HATING YOU LOVING YOU

Elena Carter's POV

If someone had told me that moving to a new school would completely turn my life upside down, I would have laughed.

But here I was, standing in front of Westbridge High School, holding my school bag tightly while staring at the enormous building in front of me.

It was beautiful.

Too beautiful, actually.

The school looked more like a university than a high school. Tall glass windows reflected the morning sunlight, expensive cars lined the entrance, and students walked around as if they owned the entire world.

I sighed.

"New school, new beginning," I whispered to myself.

Hopefully, this time, I could stay out of trouble.

My mother had reminded me at least twenty times that morning to behave, make friends and concentrate on my studies.

And I intended to do exactly that.

I adjusted my bag and walked through the school gates.

The moment I entered the hallway, I noticed something strange.

Almost everyone seemed to be talking about someone.

"Did you hear? Adrian is back."

"Seriously? I thought he was still suspended."

"He's coming to class today. I heard he got into another argument last week."

I raised an eyebrow.

Whoever this Adrian person was, he certainly seemed popular.

I ignored the conversation and continued walking until I bumped into someone.

My books scattered across the floor.

"Oh my goodness! I'm so sorry," I said quickly, bending down to collect them.

A pair of expensive-looking sneakers stopped in front of me.

"Watch where you're going."

I froze.

That voice.

Deep, cold and annoyingly confident.

I slowly raised my head.

And there he was.

A tall boy with dark hair, sharp features and the most irritatingly handsome face I had ever seen.

His school shirt was slightly untucked, and his tie hung loosely around his neck.

He looked like someone who had never heard the word sorry in his entire life.

I stared at him for a second before returning my attention to my books.

"You could also watch where you're going," I replied.

He raised an eyebrow.

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me."

A few students nearby stopped talking.

The boy looked at me as though I had just committed a crime.

"Do you know who you're talking to?"

I stood up, holding my books against my chest.

"No. Should I?"

Someone behind him laughed.

His jaw tightened.

"You're new, aren't you?"

"Very observant."

He stepped slightly closer.

"What's your name?"

"Why? Are you planning to put it on your list of people you annoy?"

This time, the laughter around us became louder.

He stared at me for a moment before letting out a humourless laugh.

"Interesting."

Then he walked away.

I watched him disappear into the crowd.

What an arrogant jerk.

"Girl, are you crazy?"

I turned around.

A girl with beautiful brown skin, curly hair and a bright smile was staring at me.

"What?"

"Do you have any idea who that was?"

I shook my head.

"Unfortunately, no."

"That was Adrian Blackwood."

I shrugged.

"And?"

Her mouth fell open.

"And? Elena, that's Adrian Blackwood! The most popular boy in this school."

"Congratulations to him."

She laughed.

"I'm Mia, by the way."

"Elena."

"Well, Elena, welcome to Westbridge. I hope you know you've just made yourself interesting."

I frowned.

"What does that mean?"

Before Mia could answer, the school bell rang.

"Come on. We're in the same class."

We walked towards the classroom together.

I chose a seat near the window, hoping to enjoy a peaceful day.

Unfortunately, peace wasn't interested in me.

A few minutes later, the classroom door opened.

The same boy from the hallway walked in.

Adrian Blackwood.

He casually dropped his bag onto the desk at the back of the classroom.

Our eyes met.

He smirked.

I immediately looked away.

Not him again.

"Class," our teacher announced, "we have a new student joining us today. Her name is Elena Carter. I hope you'll make her feel welcome."

Several students turned towards me.

I offered a small smile.

"Elena, you can sit beside Adrian. There's an empty seat there."

My smile disappeared.

Mia slowly turned to look at me.

Her expression said everything.

Good luck.

I picked up my bag and walked towards the back.

Adrian leaned back in his chair as I approached.

"Looks like we're neighbours, princess."

I dropped my bag beside the desk.

"Don't call me that."

He smiled.

"Whatever you say, princess."

I rolled my eyes and sat down.

This was going to be a very long school year.

ADRIAN'S POV

I wasn't interested in the new girl.

At least, that's what I kept telling myself.

She was different from the girls who usually tried to get my attention.

She didn't smile at me, didn't ask for my number, and didn't seem impressed by my reputation.

Instead, she had the audacity to talk back to me.

And somehow, that annoyed me more than it should have.

I glanced at her.

She was busy writing something in her notebook, completely ignoring my presence.

I leaned towards her.

"Hey, new girl."

