AFTER THE BELL RANG.
Intro
In the years since graduating from their elite high school in New York, the world had learned the names Amaury Renou and Tristan Gordon for entirely different reasons.
Amaury's rise began quietly. He studied culinary arts in France, then opened a small café that grew into a chain of celebrated restaurants across Europe. People admired him not only for his talent, but for his kindness and generosity. Fame followed him, although he never chased it. When a new opportunity appeared in Los Angeles, he accepted with excitement, ready to expand without abandoning the warmth that built his business.
Tristan's ascent was louder and more public. He earned a business degree from one of the most prestigious universities in America and built his empire through determination. His designer brand became a symbol of modern luxury, and his entertainment industry reshaped pop culture. Stylish, strategic and reserved, he kept his heart guarded and trusted his work more than the people around him.
In a city filled with new beginnings and a relentless spotlight, two lives that once crossed in youth were nearing each other again. Not as classmates. Not as unfinished memories. But as people they became.
Author~
I'm your author and this is my first story.
Author~
Please be nice and supportive because I sincerely don't have high hopes for this book.
Author~
I'll be counting on you guys to make my writing seem like it's worth it🥺
Author~
Oh... Thank you for giving my book a chance too💞🥰🤍
Then
???
I stopped to help in the cafeteria
???
You said we'd walk in together today
???
I'm here now, aren't I Regina?
She rolled her eyes with an irritable attitude before linking through his. Students glanced as they passed by, whispering.
Random 1
Did you hear? New student today
Random 2
From Spain, I think 🤔
Random 1
People say he's crazy rich
Regina Hawkins
People love exaggerating😒
???
Maybe because he's new. That's all 🤷🏻♂️
Regina Hawkins
(Scoffed) Whatever
The teacher enters with someone unfamiliar.
Friend 2
Everyone, please welcome our new student. This is Tristan. Make sure he feels comfortable today and for the rest of the time he stays here with us.
He stands still, with quiet confidence, brown hair falling neatly, green eyes scanning the room.
He looks across the class
???
Looks up at the same moment.
Their eyes met.
No reaction, just recognition.
Regina Hawkins
(Leans in closer, whispering) You're staring.
Regina Hawkins
He stared back.
Regina Hawkins
Sure. If you say so 🙄
Tristan sits alone at a corner table chewing on his chicken sandwich while watching videos on his phone with his other hand.
Regina Hawkins
He could sit anywhere, why choose that spot?
Regina Hawkins
He could ask .
???
Maybe he's waiting for someone to invite him.
Regina Hawkins
That isn't your job.
He looked briefly towards the quiet table once again, but Tristan didn't look back.
Regina Hawkins
Sit. Eat. Focus on people who matter.
He nodded and sat beside her, but his attention failed him.
Darkness. A low hum of engines. Calm breathing.
A pair of eyes open slowly, grey irises catching the light of the cabin. His expression is composed, serene, as if he was used to waking up somewhere new.
Friend 2
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Los Angeles. We have landed safely. Thank you for flying with us.
He unbuckles his seatbelt, rises from his seat, and steps into the aisle.
The terminal doors slide open.
He walks out of the plane and pauses just outside, taking a steady breath as warm as warm air and curry energy settles around him.
Now
The studio lighting washed the entire room in soft white. Models posed. Cameras clicked Assistants hurried around.
A man stood behind the monitor, sharp and composed, watching every detail with quiet focus.
He didn't notice a beautiful female approaching until her perfume drifted in.
???
You're staring at the screen like it personally offended you Tristan (she said as a small smirk appeared on her face)
He didn't look away from the screen.
Tristan Olivares
Just checking the angles.
???
(she scoffed playfully) Please. You've been glaring so hard I'm surprised it hasn't even melted yet.
He turned his head slightly, one eyebrow raised.
Tristan Olivares
And you came over here to tease me about it?
???
Obviously. You're more fun than the models today.🙄
Tristan gave a small amused breath.
Tristan Olivares
That's quite concerning Ava 🤨
Ava stepped closer, leaning her hip against the desk.
Ava Wales
Relax. Everything's concerning with you. You're far too serious 😮💨
Tristan Olivares
Someone needs to be.
Ava Wales
Not you. Not always. You look better when you're smiling.
He finally looked at her fully.
Tristan Olivares
Was that an attempt at flirting? 🤨
Ava Wales
Attempt? Please. I don't attempt. (She said confidently)
Tristan Olivares
Feeling confident today?
Ava Wales
Always. And you're making it too easy.
He shook his head, amused.
Tristan Olivares
You're impossible😔
Ava Wales
You like impossible. That's why you look at me like that.
Tristan Olivares
Like what? ( He asked, genuinely confused)
Ava Wales
Like you know something I don't.
Tristan let a small smirk appear.
Tristan Olivares
Maybe I do 😉
Ava clicked her tongue and laughed softly.
Ava Wales
See? That. That's the look.
She leaned in closer to him.
Ava Wales
You should model one day You'd break the internet.
Tristan Olivares
And give you more work to edit? No thanks.
Ava Wales
I wouldn't mind editing your face one day
He blinked once, lightly.
Tristan Olivares
That was bold 😳
Before Tristan could respond, the studio door opened. Oliver, his assistant hurried inside holding a tablet.
Oliver Trace
Mr Gordon, you have a meeting in fifteen minutes. Conference room three.
Tristan nodded his head attentively.
Tristan Olivares
Alright. I'll be there.
Ava sighed dramatically.😮💨
Ava Wales
Always stealing him away Oliver.
Oliver looked confused. Tristan ignored it.
Tristan Olivares
I'll come back after the meeting.
Ava Wales
Good ☺️. I want you for the last set.
Tristan Olivares
To review photos?
Ava Wales
Maybe. Maybe just to look at 😉
He paused mid-step, giving her a half-smile.
Tristan ignored her last comment and walked out beside Oliver, expression setting back into its cool controlled focus.
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