The morning sun filtered through the elegant Ashford estate as Elizabeth stood before the grand dining hall, already dressed in her neat university attire. Her footsteps echoed softly across the marble floor as she entered. There, at the head of the long table, sat Adrien Ashford—her father—his sharp gaze focused on the tablet in his hand.
"Good morning, Father," Elizabeth greeted with her usual calm, poised voice.
Adrien lifted his eyes slowly and studied her for a second before responding, "You didn't have your dinner last night. Why?"
"I had lunch late," she replied simply, settling into her seat across from him. "I didn't feel hungry."
Adrien nodded slowly and said, "Don't skip dinner like this again."
"Yes, Father."
The clinking of silverware on porcelain was the only sound during breakfast. Silence wasn't awkward in the Ashford household. It was tradition. After the meal, Adrien set down his coffee cup and asked without looking up, "What was the issue at the Southside branch?"
Elizabeth dabbed her lips with the napkin and answered, "A supplier issue. The ingredients were being replaced with cheaper alternatives. I spoke to the manager, terminated the old contract, and signed a new supplier. The kitchen standards should be back to normal within the week."
Adrien finally looked at her, and a rare, slight nod appeared. "Good. Don't be late for class."
Elizabeth stood and offered a respectful bow before turning away. Just as she reached the doorway, his voice followed her.
"Don't push yourself so much. It's okay to rest."
She didn't stop walking. Didn't look back.
As the sleek black car pulled away from the estate, Elizabeth rested her elbow on the window, her cheek against her hand, watching the world blur by.
In the driver's seat, Mr. Hamond glanced at her through the rearview mirror. He'd served the Ashfords for over fifteen years. He still remembered the little girl who used to sit in the backseat, giggling over fairy tale books and chattering endlessly about magical kingdoms. Now, she was quiet. Too quiet. The silence hurt more than any scolding ever could.
They reached Velcrest University—a towering architectural marvel with glass-paneled modern designs nestled among blooming gardens. Students bustled around in every direction. Friends reuniting, couples laughing, camera phones snapping, some latecomers sprinting past benches.
Elizabeth stepped out with her usual grace. But a strange feeling clawed at her. Like something—or someone—was about to completely derail her life.
She pushed the thought aside and made her way to her classroom.
Sarah was already there, energetically chatting with a few classmates. When she noticed Lizzie, she practically bounced over.
"Lizzzzzzieee! You won't believe this! Gossip time! We have a new transfer student joining our class today! Rumors say he's super rich, but no one knows his background. Not even the admin ladies!"
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow at her and sat in her usual window-side seat. That eerie feeling returned, prickling the back of her neck.
Before she could reply, the bell rang.
Professor Boyer entered, a rare smile on his face. "Good morning, class. Today, we have a special addition. A new transfer student."
The classroom buzzed.
And then—
The door opened.
In strolled a boy like he belonged in a movie scene that had no business being in real life. Tousled white hair that shimmered under the light, ocean-blue eyes that practically sparkled with mischief, and a smirk that made half the girls in class inhale.
He casually tossed his bag over one shoulder, strolled next to Professor Boyer, and placed a hand on his heart.
"Hello everyone," he said, grinning. "I'm Niklaus Devilson. It's lovely to meet you all. Don't worry, I don't bite. Well, not unless you ask nicely."
A ripple of gasps and giggles echoed through the room.
Nik's eyes scanned the class.
And then—his smile froze.
There.
The girl with silver hair and stormy grey eyes.
His heart skipped.
Elizabeth .
Lizzie blinked in disbelief.
Nik grinned wider, shot her a wink, and dramatically whispered (loud enough for everyone to hear), "Fate really said round two, huh, pervert princess?"
Elizabeth's eye twitched.