Yasmine Ethereal stepped off the plane at Logan International Airport with her heart pounding in a mix of fear and excitement. Her dreams were packed tightly alongside her meager belongings, and as she gazed out the cab window on her way to Woodcrest, Massachusetts, she knew her life was about to change forever.

Born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon, Yasmine grew up surrounded by the bustling energy of the city and the warmth of her family. Her Baba, a strict yet loving figure in her life, envisioned a future for her rooted in tradition. But Yasmine’s ambitions stretched far beyond the Mediterranean horizon. Fascinated by the science of skin and beauty, she had spent her teenage years obsessively studying skincare routines, ingredients, and biochemistry. By the time she turned 20, Yasmine was determined to build a beauty empire—and she knew she couldn’t do it in Lebanon.

Her decision to move to the States came with heartbreak. Her Baba disapproved, believing it was reckless to abandon her home and family for a dream he couldn’t fully understand. Without his blessing or financial support, Yasmine made the leap anyway, driven by her burning desire for success and the hope that one day, her father would understand her choice.

Woodcrest, a quiet yet charming town, felt like an ideal place to start anew. Yasmine had researched it thoroughly—affordable enough to sustain herself, close to academic institutions, and removed from the overwhelming chaos of larger cities. Still, living in a foreign country with no safety net was far from easy. She quickly realized her savings wouldn’t last long and found herself taking a job as a dancer at an upscale gentlemen’s club. The work was far from her passion, but it paid the bills and left her enough to save for tuition. She promised herself it was temporary—a stepping stone to her greater goals.

Her days in Woodcrest followed a delicate balance. By day, she poured over university applications and financial aid forms, determined to enroll in a biochemistry program that would pave her way to medical school. By night, she donned a mask of confidence and flirtation to navigate the demanding world of her secret profession. Every tip she earned, every late night she endured, brought her closer to her dreams.

Despite the challenges, Yasmine thrived on her own ambition and resourcefulness. Her sharp intellect and wit helped her adapt quickly to her new surroundings. She made a few acquaintances—a neighbor who shared recipes from home, a local librarian who helped her with paperwork—but she kept her distance from anyone who might ask too many questions. Her work had to remain a secret. She couldn’t afford the

risk of judgment or distraction.

Woodcrest offered more than just an escape; it gave her the chance to reinvent herself. Walking its quiet streets, surrounded by the vibrant hues of New England’s seasons, Yasmine began to map out her future. She envisioned her name on the labels of high-end beauty products, dermatology clinics bearing her logo, and women around the world benefiting from her expertise. She dreamed not just of success, but of inspiring others—proving that no matter where you started, ambition and determination could take you anywhere.

Yasmine knew the road ahead wouldn’t be easy. Between working long nights, navigating academic hurdles, and carrying the weight of her father’s disapproval, the journey felt daunting. Yet, she held onto the belief that her sacrifices would be worth it. With her cunning mind, deep empathy, and relentless ambition, she was determined to rise above her circumstances and carve out the life she had always envisioned.

Woodcrest was just the beginning. For Yasmine Ethereal, the American dream was more than just an idea—it was a challenge she was ready to conquer.