The gates of Regal Heights Academy stretched tall before her, black iron laced with gold. Liana took a deep breath, gripping the strap of her bag tighter. The school was more like a mansion—no, a palace—with wide stone staircases and a shimmering glass front that reflected the early morning sun.
She'd never seen a school like this in her life.
"Just don't embarrass yourself," she muttered under her breath, stepping onto campus.
Inside, the halls were buzzing—students gliding past in flawless uniforms, expensive phones in hand, designer shoes tapping against the polished floors. Everything screamed wealth. Liana tried not to shrink in her skin. Her uniform fit just fine, but it didn't carry the same glow of luxury the others wore like second skin.
A folded map of the school was clenched in her hand as she turned a corner too quickly—
Smack.
She collided hard into someone. Her papers scattered. She gasped and staggered back.
"I—I'm sorry!" she said instantly, bending down to gather her things.
The guy she bumped into didn't move. Instead, he stood over her, arms crossed, eyes cold and unreadable.
"Clearly, you're new here," he said, voice low, bored. "Next time, try watching where you're going."
Liana froze, looking up at him.
He was tall, lean but strong. Jet-black hair. Sharp jawline. Piercing eyes. He looked like he walked out of a magazine—and knew it.
Something about his tone made her blood stir.
She stood, squaring her shoulders. "Maybe you should try watching where you're going next time."
His brows twitched slightly. Like he was surprised.
A few students nearby paused mid-step, glancing between the two of them like a drama scene was unfolding.
He smirked faintly, as if amused, and brushed past her without another word.
Liana let out a quiet breath. "What a jerk," she muttered, heading toward the front office.
---
Later that morning, she entered her new class. A few heads turned, but most students ignored her. She sat down near the back, eyes scanning the room until a girl with light brown curls and glossy lips slid into the seat beside her.
"You've got guts," the girl whispered, grinning.
Liana blinked. "Sorry?"
"That was you earlier, wasn't it? In the hallway?"
Liana blinked again. "...What are you talking about?"
The girl leaned closer, eyes sparkling with curiosity. "You actually bumped into Xavier Blake... and told him off. No one—literally no one—does that."
Liana's brows furrowed. "Xavier who?"
The girl's jaw dropped. "You're kidding."
Liana looked blank. "Should I know him?"
"You really are new," she said, almost in awe. "That guy you bumped into? That was Xavier Blake. The Xavier Blake. His father owns this school. He's basically the richest young man in the country."
Liana stared at her. "Wait... the Xavier Blake? The one from the tabloids and news?"
Bianca nodded. "Yup. And you just talked to him like he was some normal guy."
Liana turned toward the window, face unreadable. "Well... he was acting like one."
Bianca smiled wide. "I like you already. I'm Bianca, by the way."
"Liana."
"Welcome to Regal Heights, Liana. You just made your first headline."