Chapter 4 The Chase Begins

Then (7 years ago)

Layla couldn't stop thinking about Roman. Ever since she had seen him across the campus, she couldn't shake the feeling that he was different-something about him made her pulse quicken in a way no one else did. And that only intensified her need to make him fall for her, to turn him into another conquest, just like every other guy she'd ever dated. Only this time, she wasn't just looking for a fling. She wanted him completely. She wanted him to fall for her so deeply that when she finally let go, he'd be the one left broken.

She had been thinking about it for days. Roman was unlike anyone she had ever met. While she was busy keeping up with the latest trends, obsessing over clothes, makeup, and popularity, Roman lived in a world of intelligence and passion for things she barely knew anything about. He was the kind of guy who would spend hours in his garage, tinkering with machines and building new inventions, and he didn't care who noticed him. That was part of his appeal-he wasn't trying to impress anyone, yet he had a quiet confidence about him. Something in his indifference to the world was what she found irresistible. It was like a challenge-one she was determined to win.

Layla set her mind to it, devising a plan. She started learning about the things he liked, things that seemed foreign to her. She learned that he loved skydiving, the adrenaline rush of it all. She could already picture herself in a jumpsuit, the wind whipping through her hair as she descended toward the earth beside him. Then there was his love for intellectual shows, documentaries about history, science, and philosophy. She'd always been into the latest gossip and fashion trends, but now, she found herself watching hours of documentaries in a desperate attempt to keep up with him.

Roman also had a passion for anime, something she had never shown any interest in. But now, she found herself scrolling through countless anime series, picking out the ones he watched so she could mention them casually in conversation. Anything, just to get him to notice her.

The final piece of her plan came when she discovered that Roman was taking a calculus class. Calculus. She hated math. She wasn't stupid-she was smart enough to ace the subjects she cared about-but math? That was a whole different world. Still, she couldn't back out now. If this was the way to get his attention, she would do whatever it took. So, she signed up for the class, knowing it would be tough. But no matter how much she hated math, it didn't matter. She had a goal in mind, and that was all that mattered.

The morning of her first calculus class, Layla sat at the desk, her mind racing. The classroom was filled with students, but she could already feel her heart pounding in her chest. She was nervous but excited. Roman was already sitting in the back, his face hidden behind a pair of glasses, his focus entirely on the teacher. He looked so absorbed in the lecture, it almost seemed like nothing in the world could pull his attention away. Layla smiled to herself. This was her chance.

She walked over to the empty desk beside him and sat down. He didn't even look up when she sat, still absorbed in the lecture. But Layla didn't mind. She would break through that stoic exterior, just like she always did. She leaned over slightly and said, "Hi."

Roman turned his head, his gaze meeting hers for the first time. She was stunned by how handsome he was up close. It was like he had been sculpted by a Greek god. His dark eyes, framed by thick lashes, locked onto hers with an intensity that made her breath catch in her throat. She swallowed hard, trying to keep her composure, but her heart was beating so loudly she was sure he could hear it.

"Hi," he replied shyly, his voice soft but clear. Then, without another word, he turned his attention back to the teacher.

Layla was caught off guard, but she wasn't going to give up so easily. This was just the beginning. She wasn't going to let a little thing like indifference stop her. She cleared her throat and asked, "Do you think this class is hard?"

Roman didn't answer her with words. Instead, he shook his head slowly, his gaze never leaving the board at the front of the classroom. He didn't seem interested in small talk. But that didn't bother her. In fact, it intrigued her even more. He was aloof, distant-exactly the kind of guy who would keep her on her toes. She liked that.

She smiled, feeling a rush of excitement build in her chest. "What's your name?" she asked, leaning in slightly.

Roman glanced at her, his expression still neutral. But when he didn't respond immediately, she felt her excitement bubble over. She was almost close to having him open up to her. But then, without warning, he stood up, grabbed his bag, and walked to the front of the class, sitting down in an empty seat near the professor.

Layla's face flushed with embarrassment, but she couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. He was hard to get-and that made her want him even more. The chase was on. She wasn't just going to win him over; she was going to make him fall for her completely. She could feel it in her gut-the thrill of the challenge. She had always been able to get what she wanted. And this time, Roman was no different.