Sophie Hart's plan is very simple. Finish secondary school with good grades and get into her dream university. But When Sophie Hart transfers to the school, she doesn't expect to get noticed by Liam King, the school's arrogant and powerful leader. From day one, Liam is focused on her, determined to make her his - even if it means breaking her down to do it. But Liam's interest is not gentle. His obsession with Sophie is strong, controlling, and unpredictable, dragging her into his world where desire and hate constantly clash. As she struggles to understand Liam's twisted hold on her, Sophie uncovers secrets from her past as she gets closer to Liam, the harder it is to escape the dark memories that seem to bind them together. With each secret that comes to light, Sophie and Liam's relationship is tested, forcing them to face their painful histories. Together, they must decide how far they're willing to go to be with each other - or if they're better off walking away. This is a story about love and obsession, the price of secrets, and the pull of a love that's as dangerous as it is irresistible.
Chapter 1 A New Beginning
Life can change fast. If I had known, I might have chosen differently. I waved goodbye to my Aunt Kate, who grinned at me from her car window. With her red curls and model-like figure, she always looks amazing. I feel awkward around her, but I hope to be like her one day. Aunt Kate runs a successful business, Callahan Engineering, with her husband.
"Show them what you've got, Sophie!" she calls out before driving off. I blush and wave her away. "Aunt Kate, don't make a big deal!" She just laughs and says, "Go for it, kiddo!"
I'm back at the prestigious Diamond Elite School, or DES. It's like a castle, with tall towers and grand gardens. Only a few get accepted, and I'm one of the lucky ones. I want to make my aunt and uncle proud and hope to get into Cambridge someday.
Inside, everyone seems confident and graceful. Most of them know each other, while I feel out of place. Then I spot a girl walking alone with big green eyes and a shy look, just like me. I go up to her and say, "Hi, I'm Sophie."
She looks at me briefly before looking away. "You don't have to talk to me," she whispers. "I'm kind of a nobody here."
I just smile. "If I want to talk to you, I will." Her name is Kelly, and as we start chatting, her shyness fades.
We walk toward the soccer field, where a crowd has gathered. The students are murmuring about the "elite" guys who, apparently, run the school. Kelly looks nervous, especially when she sees a tall, confident boy named Maxwell laughing with his friends. One of them has dark hair and piercing eyes that hold my gaze, making me shiver. "Let's go," Kelly whispers, trying to lead me away. But it's too late. The elite boys block our path, and Maxwell teases Kelly. I feel my heart pound, wanting to stand up for her. But before I can, the dark-haired boy, Liam, grabs my arm and pins me against the wall, his intense eyes locked on mine.
"I'm going to make your life miserable," he says coldly.
Two years later, it's senior year:
The last year before Cambridge. I just want it to be over.
In the school parking lot, Kelly pulls up fast in her little car. I gasp, "Kelly!?" She just grins and shrugs. "What? Sandra almost took my spot. Not happening."
I smile. Kelly's so different now. She went on a summer camping trip and came back happy and full of confidence. She lost weight, dyed her hair green, and is wearing a short skirt that's daring for her.
"You look amazing, Kelly," I say. She rolls her eyes. "Only to you and my dad. Doesn't count." She takes a deep breath and says, "Today, I'm going to show everyone who I really am. Head high, like you taught me."
We're about to walk inside when Sandra storms over, looking angry. "You think you're something now?" she snaps. Kelly just rolls down her window and gives her the finger, making Sandra and her friends freeze in shock.
I'm proud of Kelly but a little surprised. She's never done that before. As we get out, Sandra sneers at me. "What are you looking at, Ice Queen?" That nickname sticks. Since day one, I've been the outcast. Kelly and I have always been the target of their jokes. But I was determined never to let them see me break. I meet Sandra's gaze calmly. "Sorry, you're not worth my time."
Kelly links her arm through mine, and we head inside. DES feels like a haunted castle, and I'm counting down the days to leave. The whispers start as we walk. "Hey, Ice Queen! Freeze anyone this summer?" "Where's your chunky friend?" They don't even recognize Kelly after her transformation. "Ignore them," I whisper, keeping my head up.
Finally, we get to our classroom, where the school's four top guys are laughing and tossing a football. Maxwell, Bryan, James, and... Liam King, also known as the "Black King." Liam, who has spent years making my life miserable here.
He's staring at me now, his gaze as cold as ever, like he lives to see me unhappy. The summer hasn't changed that look in his eyes, though he seems tougher, his uniform snug over his muscles, his hair a bit messier, and his gray eyes fixed on me. I stay quiet because his family owns a lot of influence over this school and could easily make trouble for my aunt and uncle if I complain.
When the guys notice Kelly, Maxwell smirks. "What did you do to yourself, Kelly?" She freezes, and I nudge her to ignore him. Sandra then "accidentally" spills juice all over Kelly. The class laughs, but Liam's eyes are on me, watching my reaction. He never gets involved directly; he just lets others do the bullying for him. Kelly runs, and I follow, pushing past Sandra. I find her in the garden, crying while Maxwell continues to taunt her. I hit record on my phone as he grabs her roughly. I feel a small victory, thinking I finally have something to use against him.
Then, just as I move forward, a shadow blocks my way.
It's Liam King, standing right in front of me.
Chapter 1 A New Beginning
07/11/2024
Chapter 2 A Game of Power and Fear
07/11/2024
Chapter 3 Under his Control
07/11/2024
Chapter 4 Guilt
07/11/2024
Chapter 5 Standing Up For Myself
07/11/2024
Chapter 6 An Offer
07/11/2024
Chapter 7 Checkmate
07/11/2024
Chapter 8 Breaking Point
07/11/2024
Chapter 9 History
07/11/2024
Chapter 10 Meeting
07/11/2024
Chapter 11 Unfinished Business
07/11/2024
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