I Was Never Yours

Angelique couldn’t help but take another breath, drawing in the faint scent lingering on him. The body that had encircled Angelique was visibly tense—ironically, he seemed more like the one trapped. The woman who had called out earlier took a brief glance around the conservatory. Finding it empty, she mumbled something under her breath before quickly leaving. Only after confirming that she was truly gone did the man finally release Angelique. This elite academy was established by the Ainsworth family, and the conservatory belonged exclusively to Raymond. No matter how wealthy or powerful the students here were, no one dared to trespass—except, of course, Daphne, who had just been searching for him. Raymond took his time examining the girl before him, his gaze sweeping over her from head to toe. A pair of worn-out sneakers. A cheap, textureless coat. But above all that—her delicate, palm-sized face was a masterpiece of striking features. Full, rosy lips. A high, dainty nose. And most unforgettable of all—her wide, doe-like eyes blinking up at him. Snowflakes clung to her long, thick lashes, melting into droplets that trembled before falling as she blinked. Raymond had seen countless beautiful women before. In the upper class society, beauty was the least rare commodity. With a single wave of his hand, thousands of women would throw themselves at his feet. Yet, for some reason, the way this girl looked at him—without any calculation, without any hidden motives—felt different. 'She doesn’t know who I am,' he thought. The realization settled in his chest. "Are you the new scholarship student?" he asked. Angelique bit her lower lip, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks. She nodded. "First year?" "Third," she timidly answered. Raymond raised a brow. "You transferred in your third year?" "My family can’t afford to send me to college," she admitted softly. "If I get accepted here, then I'll qualify for the scholarship—it covers my tuition for all four years of university." As she spoke, her bright eyes gleamed with quiet determination. Like a single leaf drifting onto a still lake, sending ripples outward—only to vanish moments later. An unfamiliar itch stirred in Raymond’s chest. "What class?" "A-Class..." Even among the elite, there were rankings. A-Class was exclusively for the heirs of old-money families—the absolute top of the hierarchy. The only exception was the annual scholarship student. "You’re planning to walk into class dressed like that?" Angelique glanced down at her out-of-place coat, her expression filled with embarrassment. "A set of winter uniforms costs tens of thousands. I-" Before she could finish, Raymond—who had always been aloof and untouchable—suddenly grabbed her wrist. He had already noticed earlier—her arms were frighteningly thin, like a white jasmine swaying in the wind, fragile enough to snap with the slightest force. And now, with her wrist in his grasp, he confirmed it. 'Does she even eat? Her cheeks still carried a hint of baby fat, yet her body was this frail.' Of course, Angelique had no idea what he was thinking. From her perspective, all she saw were his sharp, phoenix-shaped eyes—dark and unreadable. The distant melody of a symphony rang through the air. The class bell. Angelique’s eyes widened in panic. "Oh no! I’m late!" She slung her backpack over her shoulder, ready to bolt. But before she could take a step, Raymond effortlessly grabbed the strap, stopping her in her tracks. Desperation welled up in her eyes. "Please, I’m begging you! It’s my first day! If I’m late, I’ll lose my perfect attendance!"

