Perfect crown
Chapter One — The Girl Everyone EnviedThe loud sound of heels echoed across the marble hallway as students immediately moved aside.
Amelia Laurent had arrived.
Whispers filled the air instantly.
“She looks gorgeous.”
“Did you see her dress?”
“She’s literally perfect.”
Amelia smiled softly as she walked past them, her expensive perfume lingering behind her like a memory. Her long dark hair rested perfectly over her shoulders, and confidence sat on her face like a crown she had worn her whole life.
And maybe she had.
At Rosehill Elite University, Amelia Laurent wasn’t just popular.
She was untouchable.
Rich parents.
Perfect grades.
Perfect beauty.
Perfect reputation.
The entire campus revolved around her existence.
Or at least that was what everyone believed.
“Amelia!” Vanessa rushed toward her with a bright smile. “You’re late for the student council meeting.”
“I know,” Amelia replied calmly. “My driver got stuck in traffic.”
Vanessa linked arms with her as they walked together. Cameras flashed from students taking secret pictures.
“You know,” Vanessa laughed, “sometimes I wonder what it feels like to live your life.”
Amelia forced another smile.
If only Vanessa knew.
If only everyone knew.
The moment Amelia stepped into the student council room, silence filled the space. Everyone immediately straightened themselves.
Then Amelia noticed him.
A stranger.
Tall.
Dark-haired.
Cold expression.
He sat lazily in one of the chairs like he owned the room already. His sharp eyes slowly lifted toward her.
And for the first time in years…
Someone looked at Amelia Laurent without admiration.
Without nervousness.
Without care.
“Who’s that?” Amelia whispered quietly.
Vanessa leaned closer.
“Oh. That’s Xavier Knight. The new transfer student.”
Xavier continued staring at her for a second before looking away again like she was completely unimportant.
Amelia frowned slightly.
That had never happened before.
The student council president cleared his throat awkwardly.
“Well… Xavier will be joining the council this semester.”
Why?” Amelia asked immediately.
The room became tense.
Xavier finally spoke, his voice calm and deep.
“Do I need your permission?”
A few students gasped softly.
Nobody spoke to Amelia that way.
Vanessa looked horrified.
But Amelia simply crossed her arms.
“You must be very confident for someone new here.”
Xavier’s eyes met hers again.
“And you must be very exhausted pretending to be perfect all the time.”
The entire room froze.
Amelia felt her chest tighten.
For one dangerous second…
It felt like he could see directly through her.
Then her phone buzzed inside her handbag.
She looked down casually.
Unknown Number:
How long do you think your family’s secrets can stay buried?
Amelia’s breathing stopped.
Her hands trembled slightly.
Nobody noticed except Xavier.
And somehow…
He smiled.
