5
Early the next morning, I got up and started memorizing vocabulary words.
I had to admit, St. Augustine Academy lived up to its reputation. The campus was stunning, with a tranquil lake surrounded by lush greenery. I sat on a bench by the water, soaking in the scenery as I studied.
12:43 PM
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Just as I was engrossed in my notes, Ethan Monroe appeared, carrying a perfectly arranged breakfast in his hand.
“Rhea, you’re up early,” he said with a smile.
I mentally reviewed the words I’d just memorized to make sure I had them locked in before turning to him.
Ethan’s custom–tailored uniform accentuated his long legs, and he deliberately angled his face to show off his best side.
I glanced at the breakfast tray he was holding–milk, bread, and fruit.
“Is that for me?” I asked, pretending to gaze at him with wide, admiring eyes.
Ethan nodded and even pulled out a picnic blanket, spreading it neatly on the grass.
Once everything was set up, I casually pulled out my phone and started snapping pictures.
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In my previous life, I’d never been in a relationship and had been completely unprepared for the F4’s tactics. I fell for their every move,
unaware that it was all part of a carefully orchestrated trap.
But this time was different. Not only would I fight back, but I’d make money while doing it.
Ethan leaned in, gently wiping milk from the corner of my mouth. He smelled faintly of some ocean–scented cologne, and the space between
us grew smaller and smaller.
I tilted my head, staring at his thick lashes. “Are your eyelashes natural?”
The flirtatious atmosphere evaporated instantly.
Ethan froze, about to pull back, but I reached out to stop him. “Wait, let me take a close–up shot of your lashes. I bet everyone would love to
see them!”
Last night’s video had already racked up over 500,000 views, earning me more than a thousand dollars. Logan Brooks, who had been mocked relentlessly in the comments for his lackluster abs, had clearly been pushed over the edge.
I could tell it was him replying to people because his profile picture was a selfie. Talk about narcissism.
These sheltered rich kids really couldn’t handle the heat.
Instead of being discouraged by my lack of romantic interest, Ethan seemed even more determined.
“Rhea, you know, you’re unlike any girl I’ve ever met.”
Oh?
He’d said the same thing in my previous life.
Back then, he’d told me I was “special” because I was so focused on studying, unpolished, and quick to blush at his teasing.
He’d said girls like me, full of naive dreams, were perfect to toy with.
I only learned the truth about those words right before I died.
“What makes me so different?” I asked, looking up at him.
Ethan seemed surprised that I wasn’t blushing or bashful. After a brief pause, he said, “You’re bright, confident, and you know what you want. There’s not a hint of insecurity in you.”
“And? Is that all that makes me different?”
Ethan hesitated, then smiled. “You also don’t seem to notice how much I like you.”
12:43 PM
