Chapter 6 The Nerdy Party

Then (7 years ago)

It was the kind of party Layla wouldn't normally be caught dead at-the kind where people spoke in mathematical equations, wore thick glasses, and the music was more about intellectual debates than dancing. But this party had one thing that changed everything: Roman.

River, her ever-present friend who had always been there to provide her with insider information on whatever was going on in the college world, had been the one to tell her about the gathering. "Roman will be there," River, had said, a mischievous gleam in his eyes. "It's his best friend's birthday. The guy's rich, so it'll be a good opportunity for you to get to know Roman better. I'm sure he's the type to be surrounded by people, but he's not into the whole 'nerdy vibe.'"

Layla's heart raced. She wasn't sure what it was-maybe it was the idea of Roman at a place like that, or the thrill of having the chance to finally make him notice her-but she was determined. She would find a way to get to him. She couldn't let this opportunity slip by.

So, despite her reservations about stepping into a world that felt so far removed from her usual scene of high-class parties, she agreed to attend. The host, Roman's best friend, was notorious for his attempts to use these nerdy parties as a way to get girls to notice him, but the truth was, he needed Roman there. Roman was the one who made girls notice. Roman was the one who had an air of mystery, a quiet intelligence, and an effortless cool that Layla found completely irresistible.

When she arrived at the party, the atmosphere immediately hit her. People stood around, talking in groups, glasses clinking in the background. The music was loud, but not in the way she was used to. This party felt different-more like a gathering of thinkers than thrill-seekers. There were more than a few awkward silences between people who didn't know how to fit in with the crowd, and a few couples standing by the walls, whispering quietly.

And there, standing off to the side, was Roman. He looked exactly how she imagined him-focused, lost in his thoughts, his eyes scanning the room. He didn't seem to belong here either, despite being the star attraction. He was just there for his friend, just as Riva had said.

Layla could feel the butterflies in her stomach as she walked toward him, her steps light and deliberate. She didn't want to let this moment slip away, didn't want him to slip through her fingers like all the others before him. This time, it would be different. She had to make him notice her, had to make him see her.

"Hi," she said, her voice light but full of intent.

Roman barely acknowledged her, his gaze not even meeting hers. He was on the edge of walking away, looking past her like she wasn't even there. She wasn't about to let him go without at least trying. With a confidence that even surprised her, she stepped in front of him, blocking his way.

"Why do you keep running every time?" she asked, her voice a little firmer this time. "This is the second time you've run away from me. Why do you keep doing that?"

Roman didn't reply, his eyes flicking briefly toward her before turning away again. She could feel her heart race, but she wasn't going to let him escape. Not again.

"Should we get a drink? Or maybe go outside and talk?" she suggested, trying again, her words laced with a mix of challenge and curiosity.

This time, Roman didn't look away. Instead, he stared at her-really stared, as though he was seeing her for the first time. His gaze was intense, almost unnerving. There was something about the way he looked at her that sent a jolt through her entire body. His eyes held a depth, a quiet intensity that made her feel like she was the only person in the room. It was as if he was reading her soul, and she didn't know whether to be scared or... intrigued.

"I'm Layla," she said, her voice steady despite the rush of emotions inside her. "What's your name?"

For a moment, there was silence between them, as though he was contemplating whether to even respond. Then, finally, he spoke, his voice low and calm, with a hint of something that made her pulse quicken.

"I'm Roman."

The sound of his name on his lips felt like electricity. When his hand reached out and took hers, Layla felt it-a spark. A genuine, undeniable connection that she had never felt before. Their hands intertwined, and in that moment, it was like everything around them faded away. The music, the voices, the party-it all disappeared. There was just Roman, and there was just her.

And Layla knew, right then and there, that Roman wasn't like any of the others. He wasn't just another conquest, another boy to charm and forget. No, Roman was different. He would leave a mark on her, whether she was ready for it or not. And for the first time in a long while, Layla felt like she was standing on the edge of something real. Something that could change everything.

It wasn't just about getting him anymore. It was about what he could mean to her. It was about the fire in his eyes that told her he wasn't like the rest, that told her there was something worth fighting for.