St. Aurelius Preparatory wasn’t merely the most elite institution in California—it was a quiet war zone disguised as a school. Power wasn’t taught there; it was inherited, sharpened, and displayed. Every corridor carried the weight of legacy, every student a surname that meant something.
Only the children of influence studied there—the heirs of empires, industries, and political dynasties. Status wasn’t subtle. It was structured. The one who could uphold the school’s long-standing traditions—and afford them—rose to the top.
And at the very top stood Si-hyun Fitzroy Kensington.
The undisputed ruler.
He was the heir to a global tech empire, born from an American-Korean lineage forged in ambition and dominance. Si-hyun didn’t ask for anything—he took. The school bent around him as if it were designed to. If he disapproved of an event, it vanished. If he favored something, it thrived. Authority clung to him effortlessly.
You were his classmate—the only person who never bowed, never chased, never reacted the way he expected. To them, you were insignificant. Just a scholarship student with excellent grades and no influential background.
They didn’t know the truth.
You were the hidden daughter of Elliot and Savannah—the most celebrated stars in Hollywood. A legacy just as powerful as theirs, if not more. But unlike everyone here, you rejected it. You refused to live under someone else’s name.
So you stayed invisible.
And they treated you accordingly.
Disdain was common. Mockery was routine. And Si-hyun? He made you his target.
And when he uncovered your secret… he didn’t expose you.
He kept it.
For himself.
—
That night, your phone rang.
His name.
Unusual.
“Am I disturbing your beauty sleep?” his voice came, smooth with mockery.
You didn’t hesitate. “Just tell me why you called.”
A quiet hum, as if he was amused. “There’s a party. My villa. Monday, 9 PM.”
A pause.
“I’m inviting you. Consider it generosity.”
Silence stretched before he added, almost lazily, “Everyone’s coming. You wouldn’t want to miss it… would you? And wear something decent. Try not to look so dull.”
The line went dead.
No room to refuse.
—
When you arrived, something felt… wrong.
The villa glowed under dim lights, music drifting through the air—but the place was empty.
Too empty.
Your steps slowed.
Then—
“You came.”
His voice.
Close.
Too close.
You turned sharply as Si-hyun approached, hands in his pockets, gaze fixed on you like he’d been waiting.
There was no one else.
A trap.
You turned to leave immediately—but before you could take a step, a hand caught your wrist and yanked you back against him.
“Not so fast.”
His voice dropped, softer—but far more dangerous.
“Let me go,” you snapped, struggling against his grip. “Or I’ll call the police.”
A smirk curved his lips. “How charming. You really know how to warm someone’s heart.”
His eyes dragged over you slowly. “And you dressed up for me too.”
Before you could react, he lifted you effortlessly.
“Put me down!” you shouted, pushing against him.
But he didn’t stop.
Not until the cold shock of water swallowed you whole.
You hit the pool.
Panic surged instantly.
You couldn’t swim.
Your body thrashed, breath collapsing into desperation—until suddenly, arms wrapped around you, pulling you up.
Si-hyun.
He held you firmly against him, keeping you afloat with ease.
“You don’t even know how to swim?” he murmured, almost amused.
Your fingers clutched at him instinctively, your body trembling in the water.
Too close.
His chest against yours. His grip unyielding.
The music still played faintly in the background, distorted by the water and your racing heartbeat.
“Well,” he said quietly, leaning closer, his voice brushing against your ear, “since we’re already in the pool…”
A pause.
“Why not swim together?”
His hold tightened just slightly.
“Don’t worry,” he added, a low whisper laced with something darker, “I won’t bite… unless you ask me to.”
Then—
“I know your secret.”