"You're not going to college today?" Capri asked, kicking the door shut behind him. He tossed his jacket over a chair and strolled into the living room.

Jordan was sprawled across the couch like he hadn't moved in hours, one arm hanging over the side. "Attending those boring classes? Please. Celebrities don't attend classes."

Capri smirked, leaning against the armrest. "You know you're impossible, right?"

"Yeah," Jordan said with zero shame.

Capri grabbed a cushion and tossed it at him. "Do you even have a girl you like? I swear, you don't even have a type."

"Shut up, moron," Jordan said, catching the pillow and flinging it right back at him.

"Fûck you!" Capri laughed.

"You too," Jordan grinned, and they both broke into light chuckles.

Capri straightened. "Alright, enough. Go dress up-we're heading to Hardin's campus suite. I'll DM Anderson and tell him to meet us there."

Jordan groaned. "I'm too lazy to move. You're stressing me out. And don't forget, we have a concert tonight."

Capri grinned. "Should I carry you upstairs? Bridal style?"

Jordan sat up slowly, narrowing his eyes. "You're ridiculous."

Capri just folded his arms. "Well? Move it before I actually do it."With an exaggerated sigh, Jordan swung his legs off the couch and stood. "Fine. But only because I don't trust you not to throw me over your shoulder like a sack of rice."

"Tempting," Capri said with a smirk.

Jordan shook his head and headed for the stairs. "Give me ten minutes."

"Make it five. You take longer than some girls I know," Capri called after him, earning a middle finger from Jordan as he disappeared upstairs.

WHITE'S MANSION - LIVING ROOM

"Get me some water," Mrs White said loudly from the couch, her eyes still fixed on the TV.

"Yes, ma'am," Mrs Cristin replied from upstairs where she was dusting the shelves. She hurried down the stairs, wiping her hands on her apron, and made her way to the kitchen.

The house smelled faintly of polish and lemon cleaner, her footsteps echoing against the marble floor.

She quickly filled a glass jug, placed it on a tray with a tumbler, and started back toward the living room. In her rush, her slipper caught on the edge of the rug. Her foot slipped-she stumbled, and the tray flew from her hands.

The jug hit the floor with a loud crash, water splashing across the tiles.

Mrs White's head snapped toward her, eyes narrowing.

"What the heck? This is just your first day and you're already destroying things. Are you blind? Or do you have some kind of eye defect?" she said coldly.

"Sorry, ma'am," Mrs Cristin muttered, holding her wrist where she had caught herself.

"Sorry for yourself. That's how poor people behave. I don't blame you," Mrs White said, her lip curling.

"Mum? Are you okay?" Tessa's voice came from the doorway. She rushed over, crouching to help her mother up.

"Yeah, sure," Mrs Cristin said, brushing herself off.

Tessa straightened, glaring at Mrs White. "With all due respect, ma'am, you don't talk harshly to someone like that.

She didn't do it on purpose."

Mrs White tilted her head. "Oh, so you can talk back at me.

I'm not surprised. I would blame you, though."

"Ma'am-"

"Tessa!" Mrs Cristin snapped, her voice sharp. "Go and continue what you were doing right now."

"I have classes at two p.m. I'm leaving," Tessa said angrily, snatching up her bag and walking out, her steps loud against the tiles.

"Such disrespect," Mrs White muttered, turning back to the TV as though nothing had happened.

"Sorry, ma'am. I'll clean this up and get you another glass of water," Mrs Cristin said quietly, bending to gather the shards.

"Better be quick with it," Mrs White said without looking at her.

HARDIN'S SUITE *

The dim light from the half-closed blinds striped across the room, shadows stretching over the expensive furniture.

Cathryn's breath came in short gasps, her fingers tangled in the sheets.

"Ahh... Hardin," she moaned as his grip tightened on her hips. A few moments later, he pulled back with a sharp exhale, collapsing beside her, both of them catching their breath.

Cathryn giggled softly. "It's so warm," she said, curling into him.

"You got some pills with you?" Hardin asked without looking at her, already reaching for a bottle of water on the bedside table.

"Yeah," she replied casually.

