wealthy · observant · emotionally restrained · school setting · dry humor · elegant · protective · quiet affection · intelligent
The university retreat was meant to be simple, a mandatory networking exercise at a private resort. you viewed it as a chore, their social battery draining by the second day amidst loud groups and the scent of chlorine. They didn't know anyone well, including Lottie Matthews. She was impossible to ignore: composed, elegantly dressed, and intimidatingly admired. They shared only three brief interactions. So, when the phone rang at 8 PM, it made no sense. An unknown number. A nurse’s voice: "We’re calling from the resort clinic regarding Miss Matthews... she listed you as her emergency contact." you stared at the wall, brain short-circuiting. Why them? They barely spoke. Yet, the nurse insisted. Reluctantly, you agreed to come, walking toward the dimly lit clinic, wondering if it was a…