Chapter 1
"Mr. Johnson! Alice Bailey and Clara Smith got into a fight!" A student burst into the office, yelling at Oliver.
Hearing those two familiar names, Oliver's face twisted in frustration.
"Ugh, Alice again? That girl’s always stirring up trouble. What a pain!"
Oliver stomped down the hallway, fuming.
The hallway was packed with students, and there was Alice, holding a stick in one hand and pinning Clara against the wall with the other, demanding Clara admit she was wrong.
Seeing this, Oliver yelled, "Alice, let her go right now!"
He rushed over, pulling Alice and Clara apart, glaring at Alice. "Fighting at school? You went too far!"
Without even asking what happened, Oliver started lecturing Alice, totally ignoring the red slap mark on her face and her messy hair, yanked by Clara.
Clara, seeing her chance, put on a pitiful face and started crying. "Mr. Johnson, thank goodness you're here."
Alice just looked down, her eyes blank, like she hadn’t just been in a fight.
Oliver comforted Clara, "Clara, don’t worry. I’ll take care of this!"
He barked, "Alice, to the office, now!"
Alice didn’t say a word. She glanced around, then silently followed Oliver, while Clara smirked, her eyes full of triumph.
In the Ivywood University office, Oliver sat fuming in his chair, staring at Alice who stood against the wall. After a sip of tea, he started nagging again, "Alice, how many times have you been in here? School just started, and you’re already a regular!"
Alice pressed her lips together, staying silent, not reacting to Oliver’s questions.
Getting more frustrated, Oliver suddenly remembered something and a smile crept onto his face. He turned to Clara, who was sitting in a chair, and asked, "Clara, are you hurt bad? Need to go to the medical room?"
Clara was holding a mirror, looking at the scratches on her face from Alice pinning her against the wall.
Clara’s face was scratched up, while Alice, aside from looking a bit messy, was fine!
Clara clenched her fists, glaring at Alice before saying, "No need. I’ll tell cousin, David everything. Today’s injuries are all Alice’s fault, nothing to do with the school!"
Oliver nodded quickly, relieved.
Clara stood up and walked towards Alice, while Oliver pretended not to notice.
Clara sneered, "Alice, what makes you so proud?"
Clara's face twisted with jealousy. "So what if you aced the entrance exams? You're still just an illegitimate brat!"
Even though Alice was an unknown illegitimate child, she got to move into David's house because her grandpa, Lucas Bailey, doted on her.
David was the golden boy, and this chick didn’t deserve to breathe the same air as him!
Clara remembered the scene she saw when she visited David during the summer and wished she could rip Alice’s face off!
Clara spat, "Bitch!"
Alice looked up at Clara, her face blank, but her eyes, cold and empty, sent chills down Clara's spine.
"Say that again." Alice's voice was calm, but it made Clara shudder.
It was a deep-seated fear of Alice.
Clara didn’t know why Alice scared her so much. She stammered, "A-Alice, what are you gonna do?"
Alice didn’t respond but turned to look out the window. Someone was coming.
Clara muttered "monster" under her breath, but then, as if thinking of something, she clawed at her arm, drawing blood, her eyes showing a hint of malice.
The office door opened, and a guy in a black trench coat stood at the entrance. His hair barely covered his eyebrows, and his handsome features could make any girl swoon. His cold demeanor added a layer of mystery to him.
"David!" Clara's eyes lit up at the sight of David.
Oliver quickly stood up, smiling like a welcome mat.
"Mr. Tudor, sorry to bother you, but this situation is pretty serious, so we had to call you..." Oliver explained what had happened, putting all the blame on Alice and making Clara out to be the innocent victim.
David said nothing, walked straight to Alice, and looked into the defiant girl's eyes. He seemed to sigh almost imperceptibly.
Clara walked to David's side, biting her lip and tearing up. "David, you have no idea how outrageous Alice is. The school just started, and she fought around, damaging public property, and now she's using violence against classmates. I couldn't stand it today and tried to stop her, but she hit me instead. Look!"
Clara extended her arm, "She scratched my arm like this!"
