Kingsley Academy

Chapter 34

The sun is barely rising over the mountains when we all gather outside the cabin, saying our goodbyes. Carly, Sydney, Marcus, Logan, Xavier, and Sofia are piling into their cars, laughing and making promises to meet up soon. But as I look around at them, I realize something—I'm excited. Excited to leave.

It's not that I didn't have fun here at Big Bear Lake, but the idea of heading back to Beverly Hills, back to my world, makes me feel like I can finally breathe again. I haven't been home in forever, and seeing my friends and family again feels like a much-needed escape.

Kade leans against the car, his arms crossed, watching me as I hug each of my friends goodbye. I can feel his eyes on me the entire time, that familiar intensity still there, even though we've spent the past week trying to figure out whatever it is between us.

When I finally make my way to him, he quirks an eyebrow. "Ready, princess?"

I roll my eyes but can't help the smile tugging at my lips. "More than ready."

We slide into his car, and as we pull out onto the road, a thrill runs through me. I'm heading back to Beverly Hills, back to where I belong. The winding roads of the mountains disappear behind us, and soon, the city is stretching out before us, gleaming in the midday sun. I can't help but feel like everything is starting to fall into place.

About halfway through the drive, my phone buzzes with a new message. I glance down at it, expecting to see one of my friends checking in, but instead, there's an unknown number staring back at me.

Enjoying your trip with your little boyfriend?

I frown, the message catching me off guard. Who the hell...?

Probably one of my haters. People are always sending me stuff like this. I'm used to it.

I lock my phone without giving it a second thought, brushing it off like it's nothing. No need to mention it to Kade. The last thing I want is for him to know someone's been watching us, probably just to stir up drama. Besides, we're almost there, and I don't want anything to ruin my excitement about seeing Beverly Hills again.

The car glides down the familiar streets of Beverly Hills, the luxury homes lining the road like something out of a dream. I've missed this—the wide, tree-lined boulevards, the immaculate lawns, and the sprawling mansions. It's been months since I've been home, and I can feel the excitement bubbling up inside me as we pull into the long driveway of my house.

Well, mansion is more like it.

Kade lets out a low whistle as we park in front of the massive estate. The tall iron gates swing open, revealing the manicured lawns, the sparkling private pool out back, and the house itself—three stories of gleaming white stone, floor-to-ceiling windows, and balconies overlooking everything. It's... a lot. Even for Beverly Hills.

"Holy shit," Kade says, a teasing smile tugging at his lips. "How do you get used to your dorm after living here?"

I can't help but laugh a little, even though his question stings more than I want to admit. The truth is, the dorm at Kingsley feels like a prison compared to this place. But that's part of the reason I needed to come back—to remind myself of where I belong.

"It's not easy," I say with a smirk, hopping out of the car. "But I manage."

Kade shakes his head, glancing around the estate with a half-amused, half-impressed expression. I know he's used to luxury too, but something about this house always catches people off guard. It's too big, too perfect, too much.

I didn't tell my dad I was coming home. I wanted it to be a surprise, thinking maybe for once he'd actually be happy to see me. As we make our way up the stone steps to the front door, I feel a small flutter of nerves. I'm not sure why. It's just Dad. But... after everything, a part of me is hoping for something more.