At this academy, the girls fell into two categories—those who adored Raymond and those who feared him. But someone like Angelique? That was a first. The dull routine of school life had long bored him, yet now, for the first time in a while, something piqued his interest. "Dressed like this, I guarantee you won’t last half a day before the other girls tear you apart." Angelique’s grip on her backpack straps tightened. "But I-" "Wait here. Don’t run off." Raymond grabbed the suit jacket he had tossed aside earlier and pulled out his ID badge, throwing it into her hands. Angelique cradled it carefully, reading out the name inscribed on it, word by word. "Ray... Raymond Ainsworth! You’re the chairman’s son?!" Her reaction clearly amused him. A smirk played at the corner of Raymond’s lips as he reached out and ruffled her hair. "Take this badge to the logistics office. Tell them to get you a uniform." "No way! That’s way too much! I—I can’t afford to pay you back." Raymond shot her a sharp glare. "You think I care about the cost of a school uniform?" Angelique said nothing, but the way her puppy-like eyes drooped with grievance spoke volumes. 'Damn it,' he mentally cussed. Raymond wondered if he had lost his mind. He had always preferred mature, curvaceous women, yet today—because of this tiny, scrawny thing—his mood had been fluctuating all over the place. "If you’re really that uncomfortable with it, then let’s make a deal," he said lazily. "From now on, in this school, I’ll be your master, and you’ll be my servant. Whatever I say, you do." Angelique’s eyes flickered with hesitation. "But..." Raymond assumed she was unwilling, so he added, "I’ll even pay you a salary. You name the price." "Deal!" Angelique agreed instantly. Raymond’s lips twitched. So that hesitation just now—it was all because the money wasn’t good enough yet?! Shaking his head, he instructed, "Once you leave the conservatory, walk straight ahead. When you see the rose garden, take a right—that’ll lead you to the academic building." With that, he stretched out on the bench, draping his suit jacket over his face, and lazily waved her off. As Angelique stepped out of the greenhouse, the softness in her expression vanished. The delicate, pitiful gleam in her big eyes was replaced by an icy sharpness. She lowered her gaze, staring at the wrist Raymond had grabbed. Without a word, she pulled a pack of wet wipes from her backpack and meticulously wiped the spot clean. "Master? Servant? How ridiculous!" The wind whispered through the dense trees, carrying her quiet murmur into the void. "Sis, was it really someone this foolish who got you killed?" There was no answer. One year ago, Angelique’s sister had died here. They said she had fallen from the school’s rooftop late at night. A ridiculous explanation. It was then that Angelique first understood what "nobility" truly meant—a world that devoured people whole, leaving not even bones behind. She and her sister, Jillian, had been separated from birth. Their parents had never married, so they only discovered each other’s existence later in life. Despite being raised a thousand kilometers apart, they had grown incredibly close. She still remembered the day her sister had called, excited beyond words. "I got in! As long as I meet the academic requirements, the scholarship will cover everything—even tuition at the world’s top universities! I’m going to make a name for myself in the future!" Yet, not even two months after enrolling, she died. Angelique never believed their so-called "accident" explanation. And when she read through her sister’s journal, everything became clear. At the heart of it all was a name—Raymond. He was the heir to the Ainsworth Holdings, the man who held the country’s economy in the palm of his hand.

All because of an argument with his childhood friend, Daphne, Raymond had lashed out with cutting words. Unfortunately, Angelique’s sister had overheard them while passing by. Pointing at her, Raymond had sneered as he spat, "Even if I were to fall for a poor scholarship student, it would never be you. Do you get it now?" Daphne had known perfectly well that Angelique’s sister was just an excuse—just a pawn in Raymond’s rejection of her. But she hadn’t cared. From that day forward, Angelique’s sister had been subjected to relentless torment, a nightmare that only ended when she was driven to the rooftop. Angelique knew that the greenhouse was Raymond’s private sanctuary. She believed he was nothing more than a spoiled, arrogant young master who thinks the world revolves around him. But no matter how high and mighty he believes himself to be, he was still just a man. And men, when faced with a seemingly helpless woman, are often ruled by their misguided sense of heroism. That was the mistake Raymond made the moment he laid eyes on her. Angelique had recognized the girl searching for Raymond earlier—it was Daphne. Unexpectedly, she had played right into Angelique’s hands. She clenched the ID badge in her fist as she murmured, "Daphne, Raymond. You people, who see human lives as nothing more than dust beneath your feet—I will make sure you pay the price you deserve." — It was rare for a scholarship student to transfer during senior year—let alone one who strolled in close to ten o’clock. A mere scholarship student had the audacity to arrive this late? The privileged young heirs of the academy were far from pleased. Every pair of eyes in the room was fixed on the classroom entrance. Angelique followed the homeroom teacher inside, her pace steady and unhurried. The Yale University girls’ uniform was selected by a school-wide vote—a fitted dark blue blazer paired with a high-waisted, body-hugging skirt in a Korean-inspired design. Since the school building was fully enclosed with 24/7 heating, winter coats were unnecessary. The moment Angelique