Westwood University. The grandeur of the place still felt surreal to Alessia Marino. Marble floors gleamed under the light streaming through intricate stained glass windows, and the air carried a faint scent of polished wood and expensive perfume. It felt more like a palace than a school.
Clutching her schedule tightly, Alessia wove through clusters of impeccably dressed students. Designer handbags swung from shoulders, shoes gleamed with newness, and laughter rang out as groups of friends reunited. She glanced down at her scuffed sneakers and pulled her sweater tighter around her, wishing she didn't feel so out of place.
You're here to learn, she reminded herself. Nothing else matters.
As she turned a corner, a sharp voice jolted her back to reality.
"God, watch where you're going!"
Alessia stumbled back, almost dropping her papers. Standing in front of her was a tall brunette with flawless makeup and a crisp white blazer that probably cost more than Alessia's entire wardrobe. The girl's green eyes flicked over Alessia, her expression curling into disdain.
"Sorry," Alessia mumbled, stepping aside.
The brunette's lips twitched as she gave Alessia a slow, deliberate once-over. "What are you even wearing? Did you get dressed in the dark, or is that just... your thing?"
Heat rose to Alessia's face. "Excuse me?"
"Regina!" A smooth voice cut through the tension.
The brunette's face lit up as Caleb Lawson approached, his stride casual and confident. Alessia's stomach dropped. Of course, this girl was part of Caleb's world. He moved with an ease that screamed privilege, his smirk making it clear he knew exactly the effect he had on everyone.
"Hey, babe," Regina purred, her voice softening as she flipped her hair over her shoulder. "I was just telling this... girl," she said, her tone dripping with mock concern, "to be more careful. Wouldn't want her to embarrass herself any more than she already has."
Alessia clenched her hands around her schedule, biting her tongue as a wave of humiliation and anger surged through her.
"Regina," Caleb said, his tone light but firm, "don't you have class to get to?"
Regina's pout faltered, but she quickly masked it with a saccharine smile. "Fine. But don't keep me waiting too long—you promised me lunch."
"I'll find you," Caleb replied smoothly.
Regina blew him a kiss before turning on her heel and walking away, her entourage trailing behind her like designer-clad shadows.
Alessia exhaled shakily, kneeling to gather her scattered papers. She felt Caleb crouch beside her.
"You okay?" he asked, handing her a sheet.
"I'm fine," she said shortly, snatching it from his hand.
He raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. "First day?"
She shoved the papers into her bag and stood up. "Yes."
"I thought so," he said, standing as well. "You'll get used to it. Don't mind Regina. She's... Regina."
Alessia rolled her eyes and started walking past him. "You two seem like a perfect match."
Her tone caught him off guard, his smirk faltering for a moment before it returned.
"I'm Caleb," he called after her, his voice laced with amusement. "What's your name?"
She didn't respond. She didn't look back.