SAVED BY THE BADDEST GUY ON CAMPUS

CHAPTER ONE THE WRONG PLACE The rain had been falling for almost two hours. Amara stood beneath the broken roof of the bus stop, hugging her worn handbag tightly against her chest as cold drops of water splashed against her shoes. She checked the time on her cracked phone. 7:43 p.m. “Great,” she whispered. Her bus had disappeared nearly forty minutes ago, her phone battery was at twelve percent, and her stomach had been growling since afternoon. She closed her eyes and sighed. It had been another terrible day. Her lecturer had embarrassed her in front of the entire class because she couldn't pay her outstanding school fees. Her part-time employer had called to tell her that they no longer needed her services. And now the rain had decided to finish what the day had started. Amara looked up at the dark sky. “Is this really necessary?” Thunder rumbled. She rolled her eyes. “Okay. I get it.” She laughed bitterly at herself. Maybe she was going crazy. Her life had become a collection of problems with no solutions. She had no rich parents to call. No boyfriend to rescue her. No influential relatives. All she had was herself. And lately, even that didn't feel like enough. A black SUV suddenly sped past the bus stop. SPLASH! A wave of muddy water hit her from head to toe. Amara froze. Her mouth dropped open. For three seconds, she simply stood there, staring at the vehicle as it disappeared down the road. Her white blouse was covered in mud. Her skirt was soaked. Her hair was dripping. She slowly looked down at herself. Then she screamed. “ARE YOU SERIOUS?” The SUV's brake lights suddenly appeared in the distance. It stopped. Amara folded her arms. “Oh, so you can stop now?” The SUV reversed slowly until it returned to the bus stop. The driver's door opened. A tall man stepped out. He was dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, his shirt slightly open at the collar. Rain slid down his dark hair as he walked toward her. Even under the terrible circumstances, Amara couldn't deny that he was ridiculously handsome. Sharp jaw. Cold eyes. Broad shoulders. The kind of face that belonged on magazine covers. He stopped a few feet from her. “Are you alright?” Amara stared at him. Then at her clothes. Then back at him. “Do I look alright?” His eyes moved over her muddy clothes. “I suppose not.” “You suppose?” He raised an eyebrow. “I didn't see you.” “You didn't see me?” she repeated incredulously. “I was standing right there!” “I said I didn't see you.” “You nearly drowned me with your car!” His expression remained annoyingly calm. “I apologize.” “Your apology doesn't clean my clothes.” “No.” “And it doesn't fix my evening.” “No.” Amara stared at him. Why was this man so irritating? “Are you always this insensitive?” His jaw tightened slightly. “Are you always this dramatic?” Her eyes widened. “Dramatic?” “Yes.” “You splashed dirty water all over me and I'm dramatic?” “You're shouting.” “Because you ruined my clothes!” He glanced at his expensive wristwatch. “I'll pay for the cleaning.” Amara laughed. Not because it was funny. Because she couldn't believe what she was hearing. “Oh, wow.” “What?” “You think money fixes everything.” His expression changed. Just slightly. Something dark flashed across his eyes. “Usually, it does.” “Well, it doesn't fix this.” She turned away from him. “Have a good night, Mr. Money.” She heard him sigh behind her. Then— “Get in the car.” Amara turned around. “Excuse me?” “I'll drop you off.” She laughed again. “Absolutely not.” “You'll get sick standing in the rain.” “I'd rather get sick than enter your car.” He stared at her. For the first time, irritation appeared clearly on his face. “You're stubborn.” “And you're arrogant.” His eyes narrowed. “Get in.” “No.” “Fine.” He turned and walked back toward his SUV. Amara smiled triumphantly. “Good riddance.” He stopped. Without turning around, he said, “If you die of pneumonia tonight, don't blame me.” She rolled her eyes. “Don't worry. Your conscience is clearly not capable of suffering.” He got into the SUV. The door slammed. Seconds later, the vehicle disappeared. Amara watched it leave. “Idiot.” She wiped rainwater from her face. Then her phone vibrated. Battery: 5%. She groaned. “This day hates