The sound of rolling suitcases filled the quiet hallway as Valentine adjusted the strap of her leather bag. Her parents' voices echoed faintly behind her, reminding her of curfews, manners, and how "Malcolm College will open doors, not trouble."
Valentine never expected their sudden move would land her in the world-famous Malcolm College—a school filled with the wealthy, the influential, and the brilliant from all parts of the world. That was how famous, big, and powerful the school was.
Yes, she was affluent, and indeed, she was exceptionally intelligent; however, she never regarded herself as being among pampered scions who viewed the world through a rose-tinted lens.
Doors. That's what Valentine's parents, Mike and Michelle Loraine, had said to her—but she wasn't sure if she wanted any of those opened.
Walking out of her new home with her suitcase, Valentine couldn't help but feel strange. She had moved several times before, but this...
'This felt different.'
"What are you staring at, Val? Get inside. I'm sure you don't want to leave a bad impression on your teachers by getting there late," Michelle said as she guided Valentine into the car.
Valentine sighed as she entered, the door opened by her chauffeur. Just then, her dad arrived, telling the chauffeur he would drive instead. That only made Valentine groan internally. She didn't see why her parents had to come along—sure, it wasn't her first time heading to a new environment, but it was her first time living away from home.
She stared out the window as they drove through the city. The view shifted from crowded streets to a more refined part of town—tall gates, glass towers, and gold-plated signs. Everything screamed privilege.
Her mother smiled, a dimple showing on her cheek. Her red lipstick was too bright for the morning light, but it only enhanced the glow of her long golden hair.
"Sweetheart, remember to keep a low profile. Malcolm is filled with children of our business partners."
Her father chuckled softly.
"And perhaps future competitors."
Her mother's playful smile added a mischievous glow to her face—the same face that graced fashion magazines, talk shows, and billboards.
Michelle Loraine, top fashion icon and CEO of Secret Veil fashion company.
Her father, Mike Loraine, owned one of the largest firms in the world. He was known for his fierce personality and for grooming some of the best companies worldwide.
As they talked and joked, Valentine nodded, though her mind drifted back to the dream that had woken her days ago—a woman's voice whispering in a strange language, blocked by a glowing barrier. She hadn't told them. They'd only worry more.
When they arrived, Malcolm College didn't look like a school—it looked like a royal academy from a fantasy movie. White marble walls, arched glass ceilings, and the school's emblem: a curtain and flame intertwined, symbolizing wisdom and strength.
As Valentine stepped out, she saw well-known businessmen helping their children unload luggage. Inside the tall black gates stood the palace-like building, contrasting sharply with the sleek red-and-blue uniforms of students laughing and snapping photos. Every few minutes, another limo pulled up—each one more luxurious than the last.
Valentine swallowed a sigh.
She had a feeling she'd hate it here.
"Okay, we're here. What do you think, mi amor?" her father asked, squeezing her shoulder affectionately.
Sending them a polite smile, she replied, "I hope it's the opposite of my feelings."
"Good, why don't we follow—" Mike was saying when his phone rang. Taking the call, he stepped aside.
That gave Michelle her moment.
"Val, I understand you may not find this place to your liking, but please remember—we brought you here with the best intentions. Just try to make the most of it, alright?"
Valentine nodded, taking a deep breath.
"And I did my research," Michelle added slyly. "The school is filled with beauties. Hmm, guy beaut—"
"Mom!" Valentine's eyes widened in shock.
"What's going on?" Mike asked as he walked back.
"Merely a morsel of wisdom from a mother, who once experienced youth, to her eighteen-year-old daughter—who remains celibate," Michelle quipped, hugging her husband.
"Whatever it is, I object," Mike said. "My Val doesn't need a man in her life. For now, I'm enough. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't loosen up a little when you get inside those gates. Youth doesn't wait for the future—enjoy it while it lasts."
Michelle winked and blew Valentine a kiss as they waved goodbye and got into the car.
Valentine sighed, holding the suitcase in one hand and the black card her father had slipped her in the other.
They'd promised she'd live like a normal teenage girl—no extra money. But her mother had pulled the same move moments later.
Now, she had two sleek black cards—one for money, one for fashion.
Shaking her head, she entered the dormitory office.
Inside, she met a beautiful girl with short, dyed hair and colorfully painted nails. She looked lively—and a little off.
"Valentine Loraine, right? You've been assigned to Room 212. Your roommate is Rachel Vega."
The girl grinned, sending a chill down Valentine's spine. Why did she look like she'd kill her if she smiled wider?
"Joker," Valentine muttered before realizing she'd said it aloud.
"Sure enough," the girl replied with a smirk.
"I—I didn't mean to say that," Valentine stammered.
"Nah, it's cool," the girl waved it off.
Valentine exhaled. "Good. My heart felt heavy after lying."
The girl studied Valentine's face—then burst out laughing.
"You're cute. I'm Lira Knox," she said, offering a hand.
"Valentine Loraine."
"From now on, you're tied to me." Lira grinned, leaning close to whisper something, her words faintly echoing in Valentine's mind. For the first time that morning, Valentine smiled—she'd just made a friend.
"I'll see you at the Great Hall. Oh, and good luck surviving Rachel Vega," Lira called, sprinting off.
"Wait—who's Rachel Vega—?"
Valentine froze as the dorm door swung open. A tall, sleepy-eyed blonde girl stood there in pajamas… with a boy's arm wrapped around her waist.
Why was there a male in the female dorm?!