Secrets Beneath the Sheets

The sharp hiss of brakes broke the morning silence as the bus screeched to a halt in front of the tall, shining gates of Elites University — the school for the rich, the powerful, and now... for her. Lucy Adams clutched her travel bag tightly, staring at the massive ivory gates with the university’s golden crest: Discipline. Power. Prestige. She wasn’t supposed to be here. Not a girl from a cramped two-bedroom apartment in Akure. Not a girl who wore thrifted jeans and shoes repaired more than once. But here she was — scholarship accepted, bags packed, and secrets buried deep beneath her pretty smile. She stepped off the bus, her flats crunching against the freshly paved walkway. All around her were students laughing in designer jackets, snapping selfies with iPhones and carrying Gucci book bags. She pulled her hoodie tighter. > “Blend in, Lucy. Don’t attract attention. Don’t let anyone see too deep.” Because if they did... they'd know. They’d know her family barely scraped by. They’d know she hadn’t spoken to her father in over a decade — not since he abandoned them. They’d know that under her calm smile was a burning desire to prove herself — and a fear that one day, everything she was hiding might spill out. She dragged her suitcase past the students and toward the female hostel, reading the directions from the welcome email she printed out. Room 203. The campus was beautiful, like a painting. Tall trees, golden sunlight, students on bicycles, and smooth jazz playing from somewhere nearby. It looked peaceful — but Lucy knew better. Elites was known for its glitz, but beneath all that? Drama. Scandal. Secrets. And she was about to be part of it. --- She finally reached Room 203 and knocked softly before pushing the door open. A rush of lavender-scented air welcomed her. The room was big. Two beds, two study tables, a huge mirror, and a window with a view of the school garden. Everything looked so expensive. Then she noticed someone already in the room — standing by the mirror in a silk robe, curling her long braids. “Well, well... you must be the scholarship girl.” The girl turned. She was stunning — full lips, long lashes, rich chocolate skin, and nails like claws. Her robe barely covered her thighs. “I’m Cassie. Roommate. Social queen. And don’t worry,” she winked, “I don’t bite. Much.” Lucy blinked. “Uh... I’m Lucy.” Cassie smiled knowingly. “Yeah, you look like a Lucy. Welcome to Elites. Rule number one — don’t trust anyone. Rule number two — if you’re gonna cry, cry in the shower. It hides the tears better.” Lucy laughed nervously. “Thanks... I think.” As she unpacked, Cassie scrolled through her phone. “Oh, and one more thing,” Cassie added with a smirk. “Stay away from the 'Three Kings'. Especially the one with the deep voice and devilish smile. He breaks hearts for breakfast.” Lucy looked up. “Who’s that?” Cassie grinned. “You’ll find out soon enough. His name’s Nate. He doesn’t like good girls… but he loves breaking them.” Lucy turned her face back to her suitcase, pretending to focus. > “I’m here to st udy, not to fall in love.” But the universe… had other plans.