My Lover's Dark Secret: Mafia Boss Series 1

Chapter 1 — The Unexpected Meeting The sun poured golden light through the tall windows of Santiago University, filling the spacious lecture hall with a warm glow. Students bustled, chatting and settling into their seats as the morning class was about to begin. Among them was Shynna Alfaro, clutching her worn backpack and a stack of notebooks, her heart pounding with a mix of nerves and determination. At 19 years old, Shynna wasn’t like most students around her. While others flaunted their wealth or leisurely strolled in late, she was a working student who juggled her studies and a job at a nearby café. Her black hair flowed down her back, framing a heart-shaped face with curious brown eyes that held a quiet fire. She had come a long way—from modest beginnings and financial struggles—to earning a coveted scholarship in Accounting and Financial Management. Every class, every shift at work was a step closer to her dreams. As she moved down the row of seats to find her spot near the window, her fingers brushing a loose strand of hair back behind her ear, she felt a sudden shift in the crowd behind her. Before she could react, there was a collision—a firm bump against her shoulder—and her books slipped from her hands, scattering across the floor. “Watch where you’re going!” she exclaimed, bending down to gather her scattered notes. “Maybe you should watch yourself,” a cool, arrogant voice shot back. Shynna glanced up and met the piercing gaze of a tall, confident young man with sharp features and dark, intense eyes. This had to be Kiel Rozen Montel—the university’s infamous “boy next door” known as much for his charm as for his arrogance. His dark hair was slightly tousled as if he hadn’t bothered to fix it this morning, yet he carried the effortless air of someone used to getting what he wanted. He didn’t offer an apology—only a half-smirk as he leaned against the desk beside her. “Careful next time,” he said, voice low but dripping with challenge. The class around them buzzed with whispers as heads turned to watch this unfolding scene. Shynna’s eyes narrowed. “You bumped into me. You’re the one who should be careful.” Kiel shrugged, unconcerned. “Looks like you’re too busy looking down to notice anything.” His words stung, but she refused to back down. This was her world, too—not some playground for his careless antics. Their verbal duel was abruptly interrupted when the professor entered, announcing the start of class. The tension lingered in the air, thick like a storm about to burst. Shynna returned to her seat, cheeks flushed with anger and embarrassment. She wasn’t just angry at Kiel—she was angry that this stranger had invaded the quiet space she fought so hard to claim. As the lecture began, Shynna found it almost impossible to focus. Her mind replayed the encounter, unable to shake the feeling that this arrogant boy, Kiel Rozen Montel, was going to be a problem she hadn’t expected. Her scholarship, her job, her dreams—it all depended on keeping her head down and working hard. She didn’t need distractions. After class, Shynna headed to the café where she worked. The small shop was nestled just a block away from the campus, its cozy interior a refuge from the college crowd. Here, she wiped tables, brewed coffee, and served customers with a ready smile—even when exhaustion threatened to overwhelm her. It was the only way she could support herself and keep up with tuition. As she refilled a cup of cappuccino, the bell above the door jingled, signaling a new customer. Shynna looked up—and froze. There he was again: Kiel Rozen Montel. His usual smirk played on his lips as he leaned casually on the counter, watching her. “Fancy seeing you here,” he said, voice low enough for only her to hear. She forced a polite smile. “What can I get for you?” “Just a black coffee,” he replied, eyes briefly flickering to the sleeve of her shirt, then back to her face. “You know, you shouldn’t work yourself so hard. It’s not good for you.” Shynna bristled at his tone, bracing herself. “I work hard because I have to. Not everyone has the luxury to coast through life.” Kiel chuckled, clearly amused. But the playful edge in his eyes darkened. “You know, I could make things difficult for you—scholarship, job… all of it. Or I could help you.” She met his gaze, suspicion flaring. “Why would you care?” “Because,” he said, leaning closer, “sometimes deals are better than fights.” Shynna’s heart tightened in confusion and unease. Maybe this was the start of something she didn’t want, but it was also the beginning of a story neither of them expected. A story where enemies might become so much more. As the days turned into weeks, Shynna found herself crossing paths with Kiel more often than she would have liked. He would appear at the café, sometimes with friends, sometimes alone, always with that infuriating smirk. Each encounter was a mix of tension and unexpected intrigue. She learned that beneath his arrogance lay a sharp intelligence and a charisma that drew people in, even as it repelled her. One afternoon, as she was cleaning tables, she overheard a group of students discussing Kiel’s latest exploits. “Did you hear about the party at his place this weekend?” one girl gushed. “It’s going to be epic! Everyone’s invited!” Shynna rolled her eyes, trying to ignore the flutter of curiosity in her stomach. Parties were not her scene. She preferred the quiet comfort of her books and the satisfaction of a job well done. Yet, the thought of Kiel hosting a party stirred something within her—a mix of annoyance and intrigue. Later that evening, as she sat in her small apartment, poring over her notes, she found herself thinking about Kiel again. Why did he have to be so infuriating? And why did she feel a strange pull toward him, despite her better judgment? She shook her head, trying to dispel the thoughts. She had no time for distractions, especially not from someone like him. But as the weekend approached, the idea of the party lingered in her mind. Maybe it was the thrill of the unknown, or perhaps a desire to confront Kiel in a different setting. Whatever it was, she found herself contemplating whether she should go. After all, it could be an opportunity to show him that she wasn’t intimidated by his charm or his reputation. And so, in the busy halls of Santiago University and the warm corners of a small café, two lives collided unbidden—setting forth a journey of challenge, growth, and unexpected love. It was a story that would unfold in ways neither of them could have anticipated, a tale woven with threads of rivalry, ambition, and the undeniable chemistry that simmered just beneath the surface. But it would take time, patience, and perhaps a little bit of fate to reveal the true nature of their connection.