The true star of the party had arrived.
Maria hated the way he didn't even glance back, ignoring her existence entirely as he walked off with John.
Peas of a pod.
One was like a persistent cockroach, the other like an annoying fly. No guys in Maria's life were great.
Although, she was glad he was finally out her hair. Theo and John ended up bumping into someone she didn't recognise, starting up conversation.
In person, Theo looked as though the hundreds of pictures posted online did no justice. The problem was that while his looks were great, his presence was undeniable. Even Maria had to admit, that when Theo spoke, people listened.
He was studying in university too, but he was set to graduated early. While his father wanted to send him abroad, Theo declined, and so he was enrolled in the most prestigous school in all of S city.
This was the problem with these people. It was like they were all just a giant list of perfection after perfection. When people said that rich kids seemed to have no personality apart from being rich, she kind of agreed.
In their world, being anything but the best was looked down.
To calm herself down, Maria went to the balcony. Thankfully, it was far more secluded. The night air was cold, and the view of the city refreshing. She took out her phone, sending a selfie to Viva with a sad emoji so her friend could feel her plight.
Absentmindedly, Maria thought back to her dreams.
The Theo there felt so different. As if he was ready to hang off of her every word. He looked so genuine too, as if he really wanted to make amends with her.
Maybe that's like her subconscious projecting? All jokes aside, Theo's face is good to look at. If he had those qualities in him, he truly would be the dream man. No pun intended.
But it's not like it's real anyways.
She turned to head back inside before her mother sent out a search party, but the moment she stepped through the doors, she collided with a solid chest.
Her heel slipped.
For a terrifying second, she was falling — until strong arms caught her.
"I know I'm attractive," a familiar voice drawled, "but you really don't have to throw yourself at me like that."
Theo held her steady, one arm around her waist. His blue-gray eyes met hers, carrying that signature smirk, but there was something else behind them. Annoyance?
"Who the hell would throw themselves at you?" Maria snapped, quickly pulling away and fixing her dress.
Theo's gaze flicked down to the pendant resting between her breasts for a brief moment before returning to her face. He looked almost… surprised?
"Plenty of people," he said dryly, hands slipping into his pockets. "Your dad's here. He's been looking for you."
Maria froze. "Was I gone that long?"
"He just arrived." Theo exhaled, like talking to her was exhausting. "Fix your hair. The wind turned it into a bird's nest."
What?!
She hurriedly checked her phone's camera. Her hair was fine. Just a few strands out of place. Maria glared at him.
When she looked up again, he was already walking away.
*
Victor Lin was the living definition of cold perfection.
He stood ramrod straight in his silver suit, wearing that signature polite smile that never reached his eyes. Her mother stood beside him like a beautiful accessory. But of course, there was another woman standing just a little too close to her father.
Maria approached anyway, chin high.
"And here she is," Mr. Sanders said warmly. "Did you speak with John?"
"Yes, briefly." Maria forced a smile, exchanging greetings with the couple. "You both look wonderful as always. Mom and Dad should take notes."
Her mother's eyes sharpened like knives.
"Oh, Maria's in a playful mood tonight," Elina Lin laughed lightly. "It's been so long since she's attended these events. Classes keep her so busy, you know."
The jab was obvious. You've been neglecting your duties.
Maria smiled sweetly. "Well, someone has to maintain perfect grades. Can't rely on beauty alone, right Mother?"
The air grew tense.
Victor's gaze finally landed on her, cool and assessing. "Theo seems to manage both quite well. Top of his class, excellent reputation, and he still makes time for these events. Perhaps you could learn something from him."
Maria's blood boiled. Of course. Even here, Theo was the golden standard.
Before she could fire back, Theo himself appeared beside them like some cursed miracle.
"Mr. Lin," he greeted politely, nodding to her parents. "Mr. and Mrs. Sanders."
Her father's expression actually warmed. "Theo. Good to see you. I was just telling Maria how well you've been doing."
Theo's eyes flicked to her for a split second. "Maria has her own strengths."
Don't defend me, you jerk.
Maria couldn't take it anymore. "Actually, I'm feeling tired. I think I'll head home early."
Elina's smile turned brittle. "Maria—"
"I'll take her," Theo said smoothly, cutting her mother off. "It's on my way anyway."
Maria whipped her head toward him, horrified.
Her father nodded approvingly. "That would be helpful. We still have some matters to discuss here. Theo, make sure she gets home safely."
Traitor.
Maria wanted to scream. Instead, she forced a tight smile. "How generous."
Theo's smirk returned, but his eyes glittered with something dangerously close to amusement.
"Shall we?" he offered his arm.
Maria wanted to slap it away. But with all eyes on them, she had no choice but to take it.
As they walked away, she hissed under her breath, "I hate you."
Theo leaned down slightly, his voice low and mocking. "You say that a lot. Yet you keep ending up in my arms."
Maria's grip on his arm tightened.
This night couldn't end fast enough.
*
The ride back to the dorms was painfully silent.
Maria stared out the window, arms crossed tightly over her chest, doing her best to pretend Theo Valentine didn't exist. The city lights blurred past, but her mind was elsewhere.
Why did he even offer to drop me?
Theo usually avoided her like the plague at parties. As if being seen with her would ruin his perfect reputation.
Afraid of dating rumors?
God no. She didn't want to be associated with him either. But still…it was weird.
She could feel his eyes on her every few seconds.
Not on her face. On her chest.
Specifically on the pendant.
Maria shifted uncomfortably, tugging the neckline of her dress a little higher. The pendant felt warm against her skin, almost pulsing.
Theo's grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly.
"You've had that thing for a while now," he said suddenly, voice casual. Too casual. "Where'd you get it?"
Maria blinked. He was actually starting a conversation?
She shrugged, still refusing to look at him. "It just…appeared. Why do you care?"
"I don't." He paused. "It just looks tacky with that dress. Cheap."
Her head snapped toward him. "Excuse me?"
Theo's eyes flicked to her again, this time meeting her gaze. There was something unreadable in those blue-gray depths. For a second, the usual mocking smirk was gone.
"It doesn't suit you," he added, quieter this time.
The car fell silent again. Maria's heart was beating strangely fast. The way he said it…it didn't sound like an insult. It sounded like something else. Concern? Recognition?
She hated how aware she was of him right now. The way his cologne filled the car. The way his sleeves were rolled up, showing strong forearms. The way his jaw clenched every time he glanced at the pendant.
Stop it. This is Theo we're talking about.
When they finally reached her dorm building, Theo parked the car but didn't unlock the doors right away.
Maria reached for the handle.
"Wait."
She froze.
Theo turned toward her. In the dim light of the car, his face looked sharper. More dangerous. His eyes dropped to the pendant once more, lingering this time. For a brief moment, his fingers twitched like he wanted to reach out and touch it.
"You should be careful with things you don't understand," he said, voice low.
Maria's breath caught. The air between them suddenly felt thick. Too thick.
"What's that supposed to mean?" she whispered.
Theo leaned in slightly. Close enough that she could feel the heat radiating from him. His gaze dropped to her lips for half a second before returning to her eyes.
"It means," he said slowly, "some things aren't as harmless as they look."
The hell is he on about?!
The tension was suffocating.
Maria's heart hammered against her ribs. For one insane moment, she wondered what would happen if she leaned in just a little closer—
She yanked the door open and practically fled the car.
"Goodnight, Theo," she muttered without looking back.
She didn't see the way Theo stayed parked there long after she disappeared into the building, staring at the glowing pendant still warm against her skin through the rearview mirror.
Nor did she see the conflicted look in his eyes.