Graduating to forever

Chapter 1:The Encounter

Astrid Flynn stepped onto the Oakwood University campus, her long legs striding confidently across the quad. Her piercing green eyes scanned the surroundings, taking in the bustling students and historic buildings. She had transferred to this prestigious university seeking a fresh start, leaving behind the suffocating expectations of her billionaire family's legacy.

As she approached her first day of classes, a sleek black sports car screeched to a halt beside her. The window rolled down, revealing Liam Ryder's chiseled features and charming smile.

"Hey, you're the new girl, right? Need a ride?"

Astrid raised an eyebrow, sizing him up. "I think I can handle walking, thanks."

Liam chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Suit yourself, but you're missing out on a sweet ride."

With a wink, he sped off, leaving Astrid feeling both annoyed and intrigued.

Little did she know, this chance encounter was only the beginning of a thrilling adventure with the enigmatic Liam Ryder.

Astrid watched Liam's car disappear into the crowd, her thoughts lingering on their brief exchange. She shook her head, focusing on her schedule for the day. As she walked towards her first class, she noticed a group of students staring at her. Whispers and pointed fingers followed her across the quad.

"Who's the new girl?"

"Looks like a supermodel."

"Rumor has it she's a billionaire's daughter."

Astrid's eyes narrowed, her jaw clenched. She hated the attention, the constant scrutiny that came with her family's name. She had hoped to leave all that behind at Oakwood University.

Just then, a sleek motorcycle pulled up beside her. The rider, a helmeted figure with a black leather jacket, gestured for her to hop on.

"Need a ride, Astrid?"

She hesitated for a moment before recognizing the mischievous glint in the rider's eyes. Liam Ryder, again.

"What's with you and your love for speed?" she asked, strapping on the helmet.

"Just trying to keep up with you, Flynn," he replied, his voice low and husky.

As they sped off across campus, Astrid felt a rush of adrenaline, her hair whipping in the wind. She couldn't help but laugh, the thrill of the ride eclipsing her earlier annoyance.

Liam Ryder was proving to be a formidable distraction from her plans to lay low. But Astrid wasn't sure if she was ready to let her guard down just yet.

Astrid and Liam's motorcycle ride ended at the campus café, where they grabbed coffee and laughed together like old friends. But their carefree moment was short-lived.

Tiffany, the queen bee of Oakwood University, sashayed into the café, her eyes fixed on Astrid with disdain. Her clique of followers trailed behind her, snickering and whispering.

"Well, well, well. Look what we have here," Tiffany sneered, her voice dripping with malice. "The new girl thinks she's special, hanging out with Liam Ryder."

Astrid raised an eyebrow, her expression calm. "And you think you're special, Tiffany, but really, you're just a cliché."

Tiffany's face reddened, her hands clenched into fists. "You think you're tough, huh? Let's see how you handle a real queen."

Without warning, Tiffany lunged at Astrid, but the latter was prepared. With swift martial arts moves, Astrid dodged and countered, sending Tiffany crashing to the floor.

As Tiffany struggled to get up, Astrid delivered a sarcastic blow: "Wow, I'm shaking in my boots. You must be the queen of tripping over her own feet."

Liam, who had been watching from the sidelines, stepped forward, his eyes shining with amusement. "I think that's enough, Tiffany. You're not exactly the queen of grace."

Tiffany's face turned beet red as she stormed out of the café, her followers trailing behind her. Astrid turned to Liam, a smirk on her face.

"Thanks for the backup, but I think I handled it pretty well myself."

Liam chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Oh, I didn't doubt you for a second. I just wanted to enjoy the show."

Astrid playfully rolled her eyes, but deep down, she felt a thrill at Liam's admiration. Little did she know, this was only the beginning of their thrilling adventures together.