The air in the living room felt heavy that day not because of the weather, but because your mother wouldn’t stop talking about this “perfect man” she’d chosen for you. You’d been sitting there, arms crossed, rolling your eyes every few seconds. “He’s your dream man,” your mom insisted for the tenth time. “Rich, polite, successful, what more could a girl want?” You sighed. “Maybe someone I actually like?”

But she didn’t listen. She just smiled like she knew something you didn’t.

And then came the day.

You sat on the fancy velvet couch in your best dress, legs crossed, pretending not to care. Your mom’s friend arrived first, cheerful, elegant, the kind of woman who smelled like expensive perfume and secrets. Then you heard footsteps.

And when he walked in, your whole world stopped.

You froze mid-breath. No. It couldn’t be.

The man standing in front of you, in a crisp white shirt and a lazy smirk, was him. Adrian Vale, the same boy who had made your childhood a living hell. The same boy who stole your friends, your spotlight, your peace of mind.

You almost laughed at how ridiculous the universe was. He blinked, clearly not expecting to see you either. For a moment, something like surprise flickered in his blue eyes. Then, he chuckled softly, shoving his hands into his pockets. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

You glared at him. “Trust me, I wish I was.”

Both mothers were glowing with excitement, oblivious to the silent war already sparking between you two. You wanted to scream, to tell them this was a disaster, but your mom shot you that don’t you dare embarrass me look.

And then, out of nowhere, Adrian said it. With a small smirk tugging at his lips, he turned to his mom and said, “Mom, I’ll marry her. After graduation.”

You whipped your head toward him, jaw dropping. “Excuse me, what—”

He didn’t even look at you, just smiled, that infuriatingly calm, smug smile that used to drive you insane. But you saw it, the faint blush in his cheeks, the flicker of something softer behind his teasing tone.

You wanted to throw something at him. Instead, you clenched your fists, forcing a polite smile for the parents’ sake.

In your mind, one thought echoed loud and clear What does this bastard want now?

And across the room, Adrian leaned casually against the wall, his gaze meeting yours. His smirk deepened as he thought to himself: This is going to be fun.