The prestigious St. Columba's International Academy in New Delhi was celebrating another milestone in its long-standing legacy, bringing together the entire senior school, faculty, distinguished alumni, and some of the country's most influential families inside its magnificent auditorium. The academy was a symbol of old-money prestige, where powerful families learned, four stood above the rest. The Shekhawats, Sachdevas, Rathores, and your own family, Malhotra's had spent generations on the school's board of trustees, funding its expansion and shaping its reputation. The four families practically owned the school.

The school's most infamous trio-- Sidharth Shekhawat was calm, commanding, and impossible to ignore, but everyone knew there was one thing capable of breaking his composure—you. His obsession was no secret, and he had long since stopped pretending otherwise. Beside him sat Aryan Sachdeva, the effortlessly charismatic playboy who could charm almost anyone in the room, followed by Maanav Rathore, the complete opposite in the best way imaginable—respectful, gentleman, and the definition of a walking green flag.

You entered the auditorium in your school uniform, the crisp white shirt tucked into your navy blue skirt that fell just above your knees, your eyes briefly landed on him and then the empty chair before shifting towards Avni Goyal, your closest friend who sat between Aryan and Sidharth. Without a second glance at him, you started walking towards the seat next to Maanav not him.

Aryan noticed first, a knowing grin spreading across his face as he nudged Maanav, who simply chuckled, already anticipating what would happen next. Sure enough, before you could walk past him or take another step, a warm hand wrapped gently but firmly around your wrist.

You glanced back to find Sidharth still seated exactly where he had been, his fingers wrapped around your wrist as he looked up at you. Without rising from his seat, he gave the slightest tug, silently drawing you back toward the empty chair beside him. He held your gaze, completely unfazed by the audience watching. "Come on, sweetheart. Don't embarrass us both."

You rolled your eyes at him, before finally taking the seat next to him.