me.” --- THE NEXT MORNING Amara walked through the gates of Sterling Heights University with her head lowered. She had barely slept. After waiting another hour at the bus stop, she eventually managed to find a cheaper ride home. She had spent the night washing her clothes and trying to figure out how she would pay her school fees. She was exhausted. But she couldn't afford to miss another lecture. As she entered the main building, whispers suddenly followed her. “Isn't that Amara?” “Yeah.” “I heard she got suspended from the scholarship list.” “Seriously?” “Apparently, she hasn't paid her fees.” Amara pretended not to hear them. She walked faster. She hated pity. Especially from people who had never experienced what it meant to struggle. She reached her classroom and sat at the back. Her best friend, Nia, immediately rushed toward her. “Amara!” Amara looked up. “What?” “You won't believe what I just heard.” “I'm too tired for gossip.” “This isn't gossip.” Nia leaned closer. “Someone important is visiting the university today.” “Who?” “Damien Black.” Amara frowned. The name sounded familiar. “Who's that?” Nia looked at her as though she had just announced that she didn't know what electricity was. “Are you serious?” “Yes.” “Damien Black. The billionaire heir?” Amara shrugged. “I don't care.” “Everyone cares.” “Well, I don't.” Nia lowered her voice. “They say he's one of the youngest and richest businessmen in the country. His family owns Blackstone Holdings.” Amara's eyes remained uninterested. “Good for him.” “And he's coming here to fund a new scholarship program.” Amara's expression changed. “A scholarship?” Nia nodded excitedly. “Apparently, they're selecting a few students.” Amara's heart skipped. A scholarship could change everything. Her school fees. Her accommodation. Her entire future. “Do you know how to apply?” Nia smiled. “I knew you'd suddenly become interested.” Amara laughed. “Shut up.” Before Nia could respond, the lecturer walked into the room. “Everyone, settle down.” The room became quiet. But minutes later, the door opened again. A university administrator entered. Behind him was a man in a black suit. Amara's smile disappeared. Her heart stopped. She knew that face. The cold eyes. The arrogant expression. The man from the rain. Mr. Money. Damien Black. He walked into the classroom like he owned the entire building. Perhaps he did. Amara stared at him. He looked around the room. Then his eyes found hers. Recognition flashed across his face. His lips curved into the faintest smile. A dangerous smile. Amara's stomach twisted. “Oh, no,” she whispered. Damien walked toward the front of the classroom. The administrator began speaking. “Students, I'd like to introduce Mr. Damien Black, CEO of Blackstone Holdings and the sponsor of our new scholarship initiative.” The students applauded. Everyone except Amara. Damien's gaze remained fixed on her. Then he spoke. “I'll be selecting the scholarship recipients personally.” Amara's heart sank. Nia whispered beside her. “This is your chance.” Amara swallowed. She desperately needed that scholarship. But somehow, she knew one thing with absolute certainty. The man standing at the front of the room was going to make her life hell. Damien looked directly at her. And smiled. Their war had just begun.BLEEDING HEART CHAPTER TWO THE TRUTH BEGINS The next morning, Amara woke up to the sound of her mother's voice. “Amara.” She opened her eyes. Her mother was standing beside her bed. “Wake up.” Amara sat up immediately. “What happened?” Her mother's face was pale. “We need to talk.” Amara's heart began beating faster. “About last night?” Her mother nodded. Amara climbed out of bed. “Who threw that stone through the window?” “I don't know.” “But you know why they did it.” Her mother looked away. “Your father left something behind.” “The document?” “Yes.” “Where is it?” Her mother hesitated. “Your father gave it to someone before he died.” “Who?” “Damien Black's father.” Amara stared at her. “What?” “He trusted him.” “But you said we shouldn't trust the Blacks.” “I was afraid.” “Afraid of what?” Her mother finally sat down. “Your father and Richard Black were business partners. They discovered that someone inside their company was stealing millions of dollars.” “Who?” “I