Ava’s POV
“Yes,” I said.
The word left my mouth before I could fully consider it. He set his tray down across from me and sat with easy confidence, as if the invitation had never been in doubt. Close up, the resemblance to the young man from the courtyard settled more firmly into place. The same clean features, the same polished ease. Whether he was exactly Sebastian Langford or only someone who moved in the same circles, he carried the same atmosphere of money that never had to introduce itself.
“I’m Ava,” I said, because silence felt more dangerous than politeness.
“I know.” He smiled slightly. “You introduced yourself in class. I’m the one who didn’t.” He offered his name a moment later—clear, unhurried—and then asked what had brought me to the program mid-term. I gave the simplest
