ManyWriters

Ethan Blake's father was my family's bodyguard. He was brutally stabbed to death while rescuing me from kidnappers.
My father, consumed by guilt, took Ethan into our home and raised him as part of our family. He planned for Ethan to marry me when we grew up, as a way in honor of this debt of gratitude.
I also felt indebted and tried everything to win Ethan's affection, almost to the point of fawning over him.
However, Ethan always treated me with cold indifference, barely acknowledging my existence.
One evening, I was working on my personal statements for university applications, he suddenly came to see me and asked about my preparations for the Science Innovation Award.
I thought he had finally warmed up to me and excitedly shared all the details of my project with him.
One week later, I discovered that Ethan's childhood sweetheart, Olivia, had stolen my idea and submitted it as her own for the competition.
She ended up winning first place in the Science Innovation Award and received an early admission to Stanford University.
Heartbroken, I confronted Ethan about why he had extracted my ideas to help Olivia.
He replied with utter indifference, "Aren't you supposed to be capable? Even without the early admission opportunity, you should be able to get in on your own merit."

My Dear Enemy, My New Beginning

As Alexander was leaving, I unexpectedly discovered he was still waiting outside the dormitory.


He explained, "I heard a commotion in the dorm earlier and came back to check if you were okay."


I forced a smile. "Olivia won over my roommates with just one meal. I'll have to stay at a hotel tonight."


Alexander shot a fierce glare in the direction of the girls' dorm. "Come with me. I guarantee you'll stay somewhere more comfortable than a five-star hotel."


Less than a mile from campus was the Grand Regent Hotel, owned by the Reid family and one of the most luxurious five-star hotels in America.


Alexander arranged for me to stay in the top-tier presidential suite, all expenses paid for as long as I wanted.


"Tomorrow you can apply to the school for a single room or off-campus housing permission. You should stay here from now on."


I was a bit surprised. "Why are you being so nice to me?"


Alexander grinned mischievously. "I accidentally grazed your forehead with a basketball. I should compensate you."


After enjoying a professional massage at the Grand Regent's spa center, I felt completely relaxed, all my troubles melting away.


Alexander then arranged for me to have a late-night snack at the revolving restaurant on the top floor.


"Is the revolving restaurant still open this late?" I asked, puzzled."For the love of you, this revolving restaurant can operate 24/7," Alexander said confidently.


A perfect Beef Wellington was served, its aroma wafting through the air. My mouth watered instantly.


I cut off a piece and put it in my mouth. The meat was tender and juicy, causing me to let out a satisfied sigh.


As I continued eating, my eyes began to water, and a warm feeling welled up inside me. "Thank you, Alexander," I said.


I went on, "I always thought you saw me as a rival, constantly opposing me. In business, you were always competing with my family, treating me like a mortal enemy. But when I was at my most vulnerable and helpless, you stepped up to protect and comfort me. I hope we can be good friends from now on."


Alexander paused for a moment, his gaze becoming intense. "Just friends? What I want is so much more than that. I challenged you academically and competed with your family in business, all to get your attention. I never thought you'd see me as a mortal enemy. Looks like my approach to pursuing a girl was indeed too clumsy, backfiring completely."


"You like me?!" I exclaimed, my eyes widening in surprise.


Alexander's expression turned serious. "Yes, I've liked you for a long time, Sophia."


I found myself staring at Alexander, feeling my heart skip a beat. His blue eyes sparkled in the candlelight, his chiseled nose and sharp jawline rendering his profile as perfect as a Greek sculpture.


When he reached out to gently grasp my fingertips, an electric sensation spread from the point of contact throughout my entire body. I lowered my head, attempting to hide my flushed cheeks, but couldn't suppress the upward curve of my lips.


"Maybe... we could try dating and see how it goes," I said softly.


Alexander's eyes instantly brightened, and he leaned forward, his thumb caressing the back of my hand. "Tonight is just the beginning, Princess."


His voice was deep and magnetic, making my heart race. On this night, the seeds of a brand new romance were quietly sown.


Chapter 4