A soft drizzle hung in the air that late Friday afternoon, casting a silvery mist across the city. Royal College had ended lectures early, allowing the streets to bustle more than usual as students and staff hurried to beat the gathering rain. Meanwhile, across town, the St. Andrews Memorial Hospital prepared for its annual charity fundraiser — a high-profile event meant to attract the city's most generous donors.
Stephanie tucked her umbrella under her arm and adjusted the clipboard in her hand. She was there as part of the college's volunteer group, tasked with welcoming guests and helping the staff with logistics. Dressed in a simple white blouse and high-waisted tan trousers, her long dark braids tied into a neat ponytail, she looked refreshingly composed amid the flurry of organizers and arriving patrons.
It wasn't her first charity event, but her nerves were unusually high.
Maybe it was because she knew he might be there.
Raymond Carter.
The same man who splashed muddy water on her during a rainy morning not so long ago.
The same man she formally met at the gala last weekend — suave, powerful, and annoyingly unforgettable.
Stephanie's heart fluttered as she glanced toward the entrance. Luxury cars were arriving, one after the other, as bodyguards and chauffeurs moved with rigid discipline.
And then, through the light veil of rain, a sleek matte black Maserati pulled up.
She recognized the car immediately.
Raymond.
He stepped out, dressed in a charcoal-grey designer suit with a crisp black shirt underneath. No tie. His tall figure moved with fluid arrogance, every step radiating confidence. A light breeze tousled his dark, thick hair — styled but effortlessly natural — and the way he tucked one hand into his pocket while adjusting his watch with the other had women near the entrance stealing glances and whispering.
Stephanie held her clipboard a little tighter, forcing her eyes to stay on her task.
She wasn't going to act like one of those girls who melted in his presence.
Still, it was impossible to ignore him when he walked in — especially when their eyes locked.
For a brief second, he paused, as if surprised to see her there. Then came the familiar smirk, half amused and half challenging.
"So, we meet again," Raymond said smoothly, his deep voice cutting through the noise like velvet.
Stephanie raised a brow, steadying herself. "Seems you have a talent for appearing at events I happen to volunteer at."
"Or maybe you're the one following me?" he teased.
"In your dreams," she shot back with a sarcastic smile, stepping aside as she gestured toward the reception table. "If you're done talking nonsense, you need to sign in here."
Raymond didn't move immediately. He studied her instead, his gaze lingering — not in an inappropriate way, but curious, as though she were a puzzle he hadn't solved yet.
She shifted uncomfortably, not liking how his eyes made her feel.
It wasn't fair for a man to look so effortlessly perfect.
"So, you're a med student?" he asked suddenly.
"Science. Biochemistry," she replied shortly, flipping a few pages. "And no, I don't know anything about heart transplants or miracle cures, so don't ask."
That made him chuckle — a real one, surprisingly genuine.
"You've got a sharp mouth," he muttered, signing his name.
"And you've got an ego the size of a mansion."
"I own three, actually."
She rolled her eyes.
Their banter was interrupted by a hospital official calling her name, motioning toward the main hall.
"Duty calls," she said, already walking away, but she felt his gaze still on her.
Raymond watched her disappear through the double doors. She was different. Unimpressed by status, unshaken by wealth. Most women tried to flatter him — she challenged him. Her sarcasm, her pride, the way she tried so hard not to be affected by him... it was oddly fascinating.
But he wasn't the kind of man to pursue anything complicated.
Besides, he had his own complications to worry about — like a one-year contractual marriage that no one could ever know about.
His lips pressed into a thin line as he entered the main hall.
No. He wouldn't let a college girl with sharp eyes and a stubborn streak distract him.
But fate, as always, had other plans.