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Valeria, a sharp-witted but overly ambitious law student, wakes up late for her crucial entrance exam after her mischievous adoptive brother, Daniel, sabotages her clock. In her frantic rush, she humiliates herself in front of her lecturer, Mrs. Rogers, and becomes the laughingstock of social media. Furious, Valeria vows revenge—only to return home to another one of Daniel’s pranks, leading to a violent confrontation that changes everything.  

But Valeria’s life is far more complicated than it seems. Adopted into the powerful Royale family, she was groomed for one purpose: to marry Leon, the family’s rebellious black sheep. Though beloved by their grandmother, Leon is everything Valeria despises—a reckless, charming playboy who sees through her icy façade.  

Haunted by past trauma and a deep-seated hatred for men, Valeria refuses to let love weaken her ambitions. Greedy, cunning, and ruthless, she plays the Royales' game, pretending compliance while secretly plotting her own rise to power. But Leon isn’t fooled. He challenges her at every turn, igniting a dangerous game of seduction and betrayal.  

As tensions escalate between Valeria and LEON, and her forced marriage looms closer, she must decide: Will she cling to her vengeance and ambition, or will Leon’s persistent win her over.
A dark past involving abandonment and betrayal fuels her hatred for men, making her fiercely independent but emotionally closed off.  
Leon’s Complexity:Though seen as the family’s reckless outcast, Leon is far more perceptive than anyone realizes. His genuine affection for Valeria clashes with her schemes.

when life gives you tangerine

The air smelled of fresh coffee and cinnamon as Val and Ava stepped into Manda's cozy apartment. The walls were lined with framed photos—her son's graduation, family vacations, a candid shot of him grinning with an acceptance letter in hand.

Manda! We heard the news!" Ava chirped, holding up a small gift bag. "Congratulations on your son's admission!"

Manda's eyes lit up as she pulled them both into a tight hug. Oh, you two! You didn't have to—

Of course we did!Val laughed, but her smile faltered as her gaze lingered on the family photos. A quiet ache settled in her chest. Would her mother ever look at her with that kind of pride again? Would her brother even remember her?

Manda noticed the shift and squeezed her shoulder. You okay, sweetheart?

Val forced a grin. Yeah, just… thinking.

Ava, ever the perceptive one, nudged her. You're wondering if your family will ever be like this, huh?

Val exhaled sharply. Is it that obvious?"

Manda's expression softened. Family's complicated, Val. But blood isn't the only thing that makes one.She gestured between the three of them. Look at us.

Val's throat tightened. She blinked away the sting in her eyes. Yeah… yeah, you're right.

First Day of Law School – Chaos Ensues

The university campus buzzed with energy—students rushing to lectures, laughter echoing down hallways, and the occasional panicked freshman sprinting in the wrong direction. Val adjusted her backpack, double-checking her schedule.

Criminal Law 101… Room 4B. Got it.

She pushed open the door—and immediately collided with a broad chest.

Whoa there, Speedy Gonzalez,a deep voice chuckled.

Val stumbled back, glaring up at the offender—a tall guy with messy brown hair, a smirk that screamed trouble, and a coffee stain already on his shirt.

You're blocking the door,she deadpanned.

And you're assaulting strangers, he shot back, grinning. Name's Michael. You must be one of the fresh meat.

Val raised a brow. Let me guess—Manda's son?

The one and only! He bowed dramatically. And you're Val, the girl who almost spilled coffee on my mom's favorite customer last week.

Sure, sure.He winked. So, you ready to get your ass handed to you by Professor Kingsley?

Michael leaned in, lowering his voice. Rumor has it, he once made a student cry just for using the wrong font in a memo.

Val snorted. That's a low-stakes bet. Her cooking's legendary.

Michael clutched his chest in mock offense. Wow. Rude. And here I was gonna save you a seat.

Fine, fine,Val laughed, following him inside. But if I fail because you distract me, I'm telling Manda."

Joke's on you—she'd take your side.

The lecture hall fell silent as a sharp-dressed man in his fifties strode in, his polished shoes clicking against the floor. His icy gaze swept over the room like a predator sizing up prey.

Welcome to Criminal Law,Professor Kingsley announced, his voice like gravel. Look to your left. Now look to your right. One of you won't make it to the end of this semester.

A nervous chuckle rippled through the class.

This isn't a joke. Law isn't about memorizing statutes—it's about thinking on your feet, arguing like your life depends on it, and most importantly…He paused, locking eyes with a trembling student in the front row. Not pissing me off.

Michael leaned over to Val.Told you.

She elbowed him. Shut up before he kills us both.

Kingsley's first assignment was brutal—a mock trial with roles assigned at random. Val got defense attorney. Michael? Prosecution.

Oh, this is gonna be fun, he whispered.

As the lecture continued, Val found herself actually excited. The thrill of the challenge, the rush of debate—maybe law school wouldn't be so bad after all.

Especially if it meant wiping that smug grin off Michael face

Class room chaos