don't know.” “Then what happened?” “They planned to expose the person.” Her mother's eyes filled with tears. “But before they could, Richard died.” Amara swallowed. “And Dad?” “Your father was blamed.” “By whom?” “Everyone.” “Why?” “Evidence was planted against him.” Amara's heart broke. “So Dad didn't betray them?” “No.” “Then why didn't you tell me?” “Because after your father's death, people came looking for the evidence.” Her mother squeezed her hand. “I was afraid they'd kill you.” Amara stared at her. “Who?” Her mother whispered one name. “Victor.” “Who is Victor?” “Richard Black's younger brother.” Amara froze. The name sounded familiar. She remembered seeing him at Damien's welcome ceremony. A distinguished older man. Always smiling. Always surrounded by people. Her mother continued. “Victor wanted control of Blackstone Holdings. Richard was the only person standing in his way.” “So he killed Dad too?” “We don't know.” “But you suspect him.” Her mother nodded. “Your father discovered something before he died.” “What?” “I don't know.” A knock sounded at the door. Both women froze. Then another knock. Amara stood. “Who is it?” A man's voice came from outside. “Delivery.” Her mother grabbed Amara's wrist. “Don't open it.” They remained silent. The person knocked again. Then footsteps moved away. Amara waited several seconds before approaching the door. There was an envelope on the floor. No name. No address. Inside was a photograph. Her father. Richard Black. And Victor Black. On the back were four words: ONE OF THEM LIED. --- CHAPTER THREE THE ENEMY At Sterling Heights University, rumors spread faster than wildfire. By lunchtime, everyone knew that Amara had been seen with Damien. And Vanessa was furious. “You have got to be kidding me.” Her friend laughed. “What?” “Damien was dancing with Amara at the party.” Vanessa's face tightened. “So?” “So? Everyone knows you like him.” Vanessa stood. “I don't like him.” Her friend smiled. “You've been trying to get his attention for two years.” Vanessa grabbed her handbag. “That's different.” She walked toward the cafeteria. She found Amara sitting with Nia. Vanessa stopped beside the table. “You're becoming very confident.” Amara looked up. “What do you want?” “You.” Nia stood. “Leave her alone.” Vanessa ignored her. “You think because Damien spoke to you, you're special?” “I don't think anything.” “You're just a poor girl trying to climb your way into a rich man's life.” The cafeteria went quiet. Amara's face burned. She stood slowly. “You don't know anything about my life.” “I know enough.” Vanessa smiled. “You're desperate for that scholarship.” Amara said nothing. “And you're desperate for Damien.” “That isn't true.” “Then stay away from him.” Amara looked directly into her eyes. “You don't own him.” Vanessa's smile disappeared. She slapped Amara. The cafeteria erupted. Nia gasped. Amara touched her cheek. Before she could respond, a deep voice came from behind them. “What happened?” Everyone turned. Damien stood at the entrance. His eyes immediately went to Amara's cheek. Then Vanessa. “Who hit her?” Nobody answered. Vanessa stepped forward. “It was an accident.” Damien's expression hardened. “I asked who hit her.” Vanessa swallowed. “I did.” Damien nodded slowly. “Then apologize.” “Damien—” “Apologize.” Vanessa's eyes filled with humiliation. “I'm sorry.” Damien looked at Amara. “Are you okay?” She nodded. “Yes.” He turned back to Vanessa. “If you ever touch her again, you'll regret it.” He walked away. Amara followed him. “Damien.” He stopped. “Thank you.” He looked at her. “I told you to be careful.” “I am.” “You're not.” She frowned. “You can't keep protecting me.” “I know.” “Then why are you?” He looked into her eyes. “I don't know.” Neither spoke. Something had changed. The hatred between them was slowly becoming something neither understood. --- CHAPTER FOUR CLOSE ENOUGH TO HURT The scholarship results were announced three days later. Amara won. She stared at the email. CONGRATULATIONS, AMARA JOHNSON. She covered her mouth. Tears filled her eyes. Nia screamed. “You did it!” Amara laughed and cried at the same time. “I actually did it.” She called her mother. “Mum!” “What happened?” “I got it.” “What?” “The scholarship.” Silence. Then her