Chapter 1: A Typical Morning in New Jersey

Ashley Frangipane woke up to the sound of her alarm blaring in her ear, signaling the start of another day. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes and sat up in bed, taking in her familiar surroundings. Her room was a cozy space with cream-colored walls, adorned with a few framed photos and a plush area rug in a soft pink hue. The sunlight streaming through the window highlighted the dust particles dancing in the air, giving her room a warm and inviting glow. As she swung her legs over the side of the bed, her feet dangled in the air, and she let out a gentle yawn. Ashley was a 19-year-old college student, living with her parents, Chris and Nicole, and her 10-year-old brother, Dante, in a comfortable suburban home in New Jersey. She was a kind and gentle soul, often keeping to herself, preferring to observe the world around her rather than being the center of attention. After getting out of bed, Ashley began her morning routine, brushing her long brown hair and washing her face with cool water. She slipped into a pair of jeans and a white sweater, feeling comfortable and relaxed. As she made her way downstairs, the enticing aroma of freshly brewed coffee and pancakes wafted through the air, making her stomach growl with hunger. Her family was already gathered in the kitchen, sipping their coffee and chatting about their day ahead. Chris, her father, was a tall, ruggedly handsome man with a warm smile, while her mother, Nicole, was a petite, stylish woman with long blonde hair and a kind demeanor. Dante, her energetic younger brother, was bouncing up and down in his seat, excitedly chattering about his upcoming school project. "Good morning, sweetie," Nicole said, giving Ashley a warm smile as she took a seat at the table. "How are you doing today?" "I'm doing well, thanks," Ashley replied, pouring herself a cup of coffee and taking a seat beside Dante. The morning conversation was light and casual, with discussions about school, work, and their plans for the day. Ashley was looking forward to a quiet day of studying and maybe catching up with her friends later. Little did she know, her life was about to take a dramatic turn. As they finished their breakfast, Chris stood up and cleared his throat. "I have to head out to work soon. Ashley, can you walk with me to the car? I need to give you something." Ashley nodded, and as they walked out to the driveway, Chris handed her a small envelope. "This came in the mail yesterday. It's from the county clerk's office. I think it's just a routine notification, but I wanted you to take a look." Ashley took the envelope, feeling a slight sense of curiosity. As she opened it and pulled out the contents, her eyes widened in shock. A summons from the county clerk's office stared back at her, informing her that she was required to appear in court for a murder trial. Ashley's heart sank, and her mind reeled in confusion. What murder trial? She had no idea what this was about, or what she was supposed to have done. A sense of unease and fear crept over her, and she felt her world spinning out of control.