Westbridge High was already alive with noise that morning.

Students filled the courtyard in groups, laughter echoing through the large campus while expensive cars lined the entrance gates. The cool morning breeze carried the scent of coffee and perfume through the air, blending with the endless chatter of teenagers preparing for another school day.

But the moment Lila Brooks stepped through the gates, everything changed.

Heads turned instantly.

Conversations paused.

Whispers spread faster than fire.

"Wow… she's really here."

"That's her?"

"The girl Julian Carrington was with yesterday?"

"They actually look good together."

"I heard he walked her home."

"No way. Julian doesn't even look at girls."

Lila tightened her grip around the strap of her bag and lowered her head slightly as she walked faster.

She hated attention.

Especially this kind.

It felt suffocating.

Like invisible hands were pressing against her skin while everyone watched her every movement.

Ever since yesterday's rumor started spreading around school, her life had become a nightmare overnight.

And the worst part?

She still didn't fully understand how things escalated this quickly.

Yes, Julian spoke to her yesterday.

Yes, he drove her home after the rain.

But that was all.

At least… that was all she thought it was.

Now the entire school was acting like they were secretly dating.

Lila exhaled shakily as she climbed the stairs toward the main building.

Please let today end quietly.

For once.

But deep down, she already knew Westbridge High wasn't the kind of place where rumors disappeared.

Especially rumors involving Julian Carrington.

The Julian Carrington.

The richest student in school.

The untouchable golden boy everyone admired.

Teachers respected him.

Students feared him.

Girls obsessed over him.

And somehow…

Lila Brooks had become connected to him.

By the time she reached her classroom, the atmosphere became worse.

The moment she stepped inside, conversations immediately lowered into whispers.

Some students openly stared at her.

Others pretended not to.

A few girls near the windows were already holding their phones up.

Recording her.

Lila's cheeks burned in embarrassment as she quickly walked toward her seat.

She just wanted to disappear.

But the moment she reached her desk, her steps stopped completely.

Someone was already sitting beside her.

Julian Carrington.

He looked completely relaxed, leaning lazily against his chair like nothing around him mattered.

His black uniform blazer hung perfectly over his shoulders, his sleeves slightly rolled up, revealing a silver watch around his wrist.

Everything about him screamed effortless perfection.

And that only made Lila more nervous.

For a second, she simply stared.

Julian barely glanced up.

"You're late," he said calmly.

Lila blinked.

"I'm two minutes early."

"Still late."

She frowned slightly before sitting down beside him.

Immediately, the whispers around the room became louder.

"Oh my God."

"They're sitting together again."

"This is definitely real."

Lila wanted to bury herself alive.

She avoided eye contact with everyone and pulled out her books quickly, pretending not to notice the attention.

Beside her, Julian remained completely calm.

Like this didn't affect him at all.

Like he was used to people staring.

Maybe he was.

During class, Lila couldn't focus on a single word the teacher said.

Her mind kept drifting back to the rumors.

To the whispers.

To Julian sitting beside her like none of this was strange.

Every time she accidentally glanced at him, she noticed something unsettling.

He looked… comfortable.

Too comfortable.

As if he wanted this.

As if the rumors didn't bother him at all.

The thought made her stomach twist uneasily.

Halfway through class, Lila felt her phone vibrate inside her pocket.

She carefully pulled it out under the desk.

Unknown Number: Look outside.

Her eyebrows furrowed.

Slowly, she turned toward the classroom windows.

And froze.

Several girls across the courtyard were staring directly at her classroom.

At Julian.

At her.

One of them pointed excitedly the moment Lila looked over.

Another lifted her phone.

Taking pictures.

Lila's face paled instantly.

This was getting worse.

Way worse.

"You look scared," Julian suddenly said quietly beside her.

Lila quickly locked her phone.

"I'm not scared."

"Liar."

She turned toward him with frustration burning in her eyes.

"This is your fault."

Julian raised an eyebrow lazily.

"How?"

"You know exactly how."

For the first time that morning, a faint smirk appeared on his lips.

And somehow…

That annoyed her even more.

The final bell rang loudly through the classroom.

