The Deal With The Devil...

Sarah sat on the couch, watching as her mother wiped away her tears.

"Your father's family… they've been making things difficult for me just because I wanted the best for you," her mother said, voice shaking.

Sarah's heart clenched. She had never been able to stand seeing her mother cry.

"I only wanted you to have a secure future, but now they're blaming me for interfering in your life… as if a mother shouldn't care about her daughter."

Sarah swallowed hard.

"I just wanted you to be happy, Sarah," her mother continued, looking at her with tearful eyes. "But if you don't want this, I won't force you. I'll handle everything alone."

Sarah looked away, her grip tightening around the cushion in her lap. She knew her mother wasn't lying—her family would give her a hard time for making decisions without consulting them.

"I'll do it," Sarah said, her voice quieter than she expected. "I'll get engaged to William."

Her mother's expression instantly softened.

"You will?"

Sarah nodded. "If it means you won't have to deal with this alone… then yes."

Her mother pulled her into a hug.

"You've made the right choice, my love."

Sarah let out a slow breath, hoping—just hoping—she wouldn't regret it.

The next day, as Sarah walked into the college hall, she spotted William leaning against a pillar, arms crossed, waiting for her.

His sharp eyes locked onto her the moment she entered, and before she could turn away, he smirked.

"I heard you agreed to get engaged to me." His voice carried a teasing edge. "Are you falling for me, princess?"

Sarah scoffed. "Not even in your dreams."

William pushed off the pillar, stepping closer. "You sure? Because last night, I had a dream where you confessed your undying love for me."

Sarah rolled her eyes. "Did I also beat you up in that dream? Because that's what's about to happen in real life."

William chuckled, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "Relax, Miss Dramatic. I was just checking if my fiancée has already started fantasizing about our engagement."

Sarah gave him a deadpan stare. "The only fantasy I have is one where you shut up."

William laughed. "You're stuck with me now, princess. Better start adjusting."

Sarah groaned. "I swear, I'm going to make your life a nightmare."

William's smirk deepened. "Looking forward to it."

Sarah turned on her heel, ignoring his laughter as she walked off.

This guy is impossible.

Later that afternoon, Sarah found William in the college library, surrounded by books. Unlike his usual smug and annoying self, he looked… serious. Focused.

She watched him from a distance, flipping through pages, completely unaware of his surroundings.

"So, Mr. Iceberg studies this hard? Interesting."

She had always seen him teasing, mocking, or irritating her, but here he was—completely absorbed in his studies.

Sarah plopped down in the chair across from him. "You're studying?"

William didn't even glance up. "Observant, aren't you?"

Sarah narrowed her eyes. "Trying to hold onto your topper title from your last college, huh?"

William flipped a page. "Obviously. Unlike you, I don't settle for second place."

Sarah gasped dramatically. "Did you just insult me?"

William smirked. "I'm just stating facts, clumsy princess."

Sarah crossed her arms. "Fine. Then let's make a deal."

William finally looked up, intrigued. "I'm listening."

If I manage to distract you from studying, I win."

He chuckled, leaning back. "And what happens if you lose, Daddy's girl?"

Sarah glared. "Don't call me that."

"Why not? Isn't your whole engagement happening because of your dear father and mother?" He tilted his head mockingly.

Sarah huffed. "If I lose, I'll stop calling you Mr. Iceberg."

William smirked. "Deal. But let's be honest, princess—there's no way you're winning this."

Sarah smirked right back. "Watch me."

✔ First Attempt: She started humming loudly, completely out of tune.

➡ Result: William didn't react.

✔ Second Attempt: She tapped her pen on the table rhythmically.

➡ Result: He continued reading.

✔ Third Attempt: She sent him notes on paper.

First note: Bored yet?

William's response: Try harder.

✔ Fourth Attempt: She fake sighed dramatically.

➡ Result: Nothing. No reaction.

Frustrated, Sarah finally dropped her head onto the table. "You're impossible!"

William closed his book, smirking. "You lost, princess."

Sarah pouted. "You're no fun."

William shrugged. "And you're predictable. Better luck next time, fiancée."

Sarah's eyes widened. "Don't call me that."

William leaned forward. "Why not? That's what you are now, right?"

Sarah groaned, gathering her things. "You better watch out, William. I'm going to win next time."

William's smirk widened. "I'd love to see you try."

As she stomped away, William shook his head, chuckling to himself.

"This engagement might not be so boring after all."

Sarah pouted as she stared at William, who looked entirely too smug about his victory. She crossed her arms and sighed dramatically.

"Fine. A bet's a bet. No more Iceberg."

William smirked. "Glad you finally accept your defeat, princess."

Sarah narrowed her eyes, a mischievous glint replacing her fake disappointment. "Yeah, yeah… but you didn't say I can't give you a new nickname."

William's smirk faltered slightly. "What?"

Sarah tapped her chin thoughtfully, then grinned. "From now on, you shall be known as… Professor Boring."

William blinked. "What?"

"I mean, you're always studying, always acting all serious, and honestly, you sound like an old professor sometimes. And let's not forget how you explain things like you're giving a boring lecture." She sighed dramatically. "I almost fall asleep just listening to you!"

A muscle twitched in William's jaw. "Sarah—"

"Oh no, Professor Boring, you lost your temper! That's not very professor-like of you," she teased, laughing as William ran a frustrated hand through his hair.

"You're insufferable."

"And you're boring. It evens out," she said with a wink.

William groaned, but deep down, a strange warmth spread through him—one he quickly shoved aside.

Sarah had won in her own way, and for the first time, he wasn't sure how to deal with it.