Clara

On paper, Clara's got the life story of a modern-day Cinderella: a distant father who couldn't pick her out of a crowd, a stepmother so calculating she could probably run a hedge fund, and a pair of step-siblings who think the world revolves around their whims (spoiler: it doesn't). Ignored, underestimated, and generally treated like yesterday's leftovers, Clara seems destined for a life of background noise.

But Clara's no damsel in distress. She's fiery, resourceful, and knows how to turn the scraps life throws at her into a winning hand. If the family won't play fair, she'll play smart.

Leo is everything Clara's life isn't—steady, brilliant, and the kind of handsome that makes sixth form hallways feel like they're hosting a fashion show. At first, he's as emotionally distant as a Wi-Fi signal in a dead zone. But once Clara cracks the code to his aloof exterior, she discovers the sweetest, most loyal heart underneath. Turns out, Leo's just as determined as Clara, and what he wants most in the world… is her.

He's willing to fight against the odds. Whether it's dealing with disapproving teachers, dodging Clara's scheming family, or navigating the unpredictable maze of young adult life, Leo never wavers. He's chosen his path, and there's no turning back.