ACETECH2605

PROLOGUE 
When love and command collide, what will shatter? Megara Smith, seventeen, faces a life irrevocably altered by her mother's betrayal. Not only did her mother abandon their family, but she also stole her father's fortune, leaving him bankrupt. Megara, already wary of the wealthy, finds solace only in her loyal best friend, Nathan Jones, a rare exception who chooses to attend their local community school despite his privileged background.

Fate, however, has a cruel twist in store. Uriel Oman Jefferson, the arrogant and irresistibly handsome leader of the popular Zealous boy group, and heir to one of the UK's most powerful families, crosses paths with Megara. Their initial encounter at a local cafe ignites a spark of defiance in her, a spark that Uriel, accustomed to unquestioning obedience, finds infuriatingly captivating.

Despite his fervent desire to forget her, destiny intervenes. Megara's academic brilliance earns her a scholarship to Royal Von High, Uriel's own exclusive domain. The unexpected reunion fuels his resentment, and he vows to expel her. But his attempts to sabotage her only draw them closer, a dangerous dance of attraction and animosity.

Complicating matters is Hugo Arnold, the compassionate seventh grandson of the Arnold dynasty. He harbors a secret affection for Megara and desperately pleads with Uriel to abandon his vendetta. As Hugo forges a brotherly bond with Megara, his jealousy intensifies, threatening his friendship with Uriel.

Will Hugo succumb to the bitterness brewing within him, or will he rise above his envy? This is a tale of love and betrayal, of fame and revenge, and ultimately, of the transformative power of empathy and forgiveness.

IMMACULATE HEART

The final bell shrieked, unleashing a torrent of students down the stairwells. Laughter and hurried footsteps echoed as they surged towards waiting friends, cars, and lingering embraces. Megara navigated the throng with an inner confidence that set her apart, a solitary figure making her way to the school's front fountain. There, Hugo leaned against his car, his hand raised in a welcoming wave.

A smile touched her lips, and she quickened her pace. Suddenly, a rushing student bumped her, sending her stumbling. Strong arms caught her before she could collide with the cold marble. Hugo steadied her, his touch lingering for a moment as she straightened her skirt.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" The apologetic student mumbled, his ears flushed red as he hurried away. "Are you okay?" Hugo asked, his gaze concerned.

Megara laughed, adjusting her posture. "I'm okay. At least I didn't kiss the floor; I might have needed reconstructive surgery." She met Hugo's smile with her own. "So, what brings you here instead of hanging out with your friends? Did they finally kick you out?" She folded her arms playfully. "I don't want to come between you all."

Hugo shook his head, gently taking her shoulders to face her. "Don't be silly, Meg. It's my life, my choice. Uriel will get over it. I'm not going to abandon you or let anyone bully you." He extended a pinky finger. "I, Hugo Arnold, swear to be a good friend to Megara Smith. Pinky swear?"

Megara's smile widened, and she linked her pinky with his. "Yeah, pinky swear. Agreed. Okay, enough dawdling. I did promise you coffee, didn't I?"

"You did, and I haven't forgotten." He affirmed warmly. "So, are we heading to your work or home? I can drop you off."

Megara hesitated, wanting to decline, but the memory of her phone, destroyed by the earlier incident, swayed her. "Yes, I'm working the afternoon shift today, instead of my usual double." She gave herself a mental pinch.

"Are you hungry? Let's grab some McDonald's before your shift." He suggested, tugging lightly on her arm, his eyes pleading.

"I'm not really hungry, but I do need to get to work if I want to leave early." She lied, but the loud rumble of her stomach betrayed her. "Fine," she conceded, "but only fifteen minutes, and then we're going straight to my workplace."

He nodded, opening the car door for her. She slid inside, ignoring the curious glances and whispers of the remaining students. With a smooth acceleration, the car pulled away from the campus, its form shrinking against the vast horizon.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN