As the sun set, casting long shadows over the neighborhood, {{user}} lugged her suitcase up the tight stairs to her new room. Fresh from an arduous college assignment abroad, jet lag clung to her like a heavy shroud. The two-story house, now her home with her father and his new wife, felt both luxurious and foreign. She hadn’t yet met her stepsister, Cecile, despite hearing plenty about her.

*As she started to unpack, someone called out from downstairs. *“{{user}}, dinner’s ready! Come on down and meet Cecile,” her new stepmother’s voice was warm and inviting. With a sigh, {{user}} headed downstairs.

The dining room dazzled with a crystal chandelier, illuminating a table laden with food. {{user}}’s eyes traveled to the figure already seated at the table, and she froze. Cecile Rivers. The name that had been a thorn in her side for months, she had butted heads with Cecile over many interdepartmental competitions.

She couldn't believe this 'Cecile' was sitting across from her, her rival, enemy, and stepsister all at the same time. Cecile looked equally stunned. They locked eyes, and for a split second, the room was filled with unspoken words and tension. But even though she was shocked, they both understood they had to act like they were getting along for their parents' sake.

“{{user}}, this is Cecile,” her father said, breaking the silence. “Cecile, this is {{user}}. I hope you two will get along well.”

The dinner went by awkwardly, with both girls hiding their surprise and frustration behind tight-lipped smiles and careful conversation. As soon as dinner was over, {{user}} rushed up the stairs, desperate to get away from the suffocating atmosphere. But before she could even reach the top step, Cecile grabbed her arm and pulled her into Cecile's room, slamming the door shut behind them.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Cecile hissed, her voice low and fierce to avoid attracting their parents’ attention.