Campus Romance: The contract girlfriend

The dean’s letter shook in my hands. “Tuition due in 7 days. ₦850,000. Failure to pay will result in suspension.” Seven days. That was all I had before my scholarship, my degree, my entire future got ripped away. I was about to crumble right there in the hallway when a voice cut through my panic. Cold. Arrogant. Familiar. “Problem, Ava?” I looked up. Damian Cole. Campus king. Billionaire heir. And the biggest jerk in the entire university. He leaned against the wall, hands in his pockets, that smirk on his face like he already knew I was desperate. “None of your business,” I snapped, wiping my eyes fast. “Actually,” he said, stepping closer. His col toogne hit me and I hated that my heart jumped. “It is my business. Because I have a proposal for you.” I frowned. “What kind of proposal?” “A contract.” His eyes dragged over me slowly. “Be my girlfriend for 3 months. Go to events with me. Pretend to be in love. And I’ll pay your tuition.” My mouth fell open. “Are you insane?” “₦850,000, Ava. Cash. No questions asked.” He pulled out his phone. “Deal or no deal?” My pride screamed no. My bank account screamed yes. I swallowed hard. “Fine. But there are rules. No kissing. No feelings. No falling in love.” Damian’s smirk got wider. “Agreed.” We shook on it. But neither of us knew that contracts like this... were made to be broken.