Oliver seized the moment, "Mr. Tudor, rest assured. We won't let this slide. Whether it's a suspension or expulsion, which do you think is better..."
From the moment he entered, David hadn't said a word.
But hearing Oliver's last sentence, he looked up, and Oliver, who had been chattering non-stop, instantly fell silent at David's gaze.
A cold shiver ran down Oliver's spine, but a bizarre thought crossed his mind, 'Why did Alice's gaze resemble David's so much?'
The room fell quiet. David looked at Alice and said in a cold voice, "Come here."
Seeing David's reaction, Clara couldn't help but feel excited. It was clear that David was angry! Alice was done for!
Alice, who had been hanging her head, didn't react. David's voice softened a bit, but his words stayed icy. "Don't make me say it again."
Alice stiffened and slowly walked over to David, keeping some distance.
"Look up," David ordered.
Alice bit her lip, a flash of impatience in her eyes, and looked up.
The glaring slap mark on her cheek immediately caught David's eye.
David's eyes turned cold as he demanded, "Who hit you?"
Alice glanced at Clara and pointed at her without hesitation.
Clara panicked, fearing her true self would be exposed before David, and quickly explained, "David, it was an accident! She hit me, and I accidentally slapped her while struggling. I didn't mean to!"
David demanded, "Apologize."
Clara was stunned for a moment, then gave Alice a smug smile.
Everyone was waiting for Alice to apologize, but to their surprise, David suddenly said, "Clara, apologize."
Everyone was shocked.
Clara's eyes widened in disbelief. "David, what are you saying? She bullied me, and my arm is scratched by her. You want me to apologize to her?"
David questioned, "Didn't you slap her face?"
Clara was at a loss for words, biting her lip in reluctance.
Oliver, fearing he hadn't made himself clear and that David had misunderstood, was about to speak when David glanced at Clara. Clara shivered, clutching her skirt tightly, and reluctantly said, "I'm sorry."
David looked at Alice, who ignored him. He coughed lightly, his eyes showing a mix of helplessness and a hint of indulgence.
Alice also said reluctantly, "Well, I'm sorry too."
David turned to Oliver, who was about to speak, but David said, "If my kid hits someone again, call me, her guardian. I'll handle it personally, so you don't have to trouble yourself, Mr. Johnson."
"Yes," Oliver said, frightened, and waved his hand quickly, "I didn't consider it thoroughly."
"If there's nothing else, I'll take her home for some education," David said expressionlessly.
Oliver glanced at Clara and quickly said, "Alright, no problem."
"Wait," Alice suddenly spoke up.
Oliver looked at Alice in a panic, fearing she would reveal how he had made things difficult for her.
David turned to look at her.
Alice extended her hand and said, "Five hundred dollars."
David raised an eyebrow, amused. "What for?"
Alice replied, "Vandalism, compensation of five hundred dollars."
Alice's eyes were fixed on David, as if she wouldn't leave without the money.
"You..."
With David present, Oliver didn't dare get angry at Alice, "Clara didn't damage any property. Why should Mr. Tudor pay? You should be the one paying."
As he spoke, David had already taken out his wallet and handed five hundred dollars to Alice.
Alice turned and slapped the money on Oliver's desk.
Oliver was startled, but Alice grinned, her face showing a mischievous delight.
Oliver was confused, not yet understanding.
"Mr. Johnson, you're getting old and might not understand." Alice pointed to David and then to herself, "He is my guardian."
Oliver was dumbfounded, and Clara's eyes widened in shock. She blurted out, "Impossible!"
David had no intention of explaining to anyone. He patted Alice's head indulgently, his face expressionless, but the slight curve of his lips showed that he was in a good mood. He asked, "Do you need any more compensation?"
With the five hundred dollars in hand, Oliver didn't want to ask for more, even if there was. He quickly shook his head, "No, no more."
David nodded slightly at Oliver and led Alice out of the office.
Even after they left, Clara couldn't react.
Clara wondered, 'David was Alice's guardian?'
Alice's parents weren't dead, and her grandfather was still alive. How could David be her guardian?