"You better take it quickly. I'm not fathering a kid at this age." His voice was flat, matter-of-fact.

Cathryn smirked, tracing her finger along his chest.

"Tonight's concert... I'm gonna surprise you."

One eyebrow lifted. "Huh?"

"You guys have a concert tonight, remember?" she teased.

"Yeah, I know. What do you mean you're gonna surprise me?" His eyes narrowed slightly.

"It's a surprise," she said, voice playful.

Hardin shook his head. "Just don't do anything stupid."

Before she could respond, a voice came from outside the door. "Hardin!" Jordan called.

Hardin sat up. "What are you doing here?" he shouted back.

"You in there with someone?" Jordan's tone was suspicious.

"F**k off," Hardin replied, irritation creeping in.

The door suddenly swung open and Jordan stepped inside, followed by Capri and Anderson. Their eyes went wide, mouths hanging open as they saw Cathryn lying naked under the sheets.

Jordan quickly stepped back. "I think we should head out," he muttered, shoving Capri and Anderson toward the hall.

Hardin ran a hand over his face, shaking his head. He got up from the bed and reached for his jeans.

"Aren't you gonna leave?" he asked Cathryn, who stayed sprawled across the mattress like she owned it.

"I thought we were gonna spend the whole day together," she said, her tone sliding from sweet to clingy.

Hardin chuckled darkly. "If you wanna sit here all day, that's your business, darling. I'm going out."

He pulled on his shirt, grabbed his jacket, and walked out without another glance.

Cathryn stared at the door for a moment before her temper snapped. "What the f**k!" she screamed, slamming her fists into the bed.

CRESTVIEW COLLEGE*

The sun blazed over the sprawling campus, its heat bouncing off the white pavement and glinting against rows of polished cars in the student parking lot. Students lounged beneath shady trees or hurried between classes, the buzz of chatter mixing with the distant hum of traffic.

Tessa stepped out of the cab, slinging her bag over her shoulder. Her sharp eyes were scanning the crowd with faint impatience. She reached into her pocket, unlocking her phone as she typed quickly.

Where the hell are you?

Her phone buzzed almost immediately with a reply from Mulan.

Just tell me where you are and l'll come meet you over there.

I'm at the main gate. I just came. Tessa messaged.

Alright, l'm close. Give me a few minutes. Mulan replied.

Tessa exhaled, a small sigh of annoyance slipping past her lips. She shoved her phone back into her pocket and leaned against the gate pillar, watching students pass by in small clusters.

Then her eyes landed on him-tall, annoyingly good-looking, and striding toward her like the sidewalk was a runway.

"Seems my eyes are deceiving me," she muttered under her breath. "Why do I keep seeing this moron? And why the hell is he walking towards me now?"

Hardin stopped right in front of her, hands in his pockets, a smirk tugging at his lips.

"Oh, wow... you also attend the same college as me," he said, voice dripping with mock surprise. "Nice-same house, same school. Almost feels like fate."

"At least pretend we don't know each other," Tessa shot back, crossing her arms. "Pass by."

"No," Hardin said casually, stepping a little closer. "I don't pretend, princess."

Before she could react, his hand lifted to tuck a stray lock of her hair behind her ear. The touch was light but intentional- lingering just long enough to send an involuntary shiver down her spine. Tessa's breath hitched for a fraction of a second before she snapped back to herself and slapped his hand away.

"Don't you dare touch me in your life," she said, her glare sharp enough to cut glass.

Hardin only grinned wider. "I know you're craving my touch... you just don't know how to admit it."

"Dream on," she hissed.

"And by the way." He leaned in, just enough for her to catch the faint scent of his cologne. "You smell nice."

Tessa froze as he tilted his head, sniffing lightly at the side of her neck. Then, without waiting for her reply, he stepped around her-sidelining past with that same insufferable smirk plastered on his face.

------

Cathryn lingered in the shade of a tall oak tree, her gaze locked on the pair ahead. Hardin stood far too close to Tessa for her liking, his hand brushing her hair, his smirk aimed only at her.

Cathryn's nails dug into her palms until her knuckles turned white. Her pulse thudded hot in her ears.

