"Aria!" a familiar voice called.
Aria looked up and saw Sophia waving cheerfully at her. Smiling, she walked over.
"Aria, how are you doing?" Sophia asked, smiling brightly.
"I'm doing great," Aria replied with a small grin.
Sophia fell into step beside her, chatting about random little things. They laughed together as they entered the classroom.
Ava and Amalia, sitting nearby, saw them and felt anger bubbling in their chests.
The homeroom teacher soon walked in and greeted everyone with a gentle smile.
"I know some of you are excited that school has begun, and some are not," she said kindly. "But I'm happy to welcome you all back again."
The teacher, a middle-aged woman around twenty-nine or thirty, was known for her warmth. She was gentle, cared deeply for her students, and valued talent above everything.
"Remember, you're all in your senior year," she continued. "This term's exam will decide your future. Please, study hard and don't let me down."
With that, she gave them a reassuring smile and left.
As soon as the door closed, the classroom turned into chaos — everyone doing their own thing.
Aria sat quietly and began reciting her English notes. After a while, she brought out a medical book given to her by her master and opened it, reading carefully.
Her concentration broke when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned and saw Henry standing there.
Henry was the school's most handsome boy — cold, aloof, and mysterious. He rarely talked to anyone, yet somehow, he always found time for Aria.
"Hey," he greeted with a small smile, patting her head gently.
Aria frowned slightly and pushed his hand away.
He chuckled and sat beside her. "I told you to drink milk every day — you're too short," he teased.
Aria huffed in annoyance and turned back to her book.
Henry laughed softly.
When their last teacher came in, she announced, "I heard there might be a competition between our school and FD High. It's not confirmed yet, but the principal will make an announcement tomorrow."
After that, she left.
In Aria's corner sat four students — Aria, Sophia, Henry, and a quiet blonde girl who always wore large, outdated glasses.
The girl was so shy she barely lifted her eyes. Because of her looks, many classmates disliked her and refused to sit near her.
Aria, feeling bad, had told her to sit beside Sophia since she already shared her seat with Henry.
Sophia agreed kindly.
Amalia, watching from across the room, smirked wickedly. "Sister, why let her sit with Sophia and not with you?" she asked mockingly.
Aria ignored her.
Amalia's face darkened. She forced a pitiful expression and said in a soft voice, "Sister, are you still angry with me? I told you I'd ask Mom to talk to Master Mio about taking you as one of his students." Tears welled in her eyes.
The class immediately turned their eyes toward Aria.
"She's angry at her own sister," someone whispered.
"This one's jealous. How can you be angry when your sister's trying to help you?" another murmured.
"Tsk, tsk. I've never seen someone so envious before," a girl added. "Amalia is lucky — imagine Master Mio teaching her! He's my idol."
Amalia lowered her head, secretly smiling in pride.
Sophia clenched her fists, ready to speak up, when Henry suddenly said coldly, "Noisy."
His voice was low but icy, sending chills through the classroom. Everyone went silent instantly.
Amalia's lips trembled. She glanced at Henry and Aria sitting together — Henry's attention entirely on Aria — and her jealousy boiled over.
She had liked Henry since elementary school, but he never once looked her way. His cold eyes only softened when they landed on Aria.
Aria, I'll never let you have peace, she swore silently, clenching her fists tightly under the desk.
When school ended, Henry offered to drive Aria home.
"Sorry," she declined politely. "My driver's already on his way."
Henry nodded and left without argument.
Sophia came closer, whispering, "Is my uncle picking you up or the driver?"
"The driver," Aria replied simply.
Sophia smiled mischievously. "So, how's it going with my uncle? You two getting along well? You know he's scary sometimes," she teased, pretending to shiver.
Aria giggled. "He's the kindest person on earth," she said.
Sophia gave her a look. "Please, don't say that in public. If people hear you, they might run away," she joked.
Both laughed as the driver's car pulled up.
"Bye, Aria!" Sophia waved.
"Bye, Soph!" Aria waved back and got in — only to freeze when she saw Adrian sitting inside. His face was dark, his expression unreadable.
She hesitated, then quietly sat beside him. "Uncle… are you angry? I thought you went to the company."
Adrian turned his head slowly, eyes sharp. "Why did you hug Sophia?" His tone was calm but cold. "Looks like it's time for her to study abroad."
Inside her own car, Sophia sneezed suddenly. "Who's talking about me?" she muttered.
Back in Adrian's car, Aria blinked in surprise — then burst out laughing. "Uncle, are you jealous?" she asked between giggles.
Adrian's gaze softened at her laughter, but instead of replying, he leaned in and bit her gently.
"Ow!" Aria yelped and stopped laughing immediately.
He looked into her eyes and said quietly, "Yes. I'm jealous. I don't like anyone touching you — or even staring at you. It makes me want to kill someone."
Aria's eyes widened, her heart racing. Before she could say a word, his lips were on hers — deep, demanding, and intoxicating.
The kiss lasted longer than she could comprehend. When he finally pulled away, she felt breathless, dazed.
As soon as the car stopped, Aria jumped out and rushed inside the house like she was being chased.
Adrian chuckled softly behind her.
In her room, Aria threw herself onto the bed, face burning. She buried her face in the pillow, rolling back and forth.
A knock came at the door. "Madam," the maid said politely, "the Master asks that you come down to taste the cakes the butler just made."
"I'll be down in a minute!" Aria called out, trying to steady her breathing.
She went to the bathroom, took a quick shower, changed into fresh clothes, and went downstairs.
Adrian was on a phone call, his expression cold and serious. Whoever was on the other end must have said something displeasing, because his brows furrowed deeply.
The moment he saw Aria, though, his entire demeanor changed. His face softened, and a faint smile tugged at his lips.
He ended the call immediately and gestured for her to come closer.
Aria hesitated but obeyed.
As soon as she got near, he pulled her gently to sit on his lap. Aria's cheeks flushed red as he picked up a small piece of cake and lifted it to her lips.
"Try it," he said softly.
She opened her mouth, tasting the sweetness.
"It's delicious," she murmured.
Adrian smiled faintly. "Good. From now on, the kitchen will always make this for you."
Aria blinked, feeling warmth spread through her chest — a strange, unfamiliar kind of happiness.