mother began crying. “Thank God.” Amara smiled. “I told you everything would be okay.” But the scholarship came with one condition. Amara would work directly with Damien on the foundation's university projects. She nearly changed her mind. “You're joking.” Damien sat across from her in his office. “No.” “I have to work with you?” “Yes.” “Can't someone else supervise me?” “No.” “Why?” “Because I selected you.” Amara folded her arms. “You're enjoying this.” “Very much.” She glared. He smiled. It was the first genuine smile she had seen from him. And it made her heart skip. They began working together. At first, they argued constantly. He criticized her ideas. She criticized his attitude. He called her stubborn. She called him arrogant. But slowly, the arguments became laughter. They stayed late preparing charity programs. They visited poor communities. They distributed school supplies. Amara began seeing another side of Damien. He wasn't the cold billionaire everyone thought he was. He was kind to children. He quietly paid hospital bills. He helped struggling students without taking credit. One evening, Amara found him sitting alone in the foundation office. “You okay?” He looked up. “Yes.” “You don't look okay.” He smiled faintly. “You worry too much.” She sat beside him. “What happened?” “My father.” She became quiet. “I miss him.” Damien looked at her. “I never told anyone that.” “Why are you telling me?” “I don't know.” She reached for his hand. He looked down at their fingers. Then back at her. “Amara…” “Yes?” “You should be careful with me.” “Why?” “Because I'm starting to care about you.” Her heart stopped. He leaned closer. She didn't move. Their lips almost touched. Then his phone rang. They pulled apart. Damien answered. His expression changed. “Victor?” Silence. “Where?” He stood. “I'll be there.” He looked at Amara. “I have to go.” “What happened?” “My uncle.” --- CHAPTER FIVE THE MAN BEHIND THE MASK Victor Black was waiting in the old Blackstone warehouse. Damien walked inside. “What do you want?” Victor smiled. “You've changed.” “How?” “You used to hate the Johnsons.” Damien's expression hardened. “Get to the point.” “You're protecting Daniel Johnson's daughter.” “She has nothing to do with what happened.” “Doesn't she?” Victor approached. “You should ask yourself why she appeared in your life now.” Damien's eyes narrowed. “What are you suggesting?” “Her father stole from your family.” “That's what we believed.” Victor laughed. “Believed?” “Yes.” Victor stepped closer. “You're questioning your father's death because of a girl?” Damien grabbed his collar. “Don't talk about her.” Victor smiled. “Interesting.” Damien released him. “Stay away from Amara.” Victor adjusted his shirt. “You're making a mistake.” “No.” Damien turned away. “I'm correcting one.” That night, Damien returned home and confronted his mother. “Tell me the truth.” She looked frightened. “About what?” “Dad's death.” His mother sat down. “I should have told you years ago.” “Tell me now.” She began crying. “Your father didn't die because of Daniel.” Damien froze. “Then who killed him?” “I don't know.” “Mom!” “Victor was the last person with him.” Damien's face went pale. “What?” “Your father had discovered that Victor was stealing from the company.” “Why didn't anyone tell me?” “Because Victor threatened us.” Damien stared at her. “Why did you let me hate Daniel?” “I was afraid.” She handed him a small box. “Your father left this for you.” Inside was a USB drive. Damien looked at it. “What is this?” “Everything.” --- CHAPTER SIX THE KISS Damien found Amara outside the library. “We need to talk.” She looked at him. “Again?” “This is serious.” He showed her the USB drive. “What is it?” “Evidence.” “Of what?” “That our fathers were working together.” Amara's eyes widened. “So my father wasn't the enemy.” “No.” He took a breath. “I was wrong about him.” Amara looked away. “My mother knew.” “She was afraid.” “So was yours.” Damien nodded. For the first time, their families no longer stood between them. They stood on the same side. “I'm sorry,” he said. “For what?” “For everything I said about your father.” Tears filled her eyes. “My father wasn't perfect.” “I know.” “But he wasn't a traitor.” “I know.” She looked at him. “Thank you.” He