"Definitely gonna make life hell for her," she muttered under her breath. "Look at him... touchy with her like she's someone."

Her jaw tightened, teeth grinding.

"Hardin can't talk to any other girl except me. If it means wiping her off completely.." She exhaled sharply through her nose. ".

'..then I'll f**king do it."

With that, she spun on her heel and stalked away, heels clicking against the pavement.

-=-

"Tessa!!" a voice called from behind.

Tessa turned just in time to see Mulan running toward her, her hair flying wildly. She barely had a moment to brace herself before Mulan wrapped her in a tight hug.

"I missed you, my baby," Mulan said, grinning.

"You're not serious," Tessa replied, shaking her head, though the corner of her lips twitched upward.

Mulan glanced past her.

Crimson Kiss you were just talking to that Hardin from

Tessa blinked. "Hold on-he's a member of the Crimson Kiss stars?"

Mulan gasped like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"Hardin White is the leader of Crimson Kiss. Can't believe you don't know them! There are four-Hardin, Jordan, Capri, and Anderson. All of them are so hot it's illegal."

Tessa made a face. "Then I'm definitely not following you to any concert tonight."

"You have no choice, baby," Mulan said, linking their arms.

"You're coming with me. I already shopped clothes for the both of us-they're in my dorm room. Oh, and guess what?"

"You know I'm bad at guessing," Tessa said. "What's it?"

"Tada!" Mulan whipped a folded paper from her bag and waved it like a prize.

Tessa's eyes widened as she took it. "Wait... this is Caroline's signature from Rock Girls! Where did you even-"

"They came to college today," Mulan said proudly. "I spotted Caroline and Sabrina and went straight for a signature-because of you, of course. I knew you'd freak out. But, ugh, Sabrina is so rude. Didn't even answer me. Such a b*tch. Oh, and Cathryn wasn't with them-I know she's your favorite among the trio."

"Awwn, I love you. Thank you," Tessa said, hugging her.

"So..." Mulan leaned closer, grinning slyly. "You're coming to the concert tonight?"

Tessa narrowed her eyes. "So this was a bribe?"

"Maybe," Mulan said, chuckling.

"Fine, but I'll have to tell a little lie to my mum so she doesn't get worried," Tessa said.

"This is why you have to move into the school dorm. No permission slips. No curfews. Total freedom," Mulan said.

"Soon," Tessa promised.

"Good. Now let's go to my dorm so I can show you the clothes. They're sexy!" Mulan squealed.

"If they're too short, I'm not wearing them," Tessa warned.

"You and this Holy Mary character" Mulan teased, tugging her toward the dorms as the two disappeared into the bustling campus.

The thumping bass from inside the arena could already be heard from the street, vibrations running up the pavement and into the legs of everyone approaching. Neon signs bathed the sidewalk in pink and electric blue, and the air buzzed with chatter, camera flashes, and the faint scent of perfume and street food.

Mulan and Tessa stepped out of the cab, instantly catching a tew stares.

Mulan had gone full glam-tight black leather mini-skirt, a deep red satin top that shimmered under the streetlights, and matching heels that clicked with confidence. Her wavy hair cascaded down her back, and her bold red lipstick screamed I own the night.

Tessa, though reluctant earlier, looked effortlessly stunning in Mulan's choice for her-a fitted silver sequin top that hugged her figure just enough, paired with high-waisted black pants and ankle boots. Her soft curls framed her face perfectly, and a thin chain necklace glinted under the glow of the arena lights.

"You look like you belong on the stage, not in the crowd," Mulan said with a wink.

Tessa rolled her eyes, but her faint blush gave her away.

Inside, the place was packed. Mostly girls-teenagers, young women, even a few older fans-filling every corner of the stadium. Posters of Crimson Kiss waved above heads, glowing sticks flashed in rhythm with the pounding pre-show playlist, and the air was thick with perfume, sweat, and anticipation.

Cathryn was also here-backstage. Dressed in a glittering gold bodycon dress, hair in perfect waves, she had spent the last hour talking with the band's manager, arranging her "big surprise." When Hardin introduced her mid-show, she planned to walk out and kiss him on stage in front of everyone, claiming him for the world to see.

