Chapter 10

"How long do I have to beg for you to notice me? We grew up together, Amaury. Our families know each other, so why is it like this? Didn't you promise when we were kids that you would marry me?" Claire insisted.

"What the hell are you talking about, Claire?! We were just kids back then, so stop this nonsense!" Amaury snapped, pulling Claire's hand off his arm.

He was about to walk away when Claire's friend suddenly called out, making him pause. He knew exactly what they were talking about—Deanna.

"Claire, there's a VIP student in the accountancy building," Tracy exclaimed.

"What?! A VIP? Who the hell is that?"

"I'm not sure, but the other students say she's a newcomer," her friend added.

"A newcomer? How could there be a new student? The second semester is about to start," Claire said in disbelief.

"I don't know," Tracy replied.

"Don't worry, we'll find out who this so-called VIP is. Is it a girl?" Claire asked.

"Yes, they say she's beautiful and rich."

"Really?" Claire couldn't believe what she was hearing. She thought she was the only VIP in the school.

Amaury had heard enough. Without another word, he turned around and walked away, heading straight for the architecture building.

What does he plan to do about that girl? No one in the entire campus could find out that she was living in Ashford Mansion.

"Hey, bro! You seem deep in thought," Elton greeted him. Amaury just glanced at his friend.

"Oh no, don't ask him. He's probably stressing over how to get rid of the sexy and beautiful Claire," Gio chimed in.

"Exactly. Why don't you just accept her into your life, bro? She's got everything you could ever want—she's an all-in-one package!" Elton teased.

"If I were you, I'd go after her," Gio added.

Amaury sighed before speaking, "Cut it out. She's not what I'm thinking about, so just drop it."

"If not Claire, then who? Did someone else manage to steal your heart?" His two friends burst into laughter.

"As if! That guy doesn't even know how to win over a woman!" They laughed again. Amaury was so used to their jokes that he no longer paid attention.

"But seriously, bro, I heard there's a new girl in BS Accountancy," Gio said.

"Really? Is she beautiful? Sexy?" Elton fired off questions.

"Why are you always interested when it's about girls?" Gio teased. "But yeah, they say she's beautiful, sexy, and a VIP."

"Damn, that sounds like a jackpot, bro!"

"Idiot. Dating a VIP is tough. If you get involved with one, a lot of students will be against you. It'd be easier if we were one of them," he said, glancing at Amaury.

"Enough already," Amaury warned them.

"Come on, bro, who knows? Maybe this new VIP is the one for you," Gio joked.

Amaury ignored them, choosing not to respond to their teasing.

If only they knew the truth about that girl, they wouldn't even consider her—VIP or not.

"Speaking of sexy and beautiful, look who's coming, bro!" Elton exclaimed as Claire walked into their room.

"Bro, what now? We'll give you some privacy," Gio said, grinning mischievously.

Great. My day is ruined again. Why is she so persistent? I don't like her! If I ever had feelings for her, they're long gone.

"Hey, shut up! The bully is here!" a student shouted.

From the moment Claire set foot in Universidad de Ashford, she had already shown her true colors. She always took out her anger and frustration on students whenever Amaury ignored her, despite being her childhood friend and first love.

No one dared to report her misdeeds because she threatened to have anyone who crossed her expelled.

"Hi, handsome!" she greeted Amaury.

Amaury sighed and rubbed his forehead when he saw her.

He stood up and suddenly grabbed Claire's hand, dragging her out of the classroom.

"You're hurting me, Amaury! What the hell?!" she protested, but he ignored her. His grip on her arm was tight, but he didn't care if she got hurt.

Many students watched them as they left.

"Serves her right!"

"Yeah! She always throws herself at Prince Amaury even though he doesn't want her," one student said, laughing.

When they reached the music room, Amaury finally let go of Claire's arm.

"Why did you drag me like that? That was so embarrassing!" Claire snapped.

Amaury smirked. "Since when did you care about embarrassment, Claire? If you had any shame left, you'd stop this already. How many times do I have to tell you that I don't like you?" he said coldly.

"Why? Why don't you love me back? Amaury, I love you! I love you so much. Won't you at least give me a little space in your heart?" she pleaded, tears streaming down her face.

"Claire, you're just going to hurt yourself. You know that no matter what, I can never love you. You're just a friend to me. Please, stop this," he said gently.

"No! I can't do what you're asking. I love you, Amaury. I don't care if you don't love me back as long as you let me show you how much I love you. Just let me be your girlfriend—"

"Claire, please! I can't do that because I don't want to hurt you. I've said this before, and I'll say it again—I don't like you, and I never will!"

Suddenly, Claire lunged toward him, trying to hug him. When he failed to stop her, he was completely caught off guard as she suddenly kissed him.