Chapter 3 WHITE'S MASION

kITCHEN

The clinking of metal pots echoed as Tessa stormed into the kitchen, her face scrunched up like she had just swallowed something bitter.

"Why are you angry again now?" Mrs. Cristin asked without looking up from the chopping board, her tone a mixture of concern and irritation.

"Mum, I can't stay here anymore," Tessa blurted out, dropping her bag on a counter stool with a thud. "I'm serious. I think I'll start staying at the college dorm."

Mrs. Cristin paused mid-chop, glanced at her daughter, then snorted. "If you have the money for it, be my guest. A house like this-warm, clean, fully stocked-and you're acting like you're being punished. Honestly, Tessa, I think you enjoy suffering."

Tessa crossed her arms, her voice rising. "It's not the house, Mum. It's the people in it. I can't live under the same roof with that moron."

Mrs. Cristin's brows knitted. "And who's the moron?"

"Hardin," Tessa said flatly.

"You mean their son?"

Tessa gave a sharp nod.

Her mother's eyes narrowed slightly. "Tessa, I hope you haven't started causing trouble already. What's your business with him? Hmm? Tessa, Tessa..." She shook her head. "How many times have I called you?"

Before Tessa could snap back, the kitchen door swung open.

Hardin strolled in like he owned the place, dressed in a loose black T-shirt and ripped jeans. He went straight to the fridge, ignoring both women, grabbed a bottle of water, and took a long drink. Then-just before leaving-he caught Tessa's eye and winked, a lazy smirk tugging at his lips.

"Mum, you saw that!" Tessa nearly exploded, pointing an accusing finger toward the doorway. "He winked at me.

Mum, I swear, I'm going to kill that boy before his time."

"I don't have time for your drama," Mrs. Cristin said, turning back to the vegetables. "Go wash those dishes, then help me with dinner prep."

Before Tessa could protest, her phone beeped from her pocket. She fished it out and saw a message from her best friend, Mulan.

Girl, I just bought two tickets for us. Tonight is the Crimson Kiss concert, and you're fücking coming with me.

Tessa sighed and typed back quickly:

Hell no. You know I don't attend, watch, or listen to any other group except Rock Girls. To shock you, I don't even know the members of Crimson Kiss.

Almost instantly, Mulan replied:

Mehn, they're fücking hot. If you refuse, I'll drag you from your house myself.

Tessa smirked faintly and typed:

Hmm. Anyway, hope you're in school right now. I don't have classes till later, so l'll come in the afternoon.

Mulan: I'm in class, yes. And Tessa, you really should start staying in the dorm instead of coming from home every day

-it's stressful. You can even share my room.

"Tessa! Drop that phone and do what I told you!" Mrs.

Cristin's sharp voice snapped her back to reality.

Tessa shoved the phone back into her pocket with a quick

"Yes, Mum," and trudged toward the sink, muttering under her breath.

Behind her, the faint echo of Hardin's chuckle still lingered in her head like an annoying song she couldn't shake.

CRESTVIEW COLLEGE - 1:00 PM

A sudden wave of squeals and gasps erupted across the quad.

"Oh my God!! It's the Rock Girls-they finally came to campus today!" someone shouted, and instantly, the crowd shifted, phones raised like a wall of paparazzi.

Cathryn, Caroline, and Sabrina stepped out of their sleek cars one after another, the midday sun bouncing off their flawless hair and outfits.

Cathryn was a walking headline-her black mini skirt hugged her hips, paired with a cropped leather jacket and knee-high boots that clicked against the pavement with every confident step. Her long, silky blonde hair flowed down her back like a golden curtain.

Beside her, Caroline looked fierce in leather trousers and a white crop top, the perfect mix of edgy and chic. Sabrina brought a softer heat in a fitted mini dress that stopped just short of scandal, her natural curls framing her face.

Everywhere, camera flashes popped.

"Rock Girls, look here!" someone yelled.

"Oh my God, they're so gorgeous!" another gushed.

Cathryn's eyes darted toward the parking lot, scanning the rows of vehicles. Her brows furrowed.

Hardin's car isn't here? Didn't he come to college today? she muttered under her breath.

