Chapter 1
Elena Adams didn’t think love at first sight was a real thing until she met Adrian Cole one night. At nineteen, Elena's life was pretty simple. She was a sophomore in college, juggling schoolwork, a part-time job at a coffee shop, and her dream of being a writer. She usually kept to herself, wearing big sweaters, throwing her hair up in a bun, and carrying a notebook full of story ideas. But that night, everything changed.
Her best friend, Chloe, dragged her to a student party. You've been buried in your books for too long, Lena, Chloe joked, tugging her arm until she gave in. The ballroom was bright with golden light. There was a lot of laughter, and the music was loud. Elena felt awkward and out of place. She stood near the edge of the crowd, holding a glass of juice and wishing she could go back to her room.
Then she saw him. Adrian Cole was tall, wearing a black suit that looked custom-made. His dark hair was styled just right. It wasn’t the suit or his looks that got Elena’s attention; it was his eyes. They were gray, intense, and it felt like they could see right through her. They looked at each other, and for a second, Elena forgot to breathe.
He walked across the room with ease. Other girls noticed him too, whispering and giggling, but he only looked at Elena. She felt her face get warm. You look like you'd rather be somewhere else, he said when he got to her, his voice soft.
Elena blinked, surprised. Is it that obvious?
Adrian chuckled, and it sent chills down her spine. Only to someone who feels the same way.
He leaned against the wall next to her, relaxed but confident. I’m Adrian.
Elena, she said quietly.
Elena, he said again, liking the name. It's a nice name. It fits you.
She rolled her eyes, trying not to let him see how flustered she was. Is that what you say to all the girls?
He smiled, charming and playful. Only the ones who deserve it.
They spent the rest of the night talking about books, dreams, and what they wanted from life. Elena laughed more than she had in forever. Adrian pulled her in with everything he said and did. He wasn’t just nice-looking; he had goals, knew what he wanted, and was exciting to be around. By the end of the night, when Adrian walked her home under the streetlights, Elena knew things would never be the same.
The next few days were amazing. Adrian started popping up everywhere—waiting after her classes, sending good morning texts, and bringing her coffee when she was studying late. He wasn’t just interested in her; he became her world. At first, Elena didn’t want it. I don’t want to get distracted, she told Chloe. He’s… a lot. But Chloe just smiled like she knew something. Sometimes, a lot is what you need. Maybe Chloe was right. Slowly, Adrian became everything to Elena.
He took her to fancy dinners she could never afford. He told her about his dreams of success and how they could have a great life together. With every kiss and shared secret, Elena fell harder. One night, they were on the roof of Adrian’s apartment, wrapped in blankets, looking at the stars.
Do you think people can be together forever? Elena asked softly, resting her head on his shoulder.
Adrian looked at her, his eyes bright in the moonlight. With you? I do.
Her heart jumped at his words. For the first time, she thought forever could be real. But if Elena had paid closer attention that night, she might have seen him hesitate for a second. She might have seen the problems to come hiding behind what he said. But she didn’t. At nineteen and in love, you don’t look for what's wrong with something that seems perfect. You just enjoy the moment, not seeing what's coming.
A week later, Adrian surprised her with a note in her notebook: One day, I’ll give you the world. Elena smiled as she read it again and again, holding the paper to her chest. She believed him. She really did. And that belief—the love she shared so easily—would be what she needed later on.
