KINGSLEY

Summer's eyes widened, her gaze locked on Alyssa.

"$500,000?" Summer repeated.

Alyssa nodded.

"To leave Kingsley," Alyssa clarified.

Summer's expression hardened.

"You think I'm for sale?" Summer asked.

Vivian intervened.

"Summer, consider—"

Summer cut her off.

"I don't need your money," Summer declared.

Alyssa's smile faltered.

"You're making a mistake," Alyssa warned.

Summer stood.

"I'd rather die poor than sell my love," Summer spat.

Alyssa's face darkened.

"You'll regret this," Alyssa hissed.

Summer walked out.

Leaving Alyssa and Vivian stunned.

---

Alyssa seethed.

"Ungrateful..." Alyssa muttered.

Vivian cautioned.

"Alyssa, calm down."

Alyssa's eyes blazed.

"We'll make her regret this," Alyssa vowed.

Vivian's expression turned cold.

"I'll arrange Plan B."

---

The night of the annual college party arrived, and the campus buzzed with excitement. Summer, trying to distract herself from the recent tension, agreed to attend with Reed and Nelly.

As they entered the vibrant party scene, Summer's eyes scanned the crowd, avoiding Kingsley's familiar figure. Reed noticed her unease.

"Hey, relax. Let's have fun," Reed said, handing her a drink.

Summer smiled, taking a sip. "Thanks, Reed."

Just then, Kingsley appeared beside her, his eyes locked intensely on hers.

"Mind if I join?" he asked, his tone low and husky.

Summer's heart skipped a beat. "It's a free country," she replied, trying to sound casual.

Kingsley smiled, his eyes never leaving hers. "Dance with me?"

---

Summer hesitated, but Kingsley's persuasive gaze won her over. "Okay," she said, handing her drink to Reed.

As they danced, Kingsley's proximity sent shivers down Summer's spine. His warm breath on her skin made her heart race.

"You're stunning," Kingsley whispered, his lips brushing her ear.

Summer's eyes fluttered closed, her resolve weakening.

Just as they swayed to the music's crescendo, a commotion erupted near the entrance.

Alyssa, flanked by two imposing bodyguards, strode into the party. Her icy gaze scanned the crowd, locking onto Summer and Kingsley.

"Looks like the party's about to get interesting," Reed muttered to Nelly.

Alyssa's smile was venomous. "Time to crash this little love fest."

---

Alyssa marched toward Summer and Kingsley, her bodyguards clearing a path.

"Kingsley, darling," Alyssa said, her voice dripping with malice. "I see you're still enthralled with this...girl."

Kingsley's eyes narrowed. "Alyssa, leave."

"Oh, I'm just getting started," Alyssa purred. "You see, Summer, Kingsley made a little bet with his friends. Whoever won your heart would win $100,000."

Summer's eyes widened in shock.

"Is that true?" Summer demanded, turning to Kingsley.

Kingsley's face darkened. "Alyssa, shut up."

"True or not?" Summer pressed.

Kingsley hesitated before speaking. "It was just a stupid joke, Summer."

Summer's heart sank.

"A joke?" Alyssa repeated. "You used her as a pawn, Kingsley. And now you're willing to do anything to keep her."

Summer felt like she'd been punched in the gut.

"Is everything between us a lie?" Summer asked, her voice trembling.

Kingsley grasped her arms. "No, Summer. I swear—"

"Let me go," Summer said, pulling away.

Reed and Nelly stepped forward, flanking Summer.

"I think it's time for you to leave, Alyssa," Reed said firmly.

Alyssa smirked. "This isn't over."

As Alyssa departed, Summer's mind reeled.

"Was it all just a game?" Summer wondered aloud.

Kingsley's eyes pleaded for understanding.

"Summer, listen—"

"No," Summer interrupted. "I need time to think."

With that, Summer turned and walked away, leaving Kingsley and his secrets behind.

---