Chapter 4

Lisa POV

When I finally stepped into the room meant for me, my irritation paused.

The room was enormous. The Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the estate. A king-sized bed sat in the center of the room. There was a sitting area by the windows, a private balcony, and a walk-in closet that was bigger than my old bedroom.

For a moment, I simply stared.

I slowly turned in a circle. It was beautiful. Perfect, even. This bedroom was everything I’ve ever dreamed of, yet I couldn't bring myself to settle down and enjoy it.

If every inch of this place didn't remind me that my old life was gone.

A sudden memory surfaced.

Dad carrying my new bookshelf into my bedroom because I wanted to redecorate. Him pretending to complain the entire time while secretly smiling. He was laughing when I made him move it three different times because it didn't "feel right."

A lump formed in my throat.

No amount of money could buy those memories back.

I looked away quickly.

No.

I wasn't going to cry, not here, not in this house.

My luggage was already placed beside the bed. After taking a quick shower, I changed into fresh clothes and began unpacking.

Just as I zipped open my makeup case, there was a knock at the door.

“Miss Lisa?” a maid called gently. “Dinner is ready.”

“Okay, I’ll be down.”

I glanced at myself in the mirror, adjusted my hair slightly, then headed downstairs.

The dining area was just as grand as the rest of the house. A long polished table, elegant chairs, candles placed perfectly down the center.

My mom was already seated beside Ramsey and across from them was the tattoo boy.

He was leaning back in his chair, watching me as I walked in. His eyes scanned me slowly but I ignored him and took an empty seat.

“Lisa, take your seat,” Ramsey said warmly. “I hope you like the food.”

The table was filled with dishes that looked like they belonged in a five-star restaurant.

“Thank you, Ramsey,” I replied smoothly.

Then I tilted my head slightly and looked at him. “I hope I can call you that… Ramsey?”

For a brief second, my mom stiffened. She probably expected me to say “sir” or something respectful.

Ramsey smiled. “Of course. You can call me whatever you like.”

“Your mom told me you had excellent results in high school,” Ramsey said, cutting into his food with calm precision.

I paused mid-motion, slightly surprised.

“She really told you that?” I asked, brushing my hair behind my ear as I looked straight at him. “Well… she’s not wrong. I tried my best.”

That was an understatement. I didn’t just “try.” I worked for it. Late nights, extra classes, balancing school and my social life perfectly.

But still…I couldn’t hide my surprise. Mom barely noticed anything about me, even after I graduated from high school. Yet somehow, she had told him about my grades? That was Interesting.

“I want you to attend Columbia University,” Ramsey continued smoothly. “That’s where Zayn is currently studying.”

My grip on the fork tightened slightly. Columbia?

He turned his gaze toward his son. “He can help you settle in. Academically as well, if you need support.”

I followed his gaze. Zayn was already looking at me, that same annoying smirk sat on his lips like it belonged there permanently.

I let out a soft laugh. “No offense, but…” I said casually, leaning back in my chair as my eyes locked onto his. “I don’t think he has the ability to help himself, let alone someone else.”

There was silence, for a split second.

My mom shot me a warning look, Ramsey raised an eyebrow slightly, clearly amused.

And Zayn? He didn’t get offended. If anything… his smirk deepened. He leaned forward slowly, resting his arms on the table.

“Careful,” he said in a low, smooth voice. “You just got here. Wouldn’t want to start failing your first class already.”

I tilted my head. “And what class is that?” I asked.

“Survival,” he replied without missing a beat.

My lips curved into a small smile.

“Oh please,” I scoffed lightly. “I don’t need lessons from someone who looks like he spends more time staring at the mirror than being in a lecture hall.”

A soft chuckle escaped Ramsey.

“Alright,” he said. “I see you two will get along just fine.”

Get along? Not a chance.

Zayn leaned back again, eyes still locked on mine “You’ll change your mind,” he said quietly.

“About what?” I challenged.

“Needing me.”

I let out a small laugh, picking up my glass. “In your dreams.”

“Stop it, Lisa,” my mom snapped, clearly annoyed. “That’s enough.”

I blinked innocently. “But Mom, there’s nothing wrong with saying what I think,” I said softly, letting my voice drop just enough to sound hurt. Then I turned to Ramsey, pouting slightly.

“Did I say something offensive?” I asked, tilting my head. “I mean… just look at his tattoos and piercings. He’s so different from you, Ramsey.”

The moment the words left my mouth, I felt it, the shift. Ramsey’s expression changed. His eyes moved from me… to Zayn and just like that, the warmth disappeared. His gaze turned cold and disappointed.

Zayn, who had been casually eating just seconds ago, suddenly went still. For the first time since I met him, he wasn’t smirking.

He dropped his fork onto the plate quietly. “I’m done eating,” he said flatly, pushing his chair back. Without another word, he stood up and walked away. I watched him go, a strange flicker of satisfaction rising in my chest.

That was easier than I thought.

Ramsey exhaled slowly, then turned back to me, his expression composed again, like nothing had just happened.

“I’ve already made arrangements with the university,” he said calmly.