The Secret of Us

CHAPTER 1 PEARL What better way to ruin your ex… than seducing his father? That was the first thought that came to mind as soon as I entered the seminar room that morning. I didn't plan it. The only plan I had was to return to school as a different version of myself. The girl they'll want to have. But the moment Lucian Holt said my name, slow, deliberate, like he already knew my plans, I realized fate had handed me something better than my past or my plans. He wasn’t just any man. He was rich, untouchable, hated by my father… and the man who raised the boy who destroyed me. I was practically going to kill two birds with one stone. I wanted revenge. And Lucian? He made it so damn easy to sin. "Pearl Sanders." His voice was low, slow, and polished, like his brand. "Good morning, Professor..." I lifted my brows, trying to pretend like I couldn't recall his name when my father was practically obsessed with him. I don't think any day goes by without him mentioning his name. I had no idea he would be the guest professor for the mentorship campaign. Good thing I hadn't rejected the offer. "Holt," he completed, and I bobbed my head. Holt. Sounds just like hot, and he was exactly the definition of hot. Even his son couldn't compare to him. "Welcome to Fragrance Future Leaders," he added, and I flashed him a small smile. But he still wore that stoic look. That jawline could cut glass. His sleeves were rolled to the elbows. Power and control dressed in black. "I don't appreciate tardiness. If you want to be a part of this program, then you had better be on your seat before I enter. I'll forgive you since it's the first day," he said, his eyes narrowing on me. "Sure." I shouldered my bag and headed to the seats. The seminar room was big enough and there were enough empty seats, but my eyes still fell on Jake. Knots twisted in my stomach. Of all the thousands of students in this school, Jake still had to get selected. Shouldn't the campaign be meant for only the bright students? Or was he chosen just because he was the mentor's son? Jake’s mouth fell open as our eyes locked. Exactly the reaction I wanted. Let him see what he lost. What he dared to call a charity project. I still remember the way he laughed that night. "You were just a dare, Pearl. A fun one, but still…" I still remember that chuckle. That flick of his wrist like I was dust. The mocking laughter from everyone that haunted me all night for the last two weeks. My fingers curled into fists as I stared at Jake, whose eyes had grown wide. That was the plan. Get everyone shocked by the new changes in me, especially Jake. "Are we discussing you today?" Professor Holt's voice jerked me out of my daze, and I immediately settled in the front row. The one that gave me a perfect view of the professor. Henceforth, that would be my seat. The class went by faster than expected. And I couldn't say I learned anything. All that came to mind was how I would execute my new plan. Whenever I set my mind to something, I never rest until I achieve it. And this time, revenge was my top priority, and Lucian Holt was my experiment. As he walked out of the class, I hurried after him, ignoring the voice of my cousin behind me. I didn't stop until he unlocked the door to his office. "Close the door," he said, without turning around. That deep voice melted my heart. Hearing it up close was definitely different from when he talked in class, and I could feel this was going to be a weakness. I obeyed. He finally turned. "You came top of your class last semester," he said, folding his arms. I smirked. "Top of my class has always been mine." Unlike your son, I almost added, but bit it back. That was my mistake. I shouldn't have fallen for his son. I should have known he was not only dumb academically but in all aspects of life. He quirked an eyebrow. "You were recommended by two faculty heads. And yet, I’m not convinced you’re here for the right reasons." I blinked. "Excuse me?" He stepped closer, not enough to touch, but enough that I could feel the heat of him. "I know your history with my son." His tone was sharp. "And I know your father would rather set himself on fire than see you in the same room as me." I swallowed. So he knew. "Are you saying I shouldn't be your student because of that? But Jake was definitely not recommended by anyone. How can he be your student? Because he'll take over your company tomorrow?" I asked, tilting my head. He raised an eyebrow. "No one is saying that. I'm just concerned about you." My eyes grew wide. "You're concerned about me? Is this a sign?" I teased as my lips spread into a wide smile. He squeezed his face, taking a step away from me. "I know your father will hate to know I'm your professor, and you joined my company's program," he explained, and I let out a scoff. I didn't care about my father's feelings. It was one of those reasons I joined the program. Rebelling against his plans for me to come to his company. I would rather go to Holt for the internship. "Then maybe you should have rejected my nomination," I said evenly. "Unless, of course, you wanted me here too." That earned me the slightest amused smirk. "Oh, I did," he said, voice lowering. I blinked. "You wanted me in your class, why?" To show my dad he had the upper hand or what? "I like to watch people play games they think they can win." I raised my brows. Looks like we both knew what we were playing at. I stepped closer now, fire burning beneath my ribs. "Then watch me, Professor. Because I play dirty." Silence fell. He looked at me for a long beat. "Dismissed," he finally said, lips twitching, and I bobbed my head. I hesitated. "Is that all?" He gave nothing away. "Yes." I gave him one last look before making my way out of his office. He definitely wouldn’t be easy to seduce. But, if I can seduce the man who created Jake… and make him want me, choose me, maybe even love me… Then I win. And that was my newfound goal for the semester.