Emily's trying to focus on her day, but the whispers about the mysterious guy with the Maserati keep fol
Emily stepped out of her dorm building into the crisp morning clutching her class schedule like it was a shield. She had exactly twelve minutes to find her first lecture hall, and she'd promised herself — promised — she would not get lost again.
It didn't take long to realize her day was already doomed.
The first group of girls she passed slowed their steps, turning to look at her. She caught bits of their hushed conversation.
"That's her."
"Are you sure?"
"I saw them with my own eyes—"
Emily kept walking, but the next group was no better.
"She's the one from yesterday, right? The church girl?"
"Mmh. Maserati girl now."
"She doesn't look like his type…"
By the time she reached the quad, she was seriously considering taking her classes online.
Halfway across the lawn, someone called, "Hey!"
A girl with glossy black hair jogged up to her, practically vibrating with excitement. Emily stopped reluctantly.
"Who?" the girl demanded.
"…Who?" Emily echoed, confused.
The girl rolled her eyes like Emily had just committed a terrible crime. "Don't play dumb. That was Ethan Monaco yesterday. The Ethan Monaco. He's never been seen with a girl before, let alone carrying her luggage. Do you have any idea—"
Emily blinked. "Monaco? Like the country?"
The girl stared at her, scandalized. "Like the family. Oh my God, you really don't know."
Emily shook her head, feeling more lost than she had on her first day. "Look, I need to get to class—"
"You need to get security," the girl muttered, but not unkindly. "People who get close to him don't… last long."
Emily laughed before she could stop herself. "Thanks for the warning, but I think I can handle a ride and ice cream."
The girl just gave her a pitying look and walked off.
Across the quad, leaning against a lamppost, Ethan watched the exchange. He wasn't smiling.
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