Chapter 1

Everyone in the game knew I'd fallen for a broke campus heartthrob from Avalon University.

I poured money into him, pulling him up from nothing and putting him in places he'd never even dream of reaching.

He borrowed my name to play the rich kid, and I just smiled, indulging his act.

He blew my cash getting lost in a sea of girls, and let his side chick come at me online. I taught him a lesson, but I still spoiled him rotten.

But when he got plastic surgery just to chase fame, I yanked back every ounce of affection and indulgence I'd ever given him, cutting him off without a second thought.

With the whole world cursing him out, he knelt at my feet, eyes red and swimming with tears. "Giovanna, why are you doing this?"

I brushed my fingers over the features that once looked so much like the man of my dreams, my tone frosty. "You destroyed every reason I ever had to spoil you, and you still dare to ask me why?"

I saw Finlay Poole post an official announcement on his social media.

In the video, he was sharing a kiss with a girl dressed in white, the sunset casting a golden glow over them. It looked like the kind of romance that would never fade.

The caption said: [I never knew the world could be this beautiful until I met you. Destinee Pratt.]

I checked out her profile and saw that she and Finlay both go to Avalon University.

Her fanbase was huge, almost rivaling Finlay's.

She posted the same announcement video Finlay did, but with a different caption.

Destinee's caption was: [Looks like your wish came true.]

I scrolled through the comments, and it was nothing but well-wishes.

My eyes landed on the most liked comment.

[They're the campus king and queen at Avalon, and honestly, they're even more perfect together in real life! Finlay was chasing Destinee for ages before she finally said yes.]

I narrowed my eyes, a sly smile curling at my lips.

I closed the app and called Finlay's personal driver.

"Miss Bryan, do you need something?" the driver asked.

"You don't have to pick him up today. I'll handle it myself," I said.

There was a few seconds of awkward silence before the driver hesitantly said, "Uh... Miss Bryan, Finlay also asked me to pick up someone else."

I didn't even have to guess who it was.

I just said, "Pick them both up."

After hanging up, I drove straight to Avalon University.

Right outside the campus gates, Finlay was there with his girlfriend, fingers intertwined. He gave her that warm, crescent-eyed smile, brushed a loose strand from Destinee's forehead, and leaned in to kiss her gently on the brow.

Just then, Finlay's phone rang. He picked up, and after a brief exchange, his smile faded, his brows knitting in annoyance.

His gaze cut through the crowd and locked onto me sitting in the car, and he instantly flashed a quick smile my way.

Finlay let go of Destinee's hand and headed over, just as I lowered the window.

Finlay's eyes were shining, swirling with starlight, like a whole galaxy reflected in them.

"Giovanna, what brings you here?" he asked.

I glanced at Destinee, who looked puzzled, then finally said, "I came to talk business with the school, figured I'd pick you up while I was here. Didn't expect to catch this little scene."

Finlay, totally used to this, gave me his best puppy eyes and coaxed, "Giovanna, if you'd just told me ahead of time, I would've sent her on her way already."

I reached out, gripped his chin, and arched a brow. "So, what now?"

Finlay's smile froze for a moment. "Giovanna, I already promised her. Can we take her along for the ride?"

My face showed a flash of annoyance, my voice going cold. "Finlay, you really think I'll just go along with whatever you want?"

Finlay dropped his gaze, lips pressed tight, putting on his best puppy-dog look as he pleaded, "Giovanna, you always do."

He knew I was a sucker for this routine.

I sat up straight, one hand on the steering wheel.

Finlay let out a bright laugh. "Thanks, Giovanna."

He turned and jogged back to Destinee, took her hand again, and the two of them climbed into the back seat together.

"Finlay, how come Roberto isn't picking us up today?" Destinee asked.

She snuggled up to Finlay, sounding all soft and syrupy.

Finlay gave her cheek a playful pinch. "Didn't you say I'm the only one you care about? How'd you spot the driver swap so quick?"

Destinee nuzzled into his neck. "It's always Roberto picking us up. I'm just used to it, that's all."

Finlay hesitated, then said, "Roberto's not feeling well, so... he had his daughter fill in for him this time."

I let out a snort at that.

Finlay dropped the subject and wrapped Destinee in his arms, his voice gentle. "Didn't you say you were sleepy? Go ahead and rest. I'll wake you up when we get there."

After dropping Destinee off at Oaks Apartments, Finlay hopped into the passenger seat.

"Let's go, Giovanna. Time to head home," he said.