd never dare to mail. He was about to accelerate when a figure stepped into their path.

"Leaving without me? Harsh, boys."

Cathy didn't ask to get in; she just opened the door, sliding into the backseat with a sharp, piercing stare that made Devin instantly look out the window.

"You have a Mercedes in the driveway, sis," Sam grumbled.

She replied, leaning forward between the front seats, her eyes fixed on Devin's profile. "Missed me?"

Devin kept his gaze on the passing marshland. He never answered.

"Aw, that was cold.”

Sam snorted. "Give it up, Cath. The guy's allergic to girls. I've seen him turn down the homecoming queen."

"Fine, sorry, boys.”

🔅

At seventeen, Allison was tall and sophisticated. Everyone loved her bright blue eyes and her warm, friendly smile.

Beside her, Anna had grown into a radiant, wild beauty. With her Spanish heritage, sharp eyes, and tumble of curly hair, she was Allison's perfect foil.

"What's your full name again?" Allison giggled. "Mom said it's time to go back to the US—and you're coming with me."

Since Lauren and Alex were already back in South Carolina for their business expansion, Allison and Anna were to follow soon.

"Seriously, Ali? We've survived years of chaos, and you still don't know it? It's Anna Maria Elizabeth Rodriguez."

Allison burst into laughter, her pen nearly slipping. "I knew it! I can't help it, your ancestors must have been so crazy."

"I knew you'd turn it into a joke."

The sudden ring of the doorbell cut through the air.

"The mail!" Allison didn't just walk; she bolted. Moments later, she skidded back into the room, breathless. "Anna... It's here. His letter. His last letter!"

"Last? Of course it is. He has no idea his pen pal is about to appear out of thin air. God, Ali."

"Shut up, Anna. I learned these tricks from you."

"Oh, come on. I'm loving it. As your mentor, I'm proud," Anna giggled. "Now, open the damn thing!"

Allison began to tear the seal, then stopped. "Wait. My heart... It's racing. It's dancing."

"For God's sake, Ali, your heart doesn't have feet. Open that damned thing!"

Allison let out a nervous, high-pitched laugh as her fingers finally slid the contents out. This time, it wasn't just paper; it was thick and glossy.

A photograph.

Anna let out a literal scream. "Oh my God, Allison!"

Allison hesitated, but Anna snatched it from her hands. "What the hell, Allison? Look at this face!"

She stared at the glossy paper. No way. In his place was someone who looked like he’d never smiled a day in his life—and he was gorgeous.

"Why are you so calm?!" Anna scrambled up, nearly knocking Allison over. "Look at him! Allison, he's dangerously hot. He looks like he belongs on a poster in every girl's locker!"

"Locker?" Allison blinked.

"Oh, come on, are you jealous?"

"Why would I be?"

"Gosh, you're so naive."

The villa was quiet for the night. Allison curled up on her bed under the pale moonlight, looking closely at the photograph. He wasn't the goofy kid from the beach anymore.

"His eyes..." she whispered. "They're hypnotizing. If he stands in front of me... I think I'll completely freeze."

"I knew it."

Allison jumped, nearly dropping the photo on her face. "You're still awake?!"

Anna smirked from the other bed, her eyes glowing in the dark. "I didn't know I was sharing a room with a pervert. You've been staring at that picture for twenty minutes."

"Shut up!"

"Sure, Ali. You're looking at it like you're about to marry it. Just admit it."

Allison threw a pillow at her, unable to stop smiling. Suddenly, she sat bolt upright. "I have a plan."

Anna sighed, pulling the covers over her head. "Oh no... here we go."

"I'm not replying to this letter. He thinks I'm still here. When we get back to South Carolina... I'll pretend to be a stranger. It'll be fun."

Anna stared at her from under the blanket. "Go to sleep. You're losing your mind."

"What? It's a great plan!"

"Yeah, yeah. Just try not to kiss the photo to death. Good night."

Allison smiled, slipping the picture under her pillow and feeling the cool edges against her palm. "Good night."

🔅

The heavy steel gates of the Hollingsworth estate swung open. From the driveway, Rafael spotted Olivia walking alongside the Ainsley couple, caught up in the corporate chit-chat of billionaires.

"Oh, shit."

Rafael was trapped. And upstairs, Daniel was stuck in his room with a naked girl riding him while he just lay there, a burning cigarette clamped between his fingers.

"Mrs. Hollingsworth! Sorry, they're just my visitors, we're actually leaving," Rafael said quickly, intercepting Olivia before she could look too closely at the pool area, which was currently swarmed by wild teenagers—mostly women.

Lauren and Alex Ainsley stood stunned by the sight, which was unusual for their class.

"Oh... they're just Rafael's visitors," Olivia lied smoothly to her guests, trying to save face.

"Who is he?" Lauren asked, eyeing Rafael.

"A distant relative," Olivia replied tightly. "I'm so sorry, I think this is a bad time. He said Daniel isn't even home."

"It's fine. We'll just see you at the family dinner," Alex replied, nodding understandingly.

The moment the Ainsleys turned away, Olivia’s polite smile vanished. She went straight for the stairs, heading directly to Daniel's room. Rafael lunged to stop her, but it was too late. She slammed the door open.

The girl was shouting and moaning, completely unbothered until Olivia instantly marched over, grabbed her by the hair, and yanked her straight onto the hardwood floor.

Daniel didn't even panic. He just laughed, casually pulling the sheets up to cover himself.

"Out!" Rafael muttered frantically, tossing a towel over the terrified, naked girl as she scrambled up and bolted out the door.

"Are you out of your mind?!" Olivia hissed, turning on her son. "This is too much, Daniel. Your engagement with the Ainsleys is right around the corner, and here you are messing around with some w***e!"

"Mom, it's your fault," Daniel said, his lips curling into a stubborn grin as he covered his ears. "I told you, I don't want to get married."

He finally stood up, wrapping a sheet around his waist, and wrapped his arms around his mother in a tight hug.

"Mom, please. I'm sorry," Daniel murmured, dropping a soft kiss on his mother's forehead. "But I still don't want to get married."

SLAP!

Olivia struck him hard across the face.