Chapter 2 Shadows and Whispers

The rain had stopped by the time Jake's driver pulled into the Lawson estate. A thin mist clung to the ground, curling around the trimmed hedges and iron gates like smoke. The mansion loomed in the distance, glowing with warm light.

Most people thought the Lawson home looked like a palace. To Jake, it looked like a prison.

The car eased to a stop, and the driver hurried to open his door. Jake stepped out, tugging at the cuff of his sweater. His shoulders were stiff. His jaw was tight. His father never called him back from campus unless something important was brewing-and with William Lawson, "important" usually meant "controlling."

Inside, the familiar hall stretched long and echoing, lined with portraits of past Lawsons. Stern faces stared down at him, men in suits, women in pearls, all reminding him of the legacy he was supposed to protect. He could almost hear them whispering, Don't fail the name.

He hated those portraits.

The butler bowed slightly. "Your father is waiting in the dining room, sir."

Jake pushed open the oak door.

The dining table was set for two, candles glowing softly. His father sat at the head, posture rigid, silver hair gleaming under the chandelier. William Lawson was a man carved out of iron-cold eyes, a sharp jaw, everything about him honed for business.

"Jake," he said smoothly. "You're late."

Jake dropped into the chair across from him. "Traffic," he muttered.

William's lips curved faintly. "Excuses. Sit. Eat."

Jake stabbed at the roasted chicken on his plate but didn't bring it to his mouth. "You didn't drag me here to share a nice family dinner. What do you want?"

His father set down his fork carefully. "Always so direct. Fine. Let's not waste time."

Jake leaned back, crossing his arms.

William's gaze was calm but heavy. "You're my son. My only heir. And you've done nothing but waste your potential. Skipping classes. Drinking. Women. Do you even realize what people whisper about you?"

Jake smirked faintly. "I don't care what people say."

"You should," William snapped, his tone sharpening for the first time.

"Because one day, you'll inherit Lawson Industries, and I won't have you dragging this family's name through the mud."

Jake's jaw clenched. "Maybe I don't want Lawson Industries."

"Too bad," his father replied, voice cold. "You don't get to choose. Duty comes before desire."

Jake laughed bitterly. "Spoken like a man who's never wanted anything in his life."

William's eyes narrowed, but instead of striking back, he spoke slowly. "I've spoken with Richard Halston. You remember him?"

Jake frowned. "Barely. Shipping magnate, right?"

"Correct. His daughter, Claire, has just returned from Europe. Educated, polished, refined. A woman of class. She will make an excellent match for you."

Jake's fork froze in mid-air. "Excuse me?"

William sipped his wine calmly. "You'll meet her next month. I'm arranging a dinner. Lawson and Halston-two empires combined. It's the perfect match."

Jake set his fork down with a clatter. "So that's what this is about? You're picking my wife now?"

His father didn't flinch. "I'm securing your future. This is how powerful families operate. Alliances. Strategy. Marriage is a business, Jake. Love is a luxury you can't afford."

Jake stood abruptly, his chair scraping the floor. "I'm not your pawn."

William's calm expression didn't crack. "You'll do what's required. Whether you like it or not."

Jake stormed out, his father's final words echoing after him.

"Power is worth more than love. Remember that."

Meanwhile, across the city, Sharon was curled up on her dorm bed, hugging a pillow. Tessa sprawled beside her, munching gummy bears and scrolling her phone.

"So," Tessa said, half-grinning, "you mean to tell me you actually scolded Jake Lawson in the library? Like a teacher catching a kid chewing gum?"

Sharon groaned into her pillow. "Don't remind me."

"Oh, I am reminding you." Tessa nudged her. "The look on his face must have been priceless. He's probably never heard 'no' in his life."

Sharon peeked at her, cheeks burning. "He probably thinks I'm rude."

"Or," Tessa said slowly, "he thinks you're interesting."

"I don't want to be interesting to him." Sharon shook her head. "Rich boys don't look at girls like me. And even if they did, it wouldn't end well."

Tessa chewed another gummy bear, thoughtful now. "You know, sometimes I envy you."

Sharon blinked. "Envy me? For what? I can barely afford books."

"My life's... comfortable," Tessa admitted. "Nice house, stable family, everything steady. But it comes with pressure. Expectations. Be perfect. Don't make mistakes. Don't chase the wrong guy. My parents already have my future mapped out." She sighed.

"So when I warn you about Lawson, it's not because I don't want you to live. It's because I know what it feels like to be trapped by other people's plans."

Sharon studied her friend in surprise. Tessa rarely opened up like that.

"I'm not planning anything with him," Sharon said softly.

"Good," Tessa replied, though her eyes said she wasn't convinced.

The next morning, Sharon carried her books across campus. She tried to ignore the curious looks, the way conversations dropped when she walked past.

When she and Jake had crossed paths yesterday, people had stared. Dozens of eyes on them, hushed voices following them down the corridor. No one said anything out loud-but Sharon had felt their judgment like a weight pressing on her chest.

And now, walking alone, the whispers finally came.

Near the library steps, two girls stood huddled together. They didn't lower their voices this time.

"Did you see her? Talking to Lawson like they're friends."

"Friends? Please. No one gets close to him unless he wants something. She has no idea what she's walking into."

A guy leaning against the railing chuckled. "His family chews people up and spits them out. Remember his uncle? Gone. Just disappeared. You think that's coincidence?"

The girls laughed, soft but cruel.

"Poor thing doesn't even know what she's getting into."

Sharon's chest tightened. She ducked her head, walking faster, pretending she hadn't heard. But their voices followed her like smoke.

She hated how much it got under her skin.

Later that day, she almost collided with Jake again in the courtyard.

He was leaning against the railing, arms crossed, as if waiting for her. His gray sweater looked effortlessly expensive, his presence commanding attention. Students passing by slowed their steps, their eyes flicking toward him-and then toward her.

Sharon froze.

Jake's lips curved faintly. "You again."

Her voice came out sharper than she meant. "The campus isn't yours, Lawson. Anyone can walk here."

"True," he said easily, straighten

Sharon lifted her chin. "Maybe you should stop standing in the way."

A low laugh escaped him, unexpected and warm. "You really don't care who I am, do you?"

"I know enough," she replied. "And that's all I need."

He tilted his head, studying her. "Most people avoid me. You don't."

"Maybe I should start." She tried to walk past him, but he fell into step beside her.

Students stared as they walked together. No one said anything, but Sharon felt the weight of it-like she was under a spotlight she hadn't asked for.

She gritted her teeth. "Why are you following me?"

"Because I want to." His voice was smooth, but underneath, there was something firm. "Because you're not like the rest."

"Well, I don't care what you want."

"Too bad."

Sharon stopped, turning on him. "Listen, Lawson. You don't know me. I don't know you. And that's fine. Let's keep it that way."

His smile faded for a fraction of a second. Then it returned, slower this time, more dangerous. "You're brave. Or foolish. Not sure which yet."

Sharon's heart thudded, but she forced herself not to look away. "I'm honest."

"Same thing," Jake murmured.

They stood in silence for a moment, the stares of passing students burning into Sharon's skin. Then Jake's smirk deepened.

"Tomorrow," he said softly, his voice like velvet but edged with steel. "The library. Sit with me."

Sharon froze. She didn't turn, didn't answer-but her grip on her books tightened.

Jake's gaze lingered on her, certain and unshakable. "You will."

And though Sharon walked away without looking back, her pulse wouldn't calm. His words echoed in her ears.

It hadn't sounded like an invitation.

It had sounded like a promise.