I made my way downstairs and headed toward the dining room.

Soft morning sunlight streamed through the tall windows, spilling across the polished marble floor. The fresh smell of breakfast drifted through the mansion, making my empty stomach growl quietly.

Sylvia was already seated at the table. The moment she saw me, her face lit up with a smile.

I smiled back and walked over before pulling out the chair opposite hers.

Mrs. Chloe had prepared a fluffy vegetable omelet, creamy avocado slices, whole-grain toast, and a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice for breakfast.

The buttery aroma mixed with the scent of toasted bread and fresh oranges filled the room.

Sylvia gently pushed a plate toward me.

"You were waiting for me?" I asked.

She nodded, still smiling.

I looked around to make sure no one was paying attention before leaning across the table.

"Thanks, babe," I whispered.

A faint blush immediately spread across Sylvia’s cheeks. She quickly tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and lowered her head, trying to hide the smile tugging on her lips.

I couldn’t help smiling.

She was really too cute.

Really cute.

A small smile tugged at my own lips before I picked up my fork and began eating.

The omelet was warm and soft, while the toast gave a satisfying crunch with every bite.

A few moments later, I heard steady footsteps approaching.

"Miss."

I looked up.

Sir Martin stopped beside me and held out my car keys.

"Here are your keys."

I nodded and took them from him.

"Thanks."

He gave a respectful bow and turned to leave.

"Sir Martin."

He stopped immediately. "Yes, Miss?"

I twirled the keys once around my finger before looking at him. "Give Sylvia the spare key to my other car."

His eyebrows lifted slightly. "The other one?"

"Mmm," I said. "I haven’t used it yet anyway."

Sir Martin looked at Sylvia for a second before returning his gaze to me.

"Okay, Miss." He nodded and quietly walked away.

Sylvia looked at me, tilting her head. "You’re giving me one of your cars?"

"Mmm." I nodded while taking another bite of my breakfast. "In case you need to go somewhere."

Sylvia rested her chin on her hand and smiled. "Where would I even go without you?"

My fork froze halfway to my mouth.

Damn it.

This girl...

She’s way too flirtatious.

I slowly looked up at her. She was smiling so innocently that anyone else would have believed she hadn’t done anything.

But I knew better. She was teasing me.

I quietly cleared my throat and looked back down at my plate before taking another bite.

Across the table, Sylvia bit her lower lip to stop herself from laughing. The smile tugging at the corners of her lips told me everything.

She knew exactly what she was doing.

"Eat your breakfast," I said, clearing my throat again.

Sylvia giggled softly. "Okay, Minnie."

The corners of my lips twitched. I picked up my glass of orange juice and took a slow sip, pretending I wasn’t smiling.

Unfortunately, a faint blush spreading across my face completely betrayed me.

By the time I finished breakfast, the last of the orange juice had disappeared from my glass.

I reached for a tissue, wiped my mouth, and set it aside before standing. The chair scraped softly against the floor as I picked up my school bag.

Across the table, Sylvia stood up too. She grabbed her bag, slung it over one shoulder, and walked over to me. We headed out of the dining room together.

The moment we stepped outside, the cool morning breeze brushed gently against my face, carrying the fresh scent of flowers from the garden. It cooled the faint blush on my cheeks after all of Sylvia’s shameless teasing.

I quietly let out a small breath.

We walked across the driveway toward my car. The morning sun reflected off the glossy black paint of my car, making it shine beneath the clear blue sky.

I pressed the unlock button on my key fob. And the headlights flashed.

Sylvia walked around to the passenger side, opened the door, and slid into her seat.

I walked to the driver’s side, opened the door, and climbed in. I placed my bag on the back seat, fastened my seat belt, and started the engine.

The engine came to life with a soft hum. I gently pressed my foot against the accelerator and drove out.

I glanced at Sylvia. She was looking down at her phone, her fingers moving quickly across the screen as she typed.

I smiled to myself before turning my attention back to the road.

A few minutes later, the familiar gates of Westbrook came into view.

