Chapter 1

Averie's POV

“Can't you just wait until tomorrow before going back to college?“ Father asked as he helped me load my suitcase into the trunk of the car.

I bit down on my lower lips, suppressing a groan. He has asked the same question for the tenth time today. I already told him I had a group study session tonight, but he just won't let it go..

Which was a lie, of course. There was no study group. I just missed my boyfriend, Julian, so much that It felt like I might lose my damn mind if I don't see him soon.

“Father…. I told you there is a study session tonight,” I repeated slowly this time just so he could believe me and drop the subject.

“Alright, alright,“ he said, raising his hands in mock surrender. “I'm just going to miss you, princess.“ He slid into the driver's seat and slammed the door shut.

I walked around the car and sank into the passenger seat. “I will miss you too, Daddy,” I said, pouting sadly as I fastened my seat belt. But I miss Julian for now—I didn't say that out.

He ignited the car and pulled out of the driveway.

My name is Averie Wynters, nineteen years old, a medicine major sophomore at Draycott University and a member of the cheerleading team. An ultra-private college in the hills of California. It's a place where billionaires rewrite the rules, where legacy matters more than grades and where anyone without a powerful last name is disposable.

Thankfully, my family was rich enough. Not “own-an-island” rich, but enough to keep me from getting spat on by the wolves in designer boots.

“I'm so exhausted,” Father muttered, rubbing his temple as we cruised down the highway. “I have been so busy with the opening of the New York branch office.“

“Sorry… father,” I say, my voice softening as I felt a pang of guilt. Father worked so hard to give us a good life and here I was, lying to his face just to see my boyfriend a few hours earlier. “You should have let the chauffeur take me instead.“

He shook his head. “No.. princess. I wanted to spend every late minute with you.“

That made me smile. Even now, he still called me 'princess' like I was still seven.

We talked about other random things—music, Mom's obsession with flowers, Cassian not coming home for the summer break because of his obsession with his ice hockey, a funny call he had with a foreign french investor. And in no time, the tires screeched gently to a halt at the looming college gates.

I stepped out of the car, grabbed my suitcase. “Bye, Daddy,” I said, hugging him tightly.

“Stay safe, princess,” he murmured, brushing hair from my face.

I waited until he drove off. When his car had disappeared completely, I turned back to the gates of Draycott.

Julian was in there…. in his dormitory and I needed to see him now.

________

I felt butterflies in my belly as I made my way towards the Julian dorm. I had barely rested and I was exhausted, but I knew seeing him was all the strength I needed.

“Hey Billie,” I said to Julian's dorm mate who was lounging at the entrance.

Billie jumped up to his feet so fast that it startled me. He stepped in front of the door as if guarding it. His face twisted with a mix of surprise and something I couldn't really tell. “You're back?“ He said, forcing an awkward smile.

“Yes, I am,” I replied slowly, my eyes narrowing. “Is Julian around?“

“Yes… no,” he stammered.

My stomach dropped. Something was off.

I sighed and moved past him, brushing his arm aside without waiting for permission. “Move, Billie.” I twisted the door open and stepped in.

Inside the room was a little bit dark and the air was thick with the scent of sex and cum. The sounds of moans echo through the room.

The air ripped off my lungs as I tried to understand the scene unfolding before me. My body was trembling so much and my eyes were already burning with tears.

Julian was there… but not alone. Standing in front of him was Mira Blake—the college self-proclaimed queen bee, bully and my personal nightmare.

She was on her knees, her fingers digging into his thighs and Julian was thrusting his cock into her mouth like she was some slut from the slumps. I thought cock was supposed to be inside the cunt?

“You…. slut,” Julian growled in pleasure, his head thrown back. “Take all of it. Yes, baby… I love it. That Averie can never be compared to you.“

This was my childhood best friend of twelve years, my first love and boyfriend of six months. The one I had jilted my father to see. And here he was slandering me.

I swallowed past the bile rising in my throat. “Julian!“ I choked out.

He stepped back abruptly like he was burned, and turned to face me. Mira collapsed on the floor, smirking devilishly with her hands on her tits and enjoying every second of devastation.

“What are you doing… here?“ He stammered, reaching for his briefs and slipping it on. “I thought you were supposed to come back tomorrow.“

“I wanted to surprise you,” I whispered.

“Well, surprise,” Mira giggled, licking her lips as she stood and tossed her hair back like she was on a stage.

“You….you asshole,” I snapped, stepping.

“It's not what you think, Averie.“ He tried to reach out but my hand connected to his face instead.

Slap!

The sharp sound echoed through the room, snapping his head to the side.

He looked at me, clutching his cheeks and his eyes bloodshot with anger. “Are you crazy? Who the hell do you think you are to slap me?“ He snapped, his expression had darkened with rage that I thought he was going to hit me back but he didn't.

“Look at you,” he sneered, eyeing me down. “So boring. You can't even be compared to Mira. Always dressing like a boy.“

I opened my mouth to talk but closed it back. True I had always worn baggy jeans and polos, even now and that is because I find it comfortable. How was I supposed to know he didn't like it when he never complains.

A tear escaped from my eyes. “Julian—”

“Shut up! How can I be with you when all you ever did was lie there like a frozen doll. I need someone wild! Sexy! Not some… “ his face twisted with disgust, “little innocent princess.“

I couldn't believe my ears. This isn't what he always tells me.

“Re—ally?“ My voice broke. “You said you love… my innocence. You said I'm unique.“

He exchanged glances with Mira, who didn't bother to cover up and the both of them burst into a sharp, mocking laugh that cut through my soul.

“Don't tell you are so stupid to believe that crap, Averie.“ Then he turned back towards Mira, helped her up to her feet and spank her ass. “I have a beautiful woman waiting to be fucked, so if you would excuse me, leave…. And we're done.“ He pulled down his briefs, his cock still hard and dripping with cum. “Or you can watch us while I pleasure her.“

“No… no.“ I shook my head, pushing my numb legs out of the room.