NOT MINE

She has a toxic man. He is soon to be engaged. And the world is watching.

Dalia Levy is a mess. A college student, adorable, hardworking, and just a little too naughty for her own good. Most of her evenings are spent buried in books at the campus library, chasing grades and quiet dreams. Until one night... everything changes. A chance encounter with her classmate's boyfriend, who just happens to be the cold, arrogant heir to the Vance Hotels empire, turns her world completely upside down.

Ilan Vance lives a life that's already been written for him-His career, his future... even his love life. He's destined to be engaged to Adaline Moore, the perfect, powerful heir to Moore Internationals.

Until Dalia.

She's chaos in its most tempting form-unexpected, messy, and completely out of place in his perfectly curated world. She wasn't part of the plan... and yet, he can't seem to look away.

And as if things weren't complicated enough... Dalia already has a boyfriend, one who refuses to let her go.

But the world is watching.
With paparazzi cameras waiting to turn every glance, every touch, every mistake into scandal, Ilan and Dalia are forced to face the truth: Some loves don't just break hearts.
They destroy lives.

♡───♡

"How noble of you," Ryan says slowly. "Ilan Vance, the heir of Vance Hotels, finds time in his very busy schedule to help a college girl with her assignment."

His eyes sharpen.
"A girl who isn't even really his friend."

Ilan shrugs. Casual. Arrogant.

"I'm just selfless, I guess."

A challenge. Ilan steps closer. They're standing face to face now.

I clutch my laptop tighter against my chest.

"She doesn't need your selflessness," Ryan says. "She has me."

Ilan tilts his head slightly. "Seems like you're not very good at your job."

Ryan's jaw tightens.

"Still doesn't make her yours," he says, voice low and dangerous. "She. Is. Mine."

Each word lands like a blow.

"Mine."

Ilan goes silent.

But there is a challenge in his eyes