Wealth, that seductive illusion that captivates the minds of so many people. For some, it is synonymous with success, power, and high social status. It is the promise of a carefree life, where every desire can be fulfilled with a mere snap of the fingers. It is the key to a world of luxury and comfort, where doors open before you and every day is a celebration. Yet, being born with a silver spoon in your mouth is not always ideal, especially when everything collapses.

Despite the idyllic appearances of my childhood, marked by sumptuous homes with lush gardens and toy-filled rooms, surrounded by servants ready to satisfy my every whim, and parents indulging my every desire, from princess dresses to the latest fashion finds, growing up with the privilege of having everything and being born with the certainty of being able to do anything had not prepared me to face challenges that cannot be bought.

The ten-year-old girl I once was believed this golden life would be eternal and could never have imagined that her beloved father would be arrested, then take his own life upon his return, that her family's accounts could be frozen, and their homes seized. She never thought she would live with her mother in a modest house on the outskirts of town, far from the upscale neighborhoods of her childhood.

For the first time in our lives, we had to learn to live on a tight budget, to count every penny, and to face difficulties I had never imagined. Gone were the princess dresses and sumptuous meals; now we had to settle for simple meals and second-hand clothes.

The first days were a shock. Everything was different: the public school, the friends who could be counted on one hand, the need to make compromises at every turn. My mother, who had always been an elegant and well-groomed lady, started working long hours to provide for us. I saw her come home exhausted but determined to give us a decent life.

At school, I went from being the spoiled child to the one who had to learn to defend herself. Other children could be cruel, mocking my background and my family's downfall. But I also discovered solidarity. A few classmates welcomed me kindly, sharing their snacks and inviting me to play with them.

It was also during this time that I met my best friend, Ruby Bell. It was by her side that I managed to adapt and forget my past life. But she was also the only person who could distract me when my thoughts turned to the Beaufort family, one of the most powerful and influential families in England, but also my number one enemies.

However, the resentment I feel towards them today was not always so deeply rooted in me. Once, our two families were as close as two fingers on a hand, a closeness that went back generations.

Our families had joined forces 150 years ago to found the Beaufort-Martin company. A bold decision that led them to establish the most coveted fashion house in England. Inspired by their vision and determination, they shaped a true fashion empire, whose success only grew year after year. Every new collection was met with enthusiasm, every piece became an object of desire, and their name became synonymous with refinement and elegance around the world. Together, our families built a kingdom where we were the undisputed rulers. But everything changed the day Mortimer Beaufort, hungry for power, betrayed my father, allowing him to rule our kingdom alone.

Now, I am just a stranger in the eyes of the Beaufort twins and their family. Every time our paths cross in the halls of Maxton Hall, they avert their eyes and quicken their pace, as if they are trying to avoid me at all costs. In our shared classes, the atmosphere is just as icy: they deliberately ignore me, locked in an impenetrable indifference. Their behavior has become so systematic that I feel invisible, as if I had disappeared from their world. In reality, I have become completely erased in the eyes of those who might still remember Olivia Martin.

Even though the little girl I was dreamed of reclaiming her past life and reconnecting with her best friends, the person I am today appreciates the anonymity in which she finds herself. I am relieved that no one knows my identity, as it allows me to live without anyone paying me the slightest attention and to focus on my goals and dreams that I thought were lost forever.

Getting into Oxford University, that is my dream. If everything goes as planned, in less than 365 days, I will walk through the doors of that prestigious institution where all dreams become possible.

Maxton Hall represents my ticket in. It's not just a school, it's one of those that really matter. Ruby and I spent years dreaming of getting a scholarship to get in. And after months of hard work, sleepless nights, and sacrifices, our dream has become a reality. Maxton Hall symbolizes much more than a school for us, it is a gateway to a promising future and limitless opportunities.

That's why a radiant smile spreads across my face as Ruby and I cross the school's threshold and our eyes fall on the majestic building rising before us. Every morning, this view reminds me that I am about to realize my dream.

"I talked to Mr. Sutton." she declares enthusiastically.

I blink several times, coming to my senses, then turn my head towards Ruby, intrigued by her words.

"Really? When?" I ask, curious to know the details of their conversation.

"On the way. He was on my bus, so I seized the opportunity to approach him and..." she explains, a mischievous smile stretching her lips as her brown eyes sparkle with mischief.

"And then?" I ask, unable to hide my interest.

Her smile widens, and she turns fully towards me as we stop on the side of the street.

"I asked him if he could write you a letter of recommendation." she announces proudly, her voice filled with confidence.

It had been quite some time since I needed to solicit a letter of recommendation from Mr. Sutton. It was a task I kept postponing, overwhelmed by other obligations and the anxiety of a possible refusal. Every time, I convinced myself I would do it later when I had more availability or felt more confident.

But time had slipped away, and I still found myself without that precious letter. Now, asking for Mr. Sutton's praise so late could be seen as a lack of consideration for his time and commitment. I feel a bit embarrassed for having delayed acting for so long and had no intention of doing it anymore.

That's when my friend, noticing my delicate situation, kindly took the initiative to contact Mr. Sutton on my behalf. I am infinitely grateful to her for this gesture, although I also feel a twinge of embarrassment for not having acted sooner myself.

I stare at my best friend, eyes wide, and notice a glimmer of doubt in her gaze, revealing her uncertainty about my reaction and the wisdom of her initiative. I take a deep breath, then give Ruby a grateful smile. "Thank you, Ruby. You're truly the best."

She gives me a playful nudge. "Don't worry about it. You know I'd do anything for you." she says as we start walking again.

"What did he say?" I ask, my heart beating a little faster.

"He said he would be delighted to write it for you. I also took the liberty of giving him your documents. You left them at my place last night."Ruby says with a smile. "He even asked if we could stop by after classes to discuss it in more detail."

I feel a mix of relief and apprehension. "That's incredible... I don't know how to thank you."

"Consider this as my way of thanking you for allowing me to lead the organizing committee by your side."

I smile at her, and we continue to walk in silence for a moment, each lost in her own thoughts, until a powerful honk makes us jump and move to the sidewalk across the street.

I position myself slightly in front of Ruby, and as we step back to avoid being run over, a huge muddy puddle violently splashes me, covering my high socks and shoes in a dark shade and staining them with dirt.

"You've got to be kidding me!" I exclaim, annoyed. "Look at this, my shoes are new!" I say, frantically rubbing to try to remove the embedded mud.

The car continues on its way without slowing down, and my irritation increases a notch when I notice it's the Beaufort twins' car.

"See that, Ruby?" I shout, pointing at the car driving away. "Those Beaufort idiots who think they can do whatever they want."

Ruby nods, an ironic smile on her lips. "They'll never change, those two."

I sigh in frustration and turn to my best friend, who bursts out laughing at the situation.

"You think this is funny?" I ask, crossing my arms over my chest.

She nods, laughing even harder. "Sorry, but you should see your face!"

I can't help but laugh too. Sometimes, the absurdity of the situation is the only thing that can lift our spirits.

Between fits of laughter, Ruby rummages through her bag and pulls out a clean pair of socks. "Here, I've got a spare pair."she says, handing me the socks.

A sigh of relief escapes my lips. "Thanks, Ruby. At least I won't have to endure the condescending looks of our dear classmates."

Ruby smiles, happy to help. "We make a great team, right?"

I nod, grateful. "Absolutely. Now, let's get to class before something else happens to us."

We continue on our way, still smiling, ready to face the day no matter what it throws at us. Together, nothing can stop us.