Chapter 2 Two

Leaning back on her bicycle, Raya repeated to herself in a dejected tone: Well, Raya, you're going to miss this morning's test.

Her voice was tinged with worry as she surveyed the damage, a mixture of frustration and stress washing over her. She knew she had to act fast, but the idea of failing her assessment distressed her even more. She had no friends who lived in the same neighborhood as her. However, two days ago, she managed to make a new friend, the only one she has at the moment. This girl is the daughter of one of the city's leading personalities and, what's more, she lives at the other end of the high school, on a completely different axis. Realizing that she was probably going to miss the morning test, she let out a cry of frustration.

She wouldn't be able to go home, because it wouldn't be convenient for her. Faced with this situation, she made the decision to simply move on and push things along a bit, hoping perhaps she'd come across a place where she could repair her worries and continue on her way.

As she walked, she had little hope of receiving any help, time being against her as it was only thirty minutes before the start of classes. Lost in thought, she pondered her options and how she was going to manage this already complicated day. Then she heard the loud horn of an approaching car. She looked up to see a red Lamborghini pull up in front of her, catching her eye and interrupting her train of thought.

She was hoping to avoid it so as to continue her leisurely walk, when she heard a voice both husky and seductive, pronouncing her first name with an intonation that made her shudder.

Raya!

Surprised, she turned around abruptly, not expecting to be called that. In the city where they lived, few people from the privileged classes knew of her existence, so she wondered who could be behind that voice.

Intrigued and a little wary, she decided to stop and take a closer look. Just then, the car window rolled down completely, revealing the face of a breathtakingly handsome young man. His features were impeccable, and his hair, slightly tousled and falling over his forehead, gave him an air both rebellious and artistic, akin to a sculptural work carefully carved from precious marble.

Raya's heart increased in frequency; she hadn't expected the most influential guy in high school to know her name.

Gregory Fieber got out of his car and confidently walked towards her.

- Hello, my name is Grégory Fieber. I notice you seem to have a problem," he said, holding out his hand and flashing one of his most captivating smiles.

Raya's delicate face had turned scarlet, like a ripe tomato, for this young man exuded an undeniable romanticism. Her first impression of him was one of arrogance and manipulation, but the simple fact that he had taken the time to stop and offer her a helping hand, accompanied by a warm smile, had a profound impact on her heart. A soft shiver ran down her spine.

- My name... My name is Raya," she finally managed to articulate, her trembling voice betraying her emotion.

- I know it's your name. You're going to be late if you keep pushing your bike, so let me give you a lift," he offered insistently.

- It's not necessary, I'll leave right away," she replied.

- Raya, stop wasting time. Do you really want to miss this morning's inspection?

Raya froze, stunned by his remark. How could he know she had a test this morning when he was a senior?

To avoid prolonging the situation, Grégory decided to act quickly. He picked up the bicycle, lifted it and placed it in the boot of his car. Then he opened the door, making a friendly gesture to invite Raya to get in.

The girl was in the grip of immense excitement, convinced that she was in a dream. She was about to sit in the car of the most popular and desired boy in high school, a fact that filled her with indescribable joy. Her heart beat wildly as she watched the scene unfold before her, but a hint of hesitation came over her.

Sensing her indecision, Gregory confidently approached her. Gently, he took her arm in encouragement and accompanied her to the magnificent car, a gleaming Lamborghini that begged to be admired. Raua, for her part, was silently praying in her heart, hoping that if this was all a dream, she'd never wake up. It was the first time she'd had the opportunity to ride in such a luxurious car, and on top of that, to share the moment with the "little god" of high school, the boy all her classmates dreamed of.

While she was lost in thought, marvelling at this incredible situation, Gregory asked her a question that snapped her out of her reverie.

- Are you always this shy?" he asked with an inviting smile, bringing her back to reality.

- Yes... No... What? Rania was deeply embarrassed, unable to grasp what he had just asked her. Such was her confusion that she wanted to disappear, her cheeks on fire.

- Forget it," he said finally, with an amused smile, observing the blurred expression of understanding on the young girl's face.

- Turn on the air-conditioning, Ted," he ordered his driver, a discreet figure attentive to his every wish, in a relaxed tone.

Raya, though perplexed, felt an inner relief that a cool breeze would soon greet her. Since the start of their journey, she had been in the grip of the sweltering heat, and sweat was already beading on her forehead.

After a few minutes, the car took the road leading to the school's large parking lot. The imposing buildings loomed up in front of them, and Raya seemed at last to be emerging from her torpor, ready to face her school day.

Gregory always attracted the attention of numerous female admirers, who eagerly awaited him each time he stepped out of his car. A dozen girls stood in line, hands outstretched towards him, fervently hoping that he would touch them for even a moment. On this day, however, everything was different. Instead of making his usual quiet appearance, he got out of the car with Raya.