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01:00He paid a group of townies to harass me at the diner where I worked, just so he could play
01:03the hero.
01:04Drouched in iced coffee and soup, I forced a timid smile.
01:07Thank you, Gideon. You came to me like a hero. I'd love to be your girlfriend.
01:10But he didn't know I only said yes just to stop him from annoying me.
01:13That night, I went back to my dorm and began mapping out my revenge in my journal.
01:17If these rich boys wanted to treat my life like a game, they were going to pay for it.
01:21But Gideon remained blissfully ignorant, convinced that I was madly in love with him.
01:25Confidently, he flipped open the stolen journal to the first page.
01:28Today, I finally became Gideon's girlfriend. My heart is beating so fast.
01:31Because this is the only way I can get close to his friend, the one I actually love.
01:34Gideon's face went blank instantly.
01:36This has to be some kind of joke!
01:38Gideon's hands shook as he furiously ripped open the next page,
01:41but the words made his face turn even paler.
01:43Gideon is my boyfriend now, but I can't control my heart.
01:46Why does it have to be his best friend?
01:47Behind him, his three frat friends froze.
01:50Their eyes darted between each other.
01:51Heavy tension gripped the room.
01:53Later that evening, Gideon slammed open the door of the diner where I worked,
01:56his face dark as a thundercloud.
01:58I knew he had swallowed the bait.
02:00Every single word in that journal was calculated specifically for him,
02:03but he knew nothing.
02:04I quickly masked my face with innocent surprise.
02:06Gideon? What are you doing here at my shift?
02:08Gideon stared at me as if he tried to see through me.
02:11Vivian, we've been together for three months.
02:13It's time I introduce you to the guys.
02:15Really? I'd love to meet your friends.
02:16Gideon's mouth tritched, but he was so desperate to figure out who the guy in my journal was.
02:21Right on cues.
02:22So I followed my plan, pulling back slightly with a well-rehearsed look of hesitation.
02:26But I can't. I have an overnight shift at the campus library right after this.
02:29Without a word, Gideon whipped out his phone.
02:31Then my phone buzzed with a payment notification, plus $20,000.
02:34Consider your shift bought out. Call off tonight.
02:36Gideon, no! I can't just take your money.
02:38But Gideon grabbed my phone, forced my thumb onto the sensor to accept the transfer.
02:43Now can we leave? The boys are waiting.
02:44Looking down at the massive boost to my bank account,
02:47I hit a satisfied smirk and gently wrapped my arm around his.
02:50You're so good to me, Gideon. Let's go. I can't wait to meet your friends.
02:53Gideon white-knuckled his phone, his chest heaving.
02:56The moment we arrived at the private dining room, his three frat friends stood up.
02:59Hey, we're Gideon's frat friends. You've probably seen us around campus, right?
03:02Of course I had.
03:03They were the quad hairs of the Ivy League elite,
03:05the guys who caused crowds on the street,
03:06whose charity suits ended up in vogue,
03:08and who had their own secret society fan clubs.
03:10I had done exhaustive research on every single one of them,
03:13but I didn't say a word.
03:13I just gave them a fleeting glance and looked down shyly.
03:16Hi everyone, I'm Vivian Cole.
03:18The three heirs locked their eyes on me trying to dissect my every movement.
03:21Sensing their heavy gaze, Gideon's face darkened.
03:23His grip on my hand tightened.
03:25She's my girlfriend.
03:26The atmosphere was suffocatingly tense.
03:28I could feel Gideon watching me like a hawk,
03:30trying to figure out which friend I was looking at.
03:32But I wasn't about to give him an easy answer.
03:34I kept my mouth shut and ordered the most expensive items on the high-end French menu dishes
03:38I could never afford on a scholarship.
03:40Consider it a tax for the harassment he put me through.
03:42I casually cut into my steak, savoring every single bite.
03:46Meanwhile, the four billionaire boys across from me barely touched their food,
03:49completely consumed by the unspoken tension.
03:51Finally, Gideon couldn't take it anymore.
03:52Vivian, who is the guy?
03:55Oh look, we haven't ordered dessert yet.
03:59Just order whatever you want.
04:01I've never been to order for the table like this, Gideon.
04:04Let's see what everyone likes.
04:08Go ahead and pick, Vivian.
04:10Whatever you get, we'll have the same.
04:13Well, if you say so.
04:15I knew a crucial piece of data.
04:17Gideon loved peanuts, but Nate had a severe allergy to them.
04:20Excuse me, does the souffle contain any peanut oil or almond extract?
04:24Nate has a severe allergy.
04:26The entire table went dead silent.
04:29Gideon and Nate both stared at me.
04:31How do you know?
04:32I looked up, playing completely oblivious.
04:34Did I say something wrong?
04:36I just wanted to make sure Nate wouldn't have an allergic reaction.
04:39Gideon froze, his head slowly turning toward his best friend.
04:43Nate was leaning back, staring at me with a heavily charged gaze.
04:47But before Gideon could process that,
04:49I immediately shifted my focus to the other side of the table.
04:53Alistair, shouldn't you take your medication first?
04:56I know you suffer from chronic, stress-induced migraines.
05:00Gideon froze completely a second time,
05:02his gaze snapping over to Alistair.
05:04When I had applied for the student government board,
05:07I thoroughly dug up Alistair's personal files,
05:10intending to use his weaknesses to flatter him later on.
05:13Alistair, however, had absolutely no idea.
05:16His cold composure cracked,
05:18his eyes swirling with confusion and sudden intensity.
05:21I poured a glass of warm water and pushed it toward him.
05:24Take your prescription, Alistair.
05:26Don't force yourself.
05:30It took him a long moment to respond.
05:33How does it you thank you?
05:34You don't need to thank me.
05:37You're all Gideon's friends.
05:38Taking care of his friends is the least I can do.
05:41The murderous rage boiling in Gideon's eyes instantly crystallized into pure confusion.
05:45Gideon's last roommate was Val Moretti,
05:47a guy with a wild, ruggedly handsome face
05:50who easily held the number one spot on the campus most wanted list.
05:54I had to admit, his look was entirely my type.
05:57Throughout the entire dinner, Val and I hadn't exchanged a single word.
06:01But when I walked out to the restroom,
06:03he was leaning against the corridor wall, waiting for me.
06:07Vivian.
06:07His voice was low, ruspy.
06:10Are we seriously going to play strangers now?
06:12We had met before.
06:14One of my part-time was at the Paddock VIP lounge of the racetrack,
06:18where he spent his weekends.
06:20Every time he finished his laps,
06:22he'd come over to order a drink.
06:24I looked away.
06:25I didn't think a guy with your crowd would even remember me.
06:29You really think you're that easy to forget, Vivian?
06:32Val stepped closer, his gaze locked onto mine.
06:35I bit my lower lip,
06:36looking up at him with a rehearsed expression of fear and longing.
06:39Val, please.
06:42I just don't want Gideon to find out about us.
06:44It would ruin everything.
06:46Val's entire posture stiffened.
06:48As I quickly hurried past him to leave,
06:51a shadow moved at the end of the hallway.
06:53Gideon was standing right around the corner.
06:56He had caught every single word.
06:58His face was utterly devastated.
07:00As Gideon drove me back to my dorm,
07:01tried to sound casual to get my answer again.
07:04So, Vivian, what do you think of the guys?
07:06I just looked up into his eyes and held his hand.
07:08Your friends are wonderful, Gideon, but to me, you're the best.
07:12His breath hitted, completely paralyzed.
07:14I had expected this.
07:15I knew this arrogant billionaire boy had spent his whole life treating women like temporary
07:20profies.
07:20He had zero real emotional experience, and my sudden shift left him entirely defenseless.
07:25I've never been to a place that beautiful before.
07:28I whispered, casting my eyes down.
07:31Thank you for taking me, Gideon.
07:33That's what a boyfriend should do, Vivian.
07:35Stop eating that cheap diner takeout.
07:37He furiously typed on his phone.
07:41Ping!
07:42Another transaction notification.
07:44Don't you dare reject it.
07:46Just buy yourself decent food from now on.
07:48I leaned in, pressing a soft kiss on his face.
07:54Honestly, as long as I'm with you, I'm happy.
07:57His ears turned bright red as he froze.
08:01Good night, Gideon.
08:03I smiled, stepping into the building.
08:07See you tomorrow.
08:13Back in my dorm, I pulled my journal and updated it.
08:17We sat across from each other tonight.
08:20The moment our eyes met, my heart raced so fast I could barely breathe.
