Gloria_Atueyi_9155

Real Hearts

By Glowie. A

When love is promised to one, but fate binds another… whose heart truly wins?

Raymond Carter is a 28-year-old billionaire heir — cold, arrogant, and bound by legacy. He’s a man used to getting his way, except when it comes to the one thing he truly wants: Stephanie, a kind-hearted 23-year-old college student studying literature, whose gentle spirit melts his icy exterior. Their love is fierce but forbidden — his powerful family will never accept her.

Forced into a one-year contract marriage with Dina, a seemingly quiet and respectful woman from an influential family, Raymond assumes the arrangement will be nothing more than paper. But when kindness turns to obsession, and a year stretches into danger, Dina’s growing affection for Raymond takes a dark turn. Meanwhile, Stephanie tries to hold onto the promise he made: to return to her after it all ends.

As hearts grow closer and trust deepens, secrets from the past begin to stir — secrets that connect their families in ways no one saw coming. And in the shadows, Andre — Raymond’s best friend — battles his own feelings for Dina.

Real Hearts is a sweeping romance full of passion, betrayal, longing, and a love that fights to survive despite the odds. Can true love conquer duty, lies, and the scars of history?

Real hearts

Stephanie stood near the fountain in the central courtyard, juggling her files, a water bottle, and the remaining stress from her nearly-finished project. Katherine was next to her, animatedly talking about her latest fashion sketch idea.

"And then I thought — boom! Leopard print meets silk chiffon. No more boring," Katherine declared, flipping her sketchpad around.

Stephanie laughed. "I swear if you ever open a fashion label, your name needs to have Boom in it."

Just then, a voice drifted in behind them.

"Boom? Sounds like I walked into something explosive."

Stephanie turned, her eyes landing on a tall guy with broad shoulders, neatly styled dark hair, and warm hazel eyes. His smile was confident, like someone who was used to attention.

Final-year engineering student. Rugby captain. Charming as hell. Everyone on campus knew him — but he was rarely seen with the science department crowd.

"I'm Zayn," he said, addressing both girls. "I was actually looking for someone from the science faculty. I heard someone gave a really clever presentation in Professor Lee's class last semester. Topic on water-based polymer breakdown?"

Stephanie's brows shot up. "That was… me."

Zayn smiled wider. "No way. I was hoping I'd run into you. Lee still talks about how you turned a dead-boring topic into something compelling."

Beside her, Katherine nudged Stephanie with her elbow, eyes gleaming.

Stephanie gave a small laugh, clearly flustered. "It was just a normal report."

"Not according to your professor," Zayn said. "Anyway — I was wondering if you'd be interested in joining a multi-department innovation group. We're designing a cross-field eco tech prototype, and someone like you would be an asset."

Katherine gave Stephanie a look that screamed say yes.

"That's… unexpected," Stephanie managed.

"It's optional," Zayn added, grinning. "But I'd be lying if I said I didn't hope you'd be there. Maybe we could grab coffee and discuss it more?"

Just then, Jasmine walked into the scene holding a smoothie, her brows raised at the sight of Zayn.

"Oh. Didn't realize we were having a campus recruitment fair," she said dryly.

Zayn chuckled. "Relax. I'm not poaching. Just… recruiting brains for a good cause."

Jasmine turned to Stephanie. "You okay?"

Stephanie nodded, clearly still overwhelmed.

Katherine stepped in, ever the wingwoman. "She's just stunned that a Greek god just invited her to coffee. Give her a second to reboot."

Stephanie turned pink. "Katherine—!"

Zayn laughed. "Take your time. I'll see you around, Stephanie."

Katherine leaned in. "Tell me you're joining that innovation group."

"I don't know," Stephanie said, her voice small.

"You better," Jasmine said casually. "I've never seen that guy pitch an invite himself. He usually sends underlings."

Stephanie looked between the two girls, her heart strangely light… and a little confused.

"And yes," kat? called Stephanie. this is jasmine,the one I told you about,who helped with my project work.

"finally,was actually thinking wen you'll do the introduction" exclaimed Katherine.

"lolzz,and jasmine this is my annoying best friend, Katherine" said Stephanie ignoring the sulking kat who was called annoying.

"hey,nice meeting you" said jasmine with a smile nd extended hand which Katherine took with a smile too.

"thanks for helping my friend,and saving

her from that b*tch," Katherine said with much gratitude and sincerity.

chapter nineteen- The one who noticed