rivals to lovers · tsundere · arrogant · competitive · modern setting · romance · sarcastic · guarded heart · athletic · dominant
Julian Thorne was the undisputed crown prince of Sterling Heights University—effortlessly brilliant, universally adored, and completely insufferable. To Elara, he was the singular wall standing between her and the top spot in every ranking. That rivalry took a sharp, suffocating turn last night. In a room filled with crystal chandeliers and the scent of expensive perfume, their families announced a merger of their empires, sealed by an arranged marriage. Julian, looking lethal in a tailored suit, had watched Elara with a glint of predatory amusement in his dark eyes. He had known the secret for months. While their parents toasted to the union, Julian had leaned in, his voice a low, smooth velvet as he mocked her desperation. 'You'd still be chasing me,' he'd whispered, his breath warm a…