08:25The next morning, Gideon stole the journal from my bag again.
08:29But this time, he completely lost his mind.
08:34In the middle of a massive seminar, right in front of the professors and all the students,
08:38Gideon marched straight down the steps toward my seat.
08:41His eyes bloodshot and wild as he roared.
08:44Vivian!
08:45Who the heck is the man in your journal?
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09:07The next morning, Gideon stole the journal from my bag again.
09:12But this time, he completely lost his mind.
09:17In the middle of a massive seminar, right in front of the professors and all the students,
09:21Gideon marched straight down the steps toward my seat.
09:23His eyes bloodshot and wild as he roared.
09:26Vivian!
09:27Who the heck is the man in your journal?
09:30Don't try to lie to me.
09:31I saw what you've written.
09:32My face paled in shock.
09:34You like my friend.
09:36Gideon nissed, stepping closer.
09:38Who the heck is he?
09:39Nate?
09:40Alistair?
09:41Val?
09:41Tell me!
09:42Gideon's roar echoed through the massive lecture hall.
09:45Every single student froze.
09:47Their eyes glued to us.
09:48I'm your girlfriend and I trusted you!
09:51I cried out, my voice trembling with righteous fury.
09:54How could you look at my journal without asking?
09:57Instantly, I burst into tears.
09:59I didn't give him an answer.
10:00I just grabbed my tow bag and fled the hall.
10:03The entire campus erupted into chaos.
10:06Overnight, everyone was talking about the toxic frat king who secretly read his girlfriend's journal.
10:11But the real show was just beginning in their private penthouse.
10:14Gideon slammed his fist onto the table.
10:17His eyes bloodshot as he glared at his three best friends.
10:20One of you is lying to me.
10:22Which one of you bastards is the man in her journal?
10:24Nate Cross poured himself a drink.
10:26His face expressionless.
10:28Alistair Vance Calder adjusted his silver glasses, looking completely indifferent.
10:33Val Moretti just puffed on his cigarette, staring out the window.
10:36Nobody answered.
10:38Suspicion wrapped around the room.
10:39Then each one of you better be careful.
10:41Don't you try to steal my girlfriend!
10:43The three billionaires stared at each other like the game had started.
10:48Soon he made a bet with his frat friends that he could make me his girlfriend within three months.
10:52I dodged him repeatedly, but his arrogance mistook my disgust for shininess.
10:56Finally, he paid a group of townies to harass me at the diner where I worked, just so he could
11:00play the hero.
11:01Drouched in iced coffee and soup, I forced a timid smile.
11:04Thank you, Gideon.
11:05You came to me like a hero.
11:07I'd love to be your girlfriend.
11:08But he didn't know I only said yes just to stop him from annoying me.
11:11That night, I went back to my dorm and began mapping out my revenge in my journal.
11:15If these rich boys wanted to treat my life like a game, they were going to pay for it.
11:18But Gideon remained blissfully ignorant, convinced that I was madly in love with him.
11:22Confidently, he flipped open the stolen journal to the first page.
11:25Today, I finally became Gideon's girlfriend.
11:27My heart is beating so fast, because this is the only way I can get close to his friend, the
11:31one I actually love.
11:32Gideon's face went blank instantly.
11:34This has to be some kind of joke!
11:36Gideon's hands shook as he furiously ripped open the next page, but the words made his face turn even paler.
11:41Gideon is my boyfriend now, but I can't control my heart.
11:43Why does it have to be his best friend?
11:45Behind him, his three frat friends froze. Their eyes darted between each other.
11:49Heavy tension gripped the room.
11:51Later that evening, Gideon slammed open the door of the diner where I worked, his face dark as a thundercloud.
11:56I knew he had swallowed the bait.
11:57Every single word in that journal was calculated specifically for him, but he knew nothing.
12:01I quickly masked my face with innocent surprise.
12:04Gideon? What are you doing here at my shift?
12:06Gideon stared at me as if he tried to see through me.
12:08Vivian, we've been together for three months. It's time I introduce you to the guys.
12:12Really? I'd love to meet your friends.
12:14Gideon's mouth tritched, but he was so desperate to figure out who the guy in my journal was.
12:19Right on cues.
12:20So I followed my plan, pulling back slightly with a well-rehearsed look of hesitation.
12:24But I can't. I have an overnight shift at the campus library right after this.
12:27Without a word, Gideon whipped out his phone.
12:29Then my phone buzzed with a payment notification, plus $20,000.
12:32Consider your shift bought out. Call off tonight.
12:34Gideon, no! I can't just take your money.
12:36But Gideon grabbed my phone, forced my thumb onto the sensor to accept the transfer.
12:40Now can we leave? The boys are waiting.
12:42Looking down at the massive boost to my bank account, I hit a satisfied smirk and gently wrapped my arm
12:47around his.
12:48You're so good to me, Gideon. Let's go. I can't wait to meet your friends.
12:51Gideon white-knuckled his phone, his chest heaving.
12:53The moment we arrived at the private dining room, his three frat friends stood up.
12:56Hey, we're Gideon's frat friends. You've probably seen us around campus, right?
12:59Of course I had. They were the quad hairs of the Ivy League elite, the guys who caused crowds on
13:03the street, whose charity suits ended up in vogue, and who had their own secret society fan clubs.
13:08I had done exhaustive research on every single one of them, but I didn't say a word. I just gave
13:12them a fleeting glance and looked down shyly.
13:14Hi everyone, I'm Vivian Cole.
13:15The three heirs locked their eyes on me, trying to dissect my every movement.
13:19Sensing their heavy gaze, Gideon's face darkened. His grip on my hand tightened.
13:22She's my girlfriend.
13:23The atmosphere was suffocatingly tense.
13:26I could feel Gideon watching me like a hawk, trying to figure out which friend I was looking at, but
13:30I wasn't about to give him an easy answer.
13:32I kept my mouth shut and ordered the most expensive items on the high-end French menu dishes I could
13:36never afford on a scholarship.
13:38Considerate attacks for the harassment he put me through, I casually cut into my steak, savoring every single bite.
13:43Meanwhile, the four billionaire boys across from me barely touched their food, completely consumed by the unspoken tension.
13:48Finally, Gideon couldn't take it anymore.
13:50Vivian, who is the guy?
13:52Oh look, we haven't ordered dessert yet.
13:57Just order whatever you want.
13:59I've never been to order for the table like this, Gideon. Let's see what everyone likes.
14:05Go ahead and pick, Vivian. Whatever you get, we'll have the same.
14:10Well, if you say so.
14:12I knew a crucial piece of data. Gideon loved peanuts, but Nate had a severe allergy to them.
14:18Excuse me, does the souffle contain any peanut oil or almond extract? Nate has a severe allergy.
14:23The entire table went dead silent.
14:26Gideon and Nate both stared at me.
14:29How do you know?
14:30I looked out, playing completely oblivious.
14:32Did I say something wrong? I just wanted to make sure Nate wouldn't have an allergic reaction.
14:37Gideon froze, his head slowly turning toward his best friend.
14:40Nate was leaning back, staring at me with a heavily charged gaze.
14:44But before Gideon could process that, I immediately shifted my focus to the other side of the table.
14:50Alistair, shouldn't you take your medication first?
14:57Gideon froze completely a second time, his gaze snapping over to Alistair.
15:01When I had applied for the student government board, I thoroughly dug up Alistair's personal files, intending to use his
15:08weaknesses to flatter him later on.
15:11Alistair, however, had absolutely no idea.
15:14His cold composure cracked, his eyes swirling with confusion and sudden intensity.
15:19I poured a glass of warm water and pushed it toward him.
15:22Take your prescription, Alistair.
15:24Don't force yourself.
15:27It took him a long moment to respond.
15:30How does it you thank you?
15:32You don't need to thank me.
15:34You're all Gideon's friends.
15:36Taking care of his friends is the least I can do.
15:38The murderous rage boiling in Gideon's eyes instantly crystallized into pure confusion.
15:43Gideon's last roommate was Val Moretti, a guy with a wild, ruggedly handsome face who easily held the number one
15:49spot on the campus most wanted list.
15:51I had to admit, his look was entirely my type.
15:54Throughout the entire dinner, Val and I hadn't exchanged a single word.
15:59But when I walked out to the restroom, he was leaning against the corridor wall, waiting for me.
16:04Vivian.
16:05His voice was low, rusty.
16:07Are we seriously going to play strangers now?
16:10We had met before.
16:11One of my part-time was at the Paddock VIP lounge of the racetrack, where he spent his weekends.
