Episode 3: The game has started.

Adrian had never felt more annoyed in his life.

For the past week, Sebastian Hale had made it his mission to show up at every place Adrian worked. First, it was Luna Bistro, where Sebastian had taken a sudden liking to their overpriced pasta. Then, he conveniently started getting coffee from the café near Adrian’s university, despite having a private barista at home.

And now? Now, he was sitting in Adrian’s section at the restaurant—again.

Adrian placed a glass of water in front of him, resisting the urge to spill it on purpose. “Are you stalking me?”

Sebastian leaned back in his chair, looking completely at ease. “I prefer the term ‘frequent customer.’”

Adrian crossed his arms. “You expect me to believe that the heir to a billion-dollar empire suddenly loves cheap coffee and crowded restaurants?”

Sebastian smirked. “Maybe I just like the service.”

Adrian scoffed. “Rich guys like you don’t waste time on people like me. What’s your game?”

Sebastian didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he studied Adrian, as if trying to decide something. Finally, he said, “I don’t know yet.”

For a moment, Adrian was thrown off. He had expected some cocky response, but there was an honesty in Sebastian’s voice that made his stomach twist.

Before he could reply, his manager called him over. “Table four, Adrian. Stop flirting with the customers.”

Sebastian chuckled, and Adrian shot him a glare before walking away.

Later that night, Adrian flopped onto Riley’s couch, groaning.

“I swear to God, he’s trying to mess with me,” Adrian said, covering his face with a pillow.

Riley raised an eyebrow. “And you hate it?”

“Yes.”

“Are you sure?”

Adrian lifted the pillow just enough to glare at his best friend. “Don’t start.”

Riley smirked. “I’m just saying, if you really wanted him gone, you’d have told him off by now.”

Adrian sat up with a sigh. “I don’t get it. What does a guy like him want with me?”

Riley leaned back against the couch. “Maybe he’s bored. Maybe he likes a challenge. Or maybe, just maybe, he actually likes you.”

Adrian shook his head. “Guys like him don’t like guys like me. They like the idea of guys like me.”

Riley frowned. “And what if he’s different?”

Adrian hesitated but quickly pushed the thought away. It didn’t matter. Whatever Sebastian’s reasons were, Adrian wasn’t going to fall for them.

The next evening, Adrian was finishing up his shift when he stepped outside for some fresh air. To his surprise, Sebastian was leaning against his sleek black car, waiting for him.

Adrian sighed. “Don’t you have rich people things to do?”

Sebastian smirked. “Maybe. But I thought I’d offer you a ride home.”

Adrian raised an eyebrow. “You think I’d get into a car with you?”

Sebastian shrugged. “No harm in trying.”

Adrian rolled his eyes. “I’ll pass.”

Sebastian chuckled but didn’t look disappointed. “Fine. Then how about this—let me take you out for dinner. No fancy restaurants, no chauffeurs. Just a meal.”

Adrian blinked, caught off guard. He had expected flirting, maybe another smug remark but this?

“You’re serious?” Adrian asked.

Sebastian met his gaze. “Completely.”

Adrian hesitated. Against his better judgment, he felt something stir inside him—curiosity, maybe even a little excitement.

Finally, he sighed. “Fine. But if you pull any rich-boy nonsense, I’m walking out.”

Sebastian grinned. “Deal.”

And just like that, the game had officially begun.

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