### **Chapter 1**
Ciara Branford adjusted the strap of her backpack as she walked briskly across the bustling college campus. The sun was shining, students were laughing, and the air smelled of fresh coffee and teenage ambition. She sighed, brushing a strand of her cherry-red hair behind her ear. It was another day of classes, but her thoughts were on more important matters—like the fact that she was completely broke until her next allowance came in.
The fall semester at Westlake University had just begun, and already Ciara felt the pressure closing in. Between maintaining her scholarship—which demanded a near-perfect GPA—and juggling her part-time job at the campus coffee shop, she barely had time to breathe, let alone worry about her shrinking bank balance.
"Ciara!" a familiar voice called.
She turned to see her best friend, Kate Cruz, hurrying toward her with an excited grin. Kate was the definition of sunshine—always smiling, always energetic, and always dressed in bright colors that matched her bubbly personality.
"Guess what?" Kate said, practically bouncing. "The Crystal Gaming Group's leader is back in town! And rumor has it, he's transferring to our college!"
Ciara frowned, adjusting her glasses. "Crystal Gaming Group? Sounds like some elite secret society."
Kate rolled her eyes dramatically. "Seriously? CGG is the biggest gaming organization in the country! They've won three international championships in one year. And their leader—Ronald De Castro—is the youngest billionaire in Las Vegas. He's handsome, mysterious, and literally every girl's dream."
Ciara chuckled, unimpressed. "Sounds like another rich guy with too much money and too much ego. What does that have to do with me?"
"Oh, nothing," Kate said, wiggling her eyebrows. "Unless fate decides to play matchmaker."
Ciara snorted, tucking her textbook under her arm. "Fate knows better than to mess with me. Now come on—we're going to be late for Professor Thompson's class."
Kate linked her arm with Ciara's as they headed toward the humanities building. "You know, you could show a little enthusiasm. Not everyone gets to attend college with a gaming legend."
"I'll leave the enthusiasm to you," Ciara replied dryly. "I already have enough on my plate."
---
A sleek black limousine rolled to a stop in front of the administrative building.
The chauffeur stepped out and opened the door as a tall, well-dressed young man emerged, adjusting the designer watch on his wrist. His ocean-blue eyes scanned the campus calmly.
Ronald De Castro had arrived.
At nineteen, Ronald had seen the world—private islands, luxury penthouses, exclusive casinos—but standing on a regular college campus felt strangely unfamiliar. His mother insisted this experience would "ground" him. He wasn't convinced, but he was willing to try.
"Your schedule has been sent to your email, sir," his assistant, Marcus, said, handing him a tablet. "Your first class begins in twenty minutes."
Ronald nodded. "I'll manage. Make sure my suite is ready later."
As he walked across campus, heads turned instantly. Whispers followed. Stares lingered. He was used to it—and tired of it.
---
"Class," Professor Thompson announced, "we have a new student joining us today. Please welcome Mr. Ronald De Castro."
The room erupted with quiet excitement.
Ciara barely looked up from her notebook—until curiosity betrayed her.
She froze.
The man standing at the front of the room was infuriatingly attractive. Calm. Confident. Perfectly put together. Not nervous. Not awkward. Just… effortless.
Kate jabbed her ribs. "Told you," she whispered. "He's gorgeous."
Ciara rolled her eyes. "Whatever."
Professor Thompson gestured to an empty seat—right behind Ciara.
Ronald's gaze paused on her for a brief moment. She was the only person not staring at him in awe. Instead, she looked bored.
Interesting.
He took the seat behind her, catching the faint scent of vanilla and old books.
"Is that vanilla I smell?" he murmured.
Ciara stiffened but didn't turn around.
"Is that entitlement I hear?" she whispered back.
A soft chuckle escaped Ronald's lips.
This semester just got a lot more interesting.
---
To
Be
Continued...
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