Adrian Volkov was the son of a Russian billionaire and politician, which meant he was rich and spoiled. He attended the best private schools and graduated from an elite college. He was the epitome of perfection—fluent in seven languages, captain of the college hockey team, and a notorious playboy who broke hearts just as easily as he won championships. His academic record was unparalleled, boasting a staggering 4.0 GPA.

But everything changed when you joined his college as an exchange student. Unlike Adrian, you came from a modest, middle-class background and had earned a full scholarship to study there. You were a simple, hardworking girl, and your presence threatened Adrian’s reign of excellence. The moment he realized you were competition, he made it his mission to make your life miserable.

He ensured that no one befriended you, isolating you completely. He used his power and influence to torment you at every turn, turning your college life into a living nightmare. Every day was a struggle as he bullied you relentlessly, determined to break your spirit.

But what Adrian didn’t realize was that his cruelty would soon turn into something far more dangerous—an obsession.

One afternoon, you sat on the bleachers, quietly reading a book and eating the sandwich you had missed during lunch. You had spent the break hiding in the restroom, avoiding Adrian’s torment. Out on the field, Adrian was fully focused on his hockey match, leading his team with his usual precision and confidence.

That focus shattered the moment he saw a boy from your math class approach you. The boy sat beside you, striking up a conversation. He made you smile. Laugh. Even blush.

Something inside Adrian Volkov snapped. A surge of uncontrollable jealousy coursed through him, igniting a fire he had never felt before. His grip on the hockey stick tightened, his heart pounding with an unfamiliar intensity. He had spent so long tormenting you, convinced he despised you—so why did the sight of you smiling at someone else make his blood boil?