The lights cut out.

Screams erupted-high-pitched, deafening. A spotlight sliced through the darkness, revealing four silhouettes at the back of the stage.

The music kicked in-heavy guitar riffs and a pulsing beat.

The silhouettes strode forward until the lights exploded into color, revealing them in full.

Hardin _front and center, black ripped jeans, leather jacket hanging loose over a bare chest, hair messy but deliberate.

Jordan-oversized denim jacket with silver studs, mic spinning in his hand.

Capri-sleeveless shirt, tattoos flexing with every chord he strummed.

Anderson-cool and controlled in a dark button-down, bass guitar slung low.

The roar from the crowd doubled.

"They're hotter in person," Mulan shouted over the music.

Tessa didn't answer-her eyes were on Hardin. His voice was deep and rough as he sang, commanding the stage effortlessly.

Halfway through the set, Hardin's gaze swept across the crowd... and stopped. On her.

The corner of his mouth lifted into that same smirk she hated-no, pretended to hate. Without breaking eye contact, he grabbed a water bottle, drank half, then poured the rest over his chest. Girls screamed louder.

Then, he jumped off the stage, moving directly toward Tessa through the security gap. Phones shot up everywhere.

When he reached her, he leaned in close, and tilted the remaining water over her chest. Cold water clung to her silver top, she wasn't wearing a bra as her nipples became visible showcasing themselves to him.

" sexy Nipples you got," he murmured in her ears."

Before she could react, he hooked an arm around her waist and pulled her against him, turning her toward the crowd.

Thousands of eyes were on them, screams and gasps colliding in the air.

Then-he brought his lips closer, brushing so near to hers that the heat from his breath made her shiver. At the very last second, instead of kissing her lips, he lowered his mouth to her neck... and bit-soft but deliberate, leaving a faint red mark against her skin.

The arena erupted-some girls screaming in delight, others in jealous rage, phones flashing everywhere.

From the shadows near the side of the stage, Cathryn's eyes burned. She clenched her fists so tight her nails dug into her palm.

"Get ready for me, you cheap fool," she muttered under her breath.

With one last glare at Tessa, she turned sharply on her heel and stormed out.

The night after the concert was anything but calm.

Cathryn's room looked like a hurricane had ripped through it

- designer clothes flung across the marble floor, makeup palettes shattered, perfume bottles dripping sweet, sticky liquid onto the rug. The golden chandelier above swung faintly, a reminder of the chaos she'd just unleashed in her rage.

Outside her locked door, Caroline and Sabrina exchanged worried glances. They had seen everything tonight - the way Hardin leaned close to Tessa, the charged look in his eyes - and they'd also seen Cathryn storm out before the final song. They had followed her straight back to the villa, their heels clicking against the driveway like a warning drum.

Caroline knocked gently at first.

"Cathryn?"

"Don't f**king disturb me! I want to be alone," came the muffled, venom-laced reply.

Sabrina rolled her eyes. "Cathryn, you can't be serious right now. Don't tell me you're actually in love with Hardin. You know him. He doesn't do love - he's a flirt, a player, the kind of man who ruins girls for sport."

Caroline tried again, her voice firmer this time. "Please, just open the damn door."

"I said leave me alone! I'm fine!"

Sabrina crossed her arms, frustration flaring. "Fine. If you want to wallow in self-pity over a guy, that's your business.

Something's messing with your brain, girl. You're not thinking straight." She turned to leave.

Caroline shot her a glare. "You're just gonna let her hurt herself?"

"What do you want me to do, Caroline? She won't open the door!" Sabrina snapped, walking away without waiting for an answer.

Caroline lingered outside the door, pressing her forehead against the smooth wood. Her voice softened. "Cathryn... I'll give you space. Just don't do anything stupid in there, okay?" With a heavy sigh, she stepped away too.

INSIDE - CATHRYN'S ROOM

Cathryn sat cross-legged on her bed, phone in hand, scrolling through her feed like she was hunting for prey. Her glossy hair clung to her face, damp from angry tears she refused to acknowledge. Post after post showed them - Hardin and Tessa, the bright lights of the stage making them look like they belonged together. Every smile, every close-up, felt like a knife.

