Zaria DeLuca is ready to leave the past behind as she starts her freshman year of college. Growing up as a Black and Italian girl who never quite fit in, she endured years of torment from her privileged, mean-girl ex-bully, Alessia Valentini. But Za...
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The moment I stepped out of my last class for the day, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief. The first day of the semester had been surprisingly smooth—no awkward icebreakers, no syllabus reading that took forever, and most importantly, no drama. Well, aside from the run-in with Alessia this morning, but even that felt like a minor inconvenience rather than a real problem.
I had handled it. I had made it clear that her little high school mind games wouldn't work on me anymore. And now, I was ready to focus on what really mattered—my education, my goals, and my peace.
"Where you heading now?" Zolani asked, slinging her bag over her shoulder as we exited the building together.
"I was thinking about going to The Bean & Brew for a bit," I said, adjusting my laptop in my arms. "I want to get a head start on some assignments before they pile up."
"Ugh, you're so responsible," she groaned dramatically. "Meanwhile, I plan on going back to my dorm, throwing on my bonnet, and binge-watching Love Island until I pass out."
I laughed. "We all have our own methods of success."
"Exactly! Besides, I'll get my life together tomorrow." She waved me off. "Text me if you need anything, though. And don't stay out too late—you know how these weirdos get when the sun goes down."
"Yes, mom," I teased.
We hugged quickly before parting ways, and I made my way toward the café.
The walk was peaceful, the sun casting golden hues over the campus as the afternoon slowly faded into evening. I inhaled deeply, taking in the crisp air, already feeling my body relax at the thought of a quiet space, a hot drink, and a productive night.
The café was only a few blocks off-campus, nestled between a used bookstore and a tiny boutique that I swore I would go into one day. It was one of the first places I had discovered when I moved here, and it quickly became my go-to for studying. The soft jazz music playing through the speakers, the smell of freshly brewed coffee, and the quiet hum of conversations in the background—it was the perfect atmosphere to focus.
But just as I turned the corner, fully lost in my thoughts—
I crashed into something solid.
No, not something.
Someone.
I stumbled back, my laptop slipping from my grasp, and my heart leaped into my throat as I prepared for the worst.
Strong hands caught my arms, steadying me before I could completely embarrass myself.
"Woah."
A deep, velvety voice. Smooth. Calm. Commanding.
I looked up, ready to apologize—
And my stomach dropped.
Standing in front of me, hands still on my arms, was Lorenzo Valentini.