Students in neat uniforms were making their way across the school grounds while a few teachers stood nearby talking to one another. The morning breeze rustled the leaves of the trees lining the driveway.

I drove toward the parking lot. Rows of cars were already lined up, and I pulled into my usual parking space before switching off the engine.

The soft hum of the engine faded and was replaced by the distant chatter of students around us.

Sylvia stopped typing and looked up through the windshield.

"We’re here?" she asked.

I gave a small nod. "Mmm."

She slipped her phone into her bag, unbuckled her seat belt with a soft click, opened the passenger door, and climbed out.

I unbuckled mine too, grabbed my school bag from the back seat, and stepped out after her.

I pressed the lock button on my key fob.

Beep!

Beep!

The black sports car flashed its headlights once before locking with a soft click. I slipped the keys into my pocket and started walking beside Sylvia.

Before I could take another step, an arm hooked itself lazily around my neck from behind.

The familiar scent of lavender, orange blossom, and vanilla immediately drifted into my nose.

Camila.

I smiled.

I would recognize her perfume anywhere.

"Cam," I said as I turned to look at her.

She pouted. "Seriously? How do you always know it’s me?"

I only shrugged, smiling. Before I could answer, someone casually nudged Sylvia aside and hooked an arm through mine.

"Morning, Lia."

I didn’t even have to turn around. Because I already knew who it was.

"Daniela."

Daniela grinned shamelessly. "What? You looked lonely."

I turned toward Sylvia. She was staring quietly at Daniela’s hand wrapped around mine.

Her brows knitted together slightly as a small frown slowly appeared on her face.

For a second, I didn’t know what to do.

If I pulled away too quickly...

It would be obvious.

I quietly slipped my hand out of Daniela’s grasp and rubbed the back of my neck instead as though it had started hurting.

Hopefully, it hadn’t looked suspicious.

Except for Sylvia, who noticed it anyway.

A small, satisfied smile tugged at the corner of her lips.

Honestly...

This girl.

She’s impossible.

I shook my head in quiet amusement.

"Hey, Amelia." Another voice interrupted my thoughts.

Xander again.

I stared at him for a second.

Seriously?

This early in the morning?

God...

Was this some kind of bad omen?

Xander walked toward us with Ethan beside him.

He smiled. "Amelia, I—"

"Hey." Camila cut him off before he could finish. "Shut the fuck up."

"And get out of my sight."

She stepped in front of me, her expression turning cold instantly.

Xander blinked. "...What?"

Camila folded her arms. "Did I stutter?"

For a moment, he simply stared at her, looking completely speechless.

Then his gaze shifted past Camila and landed on Sylvia. His face immediately brightened.

"Hey, Sylvia." He gave her a friendly wave.

She tilted her head slightly to one side as though trying to remember where she’d seen him before. Her brows furrowed together.

She looked at him for a long second. Then, in the most innocent voice imaginable, she asked,

"...Homewrecker?"

I burst out laughing immediately. The sound echoed across the parking lot.

Camila bent over, laughing so hard she had to hold onto my shoulder to steady herself.

Daniela wasn’t any better. She clutched her stomach, shaking with laughter until she nearly lost her balance.

Even Ethan completely lost it.

A loud snort escaped him before he quickly covered his mouth.

"Pfft—"

He immediately turned away, his shoulders shaking as he fought to hold it in.

Xander slowly turned toward him. The glare he shot Ethan could’ve frozen fire.

Ethan instantly straightened.

"I-I’m not laughing."

"..."

A tiny sound escaped him anyway.

"Pff."

He quickly slapped a hand over his mouth again and took two careful steps backward.

"I swear I’m trying."

Camila laughed even harder. "Oh my God..."

Daniela wiped the corner of her eye. "Yep. I like her already."

I looked at Sylvia. She simply blinked, completely confused.

"...What?" she asked.

That only made us laugh again.

Xander glared at Ethan for another second, took a slow breath, then turned back to Sylvia.

His smile had completely disappeared. The corner of his mouth twitched.

"...What did you just call me?"

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