Margherita’s POV

BIG PAPI: Baby, I sent you 1 million a week ago.

Me: Daddy, please, I’m just a baby. Your baby.

My eyes were glued to my phone, begging my dad for more shopping money. Around me, students were chatting, whispering, or sneaking glances at me—especially the boys.

I didn’t talk to anyone. I hadn’t met my person yet.

I was the beauty queen of the entire school, yet no one dared approach me. Not because I was mean—I was just reserved. Around people I liked, I was a different person. Crazy, loud, alive. I knew my best friend was somewhere out there. We’d meet soon. I could feel it.

Just as I was about to open another message, the classroom door flung open.

Ohh… that scent.

I didn’t know who it belonged to, but it was divine.

Mr. Jones walked in with a lady beside him, and the second I laid eyes on her, I froze.

I had never seen anyone so beautiful. Long, fiery red hair. A perfect Versace suit. Louboutin heels. A Birkin hanging effortlessly from her arm. She wasn’t just beautiful—she was wealthy.

She’s my best friend. I knew it instantly.

“Listen up, everyone,” Mr. Jones announced. “This is Miss Marina, our new student. She’s extremely smart—an A-plus student. I hope you’ll all be kind to her.”

Marina. A beautiful name for a beautiful woman. She wasn’t only pretty and rich, but brilliant too. Ohh, I could use her help in academics.

The class was spellbound, practically drooling—especially the boys. And yes, I was guilty too. Who wouldn’t be?

Mr. Jones left, and Marina stood there gracefully, her perfect body drawing every gaze.

Who is this beauty?

She scanned the room for a seat, and everyone shifted to make way for her.

Fools.

She’s mine already.

“You can sit here, beauty,” I said, pointing to the empty desk beside me. No one ever dared to sit with me. No one—except Marina.

She smiled and walked over. That smile almost killed me.

Up close, her beauty was even sharper. Those grey eyes pierced into mine and made me feel small.

“I’m Margherita,” I said, extending my hand.

Without hesitation, she shook it warmly. “I’m Marina.”

“It’s nice meeting you, beauty.”

“Same here.”

Before I could say another word, the door opened again, and he walked in.

Our English teacher.

Mr. Smith.

The very strict one. The one everyone despised.

But when his gaze landed on Marina, something shifted. He froze, staring at her as if she had stolen his soul.

I wasn’t surprised. She was perfection in human form.

Then—he smiled.

Mr. Smith smiled.

The almighty Mr. Smith never smiled. Yet Marina had melted even his ice.

“I see we have a new student,” his deep voice echoed. “You must be Marina, the one Mr. Jones mentioned?”

Marina smiled and nodded softly.

“It’s nice to have you here. I’ve seen your grades—impressive.”

She simply smiled again.

“Bring out your assignments,” he commanded coldly. The warmth had vanished. Marina had been the exception.

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Class finally ended. I was exhausted, ready to collapse on my bed. But of course, Mr. Smith had to ruin it. He called Marina to his office.

I prayed he wouldn’t trouble my sweet baby too much. I wanted to hang out with her, maybe even take her to my house.

In the garage, all I heard was her name. The new girl this, the new girl that.

Poor Marina. She must hate all this attention.

Then I spotted her walking in my direction. My heart skipped. Was her car here? Did she need a ride?

“Hi Marina, would you like a lift?” I asked.

She smiled softly. “I would love that, but I actually brought my car.”

She pressed her key, and a sleek, brand-new G-Wagon blinked to life. My jaw nearly hit the ground.

“Wow… It’s no big deal, but can I at least have your contact?” I handed her my phone.

“Bien sûr,” she replied in the smoothest French accent I’d ever heard, then typed her number in.

“Merci,” I said, trying not to melt.

“You’re welcome,” she replied, sliding into her car.

I climbed into my Porsche and followed the road, but I couldn’t stop noticing her G-Wagon ahead of me.

Until she turned into my apartment complex.

Wait… what?

She was the new neighbor everyone had been talking about?

She parked directly opposite my door.

We exchanged shocked glances as we stepped out.

“You live here?” she asked, her brows raised.

“Oh yes,” I replied with visible excitement. “This is one of my brother’s buildings in London, so I thought, why not stay here while at school?”

She smiled and nodded, and we walked toward our doors. Her eyes widened when she realized our apartments were opposite each other.

“This is fate, baby. See you later,” I said with a wink.

“See you later, love,” she replied before closing her door.

I collapsed onto my bed, heart racing. Fate. That’s what this was.

But I wasn’t done yet. I needed to freshen up. Tonight, I’d spend it with Marina.

I showered quickly, slipped into something comfortable, and sat to call my family. I never missed a day.

Their faces filled my screen within seconds.

“Hi everyone!” I greeted.

“Ciao, baby. How are you?” my mother’s melodious voice soothed me instantly.

“I’m good, Mama,” I replied with a wide smile.

“Margherita,” my father said, his expression unreadable.

Oh no. The money.

“I sent you five million,” he said casually.

What?! I hadn’t even noticed.

“Papa, I love you!” I squealed.

“That’s what you love most,” my sister Camilla teased.

“Of course,” I replied with a grin.

But one face was missing. My arrogant, cold, dangerously handsome brother.

“And where’s the almighty Massimo?” I asked, already knowing the answer.

“On a business trip,” Adriano replied. Always.

Mama tilted her head knowingly. “You seem in a good mood, baby. What happened?”

I couldn’t hold it in anymore. “It’s Marina, my new friend. Mama, if you saw her, you’d be in disbelief. She’s so beautiful—unreal. Gosh!”

“When do I meet her?” Mama teased. “I think I’m in love too. Maybe Massimo will fall as well. He’s thirty-eight and still single!”

We all burst into laughter—except Papa, who tried to keep a straight face.

“Present her to us soon. I can’t wait to see her,” Camilla said.

“Yes, sis. We’re waiting,” Adriano added.

“I’ll do that soon, trust me. Anyway, I have to go—I’m sleeping over at her place. Can you believe she’s my neighbor? It’s fate. I love you all. Bye!”

“Bye, amore,” Papa said.

“Bye, we love you too—and we’re waiting to meet this goddess,” Mama added.

I hung up, grabbed my phone, and went straight to Marina’s door.

I rang the bell, my pulse racing.

Moments later, the door opened.

And there she was. My beauty. Even in casual clothes, she was breathtaking.

“Hi, beauty,” I whispered.

“Hello, Margherita. How can I help you?” she asked with a soft smile.

“I want to know you more… and if possible, spend the night,” I admitted nervously.

She crossed her arms, her eyes unreadable.

Was she going to reject me?

Was I moving too fast?

Her silence told me one thing—my obsession with Marina had only just begun.

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