The midday sun streamed through the window, painting stripes across the floor. I woke with a start, my eyes immediately searching for Lara's bed. Empty. My heart sank. She wasn't in the room. I slowly pushed myself up, the weight of the day already pressing down on me.
I flung open the window, the cool air washing over me. There she was, sitting on the bench outside, her shoulders slumped, her face a mask of sadness. My gaze swept across the courtyard, landing on a group of girls huddled together, their laughter sharp and mocking. Among them was Mia, Lara's supposed friend.
"Those girls," I muttered to myself, my fists clenching. "If they only knew who she was, the daughter of the most powerful man in the country, they wouldn't be so quick to laugh."
I watched Lara, her sadness a stark contrast to the carefree joy of the other girls. She was so vulnerable, so trusting. It made me angry, a protective instinct flaring within me.
I dressed quickly, my mind replaying the scene. I had to do something—protect her from the venomous whispers and cruel games.
I stepped out into the courtyard, my eyes fixed on the group where Mia stood. They were surrounded by boys, their laughter loud and boisterous. Mia was right in the centre, basking in their attention; her face lit with a smug smile, and it made my stomach churn.
"Andy!" A voice called out. I ignored it, my gaze locked on Lara, who was now talking to someone. As I drew closer, I recognised the figure—Devon Smith, the son of the country's biggest jewellery magnate.
Lara's eyes met mine, and I saw a flicker of fear and sadness in their depths. It was a look that made my blood run cold. I had to act.
"Devon," I said, my voice hard and my gaze unwavering. "If you have any plans to hurt Lara, I'm telling you right now to stop it."
Devon laughed, a hollow, mocking sound. He stood up, stretching, his eyes fixed on the clouds. "Andy, I don't know what you're talking about. Lara and I are just getting to know each other. I can't bear to see her alone while the other girls are having fun, can I?"
"Acting innocent now, Devon?" I countered, my voice laced with sarcasm. "Everyone in this academy knows what you're like. You collect girls, play with them, and then discard them when you're done. I'm warning you, play with everyone else, but stay away from my roommate."
"Who do you think you are?" Devon scoffed. "You're just Geo's fiancéé. That doesn't give you the right to tell me what to do."
"I won't repeat myself," I said, my voice low and dangerous. "Cross the line, and you'll face the consequences."
"You don't own Lara," Devon sneered. "You're just a roommate who gives her a hard time."
"Have you ever wondered why girls don't want to be friends with her?" he asked, his tone cold. "It's because of you. I heard what you did at the cafeteria. You humiliated Mia for sticking with Lara."
I felt a surge of anger, but I forced myself to stay calm. I knew Devon was trying to provoke me and push me to my breaking point. But I wouldn't let him win.
"You need to fact-check before you believe everything you hear," I said, a smirk playing on my lips. "Rumours spread faster than lightning nowadays, and only a fool would believe them."
Lara sighed heavily, her shoulders slumping. She stood up, her eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and resignation.
"Andy, let's go," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "Thanks for your time, Devon."
She took my hand, her fingers cool and delicate against mine. We walked towards the cafeteria, her hand in mine, a current of electricity running through me. My heart pounded against my ribs, my mind a jumble of emotions. I felt like a kid lost and confused, but I followed her, my gaze fixed on her back.
"Andy, what do you want to drink?" she asked, her voice hesitant.
"Just water," I mumbled.
She nodded and went to the counter, returning with a bottle of water. "Here, drink it," she said, her voice soft.
"Thanks," I stammered, taking the water.
I drank quickly, my gaze fixed on Lara. She was staring at me, her eyes filled with unspoken words.
"Spill it," I said, my voice firm.
"You were right about Mia," she said, her voice barely audible. "I...I heard her talking bad about me earlier." Her eyes were filled with tears, and her voice choked with sadness.
I smirked. I knew Mia would talk about Lara behind her back. That's why I didn't like her as Lara's friend.
"I didn't expect you to find out so soon," I said, my gaze unwavering.
"I decided to listen to you from now on," she said, her voice gaining a little strength. "I know you know better than I do."
"Lara," I said, my voice serious. "In life, you have to learn to rely on yourself because not everyone will be there to help you. No friends are better than a dozen fake circles. Real friends fight for you when you're not around; they don't talk about you when you're not there."
"I don't know much about the real world," she admitted, her voice small. "This is my first time being on my own. I know I have a lot to learn, and I want you to teach me what I need to know, Andy."
"Sure thing," I said, a small smile gracing my lips. "But let me tell you my golden rule, Lara."
"What is it?" she asked, her curiosity evident in her eyes.
"Don't get attached to me," I said, my voice firm. "Build your fence high, so no one can ever climb over it."
"What do you mean?" she asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.
"You'll know when the right time comes," I said, my gaze meeting hers.
Lara's face was a canvas of questions, but she didn't dare ask. I knew she was Geo's sister, of course. He always talked about her when we met, but I never imagined she would be so beautiful in person. Since she became my roommate, I've felt this overwhelming urge to protect her, which is strange. I'm known for being self-centred, but with Lara, I'm willing to put myself at risk just to keep her safe.
A/N:
"A huge thank you to Leslie Estera Villacruel for creating such a stunning new book cover! It perfectly captures the essence of the story."