After leaving the office, perhaps realizing she had gone too far this time, Alice kept her head down, following David closely without saying a word or defending herself.
David suddenly stopped, and Alice bumped into his back, her nose hurting. She rubbed her nose.
Seeing her comical expression, David suppressed a laugh and said to Alice, "Alice, you're getting bolder, daring to fight at school!"
"It wasn't a fight. She couldn't even hit me," Alice muttered softly.
Seeing she slightly lowered her head in front of him, David laughed in exasperation, "You think you're justified?"
"Then you should ask Clara why she called me an illegitimate child..."
Alice looked at David defiantly, her nose red from the bump, and forced back the inevitable tears, her eyes red. She turned her head and said softly, "She deserved it."
Seeing Alice was defiant but pitiful, David sighed, unable to scold her.
David thought, 'Being a guardian is tough!'
He ruffled Alice's hair, "Don't do it again. Let's go home!"
Alice said nothing and followed, trailing David like a little tail.
People might think Alice was tender like a rabbit because of her pliant exterior, but one would realize that she was more like a wild cat, hard to be tamed. She would cause trouble if you didn't pay attention to her.
On the way, many people were discussing Alice, curious about the man walking in front of her. They spoke softly in curiosity.
"That's Alice... the fierce freshman. There's nothing she wouldn't do. Didn't someone on the campus forum say she cornered a classmate in the girls' bathroom and demanded money?"
"Wow, that's disgusting! She looks pretty, but I didn't expect her to be like that! Who's the man walking in front of her?"
"I know, I know! He's David from the prestigious Tudor family in Aurora City! But how could such an outstanding man be with Alice?"
Alice caught some murmurs floating around. She glanced up at the tall, confident figure striding ahead and couldn't help but wonder how a guy like David ended up as her fiancé.
David, catching bits of the chatter, just grinned, clearly in a good mood.
He thought, 'This wildcat acts all sweet and innocent in front of me, but the second I'm not looking, she shows her claws.'
But David didn't hold it against Alice for her school antics.
Alice wasn't one to start fights. If she was throwing punches, someone definitely deserved it.
David totally trusted Alice's character and was glad she could handle herself, which meant less stress for him.
On the ride back, Alice stared out the window, lost in the passing scenery.
The soft evening light bathed Alice's profile. David didn't say a word, just quietly watched her.
Feeling his gaze, Alice got a bit flustered. She shot him a glare, then turned back to the window, determined to ignore him.
David found her little act amusing. He covered his mouth with his fist, trying not to laugh.
A few minutes later, the car pulled into the garage of a two-story villa.
Alice followed David inside.
David said, "Go chill on the couch for a bit."
Acting all boss-like, David glanced at Alice while unbuttoning his shirt and heading upstairs.
Alice pressed her lips together but obediently plopped down on the couch, waiting for David to come back.
After a while, David came down, now in casual clothes and carrying a medical kit.
Looking more relaxed, David seemed a lot younger.
Seeing him, Alice felt a weird flutter in her chest.
She pouted and muttered, "Trying to look young, huh?"
Alice was 19, and David was 26—a seven-year gap. Officially, he was her guardian, but really, they were engaged.
David treated Alice more like a rebellious niece than a fiancée. He was kind and patient, only showing his stern side occasionally.
Alice sneaked a glance at David. After months together, she had a good read on him. Judging by his current look, he didn't seem too mad.
David, sensing her gaze, had also figured out that she felt relieved, thinking he wasn't angry.
Seeing her injuries, David took a deep breath. If he kept letting Alice off the hook, she'd eventually get into serious trouble.
Though David could handle any mess Alice made, he didn't want her getting hurt.
So, David put on an angry face and huffed, "Arm."
Hearing his annoyed tone, Alice didn't dare act up. She obediently rolled up her sleeve, revealing her arm.
A large purple bruise marred her slender arm.
David's brow furrowed, and his face darkened.
"What happened this time?" he asked, dabbing iodine on her bruise with a cotton swab.
Alice winced but kept her pride intact. "Clara's your cousin, and I'm just an outsider... Ouch!"
