Ashes and Rain

At Ardenleigh University, where legacy and power rule the halls, Sebastian Ashford is untouchable—rich, brilliant, and feared. A second-year medical student with a cold smile and a ruthless streak, Sebastian hides a dangerous obsession: Rain Wang, the scholarship student with the midnight-black hair and fierce intelligence who doesn’t belong in his world.

Rain is used to fighting for every inch. From a struggling background, she’s clawed her way into Ardenleigh on sheer talent and grit. But Sebastian’s bullying isn’t just cruel games—it’s a desperate, twisted plea for attention from a boy who doesn’t know how to ask for love.

As Sebastian’s torment escalates, Rain’s quiet strength is tested like never before. With every insult and cold glance, the line between hatred and desire blurs. But love built on ashes can’t last without rain—and when the truth finally breaks through, both must decide if redemption is possible, or if they’re doomed to burn alone.

I dropped my phone.Literally dropped it.


I had to blink twice, then again, because there was no way—no way—he was standing there, across the university gates with his suitcase and that same annoying grin.


My voice cracked like I was ten again.Before I knew it, I was running. Fast. So fast I nearly tripped over the garden steps. My hair came loose from my claw clip, tumbling down my back like a curtain. I didn't care.


Arms around his neck. Legs nearly lifting off the ground. I didn't even care that a few people were staring.All I could feel was my big brother's arms around me again—warm, safe, home.


"You liar! You said you had patient cases all month!""I finished early," he laughed, patting my back. "Hi to you, too."


"Ugh! I hate you," I mumbled into his hoodie. "I missed you so much. You didn't even call yesterday! You're the worst!"


I gasped dramatically. "You do love me."


He laughed again and kissed the top of my head.


I pulled back, beaming up at him like the world hadn't been cruel for the past two years. "Wait—did you tell Mama I'm still top of the class? Because I am! And I got full marks on the pharmacology quiz! You have to come meet my anatomy professor—wait—are you hungry? Do you want bubble tea? Do they even have your favorite flavor here—?"


"I missed you so bad," I said instead, my voice small now. "Like... every day bad."


His smile softened. He tucked a stray hair behind my ear and cupped my cheek. "I know, little dumpling. I missed you too."


And just like that, all the weeks of silence, whispers, stares, tears behind locked dorm doors…They didn't matter.


Because I wasn't alone.Because he still looked at me like I was bright and loud and alive.Because in his arms, I wasn't broken.


I was just Rain Wang.The baby sister.The talkative one.The dramatic one who needed hugs and tea and pineapple cake to fix everything.


Chapter 36 - My Safe Place