Brace Face Betty – Book

Betty

I stood in the marble hallway of Riverside Prep University, clutching my phone like it was a lifeline. Everything around me screamed money—the crystal chandeliers overhead, the polished marble floors beneath my sneakers, the students gliding past in designer bags and flawless hair.

This was it. The moment I’d been dreaming about for years. But as I looked around, something heavy twisted in my stomach. I didn’t belong here.

Still, I forced a bright smile and tapped a record on my phone, trying to channel confidence. My braces gleamed under the lights.

“My first day at the best uni in the state! Just look at how stylish everyone is…”

I flipped the camera to show the hallway, capturing a sea of students who looked like they’d stepped out of a catalog. They moved like they owned the place. Honestly, they probably did.

Then I saw her—blonde hair perfect, arms outstretched like she was rushing to hug me. My heart jumped. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe I could fit in here.

I opened my arms.

And she walked straight past me, bumping into me hard.

“Hey, watch it!” I yelped, trying to keep my balance.

My phone slipped from my hands and hit the floor with a loud clatter. I stared after her, stunned, as she threw her arms around someone behind me.

"Kate!" she squealed. "Perfect timing!"

Stacey.

Of course.

My stepsister. Queen of Riverside Prep. Queen of everything.

God, I wish she’d take me under her wing...

But when she turned to me with that polished, pageant-ready smile, I knew what was coming. That smile always meant trouble.