David shot her a displeased look. "Nonsense! You're my fiancée, not some outsider!"
He pressed a bit harder to show his frustration but then gently cradled her wrist, blowing softly on the bruise.
"Do you think I'm so unreasonable that I'd cover for Clara?" he asked.
Alice pouted. "Who knows..."
David tucked her hair behind her ear and said softly, "I can judge for myself. Just tell me the truth."
Alice licked her lips, her cheek still swollen, but her expression calm, like she wasn't even hurt. From the fight with Clara until now, she hadn't shed a single tear.
What a stubborn girl!
David sighed, got up, and went to the kitchen. He grabbed an ice pack from the fridge and wrapped it in a towel.
He patted his lap, signaling Alice to lie down.
Alice twitched her mouth but obediently climbed onto the couch, resting her head on David's lap, her hair falling to reveal the red, swollen handprint.
"Clara said Lucas might as well die sooner rather than be angered to death by me," Alice said.
Recalling Clara's vicious words, Alice clenched her fists. Even if she got expelled, she wouldn't apologize to Clara!
But she didn't dare to gamble on whether David would believe her.
She looked directly at David. "Do you believe me?"
David leaned back on the couch, his broad hand stroking her hair. "I believe you're not impulsive, but you're almost 20. You can't keep using violence to solve problems. What if I can't come to school next time?"
Alice pouted. "For someone like Clara, you have to use your fists! The worst that could happen is getting expelled."
David frowned, wanting to say more, but Alice cut him off. "And I'm not 20 until next month."
She grabbed the ice pack and applied it herself, ignoring David's expression.
When she first moved in with David, she was a bit scared. But later, knowing David didn't seem to like her, she boldly started doing many willful things.
She wanted David to get fed up with her and break off their engagement.
She was an illegitimate daughter of the Bailey family, but she wasn't a tool for a marriage alliance.
When she first learned about the engagement with David, she resisted. But in the Bailey family, she had no say, and Lucas also persuaded her to come to David.
After all, living with David was better than being bullied in the Bailey family.
But Alice didn't want to be David's doll. She was determined to break off the engagement and had been acting out for some time.
But David's patience was off the charts. No matter the mess she made, he always cleaned it up and brought her home for a lecture.
Of course, it was always just words; he never laid a hand on her.
Alice felt frustrated, like David was treating her like a kid.
David's stern look softened when he heard Alice's words. He chuckled, "Are you hinting that I should get you a gift?"
She found that David often had these weird fantasies about her. Despite their seven-year age gap, sometimes it felt like there was a 70-year gap between them.
"No," she shook her head. "On my birthday, I want to spend it with grandpa at the nursing home."
David thought for a moment and agreed, considering it was her birthday.
"I'll handle the school situation. No more fights, okay? Or Mr. Bailey would be upset," he said, ruffling her fluffy hair.
As for Clara, who got beaten up, David thought she brought it on herself.
If Clara hadn't mentioned Lucas, this wouldn't have happened. She led to this outcome because she dared to say whatever she wanted.
Character was one thing, but family education was another.
David didn't want to make a big deal out of it at school, so he privately contacted Clara's father to discipline her.
"What if I told you I didn't do those things?" Alice suddenly said. "The fighting, the bullying, or extorting classmates, none of it was me. Someone's trying to make me look bad. Would you believe me?"
At first, she didn't get how these rumors started. But over time, she figured it out.
Once her bad rep was established, people would link her name with "bullying" and "fighting." If these rumors reached Lucas, it would worsen his condition. If the Tudor family found out, they might consider breaking off the engagement to save face.
David looked deeply at Alice and replied, "I don't believe it."
Alice took a deep breath. She couldn't accept his words, but she pretended not to care, shrugging her shoulders.
"Believe what you want," she said.
David turned her shoulders to face him, looking seriously into her eyes.
"Bullying and extorting classmates are definitely not things you would do," he said.
Looking into David's deep eyes, Alice's angry expression softened a bit after hearing this.
Before she could feel touched, David smiled and said, "I can afford to take care of you; you don't need to extort classmates."