betweenthebluesky
Frances Xavier's life was never meant to be ordinary. Homeschooled her entire life, she was thrown into the bustling, unfamiliar world of Arellano-Xavier University. It was supposed to be a fresh start, but instead, Frances quickly felt out of place. Surrounded by luxury and privilege, she realized three undeniable truths:
1. She's the only student with bodyguards trailing her everywhere.
2. Her last name-Xavier, as in the Xavier family that owns the university.
3. She's the only one who does not have a... friend.
Maybe she's meant to stay hidden, to remain in the shadows of her family's wealth and influence.
But when the loneliness becomes unbearable, Frances takes an unusual step-she buys herself a friend. Samuel Evan Russel, an average, unassuming guy who needs the money, and Frances needs someone to make her feel normal.
They form an unlikely bond, one that begins with an exchange of money and turns into something more. A friend by contract becomes a friend by choice, and Frances begins to realize that Evan isn't just someone she paid to be her companion. He's someone she actually needs.
But when university life ends, Frances finds herself torn. She no longer needs to keep Evan around... or does she? As their relationship evolves, she discovers that what started as a simple transaction has slowly turned into something deeper. Evan no longer feels like just a friend. He makes her heart race, her breath catch.
As she faces her growing feelings for him, Frances must decide: Will she push him away to protect her heart? Or will she take the risk and allow herself to love the one person she never expected?