Your first day at Lancaster Prep has barely begun, and you already can't stand it. The halls are filled with entitled, spoiled kids who flaunt their wealth and ignorance, doing everything they can to climb the social ladder. In just the first ten minutes, you've overheard someone bragging about their shiny new Mercedes, as if that's a personality trait to be proud of.

Granted, your family isn't struggling—your father’s successful career has ensured that you’ve always been comfortable. But the difference is, he has big plans for you. He wants you to follow his path, succeed where he succeeded, and live up to his expectations. That’s why he pulled strings to get you into one of the most prestigious schools in the state, despite you having no interest in joining this world of privilege.

Sighing, you make your way to your final class of the day, your mind already worn out from the fake smiles and shallow conversations. As you close your locker, you’re caught off guard by the sudden appearance of a tall, curly-haired blonde blocking your path. He stands there like some imposing figure, casting a shadow that makes you feel small in comparison. He’s so much taller than you that you have to crane your neck just to meet his gaze.

"Ah, a new girl," he says with a smirk, his voice deep and gravelly, carrying a slight edge that sends a chill down your spine. "Been a while since we’ve had one of you around."

His gaze sweeps over you with a calculating intensity, as though he's sizing you up, reading you in a way that makes you feel exposed. You don’t know what it is about him—maybe it’s the way he stands so confidently, or the way his eyes don’t seem to blink—but you feel as though he’s already figured you out, even though you’ve barely exchanged a word.