Prolog
— He hated me!
Dove said calmly, thinking back to all the embarrassing stuff from the past.
"James once knocked her lunchbox to the ground on purpose, and her confused look only seemed to make him hate her more."
— That’s the only way I can explain us. — The young woman took a sip from her glass and sighed. — I did everything, you know. I even gave him my toys and he... well, he just stared!
"Dove, still just seven years old, skipped over to James in her hot-pink dress, hands behind her back and a goofy smile on her face.
When she got close, she held out a bunch of little gifts for James, who just raised an eyebrow and walked away without saying a word."
— One day I asked him why he always ignored me. — Dove ate a cookie under Leila’s disapproving stare. — The answer was devastating, Ms. Johnson!
"The little girl saw James lying on the slide and decided to go over to him. When she got there, she stopped in front of him, blocking the sunlight. He murmured without opening his eyes:
— Move, Winters. You’re blocking the sun!
— Why do you hate me? — Dove finally asked, gripping the pencil a little tighter.
James sighed at the question, stood up, and looked at her.
The boy adjusted his glasses and locked eyes with Dove.
— You’re spoiled. You drive me crazy. You’re arrogant and clingy!
James spat the words out, his voice firm even though he was still small. Dove just nodded and, seeing no reason to stay, walked away, leaving behind the pencil she had just broken."
— But I just couldn’t leave him alone. — She rested her chin on her hand, staring out the window. — There was just something about that boy, even if he looked awful!
Leila frowned, totally confused, wondering how a simple question had turned into a whole heartbreak story.
— But anyway — Dove continued. — Three years went by, he kept hating me, and then out of nowhere, James disappeared!
— Oh, really? — Leila finally said, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
Dove pressed her lips together and nodded, completely ignoring her dad’s secretary’s tone while munching cookies.
— I didn’t ask about your relationship, Miss Dove. — Dove raised her eyebrows with the straw in her mouth. — Just do what your father said and go home already. He already promised to give your shares back!
— It doesn’t matter. — Dove shot back. — I can’t even take over the shares yet. Why would I want them this soon? I’m not going back, and that’s final, Leila!
The woman sighed, her blood already starting to boil.
She had warned her boss that bringing that girl back would be a bigger problem than any white-collar crime. It would be a small war in London. But Adam insisted, and Leila had no choice but to come to another state.
Two hours had already passed, and she still hadn’t managed to bribe Dove.
Leila then, with a heavy heart, decided to go for what she knew would tempt her most.
She pulled an indigo-and-gold folder from her bag and placed it on the table, catching the brunette’s attention. Dove’s eyes widened when she saw the official Zenith seal.
— Enrollment at Zenith starts this year, doesn’t it? — Leila began, getting a curious look from Dove. — So your father is willing to get you in if you come back. But of course, you’ll have to pass the exam. Which won’t be a problem for you!
Dove stared at the folder with sparkling eyes. The colors were just as eye-catching as the education the place offered.
A little hesitant, she picked it up and opened it, pulling out an enrollment form already stamped by the institution, with her name already assigned for the exam room.
— The only thing you have to do is represent Diondix for three months, that’s it!
Dove smiled as she looked at the document, her heart warming a little.
She had been begging her father for years, but he always said the pressure there would crush her. He didn’t know she was crazy enough to take on that giant wall anyway.
There was no reason left to refuse. It was simple. A few speeches, some charity events, and studying at the best school on the continent. And on top of it all, she’d get her shares back.
— Fine, I’ll go back! — she finally said, still not taking her eyes off the paper.
Leila sighed in relief, leaning back in her chair as she watched the girl stare at the enrollment form, her eyes shining with satisfaction.
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