The reporter stood in front of the camera, holding the microphone with great composure. She turned to the two men standing behind her and asked,
"After opening your new company, how do you expect your success to turn out?"
Francisco placed his hand on his friend's shoulder, pulling him closer.
"Well, we believe that success won't just be about making money. We want our company to remain known even after decades. Right, Lorenzo?"
Francisco asked his friend at the end, his friend who was distracted-his eyes fixed on... his sister?
"Lorenzo?" Francisco whispered sharply, pinching Lorenzo's arm. Lorenzo's eyes looked as if little hearts were glowing from them.
Lorenzo quickly looked at him, smiling awkwardly as he placed his hand on his friend's shoulder as well. At that very moment, the cameras snapped several photos.
"Yes, of course," Lorenzo replied, absentmindedly.
All Lorenzo could think about was Rovelia.
Rovelia, whom Lorenzo hadn't seen in many years.
Rovelia, whom he had only glimpsed in the media photos since that accident.
Rovelia, whom he once thought was just a childhood crush, nothing more.
Rovelia.
He hadn't seen her since that accident, and now here she was, gripping her crutch firmly, with her sister Giulia beside her.
And now-he had seen her again.
And now-she was going to work with him.
It wasn't just a fleeting childhood crush, was it?
First book 🏒.
Starting college was supposed to be Violet Vale's escape plan.
New country. New city. New campus.
And then there's Ethan Maddox-tattoos inked like warnings, that infuriating smirk, and a six-foot-five presence that fills every room like he owns it.
Her brother's best friend.
Her worst enemy.
And now? Her accidental shadow at Northbridge University.
Violet's spent years trading insults and eye-rolls with Ethan, ever since he became an honorary part of her family. But there's nothing brotherly about the way he looks at her now-or the way her pulse reacts when he calls her Vi like it's some kind of challenge.
He's cocky. Infuriating. One year older.
And the only person on campus who makes her feel anything at all.
They're not friends. Definitely not something more.
But the line between hate and something far messier is starting to blur.
And when hearts get tangled...
Someone's going to fall.
Warning: May contain profanity and sexual content.