16:17Every time he finished his laps, he'd come over to order a drink.
16:22I looked away.
16:23I didn't think a guy with your crowd would even remember me.
16:27You really think you're that easy to forget, Vivian?
16:29Val stepped closer, his gaze locked onto mine.
16:32I bit my lower lip, looking up at him with a rehearsed expression of fear and longing.
16:37Val, please.
16:39I just don't want Gideon to find out about us.
16:42It would ruin everything.
16:44Val's entire posture skipped.
16:46As I quickly hurried past him to leave, a shadow moved at the end of the hallway.
16:51Gideon was standing right around the corner.
16:53He had caught every single word.
16:55His face was utterly devastated.
16:57As Gideon drove me back to my dorm, tried to sound casual to get my answer again.
17:01So, Vivian, what do you think of the guys?
17:03I just looked up into his eyes and held his hand.
17:06Your friends are wonderful, Gideon.
17:07But to me, you're the best.
17:09His breath hitted, completely paralyzed.
17:11I had expected this.
17:13I knew this arrogant billionaire boy had spent his whole life treating women like temporary
17:17profies.
17:18He had zero real emotional experience.
17:20And my sudden shift left him entirely defenseless.
17:23I've never been to a place that beautiful before, I whispered, casting my eyes down.
17:28Thank you for taking me, Gideon.
17:31That's what a boyfriend should do, Vivian.
17:33Stop eating that cheap diner takeout.
17:35He furiously typed on his phone.
17:38Ping, another transaction notification.
17:41Don't you dare reject it.
17:43Just buy yourself decent food from now on.
17:46I leaned in, pressing a soft kiss on his face.
17:51Honestly, as long as I'm with you, I'm happy.
17:55His ears turned bright red as he froze.
17:59Good night, Gideon.
18:00I smiled, stepping into the building.
18:04See you tomorrow.
18:10Back in my dorm, I pulled my journal and updated it.
18:15We sat across from each other tonight.
18:17The moment our eyes met, my heart raced so fast I could barely breathe.
18:22The next morning, Gideon stole the journal from my bag again.
18:27But this time, he completely lost his mind.
18:32In the middle of a massive seminar, right in front of the professors and all the students,
18:36Gideon marched straight down the steps toward my seat.
18:38His eyes bloodshot and wild as he roared,
18:41Vivian!
18:42Who the heck is the man in your journal?
18:45You screamed for my cock five minutes ago.
18:48You begged me to come inside you.
18:55Can we join?
18:56Three months after I started dating the campus frat king, Gideon Sterling,
18:59he said to his three billionaire frat friends that I was just a cheap catch that only took three months
19:04to get into bed.
19:05Gideon held up my private journal and smeared.
19:06She thinks I'm her savior.
19:08I bet this journal is full of her pathetic obsession with me.
19:10He had no idea I left it there completely on purpose, just waiting for him to take it.
19:14I was a full scholarship student at an elite Ike League university who was juggling part-time shifts
19:18and playing nice with my preppy classmates just to survive.
19:21Gideon Sterling was the richest guy on campus,
19:23a social ladder king who only cared about yacht parties and sports cars.
19:26We lived in two parallel universes until a rumor spread that I was the hardest girl to get,
19:31and that caught Gideon's attention.
19:32Soon he made a bet with his frat friends that he could make me his girlfriend within three months.
19:36I dodged him repeatedly, but his arrogance mistook my disgust for shininess.
19:40Finally, he paid a group of townies to harass me at the diner where I worked,
19:44just so he could play the hero, drouched in iced coffee and soup.
19:47I forced a timid smile.
19:48Thank you Gideon, you came to me like a hero, I'd love to be your girlfriend.
19:51But he didn't know I only said yes just to stop him from annoying me.
19:54That night, I went back to my dorm and began mapping out my revenge in my journal.
19:58If these rich boys wanted to treat my life like a game, they were going to pay for it.
20:02But Gideon remained blissfully ignorant, convinced that I was madly in love with him.
20:05Confidently, he flipped open the stolen journal to the first page.
20:08Today, I finally became Gideon's girlfriend.
20:10My heart is beating so fast, because this is the only way I can get close to his friend,
20:13the one I actually love.
20:14Gideon's face went blank instantly.
20:16This has to be some kind of joke!
20:18Gideon's hands shook as he furiously ripped open the next page,
20:21but the words made his face turn even paler.
20:23Gideon is my boyfriend now, but I can't control my heart.
20:25Why does it have to be his best friend?
20:27Behind him, his three frat friends froze.
20:29Their eyes darted between each other.
20:31Heavy tension gripped the room.
20:32Later that evening, Gideon slammed open the door of the diner where I worked,
20:36his face dark as a thundercloud.
20:37I knew he had swallowed the bait.
20:38Every single word in that journal was calculated specifically for him, but he knew nothing.
20:42I quickly masked my face with innocent surprise.
20:45Gideon?
20:45What are you doing here at my shift?
20:47Gideon stared at me as if he tried to see through me.
20:49Vivian, we've been together for three months.
20:51It's time I introduce you to the guys.
20:53Really?
20:53I'd love to meet your friends.
20:54Gideon's mouth tritched, but he was so desperate to figure out who the guy in my journal was.
20:59Right on cues.
21:00So I followed my plan, pulling back slightly with a well-rehearsed look of hesitation.
21:04But I can't.
21:04I have an overnight shift at the campus library right after this.
21:07Without a word, Gideon whipped out his phone.
21:08Then my phone buzzed with a payment notification, plus $20,000.
21:11Consider your shift bought out.
21:13Call off tonight.
21:13Gideon, no!
21:14I can't just take your money.
21:15But Gideon grabbed my phone, forced my thumb onto the sensor to accept the transfer.
21:19Now can we leave?
21:20The boys are waiting.
21:21Looking down at the massive boost to my bank account,
21:23I hit a satisfied smirk and gently wrapped my arm around his.
21:26You're so good to me, Gideon.
21:28Let's go.
21:28I can't wait to meet your friends.
21:29Gideon white-knuckled his phone, his chest heaving.
21:32The moment we arrived at the private dining room, his three frat friends stood up.
21:35Hey, we're Gideon's frat friends.
21:36You've probably seen us around campus, right?
21:38Of course I had.
21:39They were the quad hairs of the Ivy League elite.
21:40The guys who caused crowds on the street, whose charity suits ended up in vogue,
21:43and who had their own secret society fan clubs.
21:46I had done exhaustive research on every single one of them, but I didn't say a word.
21:49I just gave them a fleeting glance and looked down shyly.
21:51Hi, everyone.
21:52I'm Vivian Cole.
21:53The three heirs locked their eyes on me, trying to dissect my every movement.
21:56Sensing their heavy gaze, Gideon's face darkened.
21:58His grip on my hand tightened.
22:00She's my girlfriend.
22:01The atmosphere was suffocatingly tense.
22:03I could feel Gideon watching me like a hawk, trying to figure out which friend I was looking
22:06at, but I wasn't about to give him an easy answer.
22:08I kept my mouth shut and ordered the most expensive items on the high-end French menu
22:12dishes I could never afford on a scholarship.
22:14Considerate attacks for the harassment he put me through.
22:16I casually cut into my steak, savoring every single bite.
22:19Meanwhile, the four billionaire boys across from me barely touched their food, completely
22:22consumed by the unspoken tension.
22:24Finally, Gideon couldn't take it anymore.
22:26Vivian, who is the guy?
22:28Oh, look.
22:29We haven't ordered dessert yet.
22:32Just order whatever you want.
22:34I've never been to order for the table like this, Gideon.
22:37Let's see what everyone likes.
22:41Go ahead and pick, Vivian.
22:43Whatever you get, we'll have the same.
22:45Well, if you say so.
22:47I knew a crucial piece of data.
22:49Gideon loved peanuts, but Nate had a severe allergy to them.
22:52Excuse me, does the souffle contain any peanut oil or almond extract?
22:56Nate has a severe allergy.
22:58The entire table went dead silent.
23:01Gideon and Nate both stared at me.
23:03How do you know?
23:04I looked out, playing completely oblivious.
23:06Did I say something wrong?
23:07I just wanted to make sure Nate wouldn't have an allergic reaction.
23:10Gideon froze, his head slowly turning toward his best friend.
23:14Nate was leaning back, staring at me with a heavily charged gaze.
23:17But before Gideon could process that, I immediately shifted my focus to the other side of the table.
23:24Alistair, shouldn't you take your medication first?
23:26I know you suffer from chronic, stress-induced migraines.
