Elena

Chapter 2: The Devil in the Classroom

(Elena's POV )

The moment I walked into my first class, I knew I was screwed.

The room was huge—floor-to-ceiling windows, polished wooden desks, and a giant chandelier hanging from the ceiling—because apparently, even classrooms had to scream rich. Students sat in groups, laughing, whispering, their designer bags taking up more space than actual books.

I clutched my backpack strap tightly, scanning the room. Most seats were already taken, except…

The one in the back.

I sighed in relief and started walking, hoping to blend in. Big mistake.

A foot shot out in front of me.

I stumbled forward, barely catching myself before I fell. A few gasps and muffled snickers echoed around me.

"Oops."

I already knew who it was before I looked up.

Xavier Knight.

Sitting there, legs spread out like he owned the place, a smirk playing on his lips. His expensive watch glinted under the sunlight as he leaned back lazily, watching me like I was his personal entertainment.

My heart pounded. Heat rushed to my cheeks, but I forced myself to straighten up.

"Didn't see you there, sweetheart," Xavier drawled, fake innocence dripping from his voice. "Then again, you're kinda… forgettable."

Laughter rippled through the class.

I clenched my jaw. Ignore him. Just move.

But Xavier? He wasn't done.

"You sure you're in the right place?" he continued. "I heard Ridgewood Academy is doing some charity work lately, but damn… didn't think they'd let in the homeless too."

More laughter. Someone actually whistled.

I felt my nails dig into my palm. Don't react. Don't give him the satisfaction.

But then, he leaned forward, too close, his green eyes glinting with amusement. "Tell me, sweetheart, did you save up all year just to buy that sweater?"

The class erupted.

That's when I knew—I wasn't just some random girl to him.

He was targeting me.

And I had no idea why.

I forced myself to meet his gaze. "You're right, Xavier," I said, voice steady. "I don't belong here."

The laughter died down slightly. He raised an eyebrow, waiting for me to continue.

"But at least I worked hard to be here," I said. "Unlike you, who was just handed everything on a silver platter."

A few gasps.

A few heads turning.

Even Xavier seemed taken aback for a second.

But then, he grinned. "Cute. But sweetheart, let me give you some advice—people like you?" He leaned in, voice low. "You don't last here."

I forced a smile. "Guess we'll find out, won't we?"

Before he could reply, someone grabbed my wrist.

"Come on, let's sit somewhere else," a soft voice whispered.

I turned and met a pair of warm brown eyes.

A girl with dark wavy hair, light freckles, and a knowing smile. She looked like she had seen way too much of Xavier's games.

I followed her to a desk in the middle, finally able to breathe.

"I'm Lena Carter, by the way," she whispered, tossing a glare in Xavier's direction. "Ignore him. He's an arrogant jerk with too much money and not enough personality."

I let out a small laugh. "I kinda figured that out already."

She grinned. "Good. That means you're smart. You'll need that to survive this place."

I glanced back at Xavier, who was still watching me, his smirk unwavering.

Something told me he wasn't done with me yet.

And I had just become his favorite new game.

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