Students immediately rushed outside, filling the hallways with noise again.

Lila stayed in her seat, packing her things slowly.

If she waited long enough, maybe everyone would leave first.

Maybe she could finally breathe.

But before she could stand—

"Lila."

Her breath caught slightly.

Julian was already standing beside her desk.

"We need to talk."

Her heart sank immediately.

"No we don't."

"Yes, we do."

Before she could argue, Julian grabbed her wrist gently and pulled her out of the classroom.

"Julian—wait!"

Students immediately noticed.

Of course they did.

Whispers exploded around them as he walked down the hallway without looking back.

Lila's embarrassment grew with every step.

"Why are you dragging me around like this?" she hissed.

Julian ignored her completely.

Only when they reached the quieter hallway near the old music rooms did he finally stop.

Lila quickly pulled her hand away.

"What is wrong with you?" she snapped. "Do you enjoy making my life difficult?"

Julian leaned casually against the wall, sliding his hands into his pockets.

"You care too much about what people think."

Lila stared at him in disbelief.

"Easy for you to say. Everyone worships you."

"That's not true."

She laughed dryly.

"Right. Because being Julian Carrington must be so hard."

Something unreadable crossed his expression briefly.

Gone almost instantly.

Then he looked back at her calmly.

"The rumors aren't stopping anytime soon."

Lila crossed her arms tightly.

"I noticed."

"So stop fighting it."

Her eyes narrowed.

"What?"

Julian stepped closer slightly.

"Pretend to date me."

The hallway suddenly felt silent.

Lila stared at him like she misheard.

"…What?"

"You heard me," Julian said calmly.

"This is insane."

"It's simple. We pretend to date. The rumors become useful instead of annoying."

Lila crossed her arms angrily.

"And if I say no?"

Julian's expression didn't change.

"You don't have a choice."

Her eyes narrowed instantly.

"Excuse me?"

He stepped closer slightly, lowering his voice.

"I know about your mother."

Lila froze.

For the first time since meeting him, fear flashed across her face.

Julian noticed immediately.

"I know she's sick," he continued quietly. "And I know the hospital bills are becoming too much for you."

Lila's throat tightened painfully.

"How do you know that?"

"That doesn't matter."

Silence filled the hallway.

Lila looked away quickly, embarrassed.

She hated talking about her family situation.

Hated looking weak in front of people.

Especially him.

Julian studied her carefully before speaking again.

"If you agree to this relationship…" he said slowly, "I'll move your mother to my father's hospital."

Lila's eyes widened.

"What?"

"She'll get proper treatment."

Her heartbeat started racing.

"And I'll personally take care of all the bills."

For a second, Lila genuinely thought she misheard him.

"Really?" she asked softly, shock written all over her face.

Julian nodded once.

"Deal or no deal?"

Lila stared at him speechlessly.

This was impossible.

People like Julian Carrington didn't help people like her.

So why was he doing this?

But then her mother's exhausted face appeared in her mind.

The unpaid hospital bills.

The medicine they could barely afford.

The nights she stayed awake terrified something would happen.

Her hands slowly tightened around her bag.

Then finally—

"…Deal," she whispered.

Julian smirked faintly.

"Good."

Lila exhaled shakily, still trying to process everything.

But before she could speak again—

"One more thing," Julian added casually.

She frowned immediately.

"What now?"

"You're leaving the apartment you currently live in."

Her eyes widened.

"What?!"

"I already prepared another place for you."

Lila stared at him like he lost his mind.

"You can't be serious."

Julian shrugged lazily.

"I don't want people saying my girlfriend comes from a poor background."

Lila rolled her eyes instantly.

"There it is."

A small laugh almost escaped him, but he stopped himself quickly.

"You'll move in this weekend."

"You're unbelievably controlling."

"And you agreed anyway."

Lila opened her mouth to argue—

But stopped.

Because annoyingly…

He was right.

And somehow, that irritated her even more.

Before she could say another word, voices suddenly echoed from the end of the hallway.

"There they are!"

Lila turned sharply.

A group of students stood frozen near the corner, staring directly at them.

One girl gasped dramatically.