23:30Gideon froze completely a second time, his gaze snapping over to Alistair.
23:34When I had applied for the student government board, I thoroughly dug up Alistair's personal files, intending to use his
23:41weaknesses to flatter him later on.
23:43Alistair, however, had absolutely no idea.
23:46His cold composure cracked, his eyes swirling with confusion and sudden intensity.
23:50I poured a glass of warm water and pushed it toward him.
23:53Take your prescription, Alistair.
23:55Don't force yourself.
23:58It took him a long moment to respond.
24:01How does it you thank you?
24:03You don't need to thank me.
24:05You're all Gideon's friends.
24:07Taking care of his friends is the least I can do.
24:09The murderous rage boiling in Gideon's eyes instantly crystallized into pure confusion.
24:13Gideon's last roommate was Val Moretti.
24:15A guy with a wild, ruggedly handsome face who easily held the number one spot on the campus most wanted
24:21list.
24:22I had to admit, his look was entirely my type.
24:24Throughout the entire dinner, Val and I hadn't exchanged a single word.
24:29But when I walked out to the restroom, he was leaning against the corridor wall, waiting for me.
24:34Vivian.
24:34His voice was low, ruspy.
24:36Are we seriously going to play strangers now?
24:39We had met before.
24:41One of my part-time was at the Paddock VIP lounge of the racetrack, where he spent his weekends.
24:46Every time he finished his laps, he'd come over to order a drink.
24:50I looked away.
24:51I didn't think a guy with your crowd would even remember me.
24:55You really think you're that easy to forget, Vivian?
24:58Val stepped closer.
24:59His gaze locked onto mine.
25:01I bit my lower lip, looking up at him with a rehearsed expression of fear and longing.
25:05Val, please.
25:07I just don't want Gideon to find out about us.
25:09It would ruin everything.
25:12Val's entire posture stifled.
25:13As I quickly hurried past him to leave, a shadow moved at the end of the hallway.
25:18Gideon was standing right around the corner.
25:20He had caught every single word.
25:22His face was utterly devastated.
25:24As Gideon drove me back to my dorm, tried to sound casual to get my answer again.
25:28So, Vivian, what do you think of the guys?
25:30I just looked up into his eyes and held his hand.
25:32Your friends are wonderful, Gideon, but to me, you're the best.
25:36His breath hitted, completely paralyzed.
25:38I had expected this.
25:39I knew this arrogant billionaire boy had spent his whole life treating women like temporary
25:43profies.
25:44He had zero real emotional experience, and my sudden shift left him entirely defenseless.
25:49I've never been to a place that beautiful before, I whispered, casting my eyes down.
25:54Thank you for taking me, Gideon.
25:56That's what a boyfriend should do, Vivian.
25:58Stop eating that cheap diner takeout.
26:00He furiously typed on his phone.
26:03Ping!
26:04Another transaction notification.
26:06Don't you dare reject it.
26:08Just buy yourself decent food from now on.
26:10I leaned in, pressing a soft kiss on his face.
26:16Honestly, as long as I'm with you, I'm happy.
26:19His ears turned bright red as he froze.
26:23Good night, Gideon.
26:24I smiled, stepping into the building.
26:28See you tomorrow.
26:34Back in my dorm, I pulled my journal and updated it.
26:38We sat across from each other tonight.
26:40The moment our eyes met, my heart raced so fast I could barely breathe.
26:45The next morning, Gideon stole the journal from my bag again.
26:50But this time, he completely lost his mind.
26:54In the middle of a massive seminar, right in front of the professors and all the students,
26:58Gideon marched straight down the steps toward my seat.
27:01His eyes bloodshot and wild as he roared.
27:03Vivian!
27:04Who the heck is the man in your journal?
27:07He paid a group of townies to harass me at the diner where I worked, just so he could play
27:10the hero.
27:11Drouched in iced coffee and soup, I forced a timid smile.
27:14Thank you, Gideon.
27:15You came to me like a hero.
27:16I'd love to be your girlfriend.
27:17But he didn't know I only said yes just to stop him from annoying me.
27:20That night, I went back to my dorm and began mapping out my revenge in my journal.
27:24If these rich boys wanted to treat my life like a game, they were going to pay for it.
27:28But Gideon remained blissfully ignorant, convinced that I was madly in love with him.
27:32Confidently, he flipped open the stolen journal to the first page.
27:35Today, I finally became Gideon's girlfriend.
27:37My heart is beating so fast, because this is the only way I can get close to his friend,
27:41the one I actually love.
27:42Gideon's face went blank instantly.
27:44This has to be some kind of joke!
27:45Gideon's hands shook as he furiously ripped open the next page,
27:48but the words made his face turn even paler.
27:51Gideon is my boyfriend now, but I can't control my heart.
27:53Why does it have to be his best friend?
27:55Behind him, his three frat friends froze.
27:57Their eyes darted between each other.
27:59Heavy tension gripped the room.
28:01Later that evening, Gideon slammed open the door of the diner where I worked,
28:04his face dark as a thundercloud.
28:06I knew he had swallowed the bait.
28:07Every single word in that journal was calculated specifically for him,
28:10but he knew nothing.
28:11I quickly masked my face with innocent surprise.
28:13Gideon, what are you doing here at my shift?
28:15Gideon stared at me as if he tried to see through me.
28:18Vivian, we've been together for three months.
28:20It's time I introduce you to the guys.
28:22Really?
28:22I'd love to meet your friends.
28:24Gideon's mouth tritched,
28:25but he was so desperate to figure out who the guy in my journal was.
28:29Right on cues.
28:30So I followed my plan,
28:31pulling back slightly with a well-rehearsed look of hesitation.
28:33But I can't.
28:34I have an overnight shift at the campus library right after this.
28:37Without a word, Gideon whipped out his phone.
28:39Then my phone buzzed with a payment notification, plus $20,000.
28:41Consider your shift bought out.
28:43Call off tonight.
28:44Gideon, no!
28:44I can't just take your money.
28:46But Gideon grabbed my phone,
28:47forced my thumb onto the sensor to accept the transfer.
28:50Now can we leave?
28:51The boys are waiting.
28:52Looking down at the massive boost to my bank account,
28:54I hit a satisfied smirk and gently wrapped my arm around his.
28:58You're so good to me, Gideon.
28:59Let's go.
28:59I can't wait to meet your friends.
29:00Gideon white-knuckled his phone, his chest heaving.
29:03The moment we arrived at the private dining room,
29:05his three frat friends stood up.
29:06Hey, we're Gideon's frat friends.
29:08You've probably seen us around campus, right?
29:09Of course I had.
29:10They were the quad hairs of the Ivy League elite,
29:12the guys who caused crowds on the street,
29:14whose charity suits ended up in vogue,
29:15and who had their own secret society fan clubs.
29:17I had done exhaustive research on every single one of them,
29:20but I didn't say a word.
29:21I just gave them a fleeting glance and looked down shyly.
29:23Hi, everyone.
29:24I'm Vivian Cole.
29:25The three heirs locked their eyes on me,
29:27trying to dissect my every movement.
29:28Sensing their heavy gaze,
29:30Gideon's face darkened.
29:31His grip on my hand tightened.
29:32She's my girlfriend.
29:33The atmosphere was suffocatingly tense.
29:35I could feel Gideon watching me like a hawk,
29:37trying to figure out which friend I was looking at,
29:40but I wasn't about to give him an easy answer.
29:42I kept my mouth shut
29:43and ordered the most expensive items
29:44on the high-end French menu dishes
29:46I could never afford on a scholarship.
29:47Considerate attacks for the harassment he put me through,
29:50I casually cut into my steak,
29:51savoring every single bite.
29:53Meanwhile, the four billionaire boys across from me
29:55barely touched their food,
29:56completely consumed by the unspoken tension.
29:58Finally, Gideon couldn't take it anymore.
30:00Vivian, who is the guy?
30:02Oh, look, we haven't ordered dessert yet.
30:07Just order whatever you want.
30:09I've never been to order for the table like this, Gideon.
30:11Let's see what everyone likes.
30:15Go ahead and pick, Vivian.
30:18Whatever you get, we'll have the same.
30:20Well, if you say so.
30:22I knew a crucial piece of data.
30:24Gideon loved peanuts,
30:25but Nate had a severe allergy to them.
30:28Excuse me, does the souffle contain any peanut oil
30:30or almond extract?
30:31Nate has a severe allergy.
30:33The entire table went dead silent.
30:36Gideon and Nate both stared at me.
