Chapter 1: Life of Akira Shobie Everleigh

Akira Shobie Everleigh had a life that others could only dream of. She was rich, beautiful, and intelligent—someone who could make heads turn the moment she walked into a room. At twenty-five, she had everything one could wish for: a supportive family, an adoring boyfriend, and two best friends who would take a bullet for her.

Yet, something about her felt... off.

People often whispered about how perfect she was. Too perfect. No flaws, no insecurities, no bad days. Always smiling, always composed. Like she was programmed to be that way.

But no one questioned it. After all, why question perfection?

"Shobie, what do you think?"

She blinked, snapping back to reality. Across the table, her best friends, Rina and Jace, were looking at her expectantly. Her boyfriend, Theo Carter, sat beside her, his hand casually resting on hers. They were at their usual café, the one they always went to after a long day. A habit. A routine.

"I'm sorry," she said smoothly, her voice as gentle as ever. "I got lost in thought. What were you saying?"

Rina chuckled. "Daydreaming again? Must be nice living in your perfect little world."

Perfect.

That word again.

She smiled, but deep inside, something twisted in her chest.

"It's about the trip this weekend," Jace reminded her. "You're coming, right?"

Shobie tilted her head slightly, processing. She had already calculated the probability of enjoyment, the ideal weather conditions, and the best travel arrangements. Everything pointed toward a flawless experience.

"Of course," she answered, her lips curling into a warm smile.

Theo squeezed her hand gently. "I knew you'd say yes."

Of course, she would. She always did. She was, after all, Akira Shobie Everleigh—the girl with the perfect life.

But if only they knew.

If only they knew she wasn't real.