removed her coat, the entire room fell silent. All eyes were drawn to her long, slender legs. The curve-hugging blazer accentuated her delicate waist, while her long brown hair cascaded effortlessly over her shoulders. Her fair, makeup-free face was tinged with a natural rosy hue—like an innocent rabbit that had wandered into a den of wolves. The boys erupted into whistles and cheers. But Angelique was far more attuned to the silent hostility lurking beneath the noise. She shifted her gaze slightly, locking eyes with Daphne and her entourage. In person, Daphne was not nearly as stunning as the investigation files had suggested. She had a cold, synthetic beauty—the kind enhanced by technology rather than nature. Faced with Angelique’s effortlessly angelic looks, hostility burned bright in Daphne’s eyes. Angelique feigned obliviousness, blinking innocently before offering a polite, friendly smile. Daphne despised women who were prettier than her. And a lowly, worthless scholarship student like Angelique? How dare she possess such a face?! The homeroom teacher, knowing the privileged students would never truly welcome a scholarship recipient, kept the introduction brief. "This is Angelique Monroe. Take that empty seat in the back." Angelique followed the direction of his gesture—only to meet a pair of gentle, warm eyes. Soft chestnut bangs fell over his brow, naturally drawing attention to his clear, deep gaze. The man nodded at her in greeting before turning to look out the window. 'Daryl Thompson.' She repeated the name in her mind. The boy her sister had written about over and over in her diary. The boy she had secretly loved. The one who had smiled at her, called her name with kindness, tutored her in subjects she struggled with. Yet, when rumors about her and Raymond spread, he had crushed her confession with brutal finality. He had said—"I was just curious about your relationship with Raymond. You didn’t actually think I liked you, did you? A pathetic, low-class girl like you?"

Daryl’s words had been the final straw that broke her sister’s spirit. Compared to Raymond, Daryl was even more repulsive—so much so that just thinking about him made Angelique feel sick. She took the empty seat beside him, tilting her head slightly as she flashed a polite, friendly smile. “I look forward to learning from you.” Even if she was just a lowly scholarship student, Daryl wouldn’t outright reject a girl’s goodwill. “Likewise.” His tone was amicable, but there was an unmistakable distance in his smile. “Tsk, another seductive little fox.” The voice dripped with contempt. Angelique turned to the source—it was Daphne. She was twirling a metal pen between her fingers, legs crossed, making no effort to hide the disgust in her eyes. “What are you looking at? Do you really think a filthy nobody like you has the right to look at me?” Daphne had been in a foul mood all morning. She had taken the time to style her hair and perfect her makeup, all in hopes of seeing Raymond. Yet, she hadn’t even caught a glimpse of him. To make matters worse, a scholarship student had transferred in. A parasite in Class A! The kind she despised the most. And of all things, this one had the audacity to be pretty. Even if she refused to admit it, Daphne couldn’t ignore how stunning Angelique’s face was. Angelique shrank slightly in her seat, avoiding further provocation. She busied herself by taking things out of her backpack one by one. Then, suddenly—a metal ID badge slipped out and clattered onto the marble floor with a sharp, piercing sound. The noise immediately caught Daphne’s attention. It was a minor incident, nothing of note—yet Angelique inhaled sharply as if she had been caught committing a crime. She hastily crouched down, pressing a hand over the name on the badge as if trying to hide it. The more she tried to conceal it, the more curious others became. She could feel Daphne’s prying gaze boring into her back. Beneath the curtain of her dark hair, Angelique’s lips curled ever so slightly. — When lunchtime arrived, Angelique casually stepped out of the classroom. As she passed by the window, she caught sight of Daphne heading toward her desk. Satisfied, she continued on her way. She ran all the way to the greenhouse, but no matter where she looked, Raymond was nowhere to be found. “So, he’s already gone?” she muttered to herself, a trace of disappointment in her voice. “Well, well. Didn’t expect the uniform to suit you this well.” A familiar, lazy voice echoed from above. Angelique looked up—just in time to see a figure in white leap down from the tree, landing gracefully right in front of her. His sharp, striking features invaded her field of vision, momentarily stunning her. She took a couple of steps back in reflex only to stumble. The heels of her leather shoes wobbled beneath her, and she pitched backward. But before she could hit the ground, a strong arm caught her by the waist. Raymond had steadied her. Heart still pounding, she let out a shaky breath and lifted her face, her bright eyes locking onto his. “Mr. Ainsworth, thank you! You’ve already helped me twice today.” Raymond said nothing. Instead, he cupped her face, pulling it closer. His thumb traced lightly along the edge of her eye, watching as her lashes trembled, as unshed tears pooled at the corners. A single drop spilled over, sliding down his thumb and trailing along the back of his hand, leaving a damp, glistening streak in its wake. “Angelique, did you forget?” His voice was low, teasing. “You’re my slave. You should be calling me ‘Master.’” “Huh? You know my name?” Raymond gave her a look as if she were the biggest fool alive. “Did you forget my name?” His voice was light and playful. His hands, however, had already found their way behind her ear, toying with her soft, round earlobe, rolling it gently between his fingers.