30:39How do you know?
30:40I looked up, playing completely oblivious.
30:42Did I say something wrong?
30:43I just wanted to make sure Nate
30:45wouldn't have an allergic reaction.
30:47Gideon froze,
30:48his head slowly turning toward his best friend.
30:50Nate was leaning back,
30:52staring at me with a heavily charged gaze.
30:54But before Gideon could process that,
30:56I immediately shifted my focus
30:58to the other side of the table.
31:07Gideon froze completely a second time,
31:09his gaze snapping over to Alistair.
31:11When I had applied for the student government board,
31:14I thoroughly dug up Alistair's personal files,
31:17intending to use his weaknesses
31:19to flatter him later on.
31:21Alistair, however,
31:22had absolutely no idea.
31:24His cold composure cracked,
31:25his eyes swirling with confusion
31:27and sudden intensity.
31:28I poured a glass of warm water
31:30and pushed it toward him.
31:32Take your prescription, Alistair.
31:34Don't force yourself.
31:37It took him a long moment to respond.
31:40How does it you thank you?
31:41You don't need to thank me.
31:44You're all Gideon's friends.
31:46Taking care of his friends
31:47is the least I can do.
31:48The murderous rage boiling in Gideon's eyes
31:50instantly crystallized into pure confusion.
31:53Gideon's last roommate was Val Moretti,
31:55a guy with a wild, ruggedly handsome face
31:57who easily held the number one spot
31:59on the campus' most wanted list.
32:01I had to admit,
32:02his look was entirely my type.
32:04Throughout the entire dinner,
32:06Val and I hadn't exchanged a single word.
32:09But when I walked out to the restroom,
32:11he was leaning against the corridor wall,
32:13waiting for me.
32:14Vivian.
32:15His voice was low, ruspy.
32:17Are we seriously going to play strangers now?
32:19We had met before.
32:21One of my part-time was at the Paddock VIP lounge
32:24of the racetrack,
32:25where he spent his weekends.
32:27Every time he finished his laps,
32:29he'd come over to order a drink.
32:31I looked away.
32:33I didn't think a guy with your crowd
32:34would even remember me.
32:37You really think you're that easy to forget, Vivian?
32:39Val stepped closer,
32:41his gaze locked onto mine.
32:42I bit my lower lip,
32:43looking up at him
32:44with a rehearsed expression
32:45of fear and longing.
32:47Val, please.
32:49I just don't want Gideon
32:50to find out about us.
32:51It would ruin everything.
32:54Val's entire posture stigged.
32:56As I quickly hurried past him to leave,
32:58a shadow moved
32:59at the end of the hallway.
33:01Gideon was standing
33:02right around the corner.
33:03He had caught every single word.
33:05His face was utterly devastated.
33:07As Gideon drove me back to my dorm,
33:09tried to sound casual
33:10to get my answer again.
33:11So, Vivian,
33:12what do you think of the guys?
33:13I just looked up into his eyes
33:14and held his hand.
33:16Your friends are wonderful, Gideon,
33:17but to me,
33:18you're the best.
33:19His breath hitted,
33:20completely paralyzed.
33:21I had expected this.
33:23I knew this arrogant billionaire boy
33:24had spent his whole life
33:26treating women
33:26like temporary profies.
33:28He had zero real emotional experience,
33:30and my sudden shift
33:31left him entirely defenseless.
33:33I've never been to a place
33:35that beautiful before,
33:36I whispered,
33:36casting my eyes down.
33:38Thank you for taking me, Gideon.
33:41That's what a boyfriend should do, Vivian.
33:43Stop eating that cheap diner takeout.
33:45He furiously typed on his phone.
33:48Ping!
33:49Another transaction notification.
33:51Don't you dare reject it.
33:53Just buy yourself decent food
33:54from now on.
33:55I leaned in.
33:57pressing a soft kiss on his face.
34:00Honestly,
34:01as long as I'm with you,
34:03I'm happy.
34:04His ears turned bright red
34:06as he froze.
34:09Good night, Gideon.
34:10I smiled,
34:11stepping into the building.
34:14See you tomorrow.
34:20Back in my dorm,
34:21I pulled my journal
34:23and updated it.
34:25We sat across
34:26from each other tonight.
34:27The moment our eyes met,
34:29my heart raced so fast
34:31I could barely breathe.
34:32The next morning,
34:34Gideon stole the journal
34:35from my bag again.
34:37But this time,
34:38he completely lost his mind.
34:42In the middle of a massive seminar,
34:44right in front of the professors
34:45and all the students,
34:46Gideon marched straight down the steps
34:47toward my seat.
34:48His eyes bloodshot and wild
34:50as he roared,
34:51Vivian!
34:52Who the heck is the man
34:54in your journal?
34:54He said to his three billionaire
34:56frat friends
34:56that I was just a cheap catch
34:58that only took three months
34:59to get into bed.
35:00Gideon held up my private journal
35:02and smeared,
35:02She thinks I'm her savior.
35:03I bet this journal is full
35:05of her pathetic obsession.
35:06He had no idea I left it there
35:07completely on purpose,
35:09just waiting for him to take it.
35:10I was a full scholarship student
35:11at an elite Ike League university
35:13who was juggling part-time shifts
35:15and playing nice
35:15with my preppy classmates
35:16just to survive.
35:17Gideon Sterling was the richest guy
35:19on campus,
35:20a social ladder king
35:21who only cared about yacht parties
35:22and sports cars.
35:23We lived in two parallel universes
35:25until a rumor spread
35:26that I was the hardest girl to get
35:27and that caught Gideon's attention.
35:29Soon he made a bet
35:30with his frat friends
35:31that he could make me his girlfriend
35:32within three months.
35:34I dodged him repeatedly,
35:35but his arrogance mistook
35:36my disgust for shininess.
35:38Finally,
35:38he paid a group of townies
35:40to harass me at the diner
35:41where I worked,
35:41just so he could play the hero.
35:43Drouched in iced coffee and soup,
35:44I forced a timid smile.
35:46Thank you, Gideon.
35:47You came to me like a hero.
35:48I'd love to be your girlfriend.
35:49But he didn't know I only said yes
35:51just to stop him from annoying me.
35:52That night,
35:53I went back to my dorm
35:54and began mapping out
35:55my revenge in my journal.
35:56If these rich boys
35:57wanted to treat my life
35:58like a game,
35:59they were going to pay for it.
36:00But Gideon remained
36:01blissfully ignorant,
36:02convinced that I was
36:03madly in love with him.
36:04Confidently,
36:05he flipped open the stolen journal
36:06to the first page.
36:07Today,
36:07I finally became Gideon's girlfriend.
36:09My heart is beating so fast
36:10because this is the only way
36:11I can get close to his friend,
36:12the one I actually love.
36:14Gideon's face went blank instantly.
36:16This has to be some kind of joke.
36:17Gideon's hands shook
36:18as he furiously ripped open
36:19the next page,
36:20but the words made his face
36:21turn even paler.
36:22Gideon is my boyfriend now,
36:23but I can't control my heart.
36:25Why does it have to be
36:26his best friend?
36:27Behind him,
36:27his three frat friends froze.
36:29Their eyes darted
36:30between each other.
36:31Heavy tension gripped the room.
36:32Later that evening,
36:33Gideon slammed open
36:34the door of the diner
36:35where I worked,
36:36his face dark as a thundercloud.
36:37I knew he had swallowed the bait.
36:39Every single word in that journal
36:40was calculated specifically for him,
36:42but he knew nothing.
36:43I quickly masked my face
36:44with innocent surprise.
36:45Gideon?
36:46What are you doing here at my shift?
36:47Gideon stared at me
36:48as if he tried to see through me.
36:50Vivian,
36:50we've been together for three months.
36:52It's time I introduce you to the guys.
36:54Really?
36:54I'd love to meet your friends.
36:56Gideon's mouth tritched,
36:57but he was so desperate
36:58to figure out
36:59who the guy in my journal was.
37:00Right on cues.
37:01So I followed my plan,
37:03pulling back slightly
37:03with a well-rehearsed look of hesitation.
37:05But I can't.
37:06I have an overnight shift
37:07at the campus library
37:08right after this.
37:08Without a word,
37:09Gideon whipped out his phone.
37:10Then my phone buzzed
37:11with a payment notification
37:12plus $20,000.
37:13Consider your shift bought out.
37:15Call off tonight.
37:15Gideon, no!
37:16I can't just take your money.
37:18But Gideon grabbed my phone,
37:19forced my thumb onto the sensor
37:20to accept the transfer.
