Three days after the call with Damian Blackwell, I walked out of the campus bookstore with a brand new MacBook in my arms.

It wasn't technically mine. Lily had bought it, smiling as she handed over her platinum credit card like it was no big deal.

"You're going to need something decent if you're tutoring me properly," she had said, casually sipping on a caramel macchiato that cost more than my weekly grocery budget.

I had hesitated...barely. "You're sure?" I asked, trying not to look too eager.

"Of course," she waved me off. "Think of it as an investment. You're helping me pass, I should do this much for you."

I was helping her, wasn't I?

So, I didn't say no. I didn't push her hand back or insist on buying a second-hand laptop. I let her do it. And maybe, just maybe, it felt a little too easy.

That's how it started.

The laptop led to other "necessities".

Like noise-cancelling headphones for late-night study sessions, then a few textbooks she ordered without even checking the price tag. Before I could blink, I had access to a lifestyle I'd only dreamed of.

Lily didn't seem to mind. In fact, she welcomed the company.

We weren't just tutor and student anymore, we became a unit-inseparable.

She'd drag me along with her to lunch dates with her fellow rich friends, and eventually, I started joining her on weekend parties.

The first time I slid into her custom red Porsche 911 turbo S, my breath hitched. I'd never ridden in a car that expensive, let alone had someone open the door for me. Her driver nodded at me like I belonged there.

It was addicting.

At the party, people greeted her like royalty. Lily Blackwell was the kind of girl who owned a room without trying. And suddenly, I was standing beside her, introduced as "her brilliant tutor and roommate" and not just another broke freshman.

I played the role well.

"Is it true you scored highest in the scholarship exam?" one guy asked, handing me a glass of something fruity.

"Top 1, we were more than a thousand students," I replied smoothly, smiling like I belonged there.

Lily leaned into me, drunk on cocktails and attention. "See? I told you she's a genius."

I soaked it in, the warmth of admiration, the shine of recognition.

Something whispered to me...Why are you using her?

But I pushed the thought aside.

Lily didn't mind, right?

Because I was tutoring her. Every night after the day's activities or parties, we'd sit at her desk, textbooks spread out, notes highlighted, coffee brewing. I explained every theory, broke down every case study, and made sure she understood before we called it a night.

I noticed that Lily was smart, she was only just distracted.

"You actually make this stuff interesting," she told me once, eyes wide with realization after I explained a business strategy concept using her favorite shopping mall as a model.

"You just need to stop zoning out when things get boring," I told her.

We had fun. We had moments. And slowly, I felt myself falling deep into the lifestyle that could never be mine.

Still, I couldn't ignore the perks.

The day I mentioned I'd need a printer for some research, she bought a high-end one the next morning. When I commented offhandedly about needing new shoes because mine were worn down to the sole, she took me shopping that weekend and got me bags of clothes and shoes.

At first, I justified it all.

She offered. I never asked.

But eventually, I got comfortable suggesting.

"I heard there's this expensive database for management research," I said one night. "It'd really help if I could get access."

She handed me her credit card without blinking.

One time, there was an elite business networking event exclusively for final year students. I really wanted to attend so I told Lily that it was important for our studies and research. She used her influence and money to get us into the event venue.

I stood in front of the mirror before that event, staring at the designer dress she'd picked for me. It hugged my body like a second skin, the tag price making my stomach twist. It was beautiful.

"I don't know if I can wear this," I murmured.

"Why not?" she asked, applying her lipstick. "You look amazing."

"I'm not like... you," I said quietly.

She turned to me, her expression serious. "El, I like having you around. You're the first real person I've met in this school. So stop acting like you don't belong."

I nodded slowly, biting back the guilt. Because deep down, I wasn't sure if I was real. Or if I was with her for the benefits.

My old cracked phone was replaced with the latest model. Another gift from Lily after she caught me squinting at my screen during a study session.

"I can't have you going blind while tutoring me," she had teased.

I should've said no.

But I didn't.

And while our friendship grew, so did the unease in my chest.

And all these didn't affect my payment for tutoring her.

Damian Blackwell sent it directly to me when it was due. Sometimes, Lily would add in a word or two for me and her father would add extra pay for my services.

Every time she bought something for me, a voice told me that I wasn't her friend, I was a parasite.

But I ignored it, again and again, convincing myself that I was earning my place. That I was giving her real value in return, real friendship.

I told her about Jason's infidelity and she broke up with him immediately. Even though I tutored her, she made me do her assignments and wandered off to a party or to see a new guy.

