Morning 10 AM – Portland State University
Despite the hunger gnawing at her, Stella walked to college with a bright smile, determined to make the day her own. The cool morning breeze lifted her spirits, and she pushed aside thoughts of her auntie's harsh words and the strange mark on her cheek. As she approached the campus, she spotted Trisa, the college topper and her classmate, marching ahead with her usual haughty air. Trisa's dislike for Stella was no secret, her cold stares cutting like knives. But Stella, with her innocent heart, couldn't see the malice, always believing in kindness.
"Hey, Trisa! Wait up, come with me!" Stella called, her voice warm and inviting.
Trisa spun around, her eyes narrowing. "Where the heck are you taking me, Stella?"
Stella beamed, oblivious to the venom. "I gave my assignments to a junior to write. She's meeting me soon with them. I just need someone to talk to till she gets here. Stay with me, please!"
Trisa huffed, clearly irritated, but muttered, "Ugh, fine," and trailed Stella to the front gate, her arms crossed tightly.
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Morning, 10:15 AM – Aidan's Mansion
In the Raff family's grand mansion, Linta caught Aidan in the hall as he grabbed his keys, already late for Tonight Enterprises. Her face was clouded with worry, her usual playful energy subdued.
"Aidan, you've got to come to college with me," Linta urged, clutching his arm. "Someone's ragging me, and it's getting out of hand."
Aidan's eyes darkened, his protective side flaring. Ragging? The word set him on edge, visions of cruel taunts flashing in his mind. "Who's doing this? Tell me now."
Linta bit her lip, then said softly, "This girl… she won't leave me alone. It's too much."
"I'm coming with you," Aidan said, his tone resolute. "No one touches my sister." He snatched his jacket, and they hurried to his car, the engine roaring as they raced to Portland State University.
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Morning, 10:30 AM – College Front Gate
Stella and Trisa lingered by the campus gate, Stella shifting nervously as she watched for the junior with her assignments. Trisa stood with a scowl, scrolling through her phone. A sleek black car pulled up, and Linta leaned out the window, pointing at Stella. "That's her, Aidan. She's the one ragging me."
Aidan's gaze snapped to Stella, a flicker of recognition tugging at him. Have I seen her before? The thought nagged, but he couldn't place her. His focus sharpened—she was the one upsetting Linta, and that was enough.
He and Linta stepped out and approached the gate. Stella's eyes widened as Aidan came into view, her heart skipping. His striking blue eyes, chiseled features, and commanding presence left her breathless. She stood rooted, caught in his spell, barely hearing Trisa's annoyed huff beside her.
Aidan's voice was low and sharp. "Are you the one ragging my sister?"
Stella opened her mouth but stayed silent, too stunned to respond, her mind reeling from his familiar face. Those eyes… from last night?
Aidan loomed over her, his face a mask of steel, voice low and menacing. "Hear me clearly: leave my sister alone. Focus on your books, or next time, I won't be this civil." His words sliced through the air, a chilling ultimatum. He spun on his heel and strode to his car, leaving Stella rooted in place, trembling.
Linta's face lit up with relief, a small smile breaking through as she slipped away to her class, practically skipping.
Stella stood there, her heart pounding. It wasn't a dream. He was in my room last night. The realization hit her like a wave, blending shock with a strange thrill. She felt like she'd stepped into a fantasy, her mind painting him as some enigmatic hero. With a dazed smile, she wandered toward her batch, her steps light despite the chaos in her head.
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Afternoon, 1 PM – Tonight Enterprises
Valor sat at his desk, buried in reports, his usual charisma muted by focus. His phone buzzed, and his grandfather's name flashed on the screen. He answered, leaning back in his chair.
"Valor, my boy," his grandfather's warm voice crackled through. "Come to the estate this evening. I've got a surprise for you."
Valor's brow lifted, a grin tugging at his lips. "A surprise? You know I don't like mysteries, Grandpa."
"Trust me, you'll like this one," his grandfather chuckled before hanging up.
Valor shook his head, amused, and returned to his work. Later, Liza slipped into his office, her smile playful as she perched on his desk. They bantered and laughed, stealing moments of closeness, unaware that tonight's meeting would introduce Valor to a destiny he never expected—his soul's true match.
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To be continued..