Another immediately raised her phone.

Flash.

A picture was taken.

Lila's eyes widened in horror.

"Oh no…"

Within seconds, whispers exploded again.

"They're alone together!"

"Julian looks so protective of her."

"This is definitely real."

"We need to post this."

Lila panicked instantly.

"This is bad," she whispered.

But beside her, Julian looked completely calm.

Almost amused.

Then slowly—

He stepped closer to her.

Close enough for his voice to brush against her ear.

"Get used to it, princess," he murmured softly.

"From today onward…"

His lips curved into a faint smirk.

"You belong to me."

The photo taken in the hallway spread across Westbridge High within minutes.

By the time first period was starting, it was already everywhere.

Group chats exploded with messages. Screens lit up nonstop. Students couldn't stop talking about it.

«"Lila and Julian are actually together??"

"I saw the picture. He was holding her hand!"

"She must be lucky."

"Lucky? She's just using him."

"Julian Carrington doesn't do relationships. Something is off."»

Jealousy spread faster than truth.

Some girls who once ignored Lila now stared at her with anger.

Others whispered insults as she passed.

A few were already planning how to make her life miserable.

Lila felt it all.

Every stare.

Every whisper.

Every phone camera pointed at her.

She kept her head down and walked faster.

---

Hospital

After school, Lila went straight to the hospital.

Her heart was heavy the entire ride there.

When she pushed open the door, her mother looked up immediately and smiled warmly.

"Lila, my baby," she said softly.

Lila's expression softened instantly.

"Mom…"

She walked quickly to her bedside and held her hand.

"How are you feeling today?"

"Better," her mother replied.

Lila hesitated for a moment.

Then she forced a smile.

"Mom, I have good news."

Her mother's eyes brightened.

"What is it, my daughter?"

"We're going to transfer you to a better hospital."

Her mother paused.

"…Why?"

"And the treatment will be completely free."

Confusion crossed her mother's face.

"Lila… why would anyone do that for us?"

Lila's fingers tightened slightly.

Because the truth was complicated.

Too complicated.

So she lied.

"It's a friend from school," she said softly. "He has a kind heart. He just wants to help."

Her mother studied her carefully.

But Lila avoided her gaze.

Guilt settled heavily in her chest.

She hated lying.

But she hated worrying her mother even more.

---

Lila's Home

The next morning, a luxury car stopped in front of Lila's apartment building.

It didn't belong there.

Everyone noticed.

Neighbors came out immediately, curious and shocked.

A tall boy stepped out of the car.

Julian Carrington.

Black shirt, two buttons undone, revealing a faint tattoo on his collarbone. His hair perfectly styled, his presence calm but overwhelming.

People froze.

Whispers started instantly.

«"Is that… Julian Carrington?"

"No way he's here."

"Who is he looking for?"

"He's even more handsome in real life…"»

Julian smirked slightly.

He liked the attention.

He always did.

Then he walked toward Lila's apartment door.

Knock.

Inside, Lila had been startled by the noise outside.

When she opened the door, she froze.

Of course it was him.

Creating chaos again.

"Will I have to stay outside forever?" Julian asked casually.

Lila blinked.

"Oh—sorry. Come in."

He stepped inside without hesitation.

The apartment was neat… but very small.

Julian looked around slowly.

Displeased.

"I'll go pack my things," Lila said quickly.

"No need," he replied immediately.

Lila frowned. "Why?"

"Because my girlfriend cannot be wearing cheap clothes around."

She scoffed.

"You are so arrogant."

"I know."

Lila rolled her eyes.

"What if someone needs to help me pack? I can't just leave everything here."

"Don't worry," Julian said. "My guards will handle it."

Lila sighed.

"Whatever."

She paused at the door and looked around her home one last time.

"What are you staring at?" Julian asked.

"At my home."

He glanced around the small space.

"This tiny thing?"

"Hey!" she snapped.

Julian shrugged. "Fine. Look all you want."

---

The Move

After some time, Lila changed and came out with her bag.

They stepped outside together.

The neighbors were still there.

Watching.

Whispering.

Taking pictures.

«"She's so lucky."