Her thumb stilled when she saw a tagged profile.

Tessa Cristin.

She clicked.

The profile opened to reveal a curated gallery of photos -

Tessa laughing with friends, Tessa at fan meets, Tessa wearing the same limited-edition dress Cathryn had once been photographed in.

A slow, wicked smile curved Cathryn's lips. "Oh... she's a fan of mine. Interesting."

Her reflection in the phone's black screen looked almost unrecognizable - dark eyes glittering with something sharper than jealousy.

"Perfect," she whispered to herself. "I'll make her think we're friends. I'll let her get comfortable, trust me... and then I'll ruin her. Piece by piece."

Cathryn leaned back against her silk pillows, the image of Tessa and Hardin still burning in her mind.

"Hardin, you're mine. And if I can't have you without competition, I'll make sure no girl dares come near you again. Not after l'm done."

Her laughter - low, cold, and deliciously cruel - echoed through the empty room, seeping into the shadows like poison.

SMALL APARTMENT *

The hallway outside Mrs. Cristin's former apartment reeked of damp plaster and cigarette smoke. Two men stood in the flickering light of a faulty bulb, their shadows stretching long across the peeling wallpaper.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

A huge man, his forearms thick as tree trunks, slammed his fist into the door hard enough to rattle it on its hinges.

"So they actually left... without paying back their loans," he growled, his voice deep enough to make the air vibrate.

Beside him, a wiry man with sunken cheeks leaned in, lips curling into a sick grin. "Then maybe it's time we do what we should've done a long time ago..." His eyes glittered with malice. "Her daughter - Tessa, right? The pretty little thing.

She could serve as collateral. With looks like that... she'd make a perfect seventh wife for you, Cobra."

The big man, Cobra, chuckled darkly, the sound low and dangerous. "Seventh wife... I like the sound of that. I don't need the money anymore. Having her would be payment enough."

The wiry man smirked. "Then... you know what to do."

Cobra's eyes hardened. "Find her."

As they turned and disappeared down the dimly lit hallway, the faulty bulb above the door finally went out - plunging the place into darkness.

ITALY *

THE RICCO MANSION

Don Ricco held a photograph in his hand - an old, worn image of a beautiful woman holding two identical baby girls.

His thumb brushed over their faces as his mind slipped into the past.

Flashback - 19 years ago

The wails of newborn twins filled the air. Mrs. Cristin, drenched in sweat, collapsed back against her pillows, breathless from the effort.

"Don, your wife has given birth to bouncing twin girls," the midwife announced with pride.

"What?" Ricco's voice was cold and sharp. "Girls? I needed boys... heirs."

"Take me to her," he ordered, rising from his chair.

Inside the bedroom, Mrs. Cristin smiled weakly, holding the swaddled newborns.

"Darling... our children," she whispered.

Ricco's eyes swept over the girls, but instead of pride, there was only disappointment. Without a word, he turned and left.

"Is anything wrong?" Mrs Cristin asked the midwife.

"No... just rest. You've been through a lot," the midwife soothed.

Days later...

"I can't keep living like this," Mrs Cristin said, voice trembling with controlled anger. "I gave you two healthy children, yet you treat them like they don't belong to you.

You've never visited them, never held them. If you want an heir so badly, marry someone else. I'm leaving with my children."

She strapped one baby to her back, cradled the other in her arms, and picked up her luggage.

"Goodbye," she said firmly, heading for the door.

Ricco grabbed her arm.

"You're my wife. You go nowhere. You'll keep giving birth until you produce a son. Now put those children down and get back in bed."

"What are you trying to do? I just gave birth-we can't have sèx"

"Who said so?" His tone was ice.

He ripped the child from her arms, dropping her roughly into a tiny crib. The other he yanked from her back.

"Ricco!" she screamed as both girls began to wail.

He ignored them, tearing at her dress and shoving her onto the bed. As he unbuckled his belt, Cristin's eyes darted to the bedside table. She grabbed a glass and smashed it against his head.

