Elite Crown Academy didn't look like a school.
It looked like a palace.
Tall golden gates stretched across the wide entrance, guarded by uniformed security officers. Beyond them were marble walkways, glass buildings that shimmered in the sun, fountains, and manicured gardens that looked too perfect to be real.
Amara Cole stood just outside the gate, gripping the straps of her worn backpack.
She swallowed.
This is where the rich kids go, she thought. And I'm just… me.
Her mother's words echoed in her head:
"You earned this scholarship. Walk in with pride."
Amara lifted her chin and stepped forward.
Inside, luxury screamed from every corner.
Students walked around in designer shoes, expensive watches, and perfectly tailored uniforms. Some were laughing loudly, others were on their phones, and a few were already being surrounded by admirers.
Amara adjusted her simple uniform, suddenly aware of how plain she looked.
She took a deep breath.
Just survive the day, she told herself.
The moment she walked into the main hallway, conversations slowed.
Heads turned.
Whispers started.
"Who's that?"
"New student?"
"Definitely not from a rich family."
Amara ignored them and continued walking, focusing on the classroom numbers.
That was when everything went wrong.
She turned a corner too quickly and crashed straight into someone.
Hard.
Her books scattered across the floor.
"Oh my— I'm so sorry!" she blurted out, quickly kneeling to pick them up.
Before she could look up, a deep, annoyed voice spoke.
"Watch where you're going."
Her heart skipped.
She slowly raised her eyes.
And froze.
The boy standing in front of her looked like he stepped out of a magazine cover.
Sharp jawline. Perfect skin. Dark hair. Cold grey eyes.
This was Lucien Knight.
The billionaire's son.
The untouchable prince of Elite Crown Academy.
The entire hallway had gone silent.
Amara's fingers tightened around her books.
"I said I'm sorry," she repeated softly.
Lucien stared at her, clearly irritated. Then his eyes dropped to her books.
Public Education Board.
Scholarship ID.
Something flickered across his face.
"So you're the scholarship girl," he said flatly.
The words stung more than she expected.
Before she could reply, a group of students gathered behind him.
"Well, well," a girl with flawless makeup sneered. "Looks like the school is lowering its standards."
Amara's face burned.
Lucien didn't defend her.
But he didn't mock her either.
Instead, he stepped aside.
"Try not to crash into people again," he said coldly, then walked away.
Just like that.
Leaving Amara standing there, embarrassed and angry.
She clenched her fists.
So that's Lucien Knight, she thought. Arrogant. Cold. Typical rich boy.
She had no idea her life had just collided with his in a way that would change everything.
Later that day, Amara entered her assigned classroom and stopped.
Lucien was already there.
Seated in the back.
Right beside the empty desk with her name on it.
Fate had a cruel sense of humor.
Her heart sank
Great, she thought. This year is going to be war.