CHAPTER 2

Adrian's POV

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I woke up to nice weather. Too bad it didn't match my mood.

The second I opened my eyes, irritation settled in like an unwelcome guest. 

The faint sound of birds chirping outside only worsened my headache. Great—another useless day of pretending to care about college.

I yawned, already exhausted by the mere thought of stepping foot in that place. 

But I had no choice. My mother—the true boss of the house—made sure of that.

Skipping wasn't an option.

Dragging myself out of bed, I ran a hand through my already messy blond hair, my jaw tightening at the thought of enduring another day of pointless lectures and fake smiles. 

I would rather sit through hours of hell than watch my parents act like some loved-up couple straight out of a romance movie.

Rubbing it in my face like they had something I never would.

Tch. Whatever.

I wasn't in the mood for a morning run. I just needed to get this damn day over with.

By the time I made it downstairs, the scent of fresh breakfast filled the air. Normally, that would be a good thing.

Not today.

Because sitting at the dining table, acting all perfect, were my parents.

My father, the man who made the underworld tremble at his feet, sat beside my mother, the only woman who had ever tamed him. 

They were whispering to each other, laughing softly like they weren't two of the most feared people in the country.

Disgusting.

"Look who's finally awake," my mother said, turning toward me with an all-too-cheerful smile.

I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, yeah. Morning."

"Sit down and eat," my father ordered, barely sparing me a glance as he sipped his coffee.

I grabbed an apple instead. "Not hungry."

My mother sighed. "You barely eat, Adrian. You should take better care of yourself."

I ignored her, already heading toward the door. I didn't have time for this.

"Your driver is waiting outside," my father said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I clenched my jaw but didn't respond. I just stepped outside, welcoming the crisp morning air as I slid into the sleek black car.

"To the university, sir?" the driver asked, starting the engine.

"Where else?" I muttered, leaning back in my seat.

The car pulled out of the driveway, but as we drove off, a strange feeling crept into my chest.

Like something was about to change.

And I wasn't sure if I'd like it. Coming down from the car, I entered the school building and located the classroom, it was with littered course mates I didn't care about.

The first class was fast aside from the new student that was introduced to us. Nothing new happened.

As it ended I noticed the new boy scurrying away when he saw me. What's his deal? 

"Adrian, is something wrong?" Jace, my friend asked, concerned.

He's always too concerned, like a mother hen and that's why he's not upgraded to a best friend, he'd live in my house then.

My gaze stayed on the tiny boy for more than a beat before I turned away. "Nothing," I murmured. "Let's go."

I had to get my books from the locker so I didn't enter my next class early, also I used the back door to avoid clingy girls.

The moment I stepped into class, I knew something was off.

There was an unfamiliar energy in the room—subtle, but undeniable.

Then I saw him.

The new transfer student.

He stood stiffly at the front of the class, dark hair slightly tousled, expression blank like he didn't give a damn about being here. Like something just happened. 

I must've missed something.

His cold, empty eyes swept across the room—then landed on me.

And he didn't look away.

I met his gaze head-on, my instincts flaring. He wasn't looking at me the way others did. There was no awe, no fear, no fake admiration.

No—his stare held something different.

Interest. Calculation.

A hint of something off.

I narrowed my eyes slightly, tilting my head as if silently challenging him. Who are you, really?

Then—just as quickly as he stared—he looked away, masking whatever had slipped through his eyes.

But it was too late.

I noticed.

And I wasn't about to forget, Suspicion flickered in my eyes.