37:22Now can we leave?
37:23The boys are waiting.
37:24Looking down at the massive boost
37:25to my bank account,
37:26I hit a satisfied smirk
37:27and gently wrapped my arm around his.
37:29You're so good to me, Gideon.
37:30Let's go,
37:31I can't wait to meet your friends.
37:32Gideon white-knuckled his phone,
37:34his chest heaving.
37:35The moment we arrived
37:36at the private dining room,
37:37his three frat friends stood up.
37:38Hey, we're Gideon's frat friends.
37:39You've probably seen us
37:40around campus, right?
37:41Of course I had.
37:42They were the quad hairs
37:43of the Ivy League elite,
37:44the guys who caused crowds
37:45on the street,
37:45whose charity suits
37:46ended up in vogue,
37:47and who had their own
37:48secret society fan clubs.
37:49I had done exhaustive research
37:50on every single one of them,
37:52but I didn't say a word.
37:53I just gave them a fleeting glance
37:54and looked down shyly.
37:55Hi, everyone.
37:56I'm Vivian Cole.
37:57The three heirs locked their eyes on me
37:58trying to dissect my every movement.
38:00Sensing their heavy gaze,
38:01Gideon's face darkened.
38:03His grip on my hand tightened.
38:04She's my girlfriend.
38:05The atmosphere was suffocatingly tense.
38:07I could feel Gideon watching me
38:08like a hawk,
38:09trying to figure out
38:10which friend I was looking at,
38:11but I wasn't about to give him
38:12an easy answer.
38:13I kept my mouth shut
38:14and ordered the most expensive items
38:16on the high-end French menu dishes
38:17I could never afford
38:18on a scholarship.
38:19Considerate attacks
38:20for the harassment
38:21he put me through,
38:21I casually cut into my steak,
38:23savoring every single bite.
38:25Meanwhile,
38:25the four billionaire boys
38:26across from me
38:27barely touched their food,
38:28completely consumed
38:28by the unspoken tension.
38:30Finally,
38:30Gideon couldn't take it anymore.
38:32Vivian,
38:32who is the guy?
38:34Oh, look.
38:35We haven't ordered dessert yet.
38:38Just order whatever you want.
38:41I've never been to order
38:42for the table like this, Gideon.
38:43Let's see what everyone likes.
38:47Go ahead and pick, Vivian.
38:50Whatever you get,
38:51we'll have the same.
38:52Well, if you say so.
38:54I knew a crucial piece of data.
38:56Gideon loved peanuts,
38:57but Nate had a severe allergy to them.
38:59Excuse me,
39:00does the souffle contain
39:01any peanut oil or almond extract?
39:03Nate has a severe allergy.
39:05The entire table went dead silent.
39:08Gideon and Nate both stared at me.
39:10How do you know?
39:11I looked up,
39:12playing completely oblivious.
39:13Did I say something wrong?
39:15I just wanted to make sure
39:16Nate wouldn't have
39:17an allergic reaction.
39:18Gideon froze,
39:20his head slowly turning
39:21toward his best friend.
39:22Nate was leaning back,
39:24staring at me
39:24with a heavily charged gaze.
39:26But before Gideon
39:27could process that,
39:28I immediately shifted my focus
39:29to the other side of the table.
39:32Alistair,
39:33shouldn't you take
39:34your medication first?
39:35I know you suffer
39:36from chronic,
39:37stress-induced migraines.
39:39Gideon froze completely
39:40a second time,
39:41his gaze snapping over
39:42to Alistair.
39:43When I had applied
39:44for the student government board,
39:46I thoroughly dug up
39:47Alistair's personal files,
39:49intending to use his weaknesses
39:50to flatter him later on.
39:53Alistair, however,
39:54had absolutely no idea.
39:56His cold composure cracked,
39:57his eyes swirling
39:58with confusion
39:59and sudden intensity.
40:00I poured a glass of warm water
40:02and pushed it toward him.
40:03Take your prescription, Alistair.
40:05Don't force yourself.
40:09It took him a long moment
40:10to respond.
40:12How does it you thank you?
40:13You don't need to thank me.
40:15You're all Gideon's friends.
40:17Taking care of his friends
40:19is the least I can do.
40:20The murderous rage
40:21boiling in Gideon's eyes
40:22instantly crystallized
40:23into pure confusion.
40:24Gideon's last roommate
40:25was Val Moretti,
40:26a guy with a wild,
40:28ruggedly handsome face
40:29who easily held
40:30the number one spot
40:31on the campus
40:32most wanted list.
40:33I had to admit,
40:34his look was entirely my type.
40:36Throughout the entire dinner,
40:38Val and I hadn't exchanged
40:39a single word.
40:40But when I walked out
40:42to the restroom,
40:43he was leaning against
40:44the corridor wall,
40:45waiting for me.
40:46Vivian.
40:46His voice was low,
40:48ruspy.
40:49Are we seriously
40:49going to play strangers now?
40:51We had met before.
40:53One of my part-time
40:54was at the Paddock VIP lounge
40:56of the racetrack,
40:57where he spent his weekends.
40:59Every time he finished
41:00his laps,
41:01he'd come over
41:02to order a drink.
41:03I looked away.
41:04I didn't think a guy
41:05with your crowd
41:06would even remember me.
41:08You really think
41:09you're that easy
41:10to forget, Vivian?
41:11Val stepped closer,
41:12his gaze locked onto mine.
41:14and I bit my lower lip,
41:15looking up at him
41:16with a rehearsed expression
41:17of fear and longing.
41:19Val, please.
41:21I just don't want Gideon
41:22to find out about us.
41:23It would ruin everything.
41:26Val's entire posture
41:27stippened.
41:28As I quickly hurried
41:29past him to leave,
41:30a shadow moved
41:31at the end of the hallway.
41:32Gideon was standing
41:33right around the corner.
41:35He had caught
41:35every single word.
41:37His face
41:37was utterly devastated.
41:39As Gideon drove me
41:40back to my dorm,
41:40tried to sound casual
41:41to get my answer again.
41:42So, Vivian,
41:44what do you think
41:44of the guys?
41:45I just looked up
41:46into his eyes
41:46and held his hand.
41:47Your friends are wonderful,
41:49Gideon,
41:49but to me,
41:50you're the best.
41:51His breath hitted,
41:52completely paralyzed.
41:53I had expected this.
41:54I knew this arrogant
41:55billionaire boy
41:56had spent his whole life
41:57treating women
41:58like temporary profies.
41:59He had zero
42:00real emotional experience,
42:02and my sudden shift
42:03left him entirely defenseless.
42:05I've never been to a place
42:06that beautiful before,
42:07I whispered,
42:08casting my eyes down.
42:10Thank you for taking me,
42:11Gideon.
42:12That's what a boyfriend
42:13should do, Vivian.
42:14Stop eating that
42:15cheap diner takeout.
42:17He furiously typed
42:18on his phone.
42:20Ping!
42:21Another transaction notification.
42:23Don't you dare reject it.
42:25Just buy yourself
42:26decent food from now on.
42:27I leaned in,
42:29pressing a soft kiss
42:30on his face.
42:32Honestly,
42:33as long as I'm with you,
42:35I'm happy.
42:36His ears turned bright red
42:38as he froze.
42:40Good night, Gideon.
42:42I smiled,
42:43stepping into the building.
42:46See you tomorrow.
42:52Back in my dorm,
42:53I pulled my journal
42:54and updated it.
42:56We sat across
42:57from each other tonight.
42:59The moment our eyes met,
43:01my heart raced so fast
43:02I could barely breathe.
43:04The next morning,
43:06Gideon stole the journal
43:07from my bag again.
43:08But this time,
43:10he completely lost his mind.
43:13In the middle of a massive seminar,
43:15right in front of the professors
43:16and all the students,
43:18Gideon marched straight down the steps
43:19toward my seat.
43:20His eyes bloodshot and wild
43:22as he roared,
43:22Vivian!
43:24Who the heck
43:25is the man in your journal?
43:26I rescued three wolf shifters
43:28and now they keep me in bed
43:29every night
43:29until I can't even stand.
43:31As I lay there,
43:31too exhausted to even move,
43:33I heard them snicker.
43:34Seriously?
43:35Look at her.
43:36That delicate little body.
43:38And she really thought
43:38she could take all three of us?
43:40No worries.
43:41Once she can't take it anymore,
43:43she'll hand us over
43:44to her sister.
43:44She can't even get out of bed now.
43:46Just a few more rounds
43:47and she'll give up.
