"Love from a Distance: A Tale of Unexpected Connections"

Chapter 1

First-person POV

Ryan's gaze lingered on Leila's photograph, encased in a sleek silver frame. Her captivating smile, frozen in time, stirred something within him. The gentle curve of her lips, the sparkle in her eyes, and the soft contours of her face all conspired against his stoic reserve.

As he studied the image, memories of her voice, laughter, and essence flooded his mind. The sweet fragrance he associated with her wafted through his imagination, captivating his senses.

This was uncharted territory – his first foray into love. Leila's presence, even in a photograph, left him lost in reverie, fantasizing about a future together.

The incongruity wasn't lost on him. A cold, calculating lord like himself shouldn't entertain such sentiments. Yet, Ryan's 22-year-old intellect, sharpened by an IQ of 156, couldn't rationalize the emotions Leila evoked.

His intimidating aura, honed from years of observation and strategic maneuvering, usually kept people at bay. Fluency in seven languages and exceptional problem-solving skills made him a formidable force. But Leila's image reduced his calculating nature to naivety.

Ryan's thoughts swirled, a paradox of logic and emotion.

Ryan Sooho Diego exuded an aura of quiet confidence, his imposing 6'2" frame commanding attention. His chiseled features – piercing green eyes, sharp jawline, and perfectly sculpted nose – seemed chiseled by the gods. The subtle curve of his lips hinted at a reserved smile.

His mixed heritage, a blend of Korean elegance and Spanish passion, had gifted him with an unmistakable allure. As the sole heir to the influential Diego Kim Groups Limited, Ryan's family legacy loomed large.

A sophomore at Ashwood University, Ryan's academic prowess shone bright, particularly in computer software engineering. His true passion, however, lay on the basketball court, where fluid movements and strategic plays brought him solace.

Despite his privileged upbringing, Ryan cherished solitude, guarding his privacy with an intensity that bordered an obsession.

Meet Liela Downs embodied with elegance, her presence commanding attention. Her raven-black eyes sparkled like polished onyx, framed by luscious lashes. Full, heart-shaped lips curved into a perpetual smile, inviting all to revel in her warmth.

Her slender figure, honed from years of ballet, glided effortlessly across rooms. Cascading black locks framed her porcelain skin, while manicured nails hinted at a meticulous nature.

Beneath her polished facade, Liela's personality shone bright. Her kindness and empathy knew no bounds, yet stubborn determination coursed through her veins like liquid fire. When she set her mind, her grip was unyielding – like a dog clinging to its prize.

In quiet moments, Liela's passions emerged. Brushstrokes danced across canvases as she painted, losing herself in vibrant colors. Pages turned with reverence as she devoured literature, her imagination soaring. Melodies flowed from her fingertips on the piano, weaving sonic tapestries.

At 20, Liela's academic journey unfolded at university, where English literature claimed her heart.

The story begins

Ryan sat ensconced in his plush office chair, rhythmically tossing tennis balls into a dustbin ten meters away. His gaze drifted, lost in thought, as the soft thud of the balls echoed through the room.

The space around him was sparse, with only two large suitcases beside his bed, hinting at impending departure. Suddenly, the door swung open, admitting a vision of elegance.

Mrs. Kim Hyein glided in, resplendent in a Versace beaded suit that shimmered like diamonds in the light. Its $15,000 price tag was evident in every intricately crafted thread. Her piercing green eyes sparkled, framed by a pointed nose and heart-shaped lips that curved into a subtle smile.

Time had been kind to her; despite nearing her mid-40s, she radiated the vitality of a woman in her 20s. Her poised demeanor commanded attention.

As she entered, her gaze locked onto her son, Ryan. Her eyes narrowed slightly, scrutinizing his distracted state.

Ryan's POV:

I gazed blankly ahead, my thoughts a million miles away, when Mother's concerned voice pierced the silence.

"당신이 무슨 생각을 하고 있나요?" ("What's on your mind?") she asked, her brow furrowed.

I shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "아무것도 없어요" ("Nothing"). I hoped she wouldn't probe further.

Undeterred, she asked, "가방 싸기 끝냈어요?" ("Are you done packing?")

I nodded curtly. "네" ("Yes").

With a gentle smile, she departed, leaving me alone in the eerily quiet room.

I exhaled heavily, my gaze drifting to a nearby picture frame. As I lifted it, Leila's radiant face greeted me, and my expression softened. For an instant, my mask slipped.

"I have missed you, Leila," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Life without her was a dull, endless expanse. I craved its conclusion.

Shaking off the sentiment, I set the frame down and retrieved a note from my pocket. Unfolding it revealed a date: March 19, 2023.

The time had come to revisit the past.

The past

March 19, 2023. The sun cast its golden glow over the bustling campus as freshmen flooded the grounds, eager to begin their journey.

I stood out, my white Givenchy shirt crisp against black denim jeans and sleek Yeezy sneakers. A black nose mask obscured the lower half of my face, a deliberate barrier between myself and the chaos.

As I approached the orientation venue, a stern voice cut through the din, instructing students to line up. I knew better than to expect order; the mob would only grow more restless.

Shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers, I waited. Impatience simmered beneath my surface, but I maintained my composure.

That's when I saw her – a vision in simplicity, assisting a janitor with cleaning equipment. Her selfless act arrested my attention. As she smiled, her lips parted, revealing a fleeting glimpse of perfection. Her eyes sparkled like polished gemstones, captivating me.

For the first time, I felt an unfamiliar stir.

Breaking the spell, I turned away, merging with the sea of students. The line inched forward at a glacial pace, testing my patience.

Finally, I claimed a seat in the crowded hall, my gaze drifting back to the mystery woman.