She didn't respond.

I tapped her desk.

She slowly turned.

"What?"

"You're sitting in my favourite seat."

She looked at the chair beneath her.

"Then perhaps you should have arrived earlier."

I stared at her.

She returned to her notes.

For the first time in a long while, I had absolutely nothing to say.

And I hated it.

End of Chapter One.

ELENA'S POV

If there was one thing I had learned about Adrian Blackwood, it was that he had an unbelievable talent for making people uncomfortable.

And unfortunately, I was now sitting beside him.

I tried to concentrate on the lesson, but his constant tapping on the desk was beginning to get on my nerves.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

I turned towards him.

"Could you please stop that?"

He didn't even look at me.

"Stop what?"

"That annoying tapping."

He glanced at his fingers before looking back at me.

"Is it disturbing your highness?"

I took a deep breath.

"No. It's just disturbing my ability to tolerate irritating people."

He chuckled quietly.

"You're quite mouthy for someone who's new here."

"And you're quite annoying for someone who has been here longer."

He turned towards me, his dark eyes studying my face.

For a moment, neither of us spoke.

Then he leaned back in his chair.

"You're going to have a difficult time here, Carter."

I frowned.

"Is that a threat?"

"Take it however you want."

Before I could respond, our teacher called his name.

"Adrian! Since you're clearly enjoying your conversation, perhaps you would like to answer question three?"

The entire class burst into laughter.

Adrian straightened in his chair and answered the question effortlessly.

Of course he knew the answer.

Apparently, being arrogant wasn't the only thing he was good at.

The teacher nodded approvingly.

"Excellent. Now, Elena, would you like to try the next one?"

I stood up and answered.

"Correct," the teacher said with a smile.

I sat down, feeling relieved.

Adrian leaned towards me.

"Not bad, new girl."

I ignored him.

"Was that a compliment?" I whispered.

"Don't get used to it."

I rolled my eyes.

---

LUNCH BREAK

"Elena! Over here!"

Mia waved enthusiastically from a table near the cafeteria windows.

I walked towards her, carrying my lunch tray.

"How are you surviving your first day?" she asked.

"Honestly? I think I need a vacation already."

She laughed.

"Let me guess. Adrian?"

I dropped into the seat opposite her.

"That boy is exhausting."

Mia covered her mouth, trying not to laugh.

"You're the first person I've met who actually talks to him like that."

"Does everyone just let him behave however he wants?"

"Pretty much. He's popular, rich, handsome and ridiculously good at everything. His family is also one of the wealthiest in the city."

I raised an eyebrow.

"So he's spoiled."

"Not exactly. He's just... Adrian."

I shook my head.

"That's not an explanation."

Mia leaned closer.

"Listen, there's something you should know. Adrian doesn't usually like people getting too close to him."

"That's fine. I wasn't planning to."

"Good. Because there are girls here who would do almost anything to get his attention."

Before I could respond, a group of girls entered the cafeteria.

One of them immediately caught my attention.

She was tall, beautiful, and dressed perfectly. Her long blonde hair fell over her shoulders as she walked confidently towards our table.

Mia sighed.

"Oh, here we go."

The girl stopped beside us.

"You're Elena, right?"

I looked up.

"Yes."

She smiled, but there was something unpleasant behind it.

"I'm Chloe. Adrian's friend."

"Nice to meet you."

Her eyes briefly travelled over me.

"So you're the new girl who was sitting beside him?"

I nodded.

"Yes. The teacher assigned the seats."

She laughed softly.

"Well, I hope you understand that Adrian isn't someone you should get too comfortable around."

I exchanged a confused look with Mia.

"Sorry?"

"Just giving you friendly advice."

I forced a smile.

"Thanks. I'll keep that in mind."

Chloe turned and walked away.

I watched her leave.

"What's her problem?" I asked.

Mia sighed.

"Chloe has liked Adrian for years. She doesn't appreciate other girls getting his attention."

I almost laughed.

"Well, she has nothing to worry about. I don't want his attention."

At least, that was what I believed.

---

AFTER SCHOOL

I was standing near the school entrance, searching through my bag for my phone, when someone suddenly spoke behind me.

"Hey, Carter."

I turned.

Adrian stood a few steps away, one hand in his pocket.

"What now?"

He looked at me with an expression I couldn't quite understand.

"Stay away from Chloe."

I blinked.

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me."

I folded my arms.

"First of all, I don't know Chloe. Secondly, I have no interest in getting involved in whatever is happening between you two."

