---
The lecture hall was buzzing with the sound of phones.
"Put your phones away. Class is starting now," the lecturer said sternly.
Everyone quickly dropped their devices and focused on their notes. The lecture dragged on for an hour and a half before it finally ended. As the professor left, Kaden walked straight to Hazel's desk.
Hazel looked up as he approached.
"Miss Samantha asked us to perform in front of a crowd and send the video to her. If we don't do it today, we might fail," Kaden explained. "I was thinking we could perform at the cafeteria. I already called Jack to come and record it so we can all get the video."
"You should have told us yesterday," Dior said, pouting. "We could have worn something casual."
Hazel turned to her friend. "We can dance in whatever we're wearing." Then she glanced at Kaden, who was still staring at her. "Is that why you stayed in our class today?"
"Yeah," he admitted.
"So what's the song?"
"'Savage Love' by Jason Derulo."
"Okay. We'll see you at lunch."
As Kaden left, Dior opened her phone and so did Hazel. Hazel's heart skipped a beat — the photo she had posted earlier already had over one million likes in just an hour and a half, and her follower count had jumped by 1.5 million, bringing her total to 3.5 million.
"Maybe I should post more photos…" she murmured. Then one particular photo stopped her cold. Her stomach tightened.
"Isn't this… the man who slept with me?" she thought, staring at the screen.
"Dior, who is that?" she whispered.
"You don't know him?" Dior blinked. When Hazel shook her head, Dior explained, "That's Liam Greco. The most eligible bachelor in the city. He owns multiple companies — fame, money, power, everything. Girls throw themselves at him. He's only twenty-seven and already the most influential businessman in the country. Handsome, charming, hot, built — he has it all. His brother's name is Damian Greco."
Hazel's heart pounded harder as Dior's words sank in. So that's who he is…
Meanwhile, Dior beamed. "Look, I gained five hundred followers just posting our picture. Now it's 2.5 million!"
"I gained 1.5 million…" Hazel muttered.
"What?!" Dior grabbed her phone. "It's true!"
Kaden's message popped up on the group chat. "Are you guys coming to the cafeteria for the cameraman?"
"Really?" Dior exclaimed.
"Yeah," Hazel said, standing.
They went to the cafeteria and met up with Kaden, Jack, and Mia. Vorden entered first, his camera already rolling, capturing the crowd of students. As the beat of "Savage Love" filled the cafeteria, Hazel and her friends entered clapping their hands to the rhythm. Students followed their lead.
Hazel, Dior, and Mia climbed onto the tables while Kaden and Jack stayed on the floor, dancing. The energy was electric; even the cheerleaders stopped to watch. Hazel's movements were sharp yet fluid, her hair flashing under the lights. By the time the song ended, the entire cafeteria erupted into applause.
They bowed and went to get their food while Jack returned to his school. Dior, Hazel, and Vorden sat at their usual spot, but the stares never stopped.
Their phones beeped — the video had been sent. They watched it, then posted it immediately.
---
Classes ended, and as they exited the building, Dior stopped.
"Sorry, guys, I have to stay. Cheerleader practice today."
"Okay," Hazel said as Dior hugged them and left.
"Need a ride?" Vorden asked.
"No, no. I have somewhere to go," Hazel replied.
"Okay. See ya," he said, leaving her alone.
Hazel noticed a cloud of screaming girls nearby. Curious, she looked — and froze.
It's him.
She gasped, covering her mouth, and turned away, walking quickly to get out of sight. But as she reached the gate, a black car pulled up in front of her.
"Get in," a cold voice ordered.
Hazel's heart raced. Run? They'll catch me. She swallowed hard, pushed her thoughts away, and climbed into the car.
Inside, his handsome face radiated an aura that was both powerful and dangerous. She felt like she was sitting next to a storm.
But then his eyes softened. His aura shifted — from murderous to something almost… tender.
"I didn't want to rush it," he said, voice low and steady. "But let's get married."
Hazel's eyes widened. Shock. Confusion. Panic.
"What?" she blurted out.
"Let's get married."
"I don't want to marry you. I don't even know you. I still have so many things I want to do. Marriage isn't one of them. I'm sorry for throwing myself at you — it won't happen again."
"The moment I saw you, you became mine," Liam said calmly. "No one can separate you from me."
Hazel shivered as he gestured to the driver to start the car.
"Where are we going?" she asked.
"To eat."
"I'm sorry, but my shoes are killing me, and it's cold outside," she murmured, trying to keep distance from this man who seemed both a savior and a lunatic.
"Don't worry," he said softly.
He signaled the driver again, and they turned toward a VIP boutique. The car stopped, and they stepped out. Inside, the store's décor was luxurious, almost intimidating. An attendant bowed deeply.
"He's very handsome…" Hazel thought despite herself, glancing at the clerk.
Liam's hand went around her waist, pulling her close. "Don't ever look at another man again. I want you to look at me only."
Is he crazy? she thought, forcing a smile.
They sat down as ten attendants entered, each carrying a pair of exquisite shoes and explaining their features. Liam turned to her, waiting for her to choose. Hazel sat stiffly, unsure what to do. She didn't want him to buy her anything. He was a lunatic — but a lunatic who had already entangled her life with his.
---