---
Kayla descended the creaky wooden stairs, her every step graceful and deliberate. Sunlight streamed through the dusty window, casting a golden glow on her ginger-red hair, styled in an elegant bouffant wave that cascaded down her back. She wore a crisp white blouse tucked into high-waisted jeans, paired with ankle boots that clinked lightly against the wooden steps.
As she stepped into the dining area, Roman and Akim froze mid-conversation. Their gazes locked on her, and for a moment, the room fell into a hushed silence.
"Done drooling?" she teased, her lips curling into a smirk as she pulled out a chair and sat down.
Akim coughed into his hand awkwardly, a faint blush creeping up his neck. "Cocky, aren't we?" he muttered.
"Good morning, gentlemen. How was your night? Did you sleep well knowing I was here to grace you with my divine presence?" Kayla's voice dripped with playful sarcasm, but her eyes flicked briefly to Roman, hoping for a reaction.
Roman, however, remained cold and distant. His dark hair fell slightly over his sharp eyes as he spread jam on a piece of toast, completely ignoring her.
"Romenia darling, pass me that jam, will you?" she asked sweetly, fluttering her lashes.
No response.
"Romenia, you'll drive me to school, won't you?" she tried again, her voice soft and persuasive.
This time, Roman nodded wordlessly without even glancing up.
Kayla frowned. "Roman."
His knife paused mid-air, and for a moment, she thought he might finally look at her. Instead, he sighed and placed the knife down, his expression unreadable.
"What is it? Did I do something wrong?" she asked softly, her bravado slipping slightly.
Roman closed his eyes briefly, inhaling through his nose before speaking in a low, firm voice. "Eat before your food gets cold."
Kayla's brows shot up. "Excuse me? Who do you think you are? My husband? My dad? Gosh!"
"Just eat," Roman repeated, his voice cutting through the air like steel.
Kayla clenched her jaw, her hands balling into fists under the table. Fine. If he wanted to play the silent, brooding hero, she wouldn't beg for his attention.
The meal passed in tense silence, with Akim occasionally trying to lighten the mood by commenting on random topics. Kayla, however, barely touched her food, her mind racing with thoughts.
---
Flinix High School
The schoolyard was buzzing with activity—students in navy blue and white uniforms clustered in groups, sharing gossip, laughing, and comparing schedules. Kayla adjusted her leather backpack strap as she walked through the gates, her presence commanding attention without her trying.
But her day took an immediate turn when—BAM!—she collided with someone, stumbling slightly backward.
"Oh no, I'm so sorry!" said a soft voice.
Kayla looked up to see a petite girl with violet hair tied into two messy buns. Her round glasses perched delicately on her nose, and her large, violet eyes blinked up apologetically.
"It's fine," Kayla said, brushing off imaginary dust from her sleeve.
"I… I know you!" the girl exclaimed, her face lighting up in recognition.
Here we go again, Kayla thought, suppressing an eye roll.
"I've seen your TikTok videos!" the girl continued, her smile wide and genuine.
Kayla let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. "Phew. Is that all you know about me?"
The girl giggled. "No, don't worry. I'm not one of those people. I'm Priyanka Sheraton. Nice to meet you!" She held out a hand.
Kayla hesitated before shaking it lightly. "Kayla Kornels."
But before their conversation could continue, Priyanka's eyes darted behind Kayla, and she quickly muttered, "I—uh—I have to go! See you later!" and dashed away.
Kayla sighed. Great, another school full of weirdos.
---
The hallway was quieter as Kayla checked her schedule. She was supposed to be in a history class, but this school felt like a maze.
"Hey, doll. You lost?"
The voice was low and husky, dripping with overconfidence. Kayla turned slowly, her sharp eyes landing on a boy leaning against a locker. He had shaggy brown hair and a smirk that made her skin crawl.
"Excuse me?" she said coldly.
He stepped closer, blocking her path. "Relax, princess. I was just offering to help you out. Maybe get your number while I'm at it?"
Then he reached out, brushing his fingers against her arm.
Kayla froze for a split second before her instincts kicked in.
SLAP!
The sound echoed through the hallway. The boy stumbled slightly, his hand flying to his reddening cheek.
"Who the hell do you think you are? Don't you ever come near me again, you creep!" Kayla's voice trembled with anger as she glared at him.
For a moment, he said nothing. Then, as she turned to walk away, a glimmer of something dangerous flickered in his eyes.
Feisty. I like that.
---
"Hey! Wait up!"
Kayla turned, arms crossed over her chest. The boy jogged up to her, his hands raised in surrender.
"Look, I'm sorry. That was… way out of line. I thought I was being funny, but clearly, it wasn't. So… yeah, I'm sorry."
Kayla's glare softened slightly. "Don't try that again."
He nodded earnestly. "I promise. I'm Max, by the way."
"Kayla Kornels."
Max grinned, his earlier cockiness replaced with something more genuine. "Where are you headed?"
"History class."
"Hey, I'm going there too! Come on, I'll show you the way."
---
The classroom door loomed ahead, and Max, ever the showman, opened it with a flourish. "After you, my lady."
Kayla smirked and played along, curtsying slightly. "Why, thank you, kind sir."
The classroom went dead silent as she walked in, Max trailing behind her.
"Class, we have a new student joining us today," the teacher announced.
"Correction—Queen," Max piped up, earning a few chuckles from the class.
Kayla resisted the urge to facepalm.
"Introduce yourself, please," the teacher said, gesturing toward her.
Kayla smiled confidently. "I'm Kayla Kornels."
There was a beat of silence before Max loudly declared, "All hail Queen Kayla!"
The teacher rolled his eyes. "Take a seat, both of you. Kayla, sit by Mr. Scott over there."
Kayla's gaze followed his hand to Akim, who was sitting by the window. Relief washed over her.
As she walked to her seat, whispers followed her—curious glances, jealous stares, and the usual gossip.
Akim raised an eyebrow as she sat down. "Seems like you've already caught Max's attention."
Kayla groaned, her head hitting the desk softly. "Don't remind me."
From across the classroom, Max shot her a playful wink.
Kayla sighed. This is going to be a long year.