Ondine's family lived in a small town on the outskirts of Riverdale, and the buswas the only way she usually got home. But at this hour, the buses had stopped running. She tried to hail a car on a ride-sharing app, but after five minutes, no one had accepted her request.Just as panic began to set in, a black Maybach pulled up beside her. The rear window glided down, revealing a face so handsome it was almost surreal.-Ondine blinked, momentarily stunned. "Seth?"His features were striking, with a sharp, defined jawline. Behind his gold-rimmed glasses, his long, narrow eyes were cool and piercing. He had the same intimidating, unapproachable air he always did.Seth Thorne's gaze lingered on her for a moment. "Get in," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.Ondine glanced at her phone. Still no ride. Biting her lip, she hesitated for only a second before canceling the request and pulling the car door open.As she slid into the plush leather seat, Seth's deep, magnetic voice sounded beside her. "What are you doing out on the street alone this late? It's raining, and you don't even have an umbrella."As if on cue, the driver got out, retrieved a new, unopened package of towels from the trunk, and passed it through the window to Seth. He took it and handed it to Ondine, his long, pale fingers elegant against the plastic. "Dry off. You'll catch a cold.""Thank you," she mumbled, her voice barely a whisper, as she tore open the package and began to towel her hair.The car's heater was on full blast, and she slowly began to feel warmth return to her body. In the confined space, the scent of his cologne—a cool, woody fragrance-filled her senses, stirring a bittersweet memory.Ondine had first met Seth five years ago, during her sophomore year of high school. Her best friend at the time was his younger sister, Zaria Thorne, who had invited her over one weekend. It was the first time Ondine had ever set foot in a mansion. The sheer luxury of the estate left seventeen-year-old Ondine breathless, and for the first time, she truly understood the vast gulf between the rich and the poor.Zaria had been giving her a tour of the house. As they passed the swimming pool, Seth emerged from the water. Their eyes met, and Ondinefroze, completely captivated. She had never seen anyone so beautiful. His features were as exquisitely carved as a marble statue. he warm, gölden light of the setting sun caught the droplets of water in his hair, making them glitter like tiny diamonds, and illuminated the sharp lines of his chiseled abs. In that instant, all Ondine could hear was the frantic, wild beating of her own heart, a rhythm that echoed endlessly in the warm summer evening. She had fallen for him at first sight.It was a secret she kept locked away. Later during the summer after her high school graduation, she was visiting Zaria's house again when Zaria mentioned that Seth had a girlfriend. They were childhood Sweethearts, she said-beautiful, Brilliant, a perfect match for him u every way. Not long after, at Zaria's birthday party, Ondine saw them together. Just as Zaria had This update is available on find·novel·netdescribed, they looked like they were made for each other. Watching them from a distance, Ondine was overwhelmed by a crushing sense of inadequacy. Her secret crush died that day."Where are you going?" Seth's cool voice pulled her from her reverie."Seth, can you take me home?" she asked, her voice tight with anxiety. "Something's happened to my mom, and I can't get a car. I can pay you for the ride.""Address."She gave him her address, and they drove the rest of the way in silence. As they approached her apartment building. Seth finally spoke again, if you need any help, don't hesitate to ask." Ondine was surprised by the offer. It was probably just a polite gesture, she thought, not taking it seriously."Thank you, Seth," she said, her gratitude sincere. "I'll transfer you the fare money." She had his contact information, though they hadn't spoken in years.With that, she hurried out of the car and ran into the building, disappearing from his sight.noveldrama