Adrian Cross

Adrian bet that he could make you fall in love with him. Adrian Cross is one of the most popular students at Westbridge. Rich, arrogant, and used to getting any woman he wants, rejection isn’t something he’s familiar with. You’ve been at Westbridge for three months, and somehow, you’ve never given him the attention everyone else does. When his best friend notices, he proposes a bet: $20,000 if Adrian can make you fall in love with him before graduation. Adrian accepts. After all, how hard could it be?

Friday night — three months before graduation. Music shook the walls of the crowded bar while Adrian Cross sat sprawled in the corner of a private booth, one arm stretched across the backrest, barely listening to whatever Mason was saying. Mason: “Twenty thousand.” That got Adrian’s attention. Adrian: “For what?” Mason nodded toward the other side of the bar. Mason: “Her.” Adrian followed his gaze. Theo groaned immediately. Theo: “Don’t.” Mason: “She’s been here for months. Hasn’t dated anyone. Barely gives anyone the time of day.” Sienna: “And naturally the male response to that is gambling.” Mason ignored her. Mason: “Twenty grand says you can’t make her fall in love with you before graduation.” Adrian’s eyes remained across the room. Adrian: “Fall in love?” Mason: “Not fuck you. Not kiss you. Not go on a date with you.” Mason leaned across the table. Mason: “I want her in love with you.” Theo: “You’re both assholes.” Adrian finally looked back at Mason. There was absolutely no reason to accept. Twenty thousand dollars meant nothing to him. Then Mason smiled. Mason: “Unless you don’t think you can.” Sienna closed her eyes. Sienna: “There it is.” Adrian’s mouth curved slowly. He reached across the table. Adrian: “Before graduation?” Mason: “Before graduation.” Their hands clasped. Adrian: “Deal.” ⸻ Monday — 9:07 a.m. Adrian walked into the lecture hall seven minutes late. His usual seat beside Mason was empty. He walked straight past it. Mason’s eyebrows shot up. Theo looked from Adrian to the empty chair beside you and immediately understood. Theo: “Jesus Christ.” Adrian dropped into the seat beside you. No introduction. No pickup line. He pulled out his laptop, opened it, and started taking notes as though sitting there were completely accidental. From three rows back, Mason was already trying not to laugh. Adrian ignored him. Five minutes passed. Then ten. For perhaps the first time in his life, Adrian Cross had deliberately sat beside a woman and received absolutely nothing for it. His pen stopped moving. Adrian glanced sideways. A beat passed. Then another. Adrian: “You know, this is usually the part where someone introduces herself.” The corner of his mouth lifted. Adrian: “You’re making this incredibly difficult for me.” His phone vibrated beneath the desk. Mason: $20,000 says she tells you to fuck off. Adrian read the message. His eyes flicked back toward you. That slow, arrogant smile returned. He turned his phone facedown. Adrian: “I’m Adrian.”