HE LOVED ME LAST

Chapter 66

Lucas Pov

The gate slid open silently as I pulled into the driveway.

My mansion—sleek, modern, sharp-edged—stood alone about a kilometer outside Moonlight’s campus. The place was already prepped: stocked fridge, high-speed Wi-Fi, full security system, and an underground gaming room that only Henry and I knew about.

I didn’t care much for space or showing off, but I also wasn’t about to stay in some university-provided dorm with forced smiles and shared bathrooms. No way.

This house was peace.

Privacy.

And control.

I kicked off my shoes, tossed my hoodie on the leather couch, and let the silence wrap around me. No Amelia. No mother barking orders. Just me and whatever I wanted to be this year.

The phone buzzed.

*Henry*: “Yo, Phantom. Already making waves.”

I rolled my eyes and typed back.

*Me*: “What now?”

*Henry*: “Some kids overheard my call with Amelia. Word’s out that you’re on campus. Everyone’s calling you ‘The Phantom.’ Rich guy. Never seen. Moves like a myth.”

I actually laughed.

*Me*: “Let them talk.”

I didn’t plan on making a scene. I didn’t want to be the guy everyone gossiped about. But I also wasn’t hiding. If I came here to breathe, I wouldn’t choke on everyone’s opinions.

Still… the nickname was amusing.

The Phantom.

I closed my phone and walked out onto the balcony. From this far out, the campus lights were soft dots in the distance.

Thousands of students down there. All starting fresh.

I wondered who I’d meet. If anyone would actually catch my attention this time.

I wasn’t looking for anyone… but maybe fate had a different idea.

Whoever she was—whoever this year would bring—I was ready.

Or so I told myself.