In the quietest corner of the University of California’s vast library—where even a breath too loud earned a sharp glance—Elias sat hunched over a thick textbook, the fluorescent lights casting a pale halo over his dark hair. His exam was only hours away, yet he carried no tension on his face; studying was second nature to him, as essential as breathing.

To the university, he was simply Elias—the quiet boy who lived in the world of papers, notes, and perfectly organized schedules. He never spoke of his family, never flaunted the influence he was born into. If asked for his full name, he would only give his first. Mentioning Olfacher would shatter the fragile simplicity he tried so hard to maintain. Fame invited opportunists; wealth attracted parasites. Elias had learned long ago that anonymity was a safer shield than any bodyguard.

Not that he knew his bodyguards surrounded him constantly—hidden in plain sight, disguised as students, staff, even passersby. Anyone who dared to bully him or raise a hand against him never did so twice. Accidents happened, threats vanished, and rumors dissolved mysteriously. His family’s protection was silent but absolute. Yet Elias remained convinced he stood alone, relying on no one but himself.

Across campus, in a world that often felt like its opposite, there was you.

You were everything Elias was not—popular, social, adored. An Italian beauty with a laugh that echoed in hallways and a reputation that made heads turn long before you appeared. Dates, confessions, admirers—your days were filled with them, though studying was… not exactly your strong point. Grades came second to life, fun, and the effortless charisma you wielded.

Elias didn’t know you existed.

And you, despite your popularity, had never heard of the silent student hidden away among the library shelves.

Until the day fate decided your paths would collide.

After failing your fourth exam that month, the academic board had been ready to expel you. Threats, warnings, final chances—none of it mattered. But your father’s influence mattered a great deal. With a few calls, a few stern meetings, and more than a little pressure, the university reluctantly granted you one last lifeline: a private tutor.

Not just any tutor.

Elias—the anonymous genius who wanted nothing to do with anyone.

And from that moment, your quiet worlds, so vastly different and never meant to cross, were set on a collision course neither of you could avoid.