At Luxford Academy, the elite boarding school for the ultra-rich, Adriana and Nicholas have been bitter rivals since childhood. Forced to live in the same dorm, their once-friendly pranks have escalated into daily clashes-sharp insults, constant bic...
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The jewelry store smelled faintly of polished metal and leather, with light reflecting off rows of glass cases showcasing delicate bracelets, necklaces, and rings. I trailed behind Katerina, who was practically bouncing with excitement, her girlfriend, Jess, not far behind us. Kat's been with Jess since she was fourteen, and honestly, watching them together always warmed my heart. They were so carefree, so secure in their love—something it took Nick and me years to figure out.
Kat turned to me, holding up a slim silver bracelet in one hand and a chunkier gold one in the other. "Which one screams 'I'm amazing and everyone should know it'?" she asked, her green eyes sparkling with mischief.
I laughed softly, pointing to the gold one. "Definitely that one. It's bold. Like you."
Kat grinned, flashing a quick look at Jess, who nodded approvingly. Just as she turned back to the display case, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I stepped to the side, pulling it out to see Nick's name on the screen.
"Hey," I answered, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.
"Where are you?" Nick's voice was low and smooth, with that familiar hint of warmth that still made my heart skip.
"With Katerina and Jess," I said, glancing over at her as she tried on the bracelet, posing dramatically for Jess's camera.
"Good," he said. "When you get home, there's a white outfit on the bed. Wear it. I'm taking you out to dinner tonight."
His words caught me off guard, but a smile immediately crept across my face. Nick didn't do surprises often, but when he did, he went all out.
"White, huh? Fancy," I teased.
"Very," he replied, and I could practically hear the smirk in his voice.
"Okay," I said softly. "I'll see you soon."
"Don't be late," he added, and just as I was about to respond, he said quickly, "And Adri?"
"Yeah?"
"I love you."
My heart melted at his sudden softness. "I love you more."
As soon as I hung up, Katerina appeared beside me, her eyes narrowing. "What's that look on your face?"
I blinked, confused. "What look?"
"The 'Nick just said something sweet, and now you're swooning like a teenager' look," she teased, looping her arm through mine.
I rolled my eyes, biting back a grin. "He's taking me out to dinner."
"Oh, romantic." She wiggled her eyebrows. "I hope you're ready for him to sweep you off your feet. Again."
"Kat, focus on your bracelet," I said, shaking my head but laughing.
Kat dragged me over to another case, this one filled with more understated pieces. She held up a delicate silver bracelet with tiny charms dangling from it. "This one," she said, her voice softer. "I think Jess will love it. It's simple, but it says everything I want it to be."
