Chapter 2

From that day on, my university life suddenly became… exciting.

No matter where I went, I'd "accidentally" run into Lucy, the Student Council President.

At the dining hall, while waiting in line, she'd stand behind me, insisting on paying for my meal: "Hey, we keep bumping into each other, it must be fate. Dinner's on me."

In the library, she'd sit across from me, and whenever I'd furrow my brow in faux concentration, she'd slide over a note full of problem-solving steps, accompanied by a radiant smile.

I went to the coffee shop my dad had opened for me near campus, feeling a sudden urge to learn how to make lattes.

She thought I was working a side job, and promptly bought out my entire shift's stock, practically shutting down the shop so I could leave early.

"Don't work so hard. I can help you lighten the load."

I was practically rolling my eyes into the back of my skull!

In just one week, the entire university was buzzing. The Student Council President was reportedly chasing Asher, the scholarship student, like crazy.

I became the object of every guy's envy and resentment.

Every time I returned to the dorm, Liam would look at me with that "my brother's gone over to the dark side" look.

"Asher, didn't I tell you to stay away from her?!"

I shrugged helplessly. "I don't know, she just keeps showing up."

"Don't you dare fall for it!" Liam exclaimed, his voice laced with that 'why can't you see this?!' frustration. "They're just playing games!"

I nodded. "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

Of course, I knew what I was doing.

Every time Lucy would put on one of her dramatic, heartfelt displays for me,

my peripheral vision would catch Bailey Reed and his buddies not far off, phones recording.

Let them record. My face was perfect from every angle.

That day, Bailey was throwing a birthday party at The Sovereign Club.

Lucy texted me, asking me to be her date.

I intentionally replied, "That place is too fancy. I don't have a suit for it."

Ten minutes later, she appeared outside my dorm, carrying a luxury shopping bag.

Inside was a custom, galaxy-blue suit that cost six figures.

"Put this on. Tonight, you'll be a prince."

Gasps erupted from below.

"Oh my god, isn't that designer couture? That suit alone is more than our tuition for a year!"

"Asher is so lucky!"

I was so "moved" I almost cried.

Honestly, my socks probably cost more.

I changed into the suit and walked into the club with Lucy.

The Sovereign Club was my eighteenth birthday gift from my dad, one of the least conspicuous properties under my name.

The moment we walked in, the club manager saw me, his eyes lighting up. He hurried over, ready to bow.

I shot him a subtle look, and the sharp-eyed manager, catching my cue, smoothly redirected his attention to other guests.

The birthday boy, Bailey, saw me, and his jealousy was plain to see.

"Asher, you look really handsome today. Lucy certainly has good taste."

He paused, lowering his voice.

"But be careful with that rented suit. You wouldn't want to damage it, you know, you can't afford to replace it."

I just smiled, saying nothing.

At the party, Lucy was incredibly attentive.

She blocked drinks for me, cut my steak, and straightened my tie.

Every detail was perfect, like a scene ripped from a romance novel.

She led me to her friends, introducing me with a possessive air.

"This is my boyfriend, Asher."

Her friends immediately started teasing, offering congratulations, but their eyes were full of contempt and amusement.

I felt like a puppet on strings, playing my part in her act.

Midway through, I went to the restroom.

Just as I turned the corner, I overheard Bailey and his friends talking.

"Bailey, Lucy's really going all out this time, isn't she? Giving him designer couture? Is she actually serious?"

Bailey scoffed.

"How could she be? That suit was my dad's, Lucy just borrowed it from me."

"Once she's done with him, he'll be stripped of that suit and forced to hand it back to me!"

"It's all about the thrill of the hunt, right? The fancier the bait, the sweeter the catch."

Another guy chimed in obsequiously:

"You're brilliant, Bailey! Letting that broke kid wear a prince's outfit, then personally ripping it off him – that's pure evil!"

Bailey's voice was filled with vicious glee.

"Just you wait, there are only a few days left in the month. Then, I'm going to make him cry in front of the entire campus as he strips off that suit!"

In the corner, I pressed the stop recording button on my phone.