Whether it was because of Raymond’s words or the physiological reaction to his touch, Angelique’s legs turned weak, and her body trembled uncontrollably. At the breaking point of her composure, she finally whimpered like a helpless kitten, “Master...” Every subtle change in her expression was seared into Raymond’s memory. He reveled in this kind of amusement. “So, what did you come to find me for?” he asked. Angelique snapped back to reality. She reached into her pocket, only for her face to darken moment by moment. “Oh no! I think I lost your badge.” Watching her panic over such a trivial matter, Raymond only found her naivety amusing. Smiling lightly, he said, “It’s just a badge. If it’s lost, then it’s lost.” Angelique bit her lip and nodded obediently. That was when she noticed the small droplets of blood splattered on the ground. “You’re hurt.” Raymond glanced at the cut on his left wrist, utterly unconcerned. “It’s nothing.” “That won’t do!” The innocent little bunny from moments ago suddenly placed her hands on her hips, pouting in dissatisfaction. Angelique pulled a Hello Kitty band-aid from her pocket and carefully placed it over his wound. “Make sure you go to the infirmary later to disinfect it. This is just to keep bacteria away for now. If you leave a scar, that delicate skin of yours won’t look as nice anymore.” Raymond chuckled. “You’re not worried about my safety—just my looks?” His teasing tone made Angelique’s face flush bright red. She fumbled for an explanation, “The wound isn’t serious enough to affect your health... I just...” Halfway through her defense, she gave up and pouted. “Fine, I was wrong.” “Hmm?” “...Master.” “Good girl. Go back for now. I’ll give you a little reward tomorrow.” With his permission, Angelique bolted away in a flustered escape. To Raymond, though, it looked more like a shy retreat. — Before she even stepped into the classroom, Angelique could tell something was wrong. The curtains were all drawn, the back door was locked, leaving only the front door slightly ajar. Daphne was even more impatient than she had expected. Angelique knew what awaited her, yet she still pushed the door open without hesitation. The moment she stepped inside—a bucket of ice-cold water came crashing down, drenching her completely. A gust of wind swept through the room, making her shiver violently. Water droplets clung to her eyelashes, blurring her vision. Before she could react, a sharp slap landed on her cheek. Daphne grabbed a fistful of her wet hair, yanking her closer. “You shameless slut!” she spat. “First day here, and you’re already trying to seduce Raymond? And stealing his badge too? Do you even know he’s mine? Who gave you the guts to compete with me for him?” Tears welled up in Angelique’s eyes as she desperately tried to explain, “No, it’s not like that! I ran into Young Master Raymond in the greenhouse and happened to find it there—I swear I didn’t steal it!” At the mention of the greenhouse, Daphne’s expression twisted with rage. “You mean to tell me you set foot in the greenhouse? Do you have any idea it’s Raymond’s forbidden place? Who do you think you are to step in there?!” Though her words were sharp, Angelique knew the real reason for Daphne’s breakdown—it wasn’t about the greenhouse. It was the fact that she had encountered Raymond there and had suffered no consequences for it. Still, she tried to defend herself, “I swear, it was an accident! I didn’t mean to! And Mr. Ainsworthn never said anything about it-” Just as Daphne’s hand was about to strike again—someone grabbed her wrist mid-air. Daphne turned in disbelief to see the one who had stopped her. “Daryl, you’re taking this slut’s side too?”

