Chapter 1 Forbidden Proximity

Chapter 1: Forbidden Proximity

The moment I stepped into the grand hallway of Vale Academy, my stomach twisted into a knot I hadn’t felt in years. High ceilings, polished floors, and the soft murmur of students trying to look busy—it was all supposed to feel impressive. But nothing could distract me from the one person I’d been told to avoid.

Adrian Vale.

He leaned casually against the marble railing on the second floor, phone in hand, laughing at something only he understood. His dark hair fell perfectly over his forehead, and that damn smirk made it impossible not to remember why I hated him so much. He had ruined my brother’s future, and now, by some cruel twist of fate, our paths were colliding again.

“Amara Cole.”

His voice was low, teasing, and sent a shiver down my spine. I froze. How did he even know my name? My heart pounded, and I wished, for just one second, that the ground would open up and swallow me whole.

“You’re in my group for the history project,” he said, finally stepping closer. His eyes scanned me like he could see every thought I tried desperately to hide. “Looks like we’re stuck together.”

Stuck. That word echoed in my head. I was supposed to stay away. My parents had warned me. My friends had warned me. And yet, here I was, cornered by the golden boy I’d been taught to despise.

“I didn’t do what you think I did,” he added suddenly, voice softer now, almost apologetic.

I blinked. Did he just… admit something? Before I could respond, the bell rang, loud and sharp, scattering students to their classrooms. Adrian’s smirk returned, and just like that, he disappeared into the crowd, leaving my mind spinning with more questions than answers.

And one impossible, undeniable thought.

I was falling for him.

End of Chapter 1