His expression hardened.

"Don't act like you know anything about me."

I stared at him.

"I don't. And honestly, I'm not interested in finding out."

He stepped aside, shaking his head.

"Good. Keep it that way."

I watched him walk towards a black car waiting near the entrance.

A girl standing nearby called his name, but he barely acknowledged her.

Just before getting into the car, he turned around.

Our eyes met briefly.

Then he disappeared inside.

I let out a frustrated breath.

Who did he think he was?

I had spent the entire day trying to avoid unnecessary drama, and somehow, I had become involved with the most complicated boy in school.

My phone vibrated.

It was a message from Mia.

MIA: Are you home yet?

ME: Not yet. I'm waiting for my ride.

MIA: Just be careful around Adrian, okay?

I frowned at the screen.

ME: Why does everyone keep telling me that?

Her reply came almost immediately.

MIA: Because there's more to him than you think.

I stared at the message.

More?

What exactly was everyone hiding?

I slipped my phone into my bag and looked towards the road.

I had promised myself three things before coming to Westbridge High.

No distractions.

No unnecessary friendships.

And absolutely no romance.

But after meeting Adrian Blackwood, I was beginning to think keeping those promises would be harder than I expected.

And the worst part?

I had a feeling he already hated me.

END OF CHAPTER TWO

ELENA'S POV

Tuesday morning.

My second day at Westbridge High, and I was already beginning to regret transferring.

I stood in front of my bedroom mirror, adjusting my school uniform.

"Please, God, let today be peaceful," I whispered.

Yesterday had been exhausting enough. Between Adrian Blackwood's attitude, Chloe's unnecessary warnings and Mia's mysterious comments, I was beginning to wonder whether everyone at Westbridge had a problem.

I grabbed my bag, said goodbye to my mother and headed downstairs.

"Elena!" Mum called from the kitchen.

"Yes, Mum?"

"Don't forget your lunch."

I returned to collect the small lunch bag she had prepared.

"Thank you, Mum."

She smiled.

"And remember, sweetheart, focus on your studies. You're there to build a future for yourself."

"I know, Mum."

I kissed her cheek before leaving.

If only she knew how determined I was to avoid distractions.

Especially one particular distraction with dark hair and an irritating smile.

---

WESTBRIDGE HIGH

"Elena!"

I turned and spotted Mia waving from near the entrance.

"Good morning!" she greeted me.

"Morning. How was your evening?"

"Fine. Yours?"

"Peaceful. Thankfully, nobody called me princess."

Mia burst into laughter.

"You're never going to let that go, are you?"

"Never."

We walked towards our classroom, discussing the assignments our teachers had given us.

Just as we reached the hallway, Mia suddenly stopped.

"Oh, I forgot something."

"What?"

"I left my notebook in my locker. Go ahead. I'll catch up."

Before I could answer, she hurried away.

I sighed and continued walking.

I was checking the timetable on my phone when someone suddenly stepped out of a classroom.

BAM!

I collided with a hard chest.

My books slipped from my arms, and my phone nearly fell.

"Oh my goodness! Can you not watch where you're going?"

"Maybe you should look up when you're walking."

I froze.

That voice.

Not again.

I slowly raised my head.

Adrian Blackwood.

Of course.

Because apparently, the universe had decided that my peace was too much to ask for.

He looked down at the books scattered across the floor.

"Seriously? Again?"

I stared at him.

"Do you have a problem with me?"

"You're the one who keeps walking into me."

"Because you suddenly appear everywhere!"

He raised an eyebrow.

"Interesting. I didn't know you were keeping track of my movements."

I opened my mouth, then closed it.

This boy was unbelievable.

I bent down to collect my books.

He picked up one of them and glanced at the name written on its cover.

"Elena Carter."

"Congratulations. You can read."

He gave me a sarcastic smile.

"Always this rude?"

"Only when necessary."

He handed the book back.

Our fingers briefly touched.

I immediately pulled my hand away.

"Thanks."

"Don't mention it."

For one second, his expression changed. It was almost as though he wanted to say something else.

But then his usual arrogant look returned.

"Try not to walk into anyone else today, Carter."

I shook my head.

"Try not to stand in everyone's way, Blackwood."

I walked away before he could respond.

Behind me, I heard someone laugh.

I didn't bother turning around.

---

MIA'S POV

When I returned from my locker, Elena was standing outside the classroom with an expression that could frighten anyone.

