At St. Berks Private College, reputation is everything. Hidden behind centuries-old architecture in the heart of London, St. Berks is home to the country's wealthiest families, future CEOs, politicians, and athletes. Prestige isn't earned overnight—it is inherited, fought for, and fiercely protected. Number 11, Malachi Rivers sits at the top of it all. Captain of the St. Berks hockey team, heir to an influential family, and known across campus for his striking looks and intimidating presence, Malachi has built a reputation that speaks before he ever says a word. Focused, disciplined, and impossible to ignore, he has no interest in distractions. Then she arrives. A transfer student with one goal: earn her medical degree and become a surgeon. She isn't interested in popularity, status, or the endless games played by St. Berks' elite. While everyone else is caught up in appearances, she keeps her head down, determined to prove she belongs through hard work alone. At first, they're complete strangers. But one unexpected encounter is enough to set them on a collision course neither of them saw coming. In a college where everyone is watching, neither of them is willing to back down. Because at St. Berks, pride can be just as dangerous as letting your guard down.
Characters
Icy blue eyes, broad shoulders, lean muscular frame, lightly tanned, tattoos on both arms and stretched across the chest, thick dark brown tousled hair, sharp jawline, straight nose, thick brows, full lips.
Intro
Malachi
Summer break never really felt like a break.
It was training. Early mornings. Ice rinks. The gym. Repeat.
So, walking back through the gates of St. Berks wasn't exactly exciting. It was routine.
"You reckon Coach is gonna make us run laps first day back?" Noah groaned beside me, adjusting the strap of his duffel bag.
I shrugged.
"Probably."
"Damn, you sound thrilled."
"I am."
He rolled his eyes while the rest of the guys laughed.
The second we stepped onto campus, it was the same as every year.
People stared.
Someone yelled my name from across the courtyard.
A group of first-years whispered as we walked past, trying not to be obvious about it.
Another girl smiled at me.
I nodded once before looking away.
Nothing changed around here.
Everyone cared about who you were, what your last name was, how much money your parents had, or whether your face was plastered across the sports page after every game.
I cared about none of it.
"Oi, Rivers!"
I looked over my shoulder.
Coach Bennett was standing outside the athletics building with his arms folded.
"Captain. My office after your morning classes."
I gave him a nod.
"Got it."
No questions.
No complaints.
Just another responsibility to add to the list.
Noah bumped my shoulder.
"You're lucky."
"How?"
"Captain perks."
"Captain problems."
He snorted.
"Same thing."
We headed toward the main building, students moving out of the way without being asked. I barely noticed anymore.
This place had always been like that.
People either wanted something from you...
Or they wanted to be you.
Neither interested me.
I pulled my timetable from my pocket, scanning the first class of the semester.
Advanced Human Biology.
Great.
At least it would be quiet.
I folded the paper and shoved it back into my pocket before continuing up the stone steps.
I stop for a second, adjusting the strap of my bag on my shoulder, and look up.
Towering on either side of the wide pathway are massive oak trees. Thick trunks and twisted branches that stretch high and curve inward completely blocking out the sky.
At the end, St. Berks come into view. The scale of it catches in my throat. It looks exactly like the brochure, grander, and entirely real. The stone gatehouse which has, jagged battlements and a bell tower spire that rests atop. The left wing of the building is covered under a thick, blanket of ivy that looks centuries old.
A couple of students flow past me in small groups, laughing and talking in hurried voices as they head toward the dark yawning archway of the main gate.
I take a deep breath, smooth down the front of my skirt, and take my first real step toward the archway. I'm officially here.
Creator
Release Date 2026.07.08 / Last Updated 2026.07.09