Daryl’s calm gaze remained unfazed, his tone cold as he spoke. “Class is about to start. You just dealt with that person not long ago and caused enough trouble for yourself. Do you really want your father to come after you again?” Hearing his words, Daphne gritted her teeth in frustration and flung her hand to the side. Her undisguised, hateful glare landed on Angelique as she spat out a vicious warning, “Consider yourself lucky today. But if I ever catch you trying to seduce Raymond again, I’ll make sure you have nowhere to bury your corpse!” Angelique, drenched from head to toe, had no choice but to skip class and head to the locker room to change. Once she confirmed no one else was around, she could no longer hold back her laughter. She looked into the mirror, her eyes still red from crying, the slap mark burning against her pale skin—each and every wound now became perfect, irrefutable evidence she could use. A knock on the door. “Ms. Monroe, are you alright?” It was Daryl’s voice. Composing herself, Angelique stepped out. In his hands, he held a fresh set of school uniforms and a towel. The cold indifference in his eyes from earlier had vanished, replaced by a gentle smile on his clean, handsome face. “Change into this so you don’t catch a cold. Afterward, I’ll take you to get your face treated.” Angelique lowered her gaze, her long lashes quivering like dark feathers. The next moment, tears streamed down her cheeks. “Thank you Mr. Thompson...” Daryl affectionately brushed his hand against her forehead. “Alright now, go in and change before you really get sick.” “...Okay.” Angelique nodded. However, the moment she turned around, the warmth in both their eyes vanished at the same time. A knight standing up for the weak—this fairytale-like act could make any girl fall. Just like her sister did back then. But from the moment she stepped into the room, Angelique had been watching Daryl carefully. That expression of his—one of mere amusement—had shifted the moment he heard Raymond’s name. First, a hint of intrigue. Then, when he realized she hadn’t been targeted by Raymond, his hidden smirk completely disappeared. The person he mentioned to Daphne was her sister. Anyone who had ties to Raymond was nothing more than a tool for him to exploit. Did Daryl really think he could use the same trick on her again? This time, she would make him pay in blood. — After changing into the clean uniform, Angelique followed Daryl toward the infirmary. “How do you know Raymond?” His tone was light, as if he were casually asking what she had for lunch. “There were too many people on the main path today, so I decided to take a shortcut through the garden to the teaching building. I accidentally stumbled into a greenhouse and met him there.” Angelique tilted her fair face, blinking innocently. “Is there something wrong? Why do you ask?” “No reason. Just... he seems to treat you differently.” Daryl’s voice trailed off, almost as if he were talking to himself. Before she could respond, the infirmary door swung open. Inside, Raymond was lying on the bed, eyes closed in feigned sleep. His brows furrowed instinctively at the sound of intruders, irritation flashing across his sharp features. But the moment he realized it was Angelique, the cold malice in his eyes was replaced by a flicker of surprise. “...What are you doing here?” Angelique’s expression was a mix of shock and delight, completely unguarded. For a moment, she was surprised that the most unruly young master had actually listened to her and came to the infirmary to get his wound treated. However, she recalled that Daryl was standing right behind her. If this led to Raymond’s displeasure, things could turn ugly. Before she could even answer, he spoke again— “Who hit you?”

