Chapter 2
Five Years Ago…
A girl with blonde hair tied in a high ponytail walked toward a bench where a boy her age sat alone.
She watched him quietly for a while.
The boy noticed her stare and looked at her, clearly annoyed.
"What do you want?"
Ella's brows furrowed as she glanced around.
Unfortunately, no one else was there.
Which clearly meant one thing.
She raised an eyebrow.
"Wait… is it me you're talking to in that tone?"
The boy's black eyes locked with hers, almost as if he could see through her soul with just one glance.
Ella froze.
His aura was unlike anything she had ever felt.
His hair was dark like the night sky, and his face… it was almost unreal. As if God Himself had taken the time to mold him carefully.
He shifted his gaze to the ground.
"So you're not scared?"
The sudden question pulled Ella back to reality.
She chuckled lightly.
"Scared of who? You?"
She smiled.
"You're one interesting guy, aren't you? I like you already."
The boy shot her a cold glare and began to walk away.
Ella quickly ran after him.
"Please, wait!"
He sighed in frustration.
"What do you want from me?"
"Hi. My name is Ella. And you?"
He rolled his eyes and continued walking.
Ella sighed but ran after him again.
"Hey, wait up! You're new here, right?"
No response.
He just walked faster.
Ella matched his pace.
"Judging from your looks, you should be in grade twelve, right?"
He suddenly stopped and turned to her.
"Leave me alone."
Back to the Present
Ella stared at the night sky as she wiped her tears for the last time.
This time, none fell.
Instead, a small smile formed on her lips.
"How time flies… Where did the old Henry go?"
She sighed softly.
"It's like he just disappeared."
Ding.
Her thoughts were interrupted.
She picked up her phone from the desk and unlocked it.
Message from: Henry (Contract Boyfriend)
The gown for the party tomorrow has been sent to you.
Ella stared at the name.
Her heart hardened.
Henry — Contract Boyfriend.
"Oh… that's right. I almost forgot. We're not even—"
Another message dropped.
Henry (Contract Boyfriend):
Are you asleep? Why aren't you replying?
"Oh."
That was the only word that escaped her lips.
She sighed.
Ella:
I'm sorry. I forgot to reply. Thanks. I'll pick it up when I get to my hostel.
Henry:
Hmm. Okay.