Chapter One: The Beginning of Everything
The morning sun stretched lazily across the enormous gates of Silverwood International University, reflecting brightly against the polished glass buildings. The campus was breathtaking — tall maple trees lined the stone pathways, and students walked in groups across the courtyard, laughing and chatting as the new semester began.
A sleek black limousine slowly rolled to a stop at the front entrance.
Students nearby turned their heads immediately.
The door opened.
A girl stepped out.
Jane Frost.
Her long bright red hair swayed gently in the morning breeze, the color almost glowing under the sunlight.
Her pale skin made her look delicate and elegant, while her deep black eyes sparkled with curiosity as she looked up at the massive campus building in front of her.
She took a slow breath.
“So this is Silverwood…”
Her voice carried excitement.
For most students, getting into Silverwood was a dream. For Jane, it was more complicated.
Her father had donated millions to the university, making her arrival more like that of a celebrity than a normal freshman.
Behind her, the driver cleared his throat politely.
“Miss Frost, your luggage has been sent to your dorm.”
Jane nodded and smiled kindly.
“Thank you.”
As the limousine drove away, Jane stood alone in the courtyard, admiring the campus like a child discovering a new world.
But she wasn’t the only one watching.
Across the courtyard, leaning casually against a stone pillar, stood a boy.
Joseph McAllister.
Unlike most students, he wore simple clothes — a white shirt and dark jeans. Nothing expensive. Nothing flashy.
Yet somehow, he stood out.
His dark green eyes quietly observed Jane from a distance.
There was something calm and thoughtful about him, like someone who preferred to understand the world rather than show off in it.
His friend beside him nudged his shoulder.
“Dude… that’s Jane Frost.”
Joseph looked away slightly.
“I know.”
“She’s like… ridiculously rich.”
Joseph shrugged.
“So?”
His friend stared at him in disbelief.
“So?! Everyone’s been talking about her! Her father practically owns half the companies in the city!”
Joseph glanced back at Jane again.
But his expression wasn’t impressed.
It was curious.
Almost concerned.
Suddenly—
The roar of an expensive sports car echoed through the campus entrance.
Heads turned again.
A red luxury convertible screeched to a stylish stop near the stairs.
Out stepped a tall boy with confidence practically dripping from his posture.
Richard Jackson.
His hair was dyed blue with streaks of red, styled perfectly. His designer jacket alone probably cost more than some students’ tuition.
Girls immediately began whispering.
“That’s Richard Jackson!”
“The Jackson family owns half the hotels in the country!”
Richard casually removed his sunglasses and scanned the crowd with an arrogant smirk.
Then he saw her.
Jane.
Standing alone near the entrance.
His smirk slowly widened.
“Well well… looks like the rumors were true.”
He walked toward her without hesitation.
Jane had just started walking toward the main building when a shadow fell across her path.
She looked up.
Richard Jackson stood in front of her, hands in his pockets.
“First day?”
Jane blinked.
“…Yes.”
Richard smiled charmingly.
“Silverwood can be confusing for new students.”
Jane tilted her head slightly.
“I’ll manage.”
Richard chuckled.
“I like confidence.”
He leaned slightly closer.
“Richard Jackson.”
Jane hesitated a moment before replying.
“Jane Frost.”
Richard pretended to think.
“Hm… that name sounds familiar.”
Jane raised an eyebrow.
“You’re joking.”
Richard laughed.
“Of course I am.”
Before Jane could respond, a voice interrupted them.
“Orientation starts in ten minutes.”
Jane and Richard both turned.
Joseph stood a few steps away, holding a campus map.
He walked over and handed it to Jane.
“You might need this.”
Jane looked surprised.
“Oh… thank you.”
Their fingers brushed slightly as she took the map.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Joseph quickly looked away.
Richard watched the interaction carefully.
His smile slowly faded.
Interesting.
Very interesting.
Students began moving toward the main hall as orientation approached.
Jane walked ahead, following the crowd.
Joseph turned to leave as well.
But Richard suddenly spoke.
“So… you know her?”
Joseph stopped.
“Not really.”
Richard smirked.
“But you’re interested.”
Joseph looked back calmly.
“No.”
Then he walked away.
Richard watched him disappear into the crowd.
His eyes narrowed slightly.
“Oh, you definitely are.”
He turned toward the main building with a confident grin.
“Looks like this semester just got interesting.”
Inside the orientation hall, hundreds of students filled the seats.
Jane sat near the middle, quietly reading the campus map Joseph had given her.
For some reason, she smiled slightly.
Meanwhile—
Joseph sat near the back row, staring at the stage but not really paying attention.
And across the hall—
Richard leaned comfortably in his chair, watching both of them with amusement.
Three lives.
Three completely different worlds.
And none of them knew yet…
That the choices they were about to make would lead to love, betrayal, heartbreak...
And a story none of them could escape.