reached for her hand. “I don't want to fight you anymore.” She smiled through her tears. “Neither do I.” He stepped closer. “Amara.” “Yes?” “I've been trying not to fall for you.” Her heart raced. “Why?” “Because you're the one person I shouldn't want.” She whispered: “And yet?” “And yet I do.” He kissed her. Slowly. Gently. For the first time, there was no anger between them. No hatred. No family war. Just two broken people finding comfort in each other. When they pulled apart, Amara smiled. “This is a terrible idea.” Damien smiled. “Probably.” She laughed. “But I don't regret it.” “Neither do I.” --- CHAPTER SEVEN BETRAYAL For a while, everything was perfect. Until Amara received an anonymous message. ASK DAMIEN WHERE HE WAS THE NIGHT YOUR FATHER DIED. She stared at the screen. Her heart sank. She confronted him. “Where were you?” He looked confused. “When?” “The night my father died.” Damien became silent. “I was seventeen.” “And?” “I was with my father.” “Did you see my father?” “Yes.” Amara stepped back. “Why didn't you tell me?” “I didn't remember until recently.” She shook her head. “You're hiding something.” “No.” “You are.” “Amara—” She walked away. That night, someone sent her a video. It showed Daniel Johnson arguing with Richard Black. Then Victor appeared. Then the screen went black. A voice whispered: “Your father betrayed them.” Amara watched it again. Something didn't make sense. She sent it to Damien. His response came immediately. Don't trust the video. It's edited. But Amara was already afraid. The next morning, the police arrived at her house. Her mother was arrested. The accusation? Fraud. Money laundering. Amara was devastated. She called Damien. “Help me.” “I will.” But before he could arrive, another message appeared. THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU TRUST A BLACK. --- CHAPTER EIGHT THE FALL The scandal spread across campus. Students whispered. “Her mother is a criminal.” “Maybe her father really was a thief.” “Damien should leave her.” Vanessa was the loudest. “I warned everyone about her.” Amara stopped attending classes. She stopped answering calls. She felt like her entire world had collapsed. Then Damien arrived at her house. She opened the door. “Leave.” “No.” “I don't want to see you.” “I know.” “Your family ruined mine.” “My family didn't.” “Your uncle did.” Damien froze. “You know?” “He's behind this, isn't he?” “Yes.” “Then why is my mother in prison?” “Because he's framing her.” “Can you prove it?” “Not yet.” She laughed bitterly. “Then go.” He stepped closer. “I won't.” “Why?” “Because I love you.” She stared at him. “What?” “I love you.” Tears filled her eyes. “You shouldn't.” “I know.” “You'll get hurt.” “I already am.” She cried. He pulled her into his arms. For the first time, Amara allowed herself to break. --- CHAPTER NINE THE HIDDEN FILE Damien and Amara began investigating. They discovered that the financial documents used to arrest Amara's mother had been created six years earlier. The signatures were forged. The transactions had passed through an account controlled by Victor. They found something else. Daniel Johnson had kept copies of the original records. But they were missing. Amara remembered her father's words. If anything happens to me, never trust the Blacks. She finally understood. He wasn't warning her about the entire Black family. He was warning her about Victor. The final piece of evidence was hidden inside an old piano belonging to Richard Black. Damien and Amara found it. A recording. Richard's voice filled the room. “Victor, I know what you've been doing.” Victor answered: “You should have stayed out of it.” Richard laughed. “You won't get away with this.” “You already know too much.” The recording ended with a gunshot. Amara covered her mouth. Damien closed his eyes. His father had been murdered. And Daniel Johnson had witnessed it. The truth was finally clear. Daniel tried to expose Victor. Victor framed him. Then Daniel was killed before he could reveal everything. Damien looked at Amara. “Our fathers died trying to protect the truth.” Amara nodded. “We have to finish what they started.” --- CHAPTER TEN THE ABDUCTION Before they could expose Victor, Amara disappeared. Damien received a call. “Come alone.” A man's voice. “If