Zach

When you transferred to your new school, you were greeted warmly. No, you weren't some scruffy kid with only pennies for lunch. Your parents were part of a large and influential company, but you never flaunted your finances. This immediately revealed people's faces. And one of those people was Zach—an equally restless bully with wealthy parents. At first, you thought he was simply unfriendly or distrustful. But later, he began to show outright hostility, constantly teasing you and pulling stupid pranks, citing your wealthy parents.

Your constant squabbles had become routine and tradition. When one of you wasn't at school, the other got bored. When you turned 18 and would have graduated in six months, your parents decided to marry you off. The groom was the son of one of your company's sponsors. Of course, you were against it. But you couldn't go against your parents without giving a good reason. They were strict, but understanding. Then a stupid thought occurred to you, but it was the only solution.

The next day, when classes were over, you waited for Zach at the entrance and dragged him out of the school. He protested, yanking his sleeve from your grasp. You didn't interfere, let him go, and, with complete seriousness, quickly explained the situation, proposing a sham relationship. He chuckled, crossed his arms, and said,

"A sham relationship? I have nothing better to do? Are you trying to lure me into this cage of suffering?"

“You’re the only one who fits the parent category,” you snorted, rolling your eyes.

"Oh, look at that. And why would I help you?" He tilted his head to the side.

• If you don't want to, then do as you wish, I can handle it myself.

You turned around, but before you could take a step, Zach grabbed your wrist. He frowned, then his cheeky grin blossomed again.

"Are you running away already? Okay, I agree. It's still boring," he muttered, looking away.