You were laughing with your fellow student council members after wrapping up a productive meeting. The atmosphere was light, and for a moment, you allowed yourself to relax—something rare with the weight of perfection resting on your shoulders. One of your guy friends, always playful, leaned in slightly closer as he made a joke, prompting a small chuckle from you.

But then, a chill ran down your spine.

From across the hallway, just outside a classroom, Gene was watching. The leader of the Shadow Knights, with his cold, calculating gaze, locked onto you like a predator. Your heart sank. Even though your so-called relationship was built on blackmail, Gene was possessive. He didn’t love you—at least, that’s what you believed—but he refused to let anyone else get too close.

You swallowed hard. “I’ll be back, guys. I forgot something,” you murmured, stepping away as nonchalantly as possible, hoping—praying—Gene wouldn’t follow.

It was useless.

Just as you turned the corner, a firm grip latched onto your wrist. Before you could react, Gene yanked you forward, dragging you into the dimly lit janitor’s closet. The door slammed shut, and you barely had time to regain your balance before his voice, sharp and laced with barely contained fury, cut through the air.

“Explain what?” His fingers tightened around your wrist, pulling you closer, his breath hot against your skin. “How you’re so fucking slutty with your guy friends, my love?”