“You don't belong here, pest,” Alessandro spits, his grip on my hand tightening. I bit my bottom lip, trying not to wince. Trying to suppress the pain shooting up my arm and spreading to the rest of my body. Tears prickled my eyes, but I'll rather eat mud than let them fall. “You're a poor, stinky menace! And I will make life a living hell for you, so long as you still show your face around!” — When eighteen-year-old Cora Williams saves spoilt, rich, arrogant, and bratty Alessandro Beckham's life, she doesn't count on getting rewarded for her heroics. To show his gratitude to her for saving his son's life, Alessandro's father enrolls her in the notorious Royal Elite Academy, the top high school in the country, exclusive to the wealthy and snobby kids of the elite. Although Cora is sad to let go of her old life, and friends, she's coerced by her parents to accept the offer. She knows the rich and the poor don't mix, and intends to lay low until she scales through senior year. But Alessandro Beckham is the king of Royal Elite Academy, and he's made it his personal mission to make her life a living hell for reasons best known to him. Cora has never been a pushover. And she won't start now. She wouldn't let Alessandro belittle her whichever way he pleases. She would fight. But fighting Alessandro might cost her something. Her heart.
Lihat lebih banyakCora
This isn’t a house. It’s a palace.
As I weave through the plethora of guests, balancing a tray on my palm and offering hors d’oeuvres I can’t even pronounce, my gaze roams around the ballroom. My mouth practically reaches the floor, my brain trying to comprehend that people actually live this way.
Chandeliers are suspended from the ceiling, their crystals sparkling across the walls and bouncing off the expensive jewelry on the guests. The marble floor is so polished I can practically see my reflection. The tables are set with crisp white, elegant tablecloths, the dishes and utensils glittering, and the guests are dressed in their finest.
We’ve catered to the wealthy before, but this is a whole other ball game.
And the guest of honor? None other than sixteen-year-old Alessandro Beckham, the sole heir to the Beckham Empire. His dad is Asher Beckham, the richest man alive. He owns practically the whole world, no joke. From hotel chains to tech companies, sports teams, international enterprises, you name it.
It seems he couldn’t make it to his only son’s birthday party, hence the new entertainment system at the corner of the room, still wrapped in its blue bow.
Alessandro Beckham is at the center of the ballroom, chatting to a man three times his age. His hands are stuffed into his expensive black slacks, his head twisted to the side like he’d rather run himself over ten times than listen to the older man. His russet-colored hair falls over his face in the perfect bad boy fashion.
“Cora,” a voice hisses from behind me. When I turn around, I spot Andy, my boss and owner of Loew’s Catering, tilting his head toward Alessandro. “Offer him some food. You’re here to work, not ogle the main attraction.”
Trying not to roll my eyes, I salute before making my way over to Alessandro and the older man. I hold out the tray, plastering on a smile equal to the value of this palace.
Alessandro hardly looks my way, choosing to focus on the man standing before him as though he’s the most important person in the world. It’s almost like I’m not worthy enough to be acknowledged, like I’m the scum beneath his expensive shoes. All because I’m part of the working class.
“Something to eat?” I say, sliding the tray a bit closer to him and widening my million-watt smile. Flicking his hair from his face, the guy still doesn’t look my way. I might as well be wallpaper, except my plain pale yellow server uniform would totally ruin the elegant design.
I shift the tray toward the older man. “Sir?”
He offers me a thankful smile, says, “Oh, no thank you, dear,” before turning back to Alessandro, who’s now wearing an irritated expression on his face.
“What your father and I discussed…” the older man continues.
His words fly over my head, my focus on the rich guy standing only inches from me. I’ve never really gotten a good look at him, since my nose isn’t buried in the magazines kids at school obsess over. But damn, he’s hot. A thousand degrees. Seriously, you can probably boil an egg on his face—and get some yummy flavor, too. The guy’s got it all: looks, money, and a shit-tone of charisma. It oozes out of him just by standing there and rolling his eyes at the older man. And his tall body dressed in that pressed black suit and slacks only add points in his favor.
Why are rich people always good-looking? So unfair.
