September 2nd
Elite Oakwood High School
Alexandra ( Lexie )Thompson stepped off the bus, the warm California sun casting a glow over the majestic campus. The scholarship to attend Elite Oakwood High had been a surprise, a chance to escape her troubled past. Lexi's long, dark hair was pulled back, revealing a determined face.
As she joined the stream of students, Sofia Rodriguez, a vibrant student ambassador, greeted her with a warm smile. "Welcome, Lexi! I'll show you around."
Lexi's gaze drifted across the lush grounds, spotting the Blackwood family crest on the school's entrance. Ethan Blackwood stood aloof, watching her with an intensity that made her heart skip a beat.
"Who's that?" Lexi asked Sofia, nodding discreetly toward Ethan.
Sofia's voice dropped to a whisper. "That's Ethan Blackwood. Rich, gorgeous, and totally off-limits. His family owns half of Beverly Hills."
Lexi's curiosity piqued, she couldn't help but steal another glance. Ethan's eyes locked onto hers, sending shivers down her spine.
Principal Jenkins welcomed Lexi warmly, her words laced with an underlying warning.
"Elite Oakwood High has expectations, Lexi. Fit in, excel, and leave your past behind."
Lexi nodded, her resolve strengthened. She was ready to start anew.
As she turned to leave, Ethan's gaze lingered, his expression unreadable.
Little did Lexi know, her arrival had set off a chain reaction, threatening to expose the dark secrets hidden beneath the school's polished surface.
****************************
As the lesson progressed, Lexie struggled to concentrate. Ethan's proximity distracted her, his arm occasionally brushing against hers.
Mrs. Lee assigned a group project, pairing Lexie with Ethan and two other students, Julian and Emily.
"Research the American Revolution," Mrs. Lee instructed. "Present your findings in two weeks."
Ethan nodded, his expression unreadable. "I'll take lead on the project."
Julian, a charming senior, grinned. "Welcome to the team, Lexie."
Emily, a quiet junior, smiled shyly.
As class ended, Ethan gathered his belongings. "Meet me in the library at 3 pm to discuss the project."
Lexie nodded, feeling a flutter in her chest.
In the hallway, Sofia intercepted her. "How was class?"
"Interesting," Lexie replied, her eyes drifting toward Ethan's retreating figure.
Sofia raised an eyebrow. "Ethan Blackwood's got you on his radar. Be careful."
Lexie's cheeks warmed. "It's just a project."
Sofia's expression turned serious. "In this school, nothing's ever just anything."
Throughout the day, Lexie couldn't shake the feeling that Ethan's gaze followed her.
At 3 pm, Lexie entered the library, spotting Ethan at a secluded table.
"Hey," he said, his voice low.
Lexie sat beside him, trying to appear nonchalant. "Hey."
Ethan's eyes locked onto hers, sending shivers down her spine.
"So, the project..." Lexie began.
Ethan leaned in, his breath whispering against her ear. "I think we can handle it."
Lexie's heart skipped a beat.
Just then, Julian and Emily arrived, breaking the spell.
As they brainstormed ideas, Lexie couldn't help but steal glances at Ethan.
What secrets lay hidden behind his enigmatic smile?
Was Sofia right? Was Ethan's interest more than just academic?
The library's silence was broken by the sound of rustling papers and hushed whispers.
Suddenly, Ethan's phone buzzed.
He glanced at the screen, his expression darkening.
"I need to take this," he said, rising from his seat.
As Ethan stepped away, Lexie caught a glimpse of the text: "Meet me at the estate tonight Smoke".
As Ethan stepped away, Lexie's curiosity piqued. Who was Smoke? and what was their connection to Ethan? She tried to focus on the project, but her mind wandered to scenarios involving secret agents, billionaire heirs, and ancient conspiracies.Lexie was always to curious for her own good It had gotten her into some dipshit a couple of times and she still never learnt her lesson she just kept going on and on like it was some disease or something.There was always something bigger behind every tiny thing for her.
Julian and Emily discussed possible presentation formats, unaware of Lexie's mental escapades.
"Ethan's family is like the Illuminati," Julian whispered, "but with better hair."
Emily snickered. "And more brooding."
Lexi's eyes widened. "You guys are serious, right?"
Just then, Ethan returned, his expression darker than a thunderstorm.
"Sorry about that," he said, his voice low and mysterious. "Family business... of the international espionage variety."
Lexie's imagination ran wild. Was Ethan a spy? Did his family control the world?
The group continued brainstorming, but the atmosphere turned ridiculous.
"Okay, so we need to cover the Boston Tea Party," Emily said.
"And the significance of tri-corner hats," Julian added.
Ethan nodded, his eyes glinting. "I'll handle the hats. My family has extensive experience with... headgear."
Lexi giggled. "Is that a Blackwood family secret?"
Ethan's smile was sly. "Let's just say our hats are very... influential."
As they wrapped up, Ethan gathered his belongings.
"I'll send you the outline tonight," he said, his eyes locking onto Lexie's. "Meet me here tomorrow at 3 pm. Come alone."
Lexie raised an eyebrow. "No minions or ninjas?"
Ethan chuckled. "Just your sparkling wit and historical insights."
With that, he disappeared into the library's stacks, leaving Lexie wondering if she'd entered a spy novel.
As she packed up, Julian leaned in.
"Lexie, be careful. Ethan's family has connections to ancient societies, underground bunkers, and"
Emily interrupted. "And an impressive collection of fancy socks."
Lexie laughed. "You guys are impossible."
Julian grinned. "Just remember, in the world of Blackwood, nothing's ever just academic."...