Lily always had a new guy.....and she made me promise not to tell her father.

Why would I?

I liked this world too much....the comfort, the ease, the way she made my life so easy.

And that was when crazy ideas began creeping into my mind.

If I could get this much from Lily, what more could I get if I clawed my way into the Blackwell family?

My life would probably change for good, right?

Our first semester exams went smoothly. Lily said she was sure she wrote well and I prayed that it would be so.

If she fails, everything I had planned and the life I was slowly getting accustomed to will come to an end.

The results came out a week later. She passed! She actually passed with impressive points.

"You did it!" I squealed, hugging her in the middle of the dorm room. Relief crashed through me like a wave.

Lily laughed, her smile bright and proud. "No. You did it, El. I owe you big time."

I waved her off. "I just did my job."

"You know what? When my father gets me an apartment, you are going to move in with me."

My eyes widened. "Really?"

"Of course. I'm so used to being with you, I don't think I can live without you."

She kissed my cheeks and patted my head lovingly. Then, she brought out her huge box and started packing for the holidays.

As she packed, she blabbed about how the Blackwells spent their Christmas. Last year, they spent it in Paris, and the year before, her father took the family to Greece.

"What are your plans for the holidays?" She asked me.

I had no plans. My Christmas has always been boring, nothing much to do at an orphanage. If we got lucky, some generous families sent us gifts and food. I was tired of living that life.

"I'll just stay here, I have nowhere to go," I said carefully.

Lily's face fell. "That's sad. It's going to be so lonely for you."

I shrugged. "If only I could come with you," I suggested carefully. "But it's going to be weird right? I mean I don't want to impose or anything...."

I watched her closely, trying to decipher her reaction.

For a moment, Lily said nothing and I gave up.

Then she broke into a grin. "Of course! That's actually perfect. You have to come! Daddy won't mind, and you'll finally see the Blackwell estate and everything I've been telling you."