Alessandro’s head suddenly snaps to mine. “Is there a reason you’re still here?”
I catch my boss Andy eye-signaling me to get my ass away from there. As a server, my job is to serve. Not to stare at the heir to the Beckham Empire.
Tossing Alessandro and the older man another million-watt smile, I scurry away, careful not to lose hold of the tray, which, by the way, is still full of hors d’oeuvres.
“What was that?” Andy hisses, catching the tray before it splatters to the floor. His eyes flick behind me, and when I spin around I catch Alessandro’s striking blue eyes on mine. For a second only. I bet he thought I’d trip and fall, providing entertainment for this bummer of a party. Sure the people are eating and dancing, but no one really seems to want to be here.
“Nothing.” I shrug. “I’m here to work.”
“You bet you are. Get back out there.”
I do my rounds, steering clear of the guy of the hour and exchanging smiles with the other servers, whom haven’t either worked in such a setting. Some of the guests are thankful for the food so they don’t have to stand there bored out of their minds. A part of me feels a little sorry for the guy. Are all his birthday parties like this? Where are his friends?
After an hour, a man with graying hair who looks like he’s in his mid-forties raises a glass. “I’d like to make a toast.”
Finally, I get a break. But Andy keeps me busy preparing more hors d’oeuvres, so I only catch bits and pieces of the toast, and then his speech. From what I gather, the man works for Asher Beckham and is speaking on his behalf. Craning my neck, I manage a glimpse at Alessandro, who stands straight with his hands to his sides, not a crease in his suit, his russet hair still falling over his eyes in that perfect bad-boy manner, looking ever so composed. That’s got to be an act. What kid isn’t hurt by his father’s absence on his own birthday?
“Cora!” Andy scolds.
I snap back in and gather the newly-loaded tray. The man is still droning on about Alessandro’s accomplishments as I strut back into the ballroom. I steal another glance at him—no emotion in his eyes. He might as well be watching a mouse chasing a piece of cheese. No, even that would be more interesting than that dry speech.
Most of the guests aren’t interested in more food, and my feet are on fire from all this parading around. The trays of the other servers are full, too. I’m about to return to the kitchen and tell Andy not to bother preparing any more food, when I catch sight of a man dressed in black from head to toe standing at the far left of the massive ballroom. I don’t know why he caught my attention, maybe because of the way he’s lurking in the shadows all alone or the way he’s stealthily reaching into his pocket and producing a—
Holy shit. A gun.
And it’s pointed directly at Alessandro Beckham.
I push through the throngs of people. “Look out!” Launching myself at Alessandro, I shove him and myself to the ground as the gunshot echoes in my ears. I hit the floor with such a blow that the wind gets knocked out of me. The left side of my body throbs.
Guests gasp, yell, and flee. It’s total chaos. Amidst people nearly trampling me to death, I catch four men tackling the shooter to the floor. The bullet is lodged in the wall behind us.
Alessandro shifts from underneath me. My eyes snap to him, finding his mesmerizing blue ones locked on mine. I finally see an emotion peeking out from his hard eyes: fear.
The shooter yells over the panicked crowd as the four security guards drag him away. I can’t make out the words, but it’s definitely a threat. Staff members usher the guests out of the house. Andy and my coworkers escape, not giving me a second glance.
The party has officially ended.
“Mr. Beckham.” A hand extends toward Alessandro. “Are you all right?” It’s the guy who made the speech, eyes bulging with worry. A handful of security guards surround us.
I look at the young master crushed beneath me. The fear is still there, though it’s nearly masked now.
“Sir?”
Alessandro blinks, the fear completely vanishing from his eyes. He shoves me aside and stands, slapping the dirt off his pants.
“Get her out of here.”
“Sir?”
“Get her out of here.”
Gray Hair gives me an apologetic look as he holds out his arm. “Miss, may I escort you out?”
I let him lead me out of the room, but not before catching one more look at Alessandro. His hard gaze is dead-set on mine.
