Today is shaping up to be very busy. After a night of reflection, I decided to take control of the events that slipped away from me. Ruby and I had just retrieved the documents she had handed over to Mr. Sutton. If anyone found out that he had a relationship with one of his students, his letter of recommendation would lose all value. Instead, we decided to approach the principal, who is a reliable source. However, this won't be an easy task as we are now very late to request a recommendation, something he will likely not fail to point out.

"Why don't you go back to Sutton for another letter?" Lin asks us.

Ruby sighs. "You know... we mixed up some documents and now he doesn't have time for that."

"It's really messed up," adds our friend.

"It's our fault, okay? And besides, we found another solution, so everything's fine," I say.

"Since that thing with Beaufort, you two are completely off. Can you tell me what happened?"

Although the three of us are very close, Ruby and I decided to keep this matter secret and not to tell anyone. This includes not only the few curious ones who have already asked us questions but also our friend in whom we have great trust. If we want to give the impression that nothing happened, that was the best solution. This decision was not easy for me, knowing that another lie would be added to my already long list. Since Lin started hanging out with us, I've had several opportunities to talk to her about my past. However, I never had the courage to do it, afraid that if one more person knew, the rumor that the Martin girl no one has heard of for years is actually attending Maxton Hall High School would spread. I dreaded the consequences it could have on my life and those around me, preferring to keep this secret buried.

Lin stares at us, waiting for a response.

"Nothing happened. Absolutely nothing at all," I tell her, while Ruby nods in agreement.

She looks at us, and I can see in her eyes that she's not entirely convinced. I know her well enough to know that she's dying to say something, but seeing our falsely detached expressions, she refrains from saying anything.

We continue to walk in silence through the corridors until she changes the subject and resumes the conversation.

"I bet no one has ever been desperate enough to ask the principal for a letter of recommendation."

"Yet, that's our plan B. He's our last chance," Ruby replies just before we all split up.

I make my way through the school, dodging students filling every corner of the corridors. Ruby and I agreed that I would be the one to go to the principal to request the letter of recommendation. We deemed it safer for only one of us to show up in his office, given his irritable temperament and lack of patience. As I move forward, I feel a mixture of apprehension and determination, aware that this meeting could be our last chance to succeed in our plan.

I advance through a less crowded corridor, where the noise of students is less audible. Suddenly, before I can even react, a firm hand grabs my arm and pulls me forcefully into a secluded room. The force of the person is such that I already feel a throbbing pain in my arm, while my bag, initially on my shoulder, crashes heavily to the ground with a dull thud. The person, whose identity I still ignore, pushes me forcefully into the room, then closes the door behind them, releasing me. As I gather my wits, I turn to face them, my gaze filled with anger and confusion.

"We're going to renegotiate everything," declares that damn James Beaufort seriously.

I see him advancing towards me, his steps echoing in the room, while I glare at him with darkness and incredulity. My hand instinctively goes to my arm, where the pain is slowly fading, but the tension persists in the air.

"Are you crazy?! What possessed you to jump on me like that? Is this going to be a habit for us to talk now?" I ask, crossing my arms as he stands before me.

He shrugs, sporting an arrogant smile as he plunges his hand into the inner pocket of his suit jacket. His attitude exudes an almost disturbing confidence. I feel a surge of irritation rising within me as I see him playing with his arrogance.

"If you try to buy me again with your money, I warn you, I'll throw it back in your face."

My words hang in the tense air, revealing my disgust for his machinations.

"Oh, spare me your Mother Teresa act. Tell me instead what my family can offer you."

I heave a long sigh, pretending to ponder deeply. "Hmm, there's really nothing you can offer me. But if it suits you, I'd prefer if we stayed as far away from each other as possible. And just so you know, Mother Teresa would have accepted that money without hesitation to redistribute it to the needy. I'm just saying."

We stare at each other for a few seconds. His eyes narrow slightly, betraying a hint of annoyance.

"Do you think you're funny?" he asks sharply, his jaws clenched.

I shrug, a smirk playing on my lips. "Not really. But someone has to remind you how far from reality you are. Your money can't buy everything."

He clenches his fists, visibly struggling against the urge to retort. I feel the tension rising, but I don't budge an inch.

"Listen," he says even more seriously. "Everyone has a price. What's yours?"

I stare at him, scrutinizing his face for any trace of malice. He can't be serious, can he?

I stand there, stunned, unable to believe he actually means what he just said.

