Vaelis adjusted the strap of her bag, standing before the entrance of Aurelius University, the institution where dreams were made and crushed in equal measure.

The place where, according to the novel, Serena Vale's perfect life was supposed to begin.

How ironic.

Vaelis exhaled sharply. This time, the story would belong to her.

---

The Dormitory - A New Home

Vaelis walked through the pristine halls of the university dorms, her steps light but unhurried. She had cut all ties with her so-called family, leaving them nothing but a letter stating she would handle everything on her own.

Let them rot in their arrogance.

As a top scholar, she had been granted a private dorm room, unlike the other students who had to share. Luxury and privilege, earned by her own merits-not by birth.

The key clicked into place, and she stepped inside. Spacious. Modern. Hers.

She dropped her bag on the neatly made bed, glancing out of the wide window. The campus spread out before her, a kingdom yet to be conquered.

Her gaze sharpened. Familiar figures had already arrived.

Rowan Sinclair, leaning lazily against his car, a smirk playing on his lips as girls flocked around him.

Adrian Voss, quiet yet imposing, stepping out of a cab, looking as unreadable as ever.

Ezra lockhart, standing at the entrance, scanning the crowd like he was looking for something-or someone.

Vaelis chuckled under her breath.

In the novel, these three were meant to fall for Serena Vale.

The meeting hall of Aurelius University was grand, its marble floors gleaming under the chandeliers. Rows of seats were arranged in an arc, filled with students murmuring among themselves.

This was where the real novel began-where the so-called heroine, Serena Vale, was supposed to shine.

Instead, all eyes were on Vaelis Cara.

She strode inside with effortless grace, her every movement measured, her presence demanding attention. Dressed in an elegant yet simple ensemble, she was a storm wrapped in silk-beautiful, untouchable, and completely in control.

The whispers followed.

"Isn't that Vaelis Cara?" "She topped the entrance exams." "I heard she rejected an invitation to study finance and chose music instead."

She ignored them.

She had bigger things to focus on.

---

Vaelis scanned the room, searching for an unoccupied seat far from familiar faces.

She had no desire to sit with them.

Yet, the only available seat in the front row was right between Adrian Voss and Elias Moreau-directly across from Rowan Sinclair.

Of course.

She exhaled slowly, reigning in her irritation, and walked toward them.

As she reached the row, Rowan tilted his head with a knowing smirk. "Finally decided to grace us with your presence, Black Swan?"

She ignored him.

Elias leaned back in his chair, his sharp gaze trailing her movements. "Didn't think music was your thing."

Vaelis arched a brow. "And I didn't think unnecessary conversations were yours."

Rowan chuckled, Adrian's lips twitched slightly, and Elias exhaled in amusement.

She sat down without a word, because she had no other choice.

---

Serena's Arrival

A hush spread through the hall.

Vaelis didn't need to turn to know why.

Serena Vale had arrived.

The novel's beloved heroine-a delicate beauty with large, doe-like eyes and an aura of quiet innocence. She hesitated at the entrance, looking lost, her presence drawing in the crowd.

This was the moment when the male leads were supposed to fall for her.

Except...

No one moved.

Serena's gaze flickered toward Rowan, then Adrian, then Ezra. None of them reacted.

Not a single glance of fascination. Not even a flicker of interest.

Instead, their focus remained on Vaelis.

Serena's smile faltered for just a second