Angelique panicked, covering her cheek as she frantically shook her head like a rattling drum. “No one hit me! You must be seeing things!” Raymond leaped down from the bed and strode up to her, gripping her wrist to make her face him fully. “You think I’m an idiot?” Angelique’s skin was fair and delicate—just the slightest touch would leave a faint red mark. Let alone the glaring, blood-speckled slap print now staining her cheek. His sharp gaze dropped to her clean, fresh uniform. His eyes darkened. “You changed clothes?” “I didn’t!” Angelique denied. “Angeli, have I not told you? The thing I hate the most is being lied to.” His cold eyes flicked down to her sleeve. “Your cuff was stained with my blood earlier. Where is it now?” As he spoke, his focus had already shifted to the figure behind her—Daryl. A silent, suffocating pressure filled the space. Raymond's keen observation and intense possessiveness far exceeded Angelique's expectations. Meanwhile, Daryl, as always, maintained his gentle demeanor, though his voice carried a teasing edge. “Why don’t you ask your dear childhood sweetheart?” Raymond’s expression darkened instantly. “Daphne did this?” His voice was dangerously low. He then turned back to Angelique. “I told you, don’t even think about lying to me.” “I just didn’t want my mistakes to cause unnecessary misunderstandings between you two,” she answered timidly. Their gazes locked, and, unexpectedly, it was Raymond who lost the battle. For some reason, he always felt that Angelique was made of water—fragile, easily shaken, her eyes reddening at the slightest provocation. They seemed to have an inexplicable connection. Even though this was their first meeting, fate keeps drawing them together through a series of coincidences. He had never believed in fate. But now, for the first time, it felt like an invisible thread was pulling them together. Raymond wasn’t used to dealing with girls. After all, Daphne was always the one chasing after him. Faced with Angelique’s teary eyes, he felt an unfamiliar unease—mixed with a strange, indescribable satisfaction. A chuckle slipped from his lips. “There’s nothing between Daphne and me. Don’t forget—you belong to me. Only I can bully you. Understand?” Angelique tugged at his sleeve, biting her lower lip. “Daryl is still here... Don’t call me that.” Her small fingers, whether intentional or not, brushed lightly against Raymond’s waist. A tingling sensation shot through his body, like an electric current, spreading to every nerve. He exhaled through his nose, a low, amused hum. “I’ll let you off this time.” — Angelique didn’t know what Raymond had done, but in the following days, Daphne had only resorted to minor harassment—stealing her stationery, dirtying her seat. She hadn’t tried anything more extreme. But Angelique also hadn’t seen Raymond since. She didn’t have his contact information, leaving her completely passive. The uncertainty gnawed at her, a dull frustration pressing against her chest. Her gaze kept drifting toward his empty seat. A nudge on her arm pulled her back to reality. “The teacher is calling you,” Daryl murmured. On the podium, the teacher’s expression was laced with impatience. “Angelique, you got into this school purely on scholarship. If you’re not even going to pay attention in class, do you think enrolling in an elite academy suddenly makes you some kind of rich heiress?” Laughter erupted across the classroom. Yet Angelique’s expression remained unchanged. Her pitch-black eyes simply settled on the teacher. She remembered. Back then, when her sister was on the verge of death, she had called for help again and again. But what did she say? “Daphne is such a kind person. Why would she ever hurt you?” “Stop making trouble for no reason.” “If you can’t handle it, just die.” Cold, indifferent words that had pushed her sister into complete despair. Now, under Angelique’s unwavering gaze, the teacher faltered. Mumbling something under her breath, she quickly let her sit back down. Beside her, Daryl adjusted his glasses and said casually, “That was the twentieth time today you looked at Raymond’s seat.”

"Oh? Is that so?" Angelique titled her head. "Raymond is not a good person. Getting involved with him will only lead to a miserable ending." Angelique lifted her eyes slightly, her lips moving faintly. "Like Jillian, a year ago?" Daryl’s hand, which had been writing, paused for a moment. "How do you know about her?" "There are plenty of posts about her on the school forum." Silence stretched between them before Daryl finally spoke again, his voice slow and deliberate. "That's exactly why. Anyone who doesn't know their place and gets tangled up with Raymond ends up dead. So you'd better stay away from him." Daryl wasn’t the type to meddle in other people’s business. He had to admit that Angelique's appearance was his type. But what truly intrigued him was Raymond’s attitude toward her. Unlike the calculated amusement he had shown with Jillian, this time, Raymond’s interest was something even he himself had yet to realize. Before, he had always let Daphne torment her targets however she pleased, stepping in at the last moment to play the role of the shining knight. But this time, Raymond had gone so far as to confront Daphne’s parents, exposing her misconduct at school. How, he had ended up under house arrest by his own family. Angelique only nodded, saying nothing more. But in her heart, resentment was taking root and spreading like wildfire. If only he had warned her sister back then, even once, maybe everything could have been different. A sharp jab against her back pulled her out of her thoughts. It was Daphne, holding a gilded invitation in her hand. "This Saturday is my 18th birthday banquet. I’m inviting you to attend." Seeing Angelique hesitate, she added with a smirk, "You don’t have the right to refuse." For such a grand event, Raymond, as her childhood friend, would undoubtedly be there. Even knowing what she was walking into, Angelique still accepted the invitation without hesitation. "I'll be there on time." Because the real show was about to begin.