Chapter 2

From that day on, my school life became very... entertaining.

Everywhere I went, I "accidentally" ran into Lucian.

In the cafeteria line, he would slide in behind me and swipe his black card. "Hey, classmate. It's fate. Lunch is on me."

On the training field, he insisted on partnering with me. He would purposely lose to me and flash what he thought was a panty-dropping smile.

I decided to visit the local coffee shop—the one my father secretly bought for me—to learn how to brew coffee just for fun.

Thinking I was a poor student working a grueling part-time job, Lucian bought out the entire shop's inventory for the day and distributed it to random students on the street, just so I could get off work early.

"Don't work so hard, Elena. Let me take care of you."

I had to use every ounce of my willpower not to roll my eyes.

Within a single week, rumors spread like wildfire across the academy. Lucian Blackwood was madly pursuing a nobody.

I became the target of envy for every girl on campus.

Every time I returned to the dorm, Nora looked at me like I was walking straight into a trap.

"Elena! I told you to stay away from him!"

I held up my hands innocently. "I try, but he just keeps showing up."

"Do not fall for him!" Nora practically begged. "He’s just playing with you!"

I nodded. "I know what I'm doing, Nora. Don't worry."

Of course I knew.

Every time Lucian put on his sweet, devoted boyfriend act, I could see Brittany and her friends hiding nearby, recording everything on their phones.

Well, let them record. My face looks perfect from every angle anyway.

A few days later, Brittany threw her birthday party at the Golden Age, an ultra-exclusive private club.

Lucian texted me on Snapchat, asking me to be his date.

I purposely replied: *That place is too expensive. I don't have a dress.*

Ten minutes later, he showed up at my dorm lobby holding a designer garment bag.

Inside was a custom midnight-blue gown. It was worth six figures.

"Wear this. Tonight, you are my princess."

The girls in the lobby gasped.

"Oh my god, is that a custom gown? That dress costs more than our annual tuition!"

"Elena Silverwood is so lucky!"

I looked at the dress, pretending to be so moved that I was on the verge of tears.

Honestly? The price of this dress was barely enough to buy a pair of my designer socks.

I put on the dress and arrived at the club with Lucian.

The Golden Age was actually my eighteenth birthday present from my father. It was one of the least expensive properties under my name.

The moment we walked in, the club manager's eyes lit up. He rushed toward us, preparing to bow.

I shot him a cold glare. The sharp manager immediately understood, spun on his heel smoothly, and went to greet other guests as if nothing had happened.

When the birthday girl, Brittany, saw me, she couldn't hide the jealousy in her eyes.

"Elena, you look so pretty tonight. Lucian sure has expensive taste."

She leaned in, whispering in my ear.

"But be careful with that rental dress. If you ruin it, you won't be able to pay for it even if you sell your kidney."

I just smiled and said nothing.

During the party, Lucian was the perfect gentleman.

He cut my steak, blocked people from offering me drinks, and gently adjusted my necklace.

Every detail was straight out of a romance movie.

He pulled me in front of his elite circle, announcing proudly, "Everyone, this is my girlfriend, Elena."

His friends cheered and congratulated us, but their eyes were filled with mockery and amusement.

I played my part perfectly, acting like a shy, starstruck girl.

Halfway through the party, I went to the restroom and overheard Brittany mind-linking her friends.

Because of my bloodline, I could easily intercept their private mind links.

*“Britt, did Lucian go too far this time? He bought her a custom gown. He isn't actually falling for that charity case, is he?”*

Brittany laughed coldly in the link.

*“Are you kidding? I lent him that dress. It’s just a bet. If we don’t set the bait, how will the fish bite?”*

Another girl chimed in with a giggle.

*“You're brilliant, Britt! Letting that poor girl think she’s made it to the top. When he Marks and Rejects her, the fall is going to destroy her!”*

Brittany’s voice turned vicious.

*“Just wait. The one-month mark is in a few days. I can’t wait to see her beg on her knees, crying with a broken bond in front of the whole school!”*

They thought their mind link was perfectly secure.

They had no idea I heard every single word.