"ROCK GIRLS!!" the chant grew louder as the trio strutted past the adoring crowd, their heels clicking like a runway soundtrack.

Then, the screaming shifted.

"Oh my God-Hardin White from Crimson Kiss is here too!" a girl squealed, nearly dropping her phone as a sleek black sports car rolled onto campus.

The engine purred to a stop, and the moment Hardin stepped out, the atmosphere changed. His presence was magnetic-dark shades hiding his eyes, jaw sharp enough to cut glass, and that signature smirk that made girls forget how to breathe.

Cathryn lit up instantly. Without hesitation, she ran toward him.

"Hardin!" she called, and before he could even greet her, she pressed her lips to his. He didn't resist-his hand slid down and gave her a playful spank.

"Oh... my goodness," Sabrina muttered under her breath, blinking at the scene.

Around them, reactions were split. Some girls stared in open jealousy, their eyes narrowing like daggers, while others already had their phones up, recording every second for social media.

"Are Cathryn and Hardin dating?!" a girl whispered urgently.

"Oh my God, they actually look cute together."

Her friend scoffed, lowering her voice just enough to sound smug. "Cute? Please. You know Hardin. He doesn't date.

He's going to use her and then dump her. He's a playboy-who doesn't know that?"

PARKING LOT......

"You're looking so hot today-extraordinary hot," Cathryn said with a flirty smile, her voice dripping with adoration as she took in Hardin's all-black outfit.

"You don't look bad yourself," Hardin replied casually, lips curling into a faint smirk. The simple compliment sent heat rushing to Cathryn's cheeks until they turned tomato red.

"Can we go to your suite?" she asked, lowering her voice to a teasing purr. "You know... so I can feed you your favourite meal." She added a wink for emphasis.

Hardin tilted his head, his tone lazy but pointed. "Don't you think we should both be leaving there together?"

Cathryn pouted slightly. "I still don't get why you don't like staying in your suite here on campus. You'd be more comfortable, and your dad is literally one of this college's biggest contributors."

"I do anything I like," Hardin said, ending the discussion as he reached for her hand. "Let's go."

Sabrina, watching from a few steps away, leaned closer to Caroline. "Cathryn's a goner. I just hope she doesn't drop dead from heartbreak when she eventually sees him with another girl."

"Let her enjoy him for now," Caroline replied, her voice neutral but tinged with amusement.

"I don't feel like going to class," Sabrina muttered, shifting her weight.

"Same here," Caroline admitted. "Besides, Jordan isn't even in today."

Sabrina arched a brow. "You like Jordan?"

Caroline grinned. "Yeah, of course. He's cute."

"You girls crushing on the Crimson Kiss boys is insane," Sabrina said, shaking her head.

"Do you even like guys?" Caroline shot back. "You hate them so much for no reason."

"I just don't like guys," Sabrina said bluntly.

"Oh, poor thing," Caroline teased, reaching out to ruffle Sabrina's hair.

"Hey, don't do that!" Sabrina snapped, quickly smoothing her curls. "This is precious hair you're trying to ruin."

"Stop being dramatic," Caroline laughed. "Come on, I'm starving. Let's find a good restaurant to branch at. My stomach is literally grumbling."

"You're such a foodie," Sabrina smirked.

"Yeah, I own it. Food is life, girl. Let's go," Caroline said.

They were about to head toward their cars when a voice called out behind them.

"Hi!"

They turned to see a girl jogging up-Mulan, bright-eyed and slightly breathless.

"You want something?" Sabrina asked flatly.

"Yeah," Mulan said, pulling out a folded sheet of paper and a pen. "Your signature. My best friend, Tessa, is a huge fan of yours. She'd be really happy if I showed her this."

Sabrina didn't even look at her again and started walking away, but Caroline stepped in, taking the paper and pen. She scribbled her name neatly, then handed it back with a friendly smile. "Here you go. And tell your friend I said hi."

"Alright, thanks," Mulan said, tucking the signed paper into her bag. She shot Sabrina a quick side-eye before turning on her heel.

"Such an arrogant bitch," she muttered under her breath as she walked off.