"How did she get him?"

"I'm jealous…"»

Lila's face burned with embarrassment.

But Julian acted like it was normal.

Like he belonged in the center of attention.

Like everything revolved around him.

---

The Mansion

When they arrived, Lila stepped out of the car slowly.

Then she looked up.

And froze.

A mansion.

Huge.

Beautiful.

Nothing she had ever seen before.

"This… is a house?" she whispered.

Julian walked ahead. "Obviously."

Lila followed him inside, still in shock.

The living room alone made her dizzy.

Crystal lights.

Wide space.

Elegant furniture.

A staircase that looked like something from a dream.

She stood frozen like she had forgotten how to move.

"You're going to live here," Julian said.

Lila swallowed.

"I feel like I'm going to faint."

"Try not to," he replied.

---

Unknown Place

Far away, in another part of the world…

A Young lady sat in front of multiple glowing computer screens.

She watched everything.

Every movement.

Every signal.

A slow, dangerous smile appeared on her lips.

Her phone rang.

"Ma'am, your flight to Sirra Loane is ready."

She exhaled slowly.

"Perfect."

She stood up.

"I'm coming back."

---

The Mansion – Later

Julian was showing Lila around the house when his phone suddenly rang.

His expression changed instantly.

Cold.

Distant.

He turned away.

"I'll take this," he said.

Lila nodded and continued exploring the mansion alone, still amazed by everything.

But as she wandered down the hallway, she stopped.

Julian's voice echoed faintly from another room.

She didn't mean to listen.

But she heard it clearly.

"I don't care what you want… I'm not marrying her."

Silence.

Then the call ended.

Lila froze.

Her heart slowed.

"…Marrying?"

She whispered the word under her breath.

Who was "her"?

And why did Julian sound like someone was forcing him?

For the first time since this fake relationship began…

Lila felt something deeper than confusion.

Something dangerous.

Something real.

And she had a feeling—

this was only the beginning.

Lila pretended she hadn't overheard Julian's phone call.

But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't stop thinking about it.

"I'm not marrying her."

Those words kept replaying in her mind.

Who was this mysterious girl?

And why did Julian sound so angry?

Pushing the thoughts aside, Lila continued exploring her new room.

The moment she stepped inside, her mouth fell open.

A king-sized bed stood in the center of the room. A soft couch rested near the large window, and a giant teddy bear sat on the bed waiting for her.

Everything was purple.

The curtains.

The pillows.

The decorations.

Even the flowers on the bedside table matched her favorite color.

Lila blinked in surprise.

"How does he know purple is my favorite color?"

Curiously, she opened the closet.

And nearly screamed.

Designer dresses.

Luxury shoes.

Expensive handbags.

The closet was filled from top to bottom.

Her eyes widened.

"Why is he spending so much money on a fake girlfriend?"

Then she walked into the bathroom.

The sight completely stunned her.

The bathroom alone was larger than her old apartment.

Marble floors.

A huge bathtub.

Elegant mirrors.

Purple decorations everywhere.

For a moment, Lila wondered if she had accidentally stepped into a luxury hotel.

Slowly, she walked back into the bedroom.

Then froze.

Julian was sitting on the edge of her bed.

"When did you get here?" she asked.

Julian glanced at her.

"A few minutes ago."

"Are you done with your call?"

"Yeah."

For a moment, silence filled the room.

Then curiosity got the better of her.

"And who was the girl you're supposed to marry?"

Julian's expression instantly turned cold.

His jaw tightened.

"Wait."

His voice dropped dangerously low.

"Were you eavesdropping on my call?"

Lila immediately shook her head.

"No! I didn't mean to. I just overheard—"

"Never interfere in my personal life again."

The coldness in his voice shocked her.

"You don't have that right."

Lila stared at him.

Julian stood up.

"I'll pick you up tomorrow morning."

Without another word, he walked out of the room.

The door closed behind him.

Lila crossed her arms.

"Why is he making such a big deal out of it?"

Then she shrugged.

"I'm not letting him ruin my day."

Smiling, she continued exploring the mansion.

---

Carrington Hospital

The next day, Lila visited her mother.

