(Lonia's POV)
"Miss, your father is downstairs waiting for you," said Sasha. She's one of the maids who's always taken good care of me—someone I can truly count on. Hearing her words, I stretch my arms and legs.
Ugh. I feel stiff all over. Working really is annoying. Just like what Kendall always says—it's "a pain in the *ss."
Sasha laughs at my annoyed expression. "Miss, you look like you could use a massage later."
I just smile at her and thank her. Now that my father's waiting, I need to hurry downstairs. As I reach the bottom of the staircase, I hop toward the front door—only to find not just my dad, but also my boyfriend, Kyle.
Naturally, I do what any girl in my situation would do: I run up to Kyle and give him a big side-hug.
Kyle and my dad get along so well, probably because they've known each other since we were little. Me, Kyle, and Kendall grew up together. Kyle and Kendall are cousins, and when Kendall's parents passed away, the two of them took over the family business. Kendall became the CEO, and Kyle, the COO. Sometimes, Kendall still asks for my help, and I'm always happy to lend a hand!
Kendall and I have been friends since we were babies. I met Kyle when we were around eight, and then we met Arsyn shortly after. I'm seriously lucky to have them.
I hug Kyle tighter and flash them both a toothy grin. "Good morning, Kyle. Good morning, Father."
Dad just smiles at us. Looks like they were in the middle of a conversation before I showed up.
Kyle pats my head and places a hand on my shoulder. "Uncle, we've got to get going. I'm driving Lonia to school today."
Yay! Kyle's driving me! With how busy he always is, I don't get to see him much. Sure, we call each other, but nothing beats actually being around him.
"Okay, you kids have fun. And Kyle," my dad says, "why don't you join us for dinner tomorrow?"
Hearing that makes me really happy. It's been forever since Kyle had dinner with us. He's usually in the States since one of their biggest branches is over there. But still!
I glance up at Kyle with hopeful eyes, and he just laughs at me.
Why does everyone laugh at my expressions? So mean! I know I'm probably pouting, but still. They're all mean!
Kyle ruffles my hair. "What about tonight, Uncle? I'll be at headquarters all day tomorrow."
I'm not sure whether to feel happy or sad. Happy because we get to have dinner together tonight, but sad because I won't see him tomorrow. Then again, Kyle is important. I should just be grateful we have time now.
We say our goodbyes to Dad and head out. As soon as I get in his car, Kyle hands me a paper bag. I raise an eyebrow at him, and he just chuckles.
"Sweetheart, open it."
When I do, I gasp. "Crepes!"
Arsyn always teases me about how childish I act sometimes—but I don't care. I love food, and no one can stop me!
"I know you've been craving these in the mornings," Kyle says. "So I made you one. Extra whipped cream and strawberries—just the way you like it." He leans over and kisses my forehead.
I'm so lucky to have this guy. After the incident, he's always been there—for me and for Kendall. And he hasn't left our side since.
"You know, I'm really lucky to have you," I say while taking a big bite of the delicious crepe.
Kyle smiles as he keeps his eyes on the road. "I won't forgive you if you let other girls take you away from me," I say, pointing my fork at him.
He laughs. "That's impossible, sweetheart. No other girl could ever be as perfect as you." Then he looks at me longingly, and I blush.
I finish my crepe just as we arrive at school. "You're picking me up after class, right? I've got a meeting."
He nods. "I'll be there."
As I head toward the building, I catch the twins watching me. I quickly avert my gaze and keep walking.
***
The day passes with classes, quizzes, and a lot of note-taking. Eventually, it's time for the student council meeting.
"How about we let each class decide what they want to do for the school festival?" one of my officers suggests.
"But if we go that route, we'll need to plan the layout carefully," I say. "We want visitors to enjoy it without things clashing too much."
Everyone nods and starts jotting down ideas. The planning's going smoothly—except for one thing. One of the twins is an officer, and it's making it hard to focus. He just keeps staring at me. And when someone asks for his input, he just nods and smiles.
Despite that, the meeting goes fine. Everyone leaves after we finish discussing the logistics. I stay behind to organize materials and write a few memos.
"You sure like working hard, Miss President."
I whip my head toward the voice. Why didn't I notice him?
I glance away and return to my work. "You know you're not allowed in here," I mutter.
He flinches. "Then why didn't you say something earlier?"
I stand to grab some files from the cabinet, but suddenly—I'm pinned to the wall.
"You know, Miss President, you're kinda cute." He lifts a strand of my hair and kisses it. "Scratch that. You're cute—even if you're flat-chested."
Now he's staring straight into my eyes. Then his gaze drops to my lips. My whole body stiffens. My heart's pounding like crazy. I... I can't move. I can't get away.
He wouldn't… right?
He looks back up, locking eyes with me—and then, without warning, I feel the soft brush of his lips against mine.
After a few seconds, he pulls back, smirking.
"Why don't you just be mine, Miss President?"