CHAPTER 1

“Ezra, wait up!” Seraphine’s voice rang out as she ran across the school courtyard, holding her books close to her chest.

Ezra turned, flashing that easy smile that always made her chest do stupid flips. “You’re always late, Sera. One day, I won’t wait for you.”

She pouted, catching up to him. “Yeah, right. You’ve been waiting for me since we were like five. Don’t act tough.”

He chuckled, ruffling her hair. “You’ll never grow up, huh?”

Her heart thumped harder than it should have at such a simple touch. God, she hated how much power he had over her without even trying.

From the outside, they looked perfect—childhood friends walking side by side. But inside, Seraphine carried a truth she never dared to say out loud: she had loved Ezra Hale for as long as she could remember.

Their fathers had been best friends, business partners who built everything side by side. Until that night. The night her father’s car spun out of control on a rainy highway. The night her whole world shattered.

She could still remember clinging to her mother, watching everything they owned slip away like sand in her hands. She was 16 at the time. And then it was Ezra’s family who stepped in, who took care of them, who paid for her schooling when her mom could barely afford groceries. Even now, her college expenses were paid by Hale Corporation. 

She should’ve hated depending on them. But then there was Ezra. Sweet, kind, always at her side. Her safe place. Her weakness.

“Earth to Sera.” Ezra snapped his fingers in front of her face. “You’re spacing out again.”

She blinked and shook her head quickly. “Sorry. Just thinking.”

He smirked. “About me, right?”

Her cheeks flamed. “Shut up, you cocky a**.”

He laughed, the sound warm and familiar. She smiled despite herself. With him, it was always like this—light, easy, like they were still kids chasing each other in the garden.

That exact moment, a sleek black car pulled up in front of the school gates. The kind of car that screamed money, power, and don’t-f***-with-me vibes.

The driver opened the door, and out stepped a man who didn’t belong in their quiet little world. Tall, broad-shouldered, dark skinn that glowed in the sun, sharp jawline like he’d been carved out of stone. His suit was too expensive, his eyes too cold, and the way everyone went silent when he walked past made Seraphine’s stomach twist.

“Who the hell is that?” she whispered.

Ezra’s smile faltered. His jaw tightened. “Cassian Veyra. Stay away from him.”

Seraphine raised an eyebrow. “Why? He looks normal. Well… normal if normal means hot-as-hell mafia villain from a drama.”

Ezra shot her a sharp look. “I’m serious, Sera. Guys like him… they destroy everything they touch.”

Suddenly, Cassian stopped and turned around. His gaze cut across the courtyard like a knife. Cold. Sharp. Way too intense. His dark eyes landed right on Seraphine, and for a second, it felt like he could see straight through her.

Seraphine froze. Why the hell is he staring at me like that?

Ezra noticed too. His hand tightened on hers.

“Let’s go,” he muttered.

“Ez—”

“No, Sera. Come on.” He pulled her along before Cassian could take another step in their direction. It was like he didn’t even want to breathe the same air as Cassian.

By the time they reached the classroom, Seraphine’s chest was still thumping. “Okay, what the f*** was that?”

Ezra threw himself into his chair, running a hand through his hair. “Stay very far way from that guy. Don’t look at him, don’t talk to him, don’t even breathe in his direction. Cassian Veyra is bad news.”

She raised a brow. “Wow… are you jealous right now?”

He shot her a glare. “Not funny. He’s dangerous. Stay away.”

Seraphine smirked. “Dangerously hot though.”

His head whipped to her so fast. “SERAPHINE.”

She giggled, hiding her face. “Relax, I’m kidding. Jeez, you’re so uptight sometimes.”

Before Ezra could argue back, a group of girls walked by, whispering loud on purpose.

“There’s the charity girl again.”

“Always following Ezra around like a lost puppy.”

“Pathetic.”

They laughed.

Seraphine’s throat stung, but she kept her eyes down. If she didn’t react, maybe it’d hurt less.

Ezra slammed his hand on the desk, making everyone jump. “Say that sh*t again, I dare you!”

The girls squealed and ran off.

Seraphine forced a weak smile. “It’s fine, Ez. Don’t waste your energy.”

His eyes softened, but his voice was firm. “It’s not fine. You’re not some charity case. You’re… you’re Seraphine. And that’s enough.”

Her heart squeezed so tight it hurt. Why does he always say stuff like that?

“Thanks, Ez,” she whispered.

“Always,” he said.

———

That night, Ezra showed up at her little house. He leaned on the doorway like some romcom hero.

“Get dressed,” he said.

She blinked. “Uh… I am dressed.”

He rolled his eyes. “Not like that. We’re going to a party. A High class event. My parents want me there, and…” He hesitated before adding, “I want you there.”

Seraphine’s jaw dropped. “What? No way. Those fancy-ass parties? With rich people who look down on me? Hell no.”

Ezra sighed, stepping closer. “Come with me, Sera. Please.”

Her arms crossed. “I don’t belong there. I’ll just embarrass you.”

“You could never embarrass me.” His eyes locked on hers, serious now. “I want you there.”

Her heart did a dumb flip. Why was he like this?

Ugh, damn him and his stupid puppy eyes.

“…Fine,” she muttered. “But if I trip in heels, I’m blaming you.”

Ezra grinned, boyish and soft. “Deal. You’ll look perfect anyway.”

“If you say so,” Seraphine sighed. “But first I need to call my mom and tell her I’ll be going out—”

Ezra cut her off smoothly, his usual cocky grin on his lips. “Already did. She’s cool with it.”

Her brows shot up. “Wait, what? You called my mom before even asking me?”

“Relax, Sera.” He smirked, reaching behind the couch. “Besides, I’ve got something that might change your mind.”

He pulled out a chic black box and placed it in her hands.

“What’s this?” she whispered, eyes wide.

“Open it,” Ezra urged, leaning back casually like it was nothing.

With careful fingers, she lifted the lid. Her breath hitched. Inside was a beautiful jade-green dress, silky and elegant, with matching heels that shimmered under the light.

Her jaw dropped. “Ezra… this is… wow. It’s gorgeous.”

His gaze softened. “So, you’ll try it on?”

Seraphine hugged the dress close to her chest, her lips curving into the tiniest smile. “Yeah… I’ll try it on.”