Ariana POV

If someone had told me a year ago that I'd be packing up my life to transfer universities, I probably would've laughed in their face. Or at least given them one of my Are you serious? looks.

But life has a funny way of throwing curveballs when you least expect it. And somehow, here I was-standing in my bedroom, surrounded by half-packed suitcases, about to start a whole new chapter.

"You're seriously taking all that?" a voice whined from the doorway.

I didn't have to turn around. I already knew who it was.

My younger brother, Damien-the absolute pest of my existence, even though he was barely a year younger than me-stood there with his messy hair sticking up in every direction, wearing the kind of smug grin that made me want to throw a pillow at him.

"It's called being prepared," I said sweetly, tossing a pair of heels into my suitcase.

"Prepared? Ariana, you packed like you're moving to another planet, not transferring schools."

He waltzed into the room like he owned it, dramatically collapsing onto my bed and squishing the clothes I had just neatly folded.

"Damien!" I shrieked, launching a throw pillow at his face. He caught it effortlessly, laughing like he hadn't just destroyed an hour's worth of my hard work.

"You should be thanking me. Lighten the load a little," he said, flipping onto his stomach and kicking his legs like a little kid.

I stormed over and tried to yank him off the bed, but Damien was faster. He scooped me up like a sack of potatoes, spinning me around the room while I screamed and laughed at the same time.

"PUT ME DOWN, YOU GREMLIN!" I yelled, pounding my fists against his back.

"Say 'Damien is the cooler sibling!'" he teased.

"NEVER!"

With a wicked grin, he plopped me onto the bed, and in revenge, I grabbed the closest thing I could-a rolled-up pair of socks-and whacked him squarely on the head.

Damien yelped dramatically, clutching his head like I'd seriously injured him.

"MOM! Ariana's trying to murder me!" he hollered, already laughing as he rolled off the bed to dodge another sock missile.

"Good! Maybe you'll finally shut up!" I shouted back, both of us grinning like idiots.

"That's enough, you two!"

Our mother's voice floated up the stairs, full of exasperated fondness.

Damien stuck his tongue out at me and sprinted down the hall before Mom could come investigate.

I flopped back onto the bed, breathing heavily, a stupid grin still plastered across my face.

As annoying as he was, I knew I was going to miss him like crazy.

A soft knock sounded on my door, and a moment later, Mom poked her head in.

She looked like she always did-elegant but effortless.

My mom, Amelia Smith, was a professional interior designer, known for turning even the dullest rooms into something magical. She had that natural touch, like she could see beauty where no one else could.

"You ready, sweetheart?" she asked, walking in and smoothing my messy hair back with her hand.

"Almost," I said, blinking faster than usual.

I hated goodbyes.

From the hallway, I heard the sound of heavy, careful footsteps. My dad, Dr. Liam Smith, appeared in the doorway, leaning slightly on his cane.

He'd been forced to retire early from his career as a doctor after being diagnosed with a chronic illness.

But he still wore that same kind, proud smile-the one that made me feel like no matter how crazy the world got, everything would be okay.

"You'll be amazing, Ari," Dad said warmly. "You always are."

I tried to smile, but my heart squeezed painfully in my chest.

"I'll miss you guys so much," I said, voice wobbly.

"We're just a call away," Mom reminded me, pulling me into a hug.

"And besides," Damien's voice called from downstairs, "the house will finally be peaceful!"

I laughed through my tears. "You wish!"

After a flurry of last-minute checks, a million hugs, and Dad insisting on carrying my suitcase even though Mom and I tried to stop him, we finally loaded up the car and my mom and I sat in.

My stomach twisted in nervous knots as I waved at my father and my brother, we pulled out of the driveway, my old world shrinking behind me.

I was transferring to Westbridge University, one of the top schools for Business and Enterprise Management. It was prestigious, competitive, and, honestly, a little terrifying.

But I knew it was the right step.

Especially with the internship opportunities they promised-including some at major companies... like the one owned by Garcielle's Group.

_________

The drive felt like forever with all the thoughts bouncing around my head.

Just as I was about to spiral into another panic attack about new beginnings and prestigious programs, my mom's phone rang.

"It's Anna," she said, putting it on speaker.

Anna Garcielle was one of my mother's closest friends-practically family at this point. She had a warmth to her that made you feel at home, even through a phone call.

"Hi, Amelia!" Anna's cheerful voice filled the car. "Is Ariana ready for her big adventure?"