My heart thumped with excitement.

~~~~~~~~~

The Blackwell estate was unlike anything I had ever seen. It looked like a modern castle nestled in snow-draped mountains. The grand gates opened like arms welcoming royalty. Christmas lights twinkled on every balcony, wrapping around pillars like golden vines.

The mansion looked powerful, because it housed a powerful man.

We stepped inside and were immediately greeted by staff, they carried our bags inside. Others were busy carrying garlands, bottles of wine and wrapped gifts.

Then I saw him.

Damian Blackwell.

He stood at the base of the grand staircase, dressed in a black turtleneck and grey slacks, sipping whiskey from a glass.

He seemed to be drinking something whenever I saw him.

His presence was overwhelming and intimidating. And he didn't smile. He never smiled. And surprisingly...it made him hot. Very hot!

"Daddy!"

Lily called out to him and he turned. But instead of Lily, his gaze landed on me.

I thought that after talking with him via video call, my nerves would be more controlled if we ever met.

I was wrong.

My heart beat faster than it ever did. My stomach churned and twisted just by looking at his figure.

"Elena Reyes," he said, voice deep and controlled. "Nice to finally meet you in person."

I stepped forward, my hands steady despite the storm in my chest. "Thank you for having me, Mr. Blackwell."

His eyes didn't leave mine. "You did well in tutoring Lily, think of this as thank you."

I wanted to say that the money he paid me was enough thanks, but I chose to remain quiet.

He walked past me and hugged Lily. They began chatting about small things when a staff member offered to show me my room.

It was bigger than my entire dorm. Much bigger than the room I shared with three others back in the orphanage.

I could get used to this, I thought.

Later that evening, Lily introduced me to her brother.

He was quite tall, not as tall as his father though. He was also handsome and had charisma. A lot of girls would be drawn to this young man, but I wasn't.

Why?

Why didn't I feel the same pull I felt when Damian Blackwell was around me?

"Elena, this is my brother, Noah," Lily said casually. "He's back from business school."

Noah smirked. "So, this is the genius tutor. I've heard things."

I raised an eyebrow. "All good things, I hope."

He chuckled, extending his hand. "Of course. I'm Lucas. Welcome to our home."

Our hands touched, and something shifted. His grip lingered for a moment too long, his eyes dropping to my lips before flicking back to my eyes.

He was...interested.

I felt it. That slow burn curiosity that lingers in a glance too heavy.

I was getting noticed by Noah Blackwell. Heir to billions of dollars, companies, and investments..... interesting, Elena.

As the night wore on, I watched the Blackwell family dynamics unfold. Damian was cold but observant.

Noah was charming and seemed to like pleasing his father.

Lily was the heart of the household, flitting around with laughter and ease. The baby of the Blackwell family.

I was an outsider.... but not for long.

Lying in my luxurious guest bed that night, I stared at the ceiling, a plan forming in my mind.

If I played this right, I could become more than Lily's friend.

More than her tutor.

More than just an associate of the Blackwells.

I could belong.

And maybe... I could become one of them.

The son seemed interested in me, I could work with that.

But I didn't want to. Boys were indecisive and could change their heart at any moment.

Damian Blackwell....

The man who owned everything.

If I could get Damian Blackwell, if I could succeed in seducing him....my life would never remain the same.

What's wrong with you, Elena? I asked myself the next morning, still haunted by last night's thoughts.

How can you even think of that?

This isn't how you were raised. You know better.

You're letting the comfort, the luxury... twist your mind.

Not only are you letting greed consume you, you're thinking of seducing a man old enough to be your father!

Tsk! As if that would ever work in a million years.

Just enjoy this life while it lasts and focus on your future.

But how? My future doesn't look bright enough, no matter how optimistic I try to be about it.

A knock on my door interrupted my train of thought.

An overly excited Lily stood in front of my door, eyes beaming with happiness.

"It's time for breakfast!" She squealed. "Also, we'll be discussing our travel plans and also tell father the gifts we want for Christmas!" She held my hands and jumped up and down in excitement.

"You get to choose your own gift?" I was dumbfounded.

"Of course. Now let's go!"

She dragged me out of my room, I didn't have the chance to wash up or fix my face!

Back at the orphanage, we had a huge dining table because there were a lot of us, but it didn't mean the table was always filled to the brim with food. Most times our food was served in a big bowl where we had to take turns scooping and eating.

The Blackwells ate differently.

Just the three of them...(four if you include me) and the table was filled with different varieties of food, fruits, and drinks.

Like in the movies, I was sure they wouldn't even eat a quarter of the food laid on this table.

And there were people praying for this food.

"Why are you just standing there?" Lily asked.

All eyes were on me and I suddenly felt awkward. "Oh nothing, I'm just..." I moved quickly, sitting down close to Lily who was already swallowing her second banana.

"Did you sleep well?" Noah asked, his eyes were keen on me and it made me feel weird...a bit.

"I did, thank you," I replied humbly. My head was bent and I peeped under to look at Damian, he ate his food quietly and didn't pay even a little attention to me. It made me feel sad...a bit.

"So dad..." Lily spoke but Damian raised his index finger and she shut up immediately.

"Eat first," he instructed and she nodded.

The next few minutes, we ate in total silence. I kept stuffing my mouth with a bit of everything on the table.

Not like I eat much...I just don't like wasting food you know. I'm not sure I'd recognize myself after staying here for two weeks, I'll really find out now if this tiny body I have is God given or due to lack of proper food and nutrition.

Lily pushed her plate aside, and a maid came immediately and took it away. Wow.

"I'm done now dad."

"Wait for others to finish," her father said.

"I'll do the talking myself," she continued, ignoring his instruction. "I vote Paris this year."

Paris...nice. I've only seen pictures and videos and the thought of visiting the country has never crossed my mind. I liked Lily's idea.

Noah, though, wasn't in support of it. "No, we've visited Paris before and I'm not going there again."

"And where would you like to go, my beloved brother?" The tone in her voice didn't match the kind words she spoke.

"Iceland."

"You're not making any sense." Lily looked vexed. "Who goes to Iceland for a Christmas break? It's freaking cold out there."

"I don't mind," Noah shrugged.

"I MIND!"

"Well no one cares."

She blew hot air. "You go to Iceland, I'm going to Paris."

"Now who's not making any sense?"

"Quiet, both of you." Damian's voice silenced theirs. "We're going to vote."

"How? It's just the two of us."

"Ha!" Lily stuck out her tongue. "Did you forget about Elena?"

For the second time this morning, all eyes were fixed on me again. Lily's were mostly daring, piercing, intimidating.

"I...I vote Paris."

"Settled," Damian stood up. "Fix a date and pack your bags, also you all should text me what you want for Christmas. I have an early meeting so I'm leaving now."

"Bye Daddy!" Damian kissed Lily's forehead and walked out in that graceful aura I noticed yesterday.

I turned my neck a bit to catch one last glimpse of his back. My eyes scanned his broad shoulders...very broad shoulders. I sighed and turned to focus on my food, but I found Noah glaring at me like I had just committed a grave offense.

I raised a brow. "What?"