Thanks to Julian, her mother had already been transferred to Carrington Hospital.

Even Julian's father had personally approved the transfer.

Lila still couldn't believe it.

As she entered the VIP ward, her eyes widened.

The room was beautiful.

Comfortable furniture.

Large windows.

Fresh flowers.

It looked nothing like the hospital room her mother had stayed in before.

"Baby," her mother called with a smile.

Lila smiled back.

"Mom."

She sat beside her and placed a bag of food on the table.

"I brought lunch."

Her mother's eyes softened.

"You didn't have to."

Lila grinned.

"Mom, you won't believe the house we're moving into."

"Oh?"

"It's not even a house anymore."

"What is it then?"

"It's a mansion."

Her mother laughed.

"A mansion?"

"I'm serious!"

Her mother smiled warmly.

But after a moment, her expression changed.

"Are you okay, my dear?"

Lila hesitated.

Then she forced a smile.

"I'm fine, Mom."

Yet deep down, she wasn't sure that was true.

---

Westbridge High

The following morning, Julian arrived exactly as promised.

His luxury car stopped in front of the mansion.

The ride to school was awkward.

Neither of them spoke.

Julian kept his eyes on the road.

Lila stared out the window.

The tension between them was impossible to ignore.

When they arrived at school, hundreds of students immediately noticed.

Whispers spread everywhere.

"It's Julian!"

"And Lila!"

"They came together again!"

Julian stepped out first.

Then he walked around the car and opened Lila's door.

Gasps erupted around them.

Lila placed her hand in his.

Instantly, phones appeared.

Pictures were taken.

More rumors were born.

Together, they walked toward the school building.

Only after reaching a quiet hallway did Julian finally let go of her hand.

Without saying a word, he started walking away.

"Julian."

He stopped.

"What?"

His voice was still cold.

Lila sighed.

"If this is about yesterday..."

"Don't."

"But I'm sorry."

Julian remained silent.

"I didn't mean to cross the line."

Slowly, he turned around.

His eyes narrowed slightly.

"Interesting."

"What?"

"I never thought I'd see Lila Brooks apologizing."

She rolled her eyes.

"You're impossible."

A faint smirk appeared on his face.

"Apology accepted."

"Arrogant."

"I know."

Then he walked away.

---

Trouble

Lila was about to enter class when three girls blocked her path.

"There she is."

"The thief."

Lila raised an eyebrow.

"The thief?"

"You stole Julian."

Lila almost laughed.

"Your Julian?"

The girls looked offended.

One of them suddenly raised her hand.

Before she could strike, Lila grabbed her wrist.

Hard.

The girl's eyes widened.

Then—

Slap.

Lila slapped her first.

The hallway fell silent.

Everyone stared.

Lila stepped forward.

"Listen carefully."

The girls backed away nervously.

"Julian is not a prize."

Her voice was calm but firm.

"And if you have a problem with me, come talk to me directly."

Nobody answered.

"Good."

Lila smiled sweetly.

"Now move."

The girls quickly stepped aside.

As Lila walked away, she couldn't help smiling.

Maybe this rich-girl life wasn't so bad after all.

---

Sirra Loane International Airport

A pair of expensive heels touched the ground.

Click.

Click.

Click.

A young lady stepped out of the private jet.

She removed her sunglasses slowly.

Her beauty was breathtaking.

Long dark hair cascaded over her shoulders while confidence radiated from every step she took.

Beside her, a guard immediately approached and handed her an iPad.

The screen displayed a photo.

Lila Brooks.

The young lady stared at the photo silently for a few moments.

Then a dangerous smile slowly appeared on her lips.

"So..."

Her eyes darkened slightly.

"This is the girl who stole my fiancé."

Her smile widened.

"Interesting."

She handed the iPad back to the guard.

"Let's go."

The guard nodded immediately.

As she walked toward the airport exit, her heels echoed across the floor.

Click.

Click.

Click.

And just like that, she stepped into Sirra Loane.

Completely unaware of the storm that was about to arrive in her life, Lila Brooks continued her day at Westbridge High.

But that peace would not last for long.

Because trouble had officially arrived