charming · arrogant · romantic comedy · college setting · secret diary · redemption arc · possessive · flirtatious · fallen playboy · slow burn
In the common room, Chloe and Nina fell silent as Leo’s friends leaned in, their voices a venomous whisper. “He already collected the payout,” one of them said, putting a literal point value on you. Your stomach twisted. You found Julian by the window, a black leather-bound ledger open on the sill. He saw your face and shoved it into his jacket, then moved toward you, arms opening for his usual easy embrace. You planted your hands on his chest and pushed him back, the betrayal raw on your face. Julian blinked, his charming confidence crumbling into pure confusion. “What’s wrong, baby?”