CoraFour years laterAlessandro, Ethan, Colt and I stare at the mansion that sits before us, our jaws practically hitting the ground.Colt whistles. "That's a little bigger than our last house."I throw him an incredulous look. "Major understatement of the year. This isn't a mansion—it's a palace."He throws an arm around me and grins. "A palace fit for the most beautiful queen in the world. Our queen." He brushes his lips across my cheek.I playfully swat him away. "You know I don't like when you guys call me your queen.""Too bad. Because you are our queen. Just get used to it, Cora. The guys and I want to spoil you rotten. You gotta learn to accept it."I smile and shake my head. "Never."Ethan slides his hand into mine. "Ready to see our new home?""I'm more than ready."The four of us march up the stairs, where staff members scurry around to help us with our bags and welcome us in. I'm still trying to get used to the whole staff thing. The guys insisted we have them at our old h
CoraBeckham watches his son for a very long time, the fury seeming to grow even more intense. Then he finally sits forward, placing his palms on his desk. "What a little boy you are," he hisses. "You think you're in a damn romance movie? This is real life, Alessandro. In real life, you don't get to live in fantasy worlds. You don't get to decide what happens. You do what it takes to jump over everyone else, or else they will be the ones on top and they will step on you. So stop with this childhood nonsense. You'll marry a girl whom I see fit, someone who will help you advance in your life and career."Alessandro folds his arms over his chest, his fury a match for his father's. "Someone like Heather Mclauren?""Yes. Heather Mclauren is the perfect match for you.""Match," Colt mutters under his breath. "Who the hell gets matched up these days?"Alessandro lowers his hands on the desk, leaning close to stare his dad down. "You sent her after me, didn't you?""Of course I did! Someone h
CoraThe limo stops before the Beckham Mansion. I stare up at it from the window, once again marveling at how stunning it is. I can't believe just four months ago, I came here for the first time working at Alessandro's party. I remember that day as though it happened yesterday: how there were so many people, but Alessandro was still alone. How I saved his life, which led me down the path that would become my dream future. It's funny how one small act can change your life forever."Cora?"Ethan is holding out his hand for me. Colt and Alessandro have already climbed out of the car, Alessandro looking a little anxious. He's not trying to hide his emotions anymore—none of the guys are. The three handsome young men who stand before me are the true souls I have come to love with every fiber of my being.I accept Ethan's hand and let him help me out of the car. Colt puts his hand on my shoulder while Alessandro slides his hand into mine and gives it a reassuring squeeze. "Whatever happens,
CoraEthan's just as happy to see me at his door as Alessandro was. There's a change in his face, and as I make my way inside, I try to figure out what it is. He seems...happier, maybe? No, it's more than that. It's like—"What?" he asks with a laugh as he sits down at his desk and motions for me to come over."Sorry, was I staring?" I head over to him, where he pulls me onto his lap, my back pressed tightly to his chest, and his arms wrapped around my stomach. "I don't mean to. There's just something different about you.""There is?"I stretch my neck to scrutinize his mesmerizing emerald eyes. "You look alive.""Alive?" A soft chuckle reverberates through his chest. "Yeah, I think I'm breathing.""You're laughing, Ethan. A real one. I can't remember the last time I saw you like this."He tucks some hair behind my ear. "I'm happy, Cora. I think for the first time since my family died, I feel genuinely happy. It's like up until today, I was just trudging through life, going through th
CoraAlessandro's eyes fill with surprise when he opens the door. "Cora, hi.""Hi. Can I come in?""Sure." He widens the door.His desk is cluttered with papers—business documents. "Am I bothering you?""You never bother me," he says with a smile, but it doesn't quite reach his eyes.I take his hand and lead him to the bed, where we sit side by side. "Sandro, what's going on?""What?""I know something's bothering you. And I have a feeling it's not the three boyfriends thing."His cheeks puff up. "You know me really well, don't you?" He shakes his head. "It doesn't matter. I'm okay.""If we're going to be together, you need to be open and honest with me. You don't have to worry about protecting me. I want to be here for you. I want you to pour your heart out to me. I want to feel as close to you as I can.""I want that, too." He caresses my cheek, gazing at me with raw emotions. "I want that really badly."I press my lips to his palm. "Tell me what's going on."He turns away from me,