Suddenly, he sighs and flashes another mischievous smile, as if he's just had an incredible and surprising revelation. His eyes sparkle with a gleam that makes me uneasy. Slowly, he inches closer to me until he's almost pressed against my body. He starts unbuttoning his suit jacket, revealing a slightly open white shirt, hinting at his firm and sculpted muscles beneath the fabric. My heart races as my eyes involuntarily drift to his chest, and my breath becomes heavier than I'd like.

However, I try not to show him my discomfort with his proximity and intoxicating scent. I furrow my brow, trying to maintain a poker face. Despite my efforts, I feel warmth creeping up my cheeks, betraying my embarrassment in this unexpected situation.

"What are you doing..." I ask, my voice taking on a softer tone, while my eyes roam, desperately seeking an anchor point, and my tone betrays feigned annoyance.

"I'm offering you an adventure with the most eligible bachelor in school." he declares, rolling up his sleeves while sporting that annoying smile.

I lift my gaze and maintain eye contact as he starts unbuttoning his shirt, button by button. I internally strive to keep my gaze steady and not sneak one last glance, as I feel the warmth, whether from his body or perhaps mine, I'm not sure, spreading through me.

I squint and counterattack. "Is this the first time you've prostituted yourself, or is it a habit for you?"

"Oh, you don't have to pay anything out of your pocket. I know your financial situation is just average."

"Go to hell, Beaufort." I spit out between clenched teeth.

His eyes widen in surprise, and he retorts, "Is this your idea of dirty talk?" as he leans in, his face now inches away from mine.

If I weren't so furious with him, and if it weren't James Beaufort, I'd probably have already jumped on him.

"I'm warning you, if you come any closer... I'll make you sterile with a well-placed knee."

His attempt to unsettle me only reignites my anger. I glare at him, fists clenched, ready to face his next moves.

His smug smirk instantly vanishes, and I silently savor my victory, having successfully destabilized him once again. He steps back abruptly, and with a sharp gesture, the warmth I had felt vanishes.

"Seriously?! Have you always been this unbearable, or did I just forget how annoying you can be?" he snaps.

"You know, Beaufort."I begin in a calm, almost teasing tone, "It's funny how easily you lose your temper. It seems like it really bothers you that I resist your little blackmail attempts."

He clenches his fists, his jaws tightening. "You'd better watch what you say." he retorts menacingly, his gaze shooting daggers.

I give him a mocking smile. "Oh, I'm trembling," I sarcastically reply.

"Damn it, Olivia, I don't have all day so spill it."he impatiently bursts out. "Tell me what you want in exchange for your silence."

His tone is hoarse and aggressive, his eyes flashing as he waits for a response from me. I feel the tension rising, but I refuse to be intimidated by his threats.

"You know it won't get you anywhere, James. But go ahead, keep getting worked up and persisting. It's always amusing to watch."

He clenches his fists, struggling to keep his composure. "You'd better..." he starts, being interrupted by a door that opens loudly at the top of the stairs, followed by footsteps echoing in the hallway.

We both look up simultaneously, startled by the unexpected noise. My heart skips a beat at the thought of someone catching us. I glance down at him and, taking advantage of his momentary surprise, I grab his arm to pull him towards a remote and dark corner of the room. I push him against the wall, holding him firmly, and wait for the door to close with relief, realizing that the person upstairs won't come down and won't cross our path.

"Maybe you've changed your mind after all, but I'm not so sure I still want to." he jokes.

I lock eyes with him, my expression serious and determined. The tension between us is palpable, charged with a cold electricity. This little game is over. We narrowly escaped disaster by almost getting caught, and I categorically refuse to let it happen again. I'm determined to make him understand that I never want him to be part of my life again, in any form, and I intend to keep my distance for good.

"I'll tell you my price, so listen carefully because I won't repeat myself."I declare, locking my gaze with his. "Do not approach me again. Consider anything less than two meters too close." I shoot him a glacial look. "I categorically refuse to be seen with you again."

Without waiting for a response, I walk away, pick up my bag from the floor, and quickly head upstairs to the office of Principal Lexington, where I'm supposed to be.

Upon reaching the top of the stairs, I stop and lean against the wall, trying to process what just happened. A wave of panic overwhelms me, engulfing me as if I were underwater. I have to sit on the ground for a few moments to catch my breath and calm my thoughts. My breathing quickens, but gradually, I feel the adrenaline subsiding until I finally regain some relative calm.

Shortly after, the sound of my phone signaling a new message breaks the silence. I take it out of my pocket and discover a message from Ruby, informing me that according to Lin, Professor Lexington is not in his office, but he will be attending the Lacrosse match in a few minutes, in which James is participating.

I roll my eyes with exasperation and sigh before turning back. It's as if the universe itself has decided to play a trick on me, suddenly forcing me to cross paths with him no matter where I go.