I smiled, a little shy. "Hi, Auntie Anna," I said.

"Sweetheart, I'm so excited for you! And listen, don't you worry about anything, alright?" Anna said brightly. "The boys are thrilled to have you."

"Boys? Mom you didn't tell me I was going to live with boys" I said, a little alarmed. She didn't say anything and just blinked, I smiled at that.

"Oh, yes!" Aunt Anna laughed. "My son, Ivan, and his two friends, Max and Ethan. They're all attending Westbridge too. The mansion's much too big for just the three of them, and honestly, it'll be good for them to have someone responsible around."

I blinked. I'm going to leave with Ivan Garcielle?

What kind of sweet setup was I walking into?

"And don't mind Ivan, alright?" she continued in a conspiratorial whisper like she thought I couldn't hear. "He might come off a bit cold at first, but he's a really sweet and funny guy once you get past the iceberg exterior."

I bit back a nervous laugh.....I know him already.

"And who knows," Anna teased, "maybe you two will hit it off. I'd love to see you end up together!"

I felt my cheeks warm, and I glanced helplessly at my mom, who was stifling a giggle.

"Auntie Anna!" I whined, but deeply I know I stand no chance and it wasn't like I wanted him to consider me. I just admire him, that's all.

"What? I'm just saying!" she laughed. "You're both young and gorgeous-what's the harm in a little fate?"

I shook my head, smiling despite myself.

Love? Relationships?

Please.

Those words weren't even in my dictionary right now.....I've had enough in my past life. Moreover, I was here to study, chase dreams, and maybe figure myself out along the way.

Falling for some cold, handsome boy was definitely not on the agenda.

______

The iron gates swung open with a quiet hum, revealing a long driveway lined with perfectly manicured hedges. Ariana's breath caught as the house came into view, it wasn't just a house, it was a masterpiece of modern architecture. Floor-to-ceiling windows gleamed in the afternoon light, reflecting the sprawling gardens that surrounded the property. The white stone exterior was accented with dark wood panels, and a fountain stood proudly in the circular driveway, water cascading down its tiers in a soothing rhythm.

"Miss, let me help you with your bags," the butler said politely, reaching for her luggage.

"No, thank you. I can manage," Ariana replied, tightening her grip on her suitcase.

The butler's lips pressed into a thin line, his nostrils flaring slightly as he made a face that clearly said stubborn girl. But before she could protest further, he'd already taken her bags with practiced efficiency.

"This way, Miss."

Ariana stepped through the double doors into a grand foyer that took her breath away. Marble floors stretched before her, polished to a mirror shine. A crystal chandelier hung from the high ceiling, casting prisms of light across the walls. A sweeping staircase curved upward to the second floor, its railing gleaming.

That's when she heard footsteps.

A guy was descending the stairs, tall, with tousled brown hair and an easy smile. He had that casual confidence of someone who'd grown up with wealth but didn't flaunt it.

"Well, well, looks like we have company," he said, his voice warm and teasing.

On the couch to her left, another guy looked up from his phone. He was leaning back, one arm stretched across the back of the sofa, dark hair falling slightly over his eyes. But the moment those eyes landed on Ariana, his entire demeanor changed. His lips parted. He just... stared.

She was beautiful, no, more than that. There was something about the way she stood there, slightly defiant despite being in unfamiliar territory, her eyes bright and cautious all at once. Her hair caught the light from the chandelier, and for a moment, Ethan forgot how to form words.

"Dude, you gonna say something or just gawk at her?" Max called from the stairs, grinning as he reached the bottom.

Ethan blinked, snapping out of it, a flush creeping up his neck. "I-uh-hi. Welcome."

Max chuckled and walked over, extending his hand. "I'm Max. That's Ethan over there, currently experiencing a system malfunction." He shot Ethan a knowing look. "And you must be Ariana. Ivan mentioned you'd be staying with us."

"Yeah, that's me," Ariana said, shaking his hand cautiously.

Ethan finally stood up, running a hand through his hair nervously. "Sorry, I....yeah, welcome. It's nice to meet you." His voice came out a bit higher than intended, and Max snorted.

"Real smooth, E."

Ethan shot him a glare but couldn't help the small smile tugging at his lips. "Ignore him. He thinks he's funny."

"I am funny," Max corrected, turning back to Ariana with a friendly grin.

"So, Ivan's not here right now, but he should be back later. In the meantime, we'll show you around. This place is massive, easy to get lost."