you involve the police, she dies.” Damien's blood ran cold. “Where is she?” “Old warehouse.” The call ended. Damien drove there. Victor was waiting. Amara was tied to a chair. “Let her go.” Victor laughed. “You've become weak.” “Let her go.” “You were supposed to inherit everything.” Damien stared at him. “You killed my father.” “Yes.” “You framed Daniel.” “Yes.” “Why?” “Because your father was going to destroy me.” “You destroyed innocent people.” Victor shrugged. “Business.” Damien stepped forward. “You're going to prison.” Victor pulled out a gun. “Not tonight.” Suddenly, the warehouse lights came on. Police surrounded the building. Damien smiled. Victor stared at him. “You called them?” “No.” Amara smiled. “I did.” Victor's face twisted with rage. “You!” Amara's hands had been untied earlier by one of Victor's men who secretly helped her. The police arrested Victor. The entire Black family scandal became public. --- CHAPTER ELEVEN THE HEARTBREAK After Victor's arrest, Damien expected life to become easier. It didn't. He discovered that his father had left him one final letter. It contained a painful truth. Richard had known Daniel would be blamed. He had asked Damien's mother to protect him. The letter said: Damien, if you are reading this, then I failed to protect you from the hatred that followed my death. Never punish Daniel's family for my mistakes. Love is not weakness. Hatred will destroy you if you allow it. Damien cried. For the first time in years, he allowed himself to mourn. But Amara had her own pain. She had discovered that her father had hidden money. Money that belonged to the victims of Victor's fraud. She decided to return every cent. Even though it meant giving up the small inheritance she could have claimed. Damien disagreed. “You don't have to do this.” “Yes, I do.” “Why?” “Because it's the right thing.” He stared at her. “You're incredible.” She smiled sadly. “I just wish Dad were here.” “I know.” She leaned against him. “I miss him.” “I do too.” --- CHAPTER TWELVE THE LAST LIE Victor escaped during a prison transfer. His first target was Amara. Damien moved her to a secure location. But Victor had one final trick. He released a recording claiming that Damien had known about his father's crimes all along. The public turned against Damien. His company shares crashed. His reputation collapsed. Amara stood beside him. “You didn't do it.” “I know.” “But everyone believes it.” “I don't care.” “You should.” He looked at her. “Do you believe me?” “Yes.” “Then that's enough.” They found Victor hiding in the old family estate. The final confrontation was brutal. Victor admitted everything. He had killed Richard. He had framed Daniel. He had manipulated Damien's hatred. He had threatened Amara's mother. But this time, he couldn't escape. The police arrested him permanently. The truth finally came out. --- CHAPTER THIRTEEN HEALING Months passed. The university restored Amara's mother's reputation. She was released. Damien rebuilt Blackstone Holdings. Amara graduated at the top of her class. On graduation day, she stood on the stage wearing her gown. Her mother cried. Nia screamed louder than everyone. And Damien stood at the back. Watching her. When the ceremony ended, he approached. “You did it.” Amara smiled. “We did it.” He shook his head. “No.” He handed her a small box. She opened it. Inside was a delicate necklace with a tiny heart pendant. She stared at him. “Damien…” “I know we started badly.” She laughed. “You splashed me with muddy water.” “And you insulted me.” “You deserved it.” He smiled. “I probably did.” He took her hand. “But somewhere between all the fighting, you became my home.” Her eyes filled with tears. “I love you.” “I love you too.” He kissed her forehead. Then he got down on one knee. Amara froze. “Damien?” He opened another box. A ring. “Amara Johnson, I know our story began with hatred, pain and secrets.” He smiled. “But I don't want our ending to be anything like our beginning.” She covered her mouth. “Will you marry me?” She cried. “Yes.” with so much gladness in her heart, she kissed him and hugged him. Amara was really happy They had a beautiful wedding ceremony. Everybody wined and dined with the two newly wedded couples...... They lived happily together. THE END.