CoraThe four of us are quiet.Colt looks at Alessandro. "I'm sorry for being selfish. I guess I was a little jealous of how close you and Cora were getting. I've wanted something like that for a really long time. It was never my intention to steal her from you or anything. I want you to be happy, Sandro, really I do. But the more time I spent with you, Cora, the more I liked you. I didn't ask you to come to New York City for some romantic getaway. I wanted to escape my life for a few days, and I knew you would be the one to make me feel better. But it was never my intention to kiss you. It kind of just happened. I'm sorry for being so selfish, Sandro."Alessandro's quiet for a few seconds before shaking his head. "I'm the selfish one. A part of me suspected you and Ethan might like Cora, too. But I wanted her all to myself. We should have talked about it.""Like we're doing now?" Colt says with a wry smile. Then he faces me. "All I want is for the two of you to be happy. So if you an
CoraAnother week passes with Alessandro and Colt not speaking."That's it," I mutter Saturday morning. "It's time I take matters into my own hands."I'm sick of feeling confused and guilty. I'm sick of seeing three former best friends hardly saying a thing to each other.I send Ethan and Colt a text, telling them to meet me in the bowling alley in half an hour. Then I head over to Alessandro's room. I could send him a text, too, but I know he won't meet up with us. It's harder to refuse someone when they stand right in your face. Well, that's what I'm counting on, anyway.I knock a few times on his door, hoping he didn't go away for the weekend. A few seconds later, footsteps approach."Who is it?" his voice calls."Cora."I hold my breath. There's a good chance he'll ignore me.The air slowly leaves my mouth when I hear him turn the handle. He stands before me with an unreadable expression on his face. I look at him closely, making out the hint of emotion hiding behind his blank mas
CoraI try texting Ethan the rest of the night. He answers a few, usually one worded answers, assuring me he's okay, but that's about it. Colt and I text, too, talking about the silliest things in the world. I guess neither of us wants to broach the kiss, Alessandro, or even Ethan.Alessandro doesn't answer any of my texts. It's been a week already. Is he ever going to forgive me? Or at least talk to me?Somehow, I fall asleep. I wake up the next morning way too early, and the first thing to enter my mind is Ethan. I reach for my phone and send him a text.Me: Are you feeling better?He responds almost immediately.Ethan: A little.Me: I hate that you were alone yesterday.Ethan: I wouldn't have been the best company.Me: I don't care about that. I just didn't want you to feel so alone.He's quiet for a bit before he responds.Ethan: I am alone. The only one left in my family.That causes tears to prick my eyes.Me: Can I take you out today? I want to take your mind off things.Ethan:
CoraColt's talking to me, which is such a relief. Though he doesn't mention anything about New York or what happened right after. He, Ethan and I sit together during lunch, but Alessandro is nowhere to be found. I don't think he even eats lunch. And I can't voice my concerns with the guys because I don't want to cause any more drama.The fact that Alessandro and Colt are still not talking to each other is like a stab in the heart. I never meant to ruin their friendship. I don't think Alessandro talks to Ethan, either. He must feel so lonely.Friday morning, I'm woken up by a text from Alessandro. I'm so shocked and thrilled that I drop my phone. After quickly sweeping it off the floor, I read the text.Alessandro: Hard day for Ethan. You should make sure he's okay.My fingers fly across my phone screen.Me: What do you mean? Why is it a hard day?He looks at the text right away, but he doesn't respond.Me: Alessandro, why is today hard for Ethan?Finally, he responds.Alessandro: His
Welcome to GoodNovel world of fiction. If you like this novel, or you are an idealist hoping to explore a perfect world, and also want to become an original novel author online to increase income, you can join our family to read or create various types of books, such as romance novel, epic reading, werewolf novel, fantasy novel, history novel and so on. If you are a reader, high quality novels can be selected here. If you are an author, you can obtain more inspiration from others to create more brilliant works, what's more, your works on our platform will catch more attention and win more admiration from readers.
Komen