Elara’s POV

Life has never been kind to me. I grew up in an orphanage that never truly felt like home. And when I turned fifteen, they threw me onto the streets without a second thought.

That was my life until him.

Even the place that raised me for 15 years wanted nothing more to do with me, talk more of a stranger like him?

'He barely even knows me, what does he want with me?' I pondered.

It was obvious he was rich and could afford it, judging by this luxury room because everything screamed wealth.

The walls were a soft cream color, adorned with intricate golden patterns that shimmered under the glow of the chandelier, upward.

The bed I sat on had a grand canopy, like the ones I have only seen in movies while living on the streets. Sheer silk curtains draped around it, looking too pristine to touch.

The floor was covered in plush carpet, its texture so foreign and hinting I didn't belong there, so why? If he was so desperate for a kid, he knew the way to the orphanage, didn't he?

I narrowed my eyes at him, my gaze darting from his calm smile to his perfectly, tailored suit. 

I moved backward, away from him, putting a physical barrier between us, hoping to shield myself from him and whatever he was hiding.

"Why did you save me?" I asked instead and he let out a sigh.

"Because I was lucky to be passing by the alley that night and heard your screams, but unfortunately, I only got there after the damage was done," He replied, reminding me of my awful incident.

Something didn't feel right. 

Rich folks don't just pick up strays. I knew that much

"And you decided to adopt me the next minute?" He furrowed his eyebrows at me.

"Did I do anything wrong? I am all alone in this big house and need a companion. Besides, you look like you do too." He said, pointing at me and I fought the urge to roll my eyes.

Was he seriously trying to use my circumstance against me?

"My answer is no. I am going back to where I came from." I told him and he didn't make any reaction like he expected such an answer from me, neither did he try to persuade me until;

"You think you have that now?" Damien’s voice was calm, but there was something unreadable in his eyes, making my heart skip a beat.

"Try it for a week. After all, what do you have to lose? Experience a life of luxury, and then make your decision."

I scrunched my face into a frown.

"What part of no don't you understand?" I asked and he grinned.

"You can't refuse right now, not when you're weak and an easy prey for predators." His words made me grip the duvet tightly, my nails digging into them, as I clenched my jaw.

"None of your business!" I replied, gritting my teeth against one another.

"Is that so? Because I heard on the streets that the weak and injured are gotten rid of, so why don't you just use that week to fully heal and then decide?" He suggested and I went silent, looking away from him.

"If your answer is still no, I promise to let you go with no objections." He added and I thought he was right.

If I do return back to the streets in my current condition, I would be gotten rid of, so perhaps I should stay and heal.

“Fine-One week,” I muttered. “But my decision isn't changing.” 

.....................

Two days later, I found myself in Winterfell Academy, the most prestigious school in the city.

I had no idea what I was doing here. 

I wasn't rich. I wasn't talented either. I clearly didn't belong here. And yet, Damien had insisted, dropping me off despite my protests. 

I kept walking, my head down, until I slammed into something or rather, someone.

"Ouch!" I winced and looked up, meeting a pair of green eyes. 

The guy before me had long, dark hair, slightly messy, with strands falling over his forehead. He barely spared me a glance before shoving me to the side and walking away.

I clenched my fists. Rude.

I was about to keep walking when I slammed into something or rather, someone again. Agony ran through me and I shut my eyes to get over the ache.

What was wrong with me today? 

"Oh my God! I am so sorry, are you hurt?" A voice asked as both hands grabbed me by the shoulders.

I flicked my eyes open immediately, wincing and jumping at least 10 meters backward as I glared at him.

When he touched me, I flinched and yanked myself away like his touch had burned.

"Hands to yourself, mister." I snapped, crossing my hands across my chest and running my eyes on this stranger with dark chestnut brown, slightly wavy, and icy-blue eyes. 

He had broad shoulders and looked athletic with a refined and imposing posture. He had to be in his mid-thirties.

His looks were identical to Damien's except for the hair and eye color.

"Pardon me, miss." he apologized, giving a curt bow that made me uncross my arms, my shoulders dropping.

'He actually apologized, unlike that jerk earlier' I thought.

"It's okay," I told him and made to walk past him when he stood in my way, blocking me from moving.

I arched my eyebrows at him in confusion.

"May I ask where you are going, miss?" He inquired politely, making me think twice about my reply.

"Home and away from here." I answered and he mouthed an "oh".

"May I ask why?" I tried not to yawn as I just rolled my eyes.

What was it?

"I don't do too well around people. They make me sick, now move." I told him rudely, not giving a damn whether he was older or not. He should mind his business.

I tried walking past him again, but the dude actually blocked my way once again. I was about to snap, when;

"But what if the people here turn out to be different?" I froze, my posture turning rigid before relaxing.

"They won't."

"How do you know? It wouldn't hurt to see for yourself and If I am wrong, I will let you go." He told me and I wanted to scream.

'Why the hell were people just telling me to try things I don't wanna?  Besides was he a teacher or something?' I pondered.

When I saw this kind-looking man wasn't willing to budge, I followed him to my class, and immediately I entered. I had expected looks of disgust and bad murmurs when the teacher introduced me.

But rather;

"Welcome, Elara." The entire class chorused and for the first time in a while, I smiled.

.............

The day passed faster than I expected and still I couldn't shake off the heaviness in my chest as I stepped out of the gates.

"How was school today?" Damien asked me as I walked closer to where he was standing by the limo, with a knowing grin.

"Fine. Can we go now?" I questioned him, feeling my stomach clenching tightly and my palms growing sweaty.

"Now, what is the rush, you have to me....". He was about to say when a familiar voice cut him off.

"Don't tell me, you two were about to leave without me." I stiffened, my entire body going hot as my eyes widened in shock.

Was that.......

"Haha, of course not. We were just waiting. Elara, meet Noah Thornfield, my friend, and owner of this school." Damien introduced.

I turned around slowly, trying not to tremble as I saw the man from earlier.

"How are you, Elara? I think we will be seeing a lot more of each other.” he said with a wink.

My heart fluttered at his response and I wasn't sure why.