Mike Carter froze.
Based on Mary's description, there was only one person who could have done it: Sophia Rivers.
Sophia Rivers was nothing short of breathtaking. She was widely regarded as the queen of River Valley College—the girl everyone admired. Her beauty was undeniable, a perfect blend of elegance and vitality. Her frequent gym sessions kept her in incredible shape, with her toned figure often highlighted by her fitted athletic wear. Standing at 5'7", Sophia carried herself with grace, exuding an air of confidence and approachability that captivated everyone around her.
Sophia had a unique aura about her—her thick, cascading chestnut-brown hair shimmered under sunlight, and her deep blue-green eyes seemed to hold a world of wisdom and mystery. Her smile was warm and inviting, with just enough mischief to make hearts race. She had flawless porcelain skin, complemented by the natural blush of her cheeks. Whether she was engrossed in a book, leading a project, or simply walking across campus, heads turned, and whispers followed. To Mike, she was not only beautiful but radiated strength and kindness, a combination that made her unforgettable.
Mike had seen her once in the campus yoga room. She was practicing poses with a fluidity and poise that etched itself permanently into his memory. Everything about her was mesmerizing, from the subtle curve of her smile to the way her jet-black hair framed her delicate features. To Mike, she wasn't just another pretty face; she was a living goddess.
But why would someone like Sophia lend money to his mom? It didn't make sense.
Mike wrestled with the question all night. By the time dawn broke, he'd made up his mind. He would find a way to thank her properly and return the money. His mother had been saved from an incredibly difficult situation, and Sophia's act of kindness had given him more reason than ever to prove himself worthy.
The next morning, Mike woke up early. He spent extra time getting ready, carefully styling his hair and selecting his best outfit. After a quick breakfast, he headed to class.
When he walked into the lecture hall, he immediately felt the weight of everyone's stares. It was as if every eye in the room had turned to him. He glanced down, checking for any wardrobe malfunction or stains on his shirt.
The whispers began almost immediately.
"Look who it is! Mike Carter, the ultimate simp!"
"The guy whose girlfriend dumped him live on stream? Classic."
"Not just dumped… She's with Tyler Wayne now. Can you imagine the humiliation?"
Mike clenched his fists. Their words hurt, but he wasn't going to show it. College was supposed to be a place for learning and growth, but for some, it was a breeding ground for gossip and cruelty. He'd endured worse before, and he'd endure this too.
"I heard Tyler isn't here today. Lucky for Mike, right?"
"Yeah. If Tyler were here, he'd probably make Mike beg for mercy."
Mike sat quietly, pretending not to hear their laughter and insults. His focus was elsewhere. He wasn't here to defend himself; he had more important matters to address.
When class ended, Mike stood up and walked to the front of the room. The noise died down as his classmates watched in silence. Mike, the guy everyone ridiculed, was making his way toward Sophia Rivers.
The room erupted into murmurs.
"What's he doing?"
"Is he seriously about to talk to Sophia? This should be good."
Mike stopped in front of her desk, his heart pounding. Sophia looked up, her blue-green eyes filled with curiosity and a hint of surprise.
"Mike?" she asked, her voice soft and clear. "Is something wrong?"
Mike took a deep breath. Despite everything, he forced himself to speak.
"Thank you," he said. "For helping my mom last night. You didn't have to do that, but you did. It means a lot to me. I… I want to repay your kindness. Let me take you out to dinner. You can choose the place."
The room fell silent for a moment before erupting into laughter.
"Dinner? With Sophia? What is he thinking?"
"Does this guy ever stop embarrassing himself?"
Sophia blinked, caught off guard by Mike's unexpected proposal. She wasn't angry, but she certainly hadn't anticipated this.
"Mike," she began gently, "you don't need to do that. Really. If you want to thank me, let's just grab something at the cafeteria. There's no need for anything fancy."
Mike nodded, a small smile forming on his lips. Sophia's response only made him admire her more. She wasn't just beautiful; she was thoughtful and kind.
Just as the tension in the room began to ease, the classroom door flew open. Everyone turned to see Jason Miles stride in. His tailored designer jacket and smug expression made it clear he was here to make a statement.
Jason's gaze landed on Mike, and his lip curled in disdain. "Mike Carter, really? Dinner at the cafeteria? Is that the best you can do? Real men take women to places like Arc de Triomphe. Have you even heard of it?"
The room buzzed with excitement. Arc de Triomphe was the most exclusive restaurant in town, known for its exorbitant prices.
Jason turned to Sophia with a confident smile. "Sophia, let me take you there tonight. You deserve the best."
Sophia hesitated, clearly uncomfortable. Jason's grandstanding wasn't her style, but she didn't want to create a scene.
Before she could respond, Mike spoke up. "Fine. Tonight at Arc de Triomphe."
The room fell silent again, stunned by his boldness.
Jason's smirk widened. "You? At Arc de Triomphe? Don't embarrass yourself, Carter. You can't even afford the appetizers."
Mike didn't respond. He simply turned and walked out, leaving the room buzzing with speculation.
Back in his dorm, Mike did a quick search for Arc de Triomphe. The menu prices were jaw-dropping, but he didn't flinch. He wasn't the same Mike Carter anymore.
He picked up his phone and called Mr. Howard.
"Good evening, young master," Mr. Howard answered cheerfully. "How can I assist you?"
"I need an outfit for tonight," Mike said. "Something suitable for Arc de Triomphe."
"Understood," Mr. Howard replied. "A tailored suit will be delivered within the hour. Anything else?"
Mike hesitated. "No, that's all. Thanks."
As he hung up, Mike couldn't help but marvel at the resources now at his disposal.
The tailored suit, the seemingly endless wealth, and the respect it commanded—it was all new to him. Each piece of this new reality was a reminder of the immense power tied to the Huntington family name.
For the first time, he felt the weight of his lineage and the expectations that came with it. Being the heir to the Huntington family wasn't just a title; it was an identity he now had to embrace fully, and he intended to rise to the challenge.