43:48My vision swam.
43:49I grabbed my phone
43:50and called my sister,
43:51Phoebe.
43:52Their conversation
43:53in the living room
43:54was still going on.
43:55They thought I was still passed out.
43:57In the hazy glow of the lamp,
43:58I stared at the red bruises
44:00on my wrists and thighs.
44:01Proof of how rough
44:02they got with me.
44:03She wouldn't give all of us
44:04to her sister.
44:05Yeah,
44:06that means some of us
44:07will stay.
44:09Cynthia is so boring.
44:10Stay if you want.
44:11I'm out.
44:12Me too.
44:13Whatever.
44:14Let's just have some fun with her.
44:15Is she awake yet?
44:17No way.
44:17She cried so hard earlier
44:18that she almost passed out.
44:20She won't wake up that easily.
44:22So fragile.
44:24Let's wake her up later.
44:26Then we continue.
44:28My vision went black again.
44:30Phoebe finally answered the phone.
44:32Hey sis,
44:33what's up?
44:34Aren't you dying for some action?
44:36Take my three starving wolves
44:37and give me your platonic serpent instead.
44:39Will they be okay with that?
44:40They like you anyway.
44:43Phoebe got it right away.
44:45Everyone preferred her to me.
44:46She thought it over.
44:48Okay.
44:49Your place is small anyway.
44:50It's not easy to keep them there.
44:53But my naga is cold as ice.
44:55He's basically celibate.
44:57That's exactly why I want him.
44:59I don't want to sleep with him at all.
45:00I am completely drained.
45:02I just need someone to help me with the chores,
45:04not another beast in my bed.
45:07Oh, you're overthinking it.
45:09I haven't even managed to tame him myself.
45:11He won't touch you.
45:13I'll come over this afternoon to pick up the wolves.
45:16The second the call ended,
45:17my bedroom door opened.
45:19Awake?
45:20I met his suckery eyes.
45:22He walked over and lifted my blanket.
45:24Wait!
45:25Stop!
45:26His eyes narrowed as he leaned close.
45:28What's up, master?
45:29I'm exhausted.
45:31I need to rest.
45:32Nope.
45:33Master, since you raised us,
45:35you have to feed us.
45:37We're still not satisfied.
45:39If you go to sleep,
45:40what are we supposed to do?
45:42He grabbed my chin and leaned in to kiss me.
45:44I shoved him back.
45:45Phoebe is coming to pick you up this afternoon!
45:48He froze.
45:49The other two by the door froze as well.
45:52One of us?
45:53Which one?
45:54They thought I'd only give Phoebe one wolf.
45:57All of you.
45:58On a cold, rainy day,
46:00I found three dying wolf pups on the street.
46:02I almost left them there.
46:04But when one of them wrapped its tiny tail around my ankle,
46:07my heart melted.
46:08I brought them home.
46:09Under my care, they recovered quickly.
46:11But soon, they hit their growth phase
46:13and all transformed into shifters.
46:15I wanted to take them to the shifter shelter.
46:17But they told me the pups had already bonded to me as their master.
46:20If I abandoned them now,
46:22it could leave them with lasting trauma.
46:23Looking at their beautiful eyes,
46:25I relented.
46:25I named them Jax,
46:27Zane,
46:28and Knox.
46:29They were energetic and so clingy,
46:31always twisting their ears and tails around me.
46:33One day,
46:34Phoebe called and said,
46:35Sis,
46:36aren't you going back for that arranged marriage?
46:38I gently pushed Knox away as he buried his face in my chest.
46:42The guy is ugly,
46:44and all three of his former wives died mysteriously.
46:46But his family is insanely rich.
46:48I lowered my gaze.
46:50My family cut me off financially because I refused to marry.
46:53But of course,
46:54they would never let Phoebe marry him.
46:56So they kept pushing me instead.
46:57Zane noticed I was down and narrowed his suchery eyes.
47:00He pulled me close and whispered,
47:03If it makes you uncomfortable,
47:05just hang up, sweetheart.
47:06What's that noise?
47:08I saved three wolf pups,
47:09they shifted into humans,
47:10and now they won't leave me alone.
47:11I'm so jealous.
47:13My serpent shifter won't even let me touch him.
47:15He'll warm up to you eventually.
47:17Once, Phoebe came to my place with gifts.
47:19Sis, surprise!
47:21She looked stunning in a delicate white dress.
47:24The moment she entered,
47:25the eyes of all three shifters instantly locked on her.
47:28Honestly, I was used to it.
47:30Everyone always preferred Phoebe.
47:32She was vibrant, charming,
47:34and had everyone's attention easily.
47:37Compared to her, I was plain and dull.
47:40Sis, your place is so much smaller than the family mansion.
47:44Is there even enough space for them to run around?
47:47I hesitated.
47:48I saw Jack staring at Phoebe,
47:50Zane flashing her a bright smile,
47:52and even grumpy Knox ears kept flipping.
47:55Phoebe acted like she didn't notice and kept sipping her water.
47:58At that moment, I knew.
48:00Once again, what was mine was about to become hers.
48:03From that day, the wolves' gentleness vanished.
48:05In bed, they were getting rougher,
48:07like they wanted to break me.
48:08Until I overheard their conversation.
48:10I was right, they had fallen for Phoebe,
48:13even though they had only seen her once.
48:14The afternoon arrived quickly.
48:17A knock came at the door.
48:19Phoebe arrived, the air in the room frozen.
48:21Are you really giving all of us away?
48:24Not even keeping one?
48:26So which of you actually wants to stay?
48:29No one answered.
48:31Drop the act, you two.
48:32Finally, Knock rolled his eyes and got up to answer the door.
48:35The door opened.
48:37Phoebe's bright smile greeted us.
48:38Hey, boys.
48:39My sister told you, right?
48:41You're mine now.
48:43Knox leaned close.
48:44Hello, my new master.
48:46Phoebe looked them over, clearly pleased.
48:50You guys are gorgeous.
48:52Don't bother packing.
48:54I doubt my sister has anything worth keeping anyway.
48:56I'll buy you all new clothes when we get to my mansion.
48:59For a moment, every eye in the room was on me.
49:02Noticing the shift, Fabi came to me.
49:05Don't worry, sis.
49:07I'll definitely take much better care of them.
49:09You've had your fun.
49:10Now go home and agree to the arranged marriage.
49:12Stop making mom and dad worry.
49:14Marriage?
49:15What marriage?
49:16Phoebe didn't answer.
49:17Seeing I still didn't react, she gave me a mocking smile.
49:21Maybe one of you should stay and keep my sister company.
49:23She looks pretty down.
49:25No one answered.
49:26Phoebe wasn't surprised.
49:27She smiled at me with fake sympathy, clearly enjoying her win.
49:31I was never the chosen one.
49:33We were used to it.
49:34Where is he?
49:35Come in.
49:36Slow, heavy footsteps approached.
49:38A tall, lean man stepped out.
49:40His shoulders were rigid, like cold steel.
49:42The next second, my eyes locked with his dark, shadowy gaze.
49:45I bit my lip and greeted him softly.
49:47He stared down.
49:48Cold serpent eyes fixed on me.
49:50Goosebumps covered my skin instantly.
49:52He completely ignored me.
49:53He's always like this, sis.
49:54If you can't stand him, just let me know.
49:56I'll take him back.
49:59Who is he?
50:00Phoebe didn't want to explain.
50:01I didn't either.
50:03The driver is waiting for us downstairs.
50:04Let's go.
50:05She smiled, changing the subject.
50:07They left with Phoebe.
50:08Only the serpent shaper stayed.
50:10As I closed the door, Zane cast a lingering look back.
50:14A slick, powerful serpent tail whipped out and wrapped around my waist.
50:17A strange, sweet scent filled the room.
50:19I panicked, pushing him off.
50:21You, you're in rut?
50:22I was slammed hard against the door, making a muffin thud.
50:25Thankfully, the tail cushioned me so I wasn't hurt.
50:28His hot breath brushed my neck, and I shivered.
50:30Then someone knocked hard on the door.
50:34Cynthia?
50:35What's going on there?
50:38Soren's slitted eyes grew colder, his tail tightening around my waist.
50:41Instead of reaching for the door, I struggled to lift my hand and gently cupped his icy cheek.
50:47Is it painful?
50:49Let me get you a sore sore, okay?
50:50The crushing weight eased off me, and the sweet scent of his rut slowly faded.
50:55The knocking came again.
50:57Phoebe hesitated.
50:58Sis?
50:59Are you two okay?
