Liliana rolled her eyes at Michael and turned her full attention to the new guy. She couldn't deny it he was now officially the hottest boy on campus. It was a shame for Josh… his reign just ended.
"I'll admit it Alice is still the hottest and most fashionable girl in school, which means…"
She paused, her face darkening. No way. There's absolutely no way I'm going to let this happen. He's mine. I won't allow that pairing," she muttered under her breath, fists clenched.
Japheth made his way to the seat beside her and gave her a polite smile, waving.
"Hi."
"Hi, I'm Liliana."
"Nice meeting you, Liliana."
"Same here," she replied, flashing her most dazzling smile. Alright, enough with the introductions. Class is still in session you can get to know each other better during recess," Miss Maison interrupted, clearly unimpressed.
Bell rings.
Okay kids, that will be all for today." Bye, Miss Maison!" the class chorused. Japheth, I hope you don't mind hanging out sometime?" Liliana asked sweetly. Sure, Liliana." Great! I need to head to the music room. See you later. Yeah, see you."
"My man!"
Japheth turned toward the voice and found himself looking at a tall, muscular boy with striking blonde hair and piercing blue eyes.
"Yeah?" Japheth said, rising to his feet.
I'm Josh Cruz, the former hottest guy on campus." Japheth laughed. "I can see why. Nice meeting you, man." He extended a hand, and Josh took it with a friendly grin.
"Awww," the whole class cooed.
Japheth blinked, startled. "That was… weird," he muttered to Josh. Meanwhile, Kira and Alice had their earphones in, lost in their music. Kira admired Japheth but wasn't the type to drool over good looks especially not when she had a brother and an uncle who looked like they'd walked straight out of a Greek myth.
Alice, on the other hand, was struggling. For the first time in her life, she had a crush. A real, heart-pounding, don't-look-too-long-or-you'll-melt kind of crush. She had her earphones in mostly to stop herself from staring too much. Josh and Japheth started making their way toward the cafeteria.
"Please, lead the way." Of course, my man," Josh said, laughing.
But as Japheth passed between the desks, he accidentally stepped on Alice's foot.
"Ouch!" Alice shot up. "What the heck?! I've had enough!" she screamed and, without thinking, hurled her phone across the room. It slammed into the wall with a bang. Then she saw who it was. Uh… I'm sorry, I think I overreacted."
Stop." Japheth raised a hand, calm and composed. "No need to explain. You just destroyed an iPhone 14 because I stepped on your foot." "Did you just say just? You owe me an apology, you know! What the—"
Yeah, okay. I can already tell you're one of those rude, spoiled rich girls." He smirked and walked right past her.
Alice stood frozen, heart thudding. Kira rushed to her side. I swear, Kira, I didn't see him. I thought it was Liliana again. She always steps on me on purpose. I've had enough today my reaction was just…" "You really surprised me. First time I've seen you go off like that. Too bad I missed most of the drama," Kira sighed. "Yeah, because you were too busy jamming to music," Alice teased.
"Uncle Chris!" Alice called out to their chauffeur. Yes, Ma'am?" Can we stop by the mall? I need to get a new phone." "The nearest one is Maxgel, but it's a thirty-minute drive." That's fine. I'll explain to Mom."
"Alice, do you have your credit card?" Yeah, I think oh no, I left it in my locker." Seriously, Al?" Kira groaned. We'll just go back. "I wanted to shop!" Alice pouted. You could order it online…" Kira said, unimpressed.
"You really want to?"
Both girls turned sharply at the sound of a deep, smooth voice. A tall, handsome man stood a few steps away. "Aww, Al… he's so handsome," Kira whispered.
Mark chuckled. "Hi. Don't be scared I'm not a bad guy." Oh, don't worry, Uncle. Even if you were, we've got bodyguards," Alice smiled.
"Haha, you're so different from Leon."
Two guards came sprinting toward the girls.
"Ma'am Alice, are you alright?" They froze when they saw Mark and immediately bowed.
"Sorry, Sir we didn't know…" No need. You're just doing your job," he replied coolly.
Alice and Kira exchanged stunned glances.
"Wait did you just say Leon? As in Leonard Dark Hart? And… how do you know our guards?"Well, let's just say your brother and I work closely. So I know his staff… and his little sister."
Alice's brows furrowed. "Who are you?" He smiled and held out a sleek black credit card.
Here. Go in there and get the phone you want. If you really need a name, tell your brother it was from Mark." I want your full name," Alice pressed. "I would tell you… but I can't. Not with your dear friend here." Me?" Kira pointed at herself, wide-eyed. Yes, baby girl. Because of you." Pfft, weird," Kira muttered, rolling her eyes.
Mark smirked. "You definitely have my blood running through your veins." I beg your pardon?" Alice asked, stunned. Don't worry. When the time is right, you'll understand. Enjoy your shopping, girls. The sky is the limit." He waved and climbed into a sleek car, followed by a convoy of high-end security vehicles.
"Wow. Is he a celebrity?" Kira asked, still staring. Alice smirked. "Why are you acting like Uncle Jeffery doesn't travel with this kind of security?" "Yeah, but this… this feels different."
Alice looked down at the card in her hand.
"I don't know why, but… I feel like I'm related to him." "You're right," Alice agreed. Whatever. Let's shop till we drop." "So what are you waiting for? Let's go!"