The Night of the Pool Party
The pool lights glimmered against the dark water, music pulsing through the air. High heels clicked on wet tiles, champagne glasses clinked, and the night smelled of perfume and expensive sunscreen.
Cassandra Vale was in her element. Her plan was simple: humiliate Serena, make her feel out of place, and reclaim her social dominance. The whispers had started as soon as the invitations went out: Serena Blake will be here, but she won't dare stand out. She doesn't belong in our world.
The partygoers laughed, drank, and pointed as the expected showdown began—until the moment the sliding doors opened.
All eyes turned.
Serena stepped in.
She wore a designer bikini—a pale, understated cream color that accentuated her natural elegance. Expensive, yes, but nothing flashy. Not daring. Not provocative. Not showing off. Just… effortless grace.
The room froze.
Even Cassandra's smug smile faltered.
And then the gasps started.
Lucien, standing by the pool with a drink, stiffened immediately. His jaw clenched. Fingers curled slightly as he watched Serena move like water through the crowd, hair damp from a casual spritz of shower mist, skin glowing naturally.
He felt it instantly: jealousy, sharp and possessive. Every gaze that lingered on her made his chest tighten. Every whisper made his stomach knot.
He didn't think. He didn't wait.
He strode across the wet tile in long, controlled steps.
"Serena," he said, voice low but carrying.
She looked up. "Lucien…" She smiled softly, catching his tension.
"I said my piece," he muttered. And then, without warning, he took her hand and dragged her out of the party, ignoring the murmurs of stunned guests.
In the Car
Lucien slammed the car door behind them. Serena climbed in, still stunned but more amused than anything.
"What happened?" she asked, fingers brushing his as he gripped the steering wheel.
He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he stared at her, dark eyes flashing.
"I hate sharing you," he admitted finally, voice low, almost growling.
Serena blinked. "Excuse me?"
"I hate it," he repeated. "I hate every look that's not mine. Every whisper. Every thought that someone else might even want you. You're mine. Always mine."
Serena's heart thumped. The car was quiet except for the hum of the engine, and the weight of his words pressed into her chest.
Without warning, he leaned over, pressing his lips to hers.
This time, the kiss was slow, claiming, deliberate. Serena's fingers tangled in his hair, responding immediately. The world outside didn't exist. Cassandra, the pool, the stares—all irrelevant.
When they finally pulled apart, Lucien rested his forehead against hers. "See?" he murmured. "No one else gets you."
Serena's lips curved into a soft smile. "You're dramatic," she said, heart racing.
"Dramatic?" he repeated, voice dark and low. "You just stole the whole party."
School-Wide Reaction
The next morning, the CampusNet frenzy exploded. Students who weren't invited were desperate for details:
@EliteCampus:
Serena Blake left Cassandra Vale's pool party with Lucien Reed?! WHAT HAPPENED?! 😳💦
@ReedReactions:
He literally dragged her out of the party. IN FRONT OF EVERYONE. #ProtectiveMuch
@IceQueenConfirmed:
I can't even deal. Serena looked unreal in that bikini. And he just… yeah, he's hers. #JealousMuchLucien
@CampusGossipHQ:
EVERYONE ELSE WISHES THEY WERE THERE. #MissedOut #Regrets
Lucien, scrolling through his phone while waiting for Serena to get ready for school, scowled. Every comment, every screenshot, every like stoked his fury.
He wasn't subtle. Not even slightly.
He posted on CampusNet himself:
Serena Blake is my fiancée. Anyone else? Fuck off.
The message spread like wildfire. Students whispered. Teachers raised eyebrows. Cassandra fumed in her corner of the world, humiliated and silenced.
Back at School
When Serena arrived, whispers followed her down the hall. Every student who had seen the screenshots stopped to stare. Boys and girls alike whispered about her beauty, her confidence, and the man who literally claimed her in public.
Serena, normally reserved, leaned slightly into Lucien as he escorted her to class.
"You did that on purpose," she said softly, tugging at his sleeve.
He smirked, brushing a thumb over her hand. "I don't share."
She laughed, shaking her head. "I know… and I love that you're mine."
Lucien grinned, possessive and smug, and for the first time, Cassandra's world—and every would-be admirer—truly understood: Serena Blake belonged to Lucien Reed. And no one else had a chance.