"What happened?"

She looked at me.

"Your favourite person."

I frowned.

"Adrian?"

"Who else?"

I laughed.

"Please tell me you didn't fight again."

"He walked into me!"

Mia raised an eyebrow.

"Or you walked into him?"

Elena gave me a warning look.

"Don't start."

I laughed harder.

"Okay, okay. I'm sorry."

We entered the classroom together.

Unfortunately, Adrian was already sitting at his desk.

Marcus, his best friend, was beside him.

The two boys were laughing about something until Adrian noticed Elena.

His smile disappeared.

Marcus followed his gaze.

"Is that the new girl?"

Adrian leaned back.

"Unfortunately."

I heard Elena mutter something under her breath.

I pretended not to notice.

This school year was going to be interesting.

---

ELENA'S POV

By the afternoon, I had managed to avoid Adrian for almost three hours.

It was a personal achievement.

Our final class was English Literature.

The teacher entered carrying a stack of books.

"Good afternoon, everyone."

"Good afternoon, ma'am."

She placed the books on her desk.

"For your next assignment, you'll be working in pairs. I want you to analyse a novel and present your findings next week."

I opened my notebook, ready to write down the instructions.

"Your partners have already been selected."

I smiled.

Perfect.

At least I wouldn't have to worry about choosing someone.

The teacher began reading the names.

"Marcus and Mia."

Mia gave me a thumbs-up.

"Chloe and Daniel."

A few more names followed.

Then-

"Elena Carter and Adrian Blackwood."

My pen slipped from my fingers.

I looked up immediately.

"What?"

The teacher glanced at me.

"Is there a problem, Elena?"

I swallowed.

"No, ma'am."

From the back of the classroom, I heard Adrian sigh.

"Seriously?"

The teacher looked at him.

"Something you'd like to share, Adrian?"

"No, ma'am."

"Excellent. Then I expect both of you to work together."

I lowered my head.

This couldn't be happening.

Of all the people in Westbridge High, why him?

When the lesson ended, I packed my books as quickly as possible.

"Hey, Carter."

I closed my eyes briefly.

"What now?"

Adrian approached my desk.

"We need to discuss the assignment."

"Fine. What about it?"

He took out his phone.

"Give me your number."

I stared at him.

"Excuse me?"

"For the assignment, obviously. Unless you expect us to communicate through telepathy."

I folded my arms.

"There's email."

He laughed.

"You're difficult."

"And you're annoying."

He shook his head.

"Fine. Give me your email address."

I wrote it on a small piece of paper and handed it to him.

"There. Happy?"

"Not particularly."

"Good. We agree on something."

He looked at me for a moment before slipping the paper into his pocket.

"Library. Tomorrow after school. Don't be late."

I picked up my bag.

"Don't tell me what to do."

He smirked.

"See you tomorrow, Carter."

I watched him walk away.

I hated how easily he could irritate me.

I hated his confidence.

I hated his sarcastic comments.

And most importantly, I hated that I was already being forced to spend more time with him.

---

ADRIAN'S POV

"You're enjoying this."

I looked at Marcus.

"Enjoying what?"

He laughed.

"Being paired with Elena."

I scoffed.

"Don't be ridiculous."

"Then why are you smiling?"

I immediately stopped.

"I wasn't smiling."

"Sure."

I picked up my bag.

"She's just irritating."

Marcus shook his head.

"Funny. You seem to have a lot to say about someone you supposedly don't care about."

I ignored him.

There were things about my life Marcus didn't understand.

And there were things I wasn't ready to explain to anyone.

Especially not a girl who had known me for barely two days.

---

ELENA'S POV

That evening, I sat at my desk trying to complete my homework.

My phone vibrated.

An email notification appeared.

I opened it.

From: Adrian Blackwood

Subject: English Assignment

Don't forget we have to meet tomorrow. Bring your ideas. I'm not doing all the work.

I stared at the screen.

Then I typed my reply.

Don't worry. I wasn't planning to let you do anything.

I pressed send.

A few seconds later, another notification appeared.

Good. For once, we agree.

I shook my head and closed the email.

I looked out of my bedroom window, wondering how one person could make my life so complicated in just two days.

I had come to Westbridge to study.

Not to argue with a boy.

Not to deal with jealous girls.

And certainly not to become interested in someone like Adrian Blackwood.

But tomorrow, I would have to sit beside him in the library.

And something told me it wouldn't be peaceful.

END OF CHAPTER THREE