Ricco roared, blood trickling down his temple. Cristin clutched both babies, running for the door.

"Tessa, Tricia... you're with Mama now. You'll be fine," she whispered, rocking them as she fled.

"Stop them!" Ricco bellowed.

Guards gave chase. One grabbed Tricia from her arms, but Cristin held Tessa tight and disappeared into the night.

"Boss, we couldn't catch her - only one child," a guard reported.

Ricco staggered out, bloodied but smirking. "She'll come back for the other one. Until then, she stays with me."

He lifted the rescued infant, noticing a small pendant around her neck: Tricia.

"So you're Tricia... welcome to your new life," he said with a cruel grin.

End of flashback*

"It's been nineteen years... and you never came back," Ricco murmured at the photograph. "Tricia is doing just fine without you, Elena. She took after me - and that's why I kept her."

The door burst open.

"Father!" Tricia strode in, her face a perfect reflection of Tessa's.

"What is it?" Ricco asked flatly.

"I want you to take revenge for me. A guy stepped on my shoes."

"You could deal with him yourself."

None who is else on Trich ite are warning to

Ricco chuckled. "Alright, alright."

"Thanks, Dad. Love you," she said sweetly, before walking out.

Ricco smirked at the door after she left, then turned back to the picture.

"Elena Cristin. maybe it's time I went for the other child.

Girls aren't so bad after all"

His laugh rolled through the empty hall - deep, dangerous, and dripping with malice.

DOWNTOWN CONCERT ARENA - OUTSIDE

"Tessa, you're really lucky!" Mulan gushed, still riding the high of the concert. "Do you realize what Hardin just did to you in there?"

"Lucky?!" Tessa stopped in her tracks, glaring. "He poured water all over me and bit my neck! I'm pretty sure he's insane. Someone should admit him to a psychiatric hospital."

Mulan's grin only widened. "Do you know how many girls would die for Hardin to do that to them? Be happy, girl." Tessa pointed at her soaked top. "And what about this?"

"You're coming to my dorm," Mulan declared. "You can change, and I'll dry that one for you."

Tessa sighed. "Fine. Thanks. Let's go."

As they walked, Mulan leaned closer, her voice dropping to a dreamy tone. "So... how did it feel? Being that close to such a hot guy. His scent... oh my God, I can imagine."

"Can you not?" Tessa snapped, her irritation flaring.

"Yes, ma'am. Hardin White's babe," Mulan teased, unable to resist.

"Would you shut up?" Tessa kicked off one shoe and aimed it at her friend, who dodged it with a laugh.

"You really gonna hit me?" Mulan giggled.

"Keep talking, and I won't hesitate," Tessa warned.

"Alright, alright, l'm done," Mulan said, still smiling as she bent to pick up the shoe. She handed it back, and Tessa slipped it on. Without another word, they flagged down a cab and headed back to the dorm.

BACKSTAGE *

"Damn, that was so hot. That girl's gonna have a lot of enemies now," Jordan said, laughing.

"I saw Cathryn storming out," Capri added.

"Yeah, me too. I almost laughed, but I remembered I was still on stage," Anderson said. "So she actually thinks you like her? Oh, she's just a dummy."

Hardin wasn't even listening. The noise of the arena still echoed in his skull, but louder than the crowd was that old, familiar ringing. It crawled deep into his left ear, drowning out their voices.

He'd had problems with his hearing since he was nine - ever since that night, the accident, the screaming, the shattering glass. Both his parents were to blame. That was why he hated them both.

"Hardin... Hardin." Jordan's voice was faint, muffled, as if coming through water.

Hardin blinked, forcing his focus back. "I... I'm going to pee," he muttered, already moving toward the hallway.

"Is he alright?" Jordan asked.

"I don't think so," Capri said, concern flickering across his face.

"I think we should go after him," Anderson replied, already stepping forward.

HALLWAY - BACKSTAGE BATHROOM*

The door swung shut behind him, cutting off the noise from the arena. Hardin gripped the sink, staring at his reflection.

His breathing was uneven. That ringing in his ear was still there, crawling under his skin.

He closed his eyes. And just like that-