51:00But just as I was about to speak, something icy cold pressed against my neck.
51:04He bit me.
51:06It wasn't gentle.
51:07It felt like a predator pinning its prey.
51:09But it was slow.
51:11Sensuous.
51:12Almost teasing.
51:13I muffled a groan.
51:15I'm fine.
51:16You guys should go.
51:18Are you sure?
51:18Yeah.
51:20She said she's fine.
51:22Cynthia, the snake didn't hurt you, right?
51:25No.
51:25His cool, forked tongue slowly lit the wound.
51:28As the wolf's footsteps faded, I shoved the serpent off.
51:31I dug through the drawers, found a leftover wolf suppressus, used to keep the wolf sane.
51:36I tossed it to him and rushed off to wash my face.
51:39When I came back to the living room, his tail was gone.
51:41The man leaned back against the sofa, his long legs crossed, looking as cold as ever.
51:47Aren't you...
51:48Platonic?
51:49This is a normal physical reaction.
51:51It's been too long since my last suppressor.
51:54Phoebe must have withheld them to push him into rut.
51:57I didn't press racing further and handed him a glass of water.
52:01Rest today.
52:02You can help with chores tomorrow.
52:05Or take more time if you need.
52:07You treated them the same way?
52:09I froze.
52:09I knew he meant the wolves.
52:11After a brief silence, I nodded.
52:14Shifters bonded to their masters deserved kindness, not abuse.
52:18A heavy silence settled between us as he stared at me.
52:22My name's Soren.
52:24Hi, I'm Cynthia.
52:26Without a word, Soren walked toward the balcony.
52:29Wait, are you trying to jump?
52:31If you hate this place that much, I'll let Phoebe take you back!
52:33I rushed after him, only to find him calmly taking my laundry out of the washer and hanging it up.
52:41I'll get a dryer soon.
52:43I didn't get the chance to buy a dryer.
52:45The very next day, the Mersens' butler arrived with several bodyguards.
52:49Miss Cynthia, your father says playtime is over.
52:51It's time for your arranged marriage.
52:54No.
52:55Your father is offering you a 5% strake in Mershal Group.
52:58And Miss Phoebe wants Mr. Soren returned.
53:01I froze, my hand still on the doorknob.
53:04I looked back at Soren, only to meet his cold, emotionless gaze.
53:07A chill ran down my spine.
53:10Back at the Mercer mansion, only Jax, Zane, and Knox were on the first floor.
53:14The atmosphere was awkward.
53:17Why are you here?
53:21Can I come back to my own home?
53:23His smile only deepened.
53:28Phoebe said you wouldn't come home.
53:30What, did you miss us?
53:33Obviously, she can't survive a single day without us.
53:36She doesn't look sad.
53:37Jax raised an eyebrow.
53:39Who the hell do you think you are?
53:41The air suddenly turned hostile.
53:43Just like yesterday.
53:44I grabbed Soren's cold hand to calm him.
53:47Both wolves and serpents were apex predators.
53:49If they fight here, it'll be a disaster.
53:51Are you using him to make us jealous?
53:55Snakes are cold-blooded, and Phoebe says this one is especially heartless.
53:59You really think you can tame him?
54:04What is this?
54:06A hickey?
54:08His words dropped like a bomb in the room.
54:11Huh?
54:11What did you just say?
54:13Next second, a cold hand yanked me behind.
54:16Get lost.
54:19What did you just say?
54:23What are you guys doing?
54:26Are we seriously going to play strangers now?
54:29We had met before.
54:30One of my part-time was at the Paddock VIP lounge of the racetrack, where he spent his weekends.
54:36Every time he finished his laps, he'd come over to order a drink.
54:41I looked away.
54:42I didn't think a guy with your crowd would even remember me.
54:46You really think you're that easy to forget, Vivian?
54:48Val stepped closer.
54:50His gaze locked onto mine.
54:51I bit my lower lip, looking up at him with a rehearsed expression of fear and longing.
54:56Val, please.
54:58I just don't want Gideon to find out about us.
55:01It would ruin everything.
55:03Val's entire posture stiffened.
55:05As I quickly hurried past him to leave, a shadow moved at the end of the hallway.
55:10Gideon was standing right around the corner.
55:12He had caught every single word.
55:14His face was utterly devastated.
55:16As Gideon drove me back to my dorm, tried to sound casual to get my answer again.
55:20So, Vivian, what do you think of the guys?
55:22I just looked up into his eyes and held his hand.
55:25Your friends are wonderful, Gideon, but to me, you're the best.
55:28His breath hitted, completely paralyzed.
55:30I had expected this.
55:32I knew this arrogant billionaire boy had spent his whole life treating women like temporary
55:36trophies.
55:37He had zero real emotional experience, and my sudden shift left him entirely defenseless.
55:42I've never been to a place that beautiful before, I whispered, casting my eyes down.
55:47Thank you for taking me, Gideon.
55:50That's what a boyfriend should do, Vivian.
55:52Stop eating that cheap diner takeout.
55:53He furiously typed on his phone.
55:57Ping.
55:58Another transaction notification.
56:00Don't you dare reject it.
56:02Just buy yourself decent food from now on.
56:05I leaned in, pressing a soft kiss on his face.
56:10Honestly, as long as I'm with you, I'm happy.
56:14His ears turned bright red as he froze.
56:18Good night, Gideon.
56:19I smiled, stepping into the building.
56:23See you tomorrow.
56:29Back in my dorm, I pulled my journal and updated it.
56:34We sat across from each other tonight.
56:36The moment our eyes met, my heart raced so fast I could barely breathe.
56:41The next morning, Gideon stole the journal from my bag again.
56:46But this time, he completely lost his mind.
56:51In the middle of a massive seminar, right in front of the professors and all the students,
56:55Gideon marched straight down the steps toward my seat.
56:57His eyes bloodshot and wild as he roared.
57:00Vivian!
57:01Who the heck is the man in your journal?
57:04I'll burn his whole world down before I let him touch you again.
57:06Letting a single tear fall onto his hand.
57:08As he fiercely kissed me, I was mentally checking my phone.
57:10Apple Pay notification, plus $30,000 from Nate Cross.
57:13Bank wire notification, plus $25,000 from Alistair Vance Calder.
57:16And now Val Morelli would just throw his multi-million dollar racing career into the fire for me.
57:20The three billionaires were completely hooked, line and sinker.
57:23The trap was purring.
57:25It was finally time to plan the grand finale, the Ivy League annual charity gala.
57:29By the next morning, my bank account bolded to a glorious six figures.
57:33The legacy eds of the Ivy League were paying a literal premium just to stand in my orbit.
57:37Meanwhile, Gideon was unraveling at the steams.
57:41Looking like a man who hadn't slept in a week.
57:43His eyes were wild, his designer tie crooked.
57:46He's bragging about taking you to the river.
57:47Alistair is signing off on your private grants.
57:48Even Val is acting weird.
57:49Tell me the truth.
57:50Which one of them is it?
57:50I didn't flinch.
57:52Instead, I let my eyes mist pool his Dodd Baker's ferns.
57:56How can you still ask me that, Gideon?
57:58My voice carried perfectly to the students passing by.
58:01You broke my trust.
58:02You treated our relationship like a sick joke, a three-month bet.
58:05And now you're accusing your own best friends?
58:07I don't want to see you again.
58:09Leaving him standing there completely destroyed by his own guilt and suspicion.
58:13The psychological warfare reached its peak when the invitations for the annual Ivy League charity Gralla were released.
58:18It was the most exclusive masked white tie event of the year.
58:21A night where old money family fortunes were paraded under crystal chandeliers.
58:24Usually, a scholarship girl like me wouldn't even be allowed to polish silver at an event like this.
58:28But my inbox told a very different story.
58:31Ping.
58:31An email from Alistair.
58:32A custom gown has been delivered to your dorm.
58:34You are entering the gala as the student government's honored jest.
58:37With me.
58:38Ping.
58:38A text from Nate.
58:39I bought out the entire front row VIP table for us.
58:42We had a diamond bracelet I sent.
58:43Don't say no, Vivian.
58:44Ping.
58:44A voice note from Val.
58:45I'm picking you up at the back entrance at 8 p.m. sharp.
58:47Don't let anyone see you.
58:49We're doing this my way.
58:50I looked at the three luxurious garment bags and jewelry jocks piling up in my cramped dorm room.
58:53They all wanted to display me like a prize to humiliate Gideon.
58:57Perfect.
58:58I was going to give them a night they would never forget.
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