Recap:
Jemil has started his undercover mission at Moretti Academy as Justina's protective shadow. From dodging secret attacks to navigating the cutthroat social maze of elite high school, he's learning fast—though the lessons aren't just in class. With mysterious enemies looming and Justina's rebellious charm pulling him in, Jemil's mission is far from simple.
The morning light spilled through the enormous stained-glass windows of Moretti Academy's main hall, painting the marble floor in bursts of ruby and sapphire. Jemil adjusted his navy blazer, smoothing down the crease he'd gotten from the backpack strap. The weight of his mission pressed down on him, but the challenge was different now: blending in seamlessly without losing sight of the danger.
Justina waited by the lockers, leaning casually against the cool metal. Her short blond hair caught the light, framing her face in a rebellious halo. Despite the chaos around them—the chatter of hundreds of students and the sharp clang of locker doors—she seemed almost untouchable.
"Ready for round two?" she teased, flipping her sunglasses onto her head.
Jemil nodded, though a knot tightened in his gut. "I'm ready."
Their first class was history, a room filled with polished wooden desks and portraits of long-dead generals staring down from the walls. The teacher, a stern man with a salt-and-pepper beard, launched into a lecture on power struggles throughout history.
Justina leaned over, whispering, "History isn't about dates. It's about who controls the story. And right now, this school is a battlefield."
Jemil's eyes swept the room. Students whispered behind textbooks, eyes darting in secret conversations. It wasn't just a class; it was a game of alliances and rivalries played out under the guise of lessons.
As the lecture continued, Jemil spotted movement from the corner of his eye. A tall boy with dark eyes sat near the back, watching Justina and Jemil intently. The boy's gaze flicked away each time Jemil's met his.
After class, the crowded hallway buzzed with energy. Jemil tried to keep Justina in sight, but she was texting, her attention half on her phone.
Suddenly, Jemil felt a sharp shove from behind. The dark-eyed boy had brushed past him, a smirk on his face.
"Watch it," Jemil growled, spinning around.
But the boy melted into the crowd before Jemil could say more.
Justina glanced up, raising an eyebrow. "Paranoia will get you killed."
"Maybe," Jemil said, "but sometimes paranoia keeps you alive."
Later that day, Jemil found himself in the gymnasium. Justina was sparring with two girls, her moves precise and controlled despite the sweat glistening on her skin.
She landed a high kick that sent her opponent stumbling backward.
"Not bad for a billionaire princess," Jemil called out, leaning against the wall.
She smirked, wiping her forehead with a towel. "You're not the only one who needs to be ready for battle here."
After practice, the warning crackled in Jemil's earpiece: "Someone's tailing her. Stay alert."
His eyes scanned the gym. The dark-eyed boy was lurking near the entrance, casually leaning against the wall.
Jemil nodded to Justina. "You see him?"
Her expression hardened. "Yeah."
Suddenly, the boy lunged.
Jemil reacted instantly, grabbing the boy's wrist and twisting until he dropped to the floor with a grunt.
"Who sent you?" Jemil demanded, voice low but fierce.
The boy laughed, dark eyes gleaming. "You think you're the only one watching? This school's full of secrets, Carter. Justina's enemies run deeper than you know."
Before Jemil could press further, a teacher's voice boomed down the hall.
"Enough! Break it up this instant!"
The boy slipped away into the crowd, leaving Jemil and Justina standing in the stunned silence.
Justina gave Jemil a pointed look. "Looks like you just made a few more enemies."
Jemil exhaled slowly. "Just another day protecting the billionaire heiress."
Preview:
The mysterious dark-eyed boy has just thrown down a challenge. Next chapter, Jemil digs deeper into the web of secrets at Moretti Academy—and discovers that trust is the rarest currency of all.
End of Chapter 3
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