"Where's he?" Ariana asked, trying to ignore how Ethan was still looking at her like she'd just stepped out of a dream. She was happy and couldn't believe this was ivan's house. She couldn't believe all this was even happening......Ivan Garcielle, the face of luxury campaigns across every magazines she'd been flippering through. The singer whose voice had gotten her through countless late night sessions, whose music videos she had watched on repeat, whose interviews she has saved in her playlist. And now, she was going to leave with him. She finally moved her eyes to the guy who was staring at her direction. He was undeniably handsome.....his face card and his body looked all...... perfect. Wow. Ariana smiled at him and he smiled lightly.

"Come on," Max said, gesturing toward the stairs. "Let me show you to your room."

As they headed toward the staircase, Ethan hung back for just a moment, watching her walk.

Wow, he thought again, still a bit dazed.

Max glanced back and caught his expression. "You're doomed, man," he whispered with a smirk. Ethan didn't even argue.

______

Max led the way up the sweeping staircase, talking animatedly as they climbed. Ethan followed behind, trying very hard to act normal and failing spectacularly, he kept sneaking glances at Ariana when he thought she wasn't looking.

"So this hallway has like, six guest rooms," Max explained, gesturing broadly. "Ivan's room is at the end, off limits, obviously. He's weirdly private about his space. Mine's over there.

"......and your room is right here." Max stopped in front of a white door with elegant gold handles. He pushed it open with a flourish. "Ta-da!"

Ariana stepped inside and her jaw literally dropped.

The room was enormous. A king-sized bed sat against the far wall, dressed in crisp white linens with a mountain of plush pillows. The headboard looked like it cost more than a car. Floor-to-ceiling windows took up the entire left wall, offering a breathtaking view of the gardens and pool below. There was a sitting area with a velvet couch, a desk that looked like it belonged in a CEO's office, and a chandelier, because of course there was a chandelier.

Ariana walked slowly into the room, running her hand along the smooth surface of the desk. "This is... insane."

The butler appeared with her bags, setting them down gently near the closet before giving a small bow and leaving silently.

Ethan finally spoke up, leaning against the doorframe. "If you need extra blankets or pillows or anything, just let us know. There's an intercom system, but honestly, we're usually just downstairs or in our rooms."

"And the kitchen is fair game 24/7," Max added.

Ariana found herself smiling despite everything. They seem to be friendly.

"So," Max said, clapping his hands together. "Want the full tour? Pool, home theater, game room, the works? Or do you want to settle in first?"

Before Ariana could answer, her phone buzzed. She pulled it out and her expression shifted slightly as she read the message.

"Everything okay?" Ethan asked, genuine concern in his voice.

"Yeah, just... my Mom checking in." She typed a quick response and tucked the phone away. "A tour sounds good, actually. I'd probably get lost trying to find my way back downstairs anyway."

"Smart choice," Max said. So now, let's start with the fun stuff. Game room first?"

They filed out of the room, Max leading the way with Ethan bringing up the rear. As they walked down the hallway, Ethan found himself next to Ariana.

"So, uh... how are you feeling?" he asked quietly. "About all this, I mean. It's gotta be... a lot."

Ariana glanced at him, surprised by the sincerity in his voice. "Honestly? I'm still processing. This morning I was in my tiny apartment, and now I'm in a palace." She said and Ethan smiled.

They descended a different staircase, apparently there were multiple, and Max pushed open a door to reveal what looked like an arcade had a baby with a luxury lounge. Pool table, air hockey, vintage arcade games, a massive TV with every gaming console imaginable, a bar area with a popcorn machine and mini fridge.

"Welcome to paradise," Max announced dramatically. "This is where we spend most of our time when we are free" He said.

"Do you want to play?" Max asked.

"You're on," Ethan grabbed a cue. He looked at Ariana. "You play?"

"I've played a few times," she said cautiously.

"Perfect!" Max started racking the balls. "Fair warning: I'm terrible in this game"

The sound of the front door opening echoed through the house, followed by heavy footsteps.

All three of them froze.

"That'll be Ivan," Max said, suddenly looking more serious. "Right on time."

Ethan shot Ariana a look that seemed to say *here we go.*

The footsteps grew closer, and then a voice, deep, commanding, with an edge that could cut glass, called out from the foyer.

" Ethan"

Ariana's heart started pounding. She was finally going to meet Ivan.

"Game room!" Ethan called back.

The footsteps changed direction, heading toward them.

Ariana's hands clenched at her sides.

The door swung open.