The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus)

As Anna looked up, she realized she had bumped into Cindy, a fellow student who was two years her senior. Cindy used to be the reigning queen bee of the class, but ever since Anna transferred in, the title had unceremoniously been passed down to her. The boys secretly adored the new girl, whispering her praises when they thought no one was listening.

Anna, for her part, was blissfully unaware of any such title and frankly couldn't care less about it. Cindy, on the other hand, was furious with Anna. Her irritation had turned into outright anger, especially since the day Anna played a piano solo that stole the show - and, with it, Cindy's dwindling number of admirers.

Cindy, whose family was wealthy enough to paint the town red without batting an eyelash, was used to getting whatever she wanted. The fact that Anna had dethroned her as the class favorite was something she just couldn't swallow. And now, to add insult to injury, she had literally run into Anna first thing in the morning, darkening her mood even further.

Cindy's eyes were wide with fury, and she snapped, "Anna, do you walk with your eyes closed? Apologize!"

"I'm sorry, it was an accident!" Anna quickly apologized, knowing she had bumped into someone.

But Cindy, ever the diva, doubled down. "You stepped on my shoe. How are you going to make it right?"

Anna glanced at Cindy's red high heels, which were pristine, and realized this was just a ploy to pick a fight. Looking up with eyes as blue as the ocean depths, she saw Cindy's unmistakable hostility. "I really didn't mean to, and I've apologized sincerely. If you won't accept that, then there's nothing more I can do," Anna said coolly, turning to head into the school.

Cindy was livid. Without thinking, she grabbed Anna's arm. "Don't you dare walk away! You stepped on my shoe. Clean it now!"

Anna felt uncomfortable with the grip on her arm, and forcefully pushed Cindy's hand away. "Let go! Your shoes aren't dirty."

The push sent Cindy stumbling backward, and she landed with a thud on the pavement. Cindy winced in pain, but Anna, rather than offering a hand, simply said, "You were the one holding onto me after I asked you to let go." Without a backward glance at Cindy sitting on the ground, Anna continued her way to school.

As Anna's figure receded, Cindy seethed with rage, nursing her bruised ego and her sore behind. In her mind, she vowed revenge.

Their confrontation had been witnessed by Jonas, who was arriving in a stretch limo. He watched the scene unfold, a sly smile curving his lips at the sight of Cindy's predicament and Anna's retreating back. This girl's got spunk, he thought. She reminded him of a time when he was stranded on a deserted island, and a kind little girl had secretly set him free. He had searched the seas for her to express his gratitude but never found the way back to that hidden manor deep in the ocean's embrace.

Pulling into the school, Jonas stepped out of the limo, a slight smile on his dashing face as whispers of admiration followed his every step.

"Oh my God, the boy genius has arrived, and he's so handsome!"

"Wow, that's the States' youngest major, just fifteen and already towering!"

"He's a Harvard prodigy, so young and handsome. If only I could say a word to him!"

The students were all clustered at the classroom doors, watching as Jonas confidently strode forward, and was warmly greeted by the principal. "Welcome, Major Jonas!" the principal said, enfolding him in an enthusiastic embrace.

Jonas nodded. "Mr. Tom, I can only stay for three days as I'm planning to visit my folks in Hawaii afterward."

"Of course, Major Jonas. Not only are you incredibly talented and wise beyond your years, but you also prioritize family. That's admirable indeed!"

Tom showed Jonas around the school before leading him to the auditorium to formally meet the students.

As Jonas arrived, the auditorium buzzed like a busy marketplace, but the noise quieted down the moment he began to speak. "Good morning, everyone. I'm Jonas from Harvard, and I'm pleased to meet you all."

The applause was thunderous, and every pair of eyes was fixed on Jonas as he shared his insights. The students had been briefed on Jonas' reputation as a once-in-a-generation prodigy, which seemed exaggerated until they saw him in person. But as it turned out, good looks spoke volumes.

Just as Jonas was about to share his study tips, the doors of the auditorium burst open. Anna, nervous and flustered, mumbled an apology for her tardiness.

Jonas turned and saw the girl in a blue school uniform. Her glossy hair cascaded down her back, and her blue eyes were wide with anxiety.

Remembering the girl he had seen fall earlier, Jonas smiled and said, "It's alright. Take a seat."

Anna quickly found a spot in the front row, looking up at Jonas, who was also watching her. They both felt a sense of déjà vu, as if they should recognize each other but couldn't quite place where they had met Unbeknownst to them, it was their shared resemblance that sparked this familiarity.

Continuing his speech, Jonas captivated the audience with his eloquence and poise, leaving everyone hanging on his every word.

Anna sat in the auditorium. Her gaze was fixed on Jonas as he spoke with an eloquence that was both awe-inspiring and disarmingly natural. With every confident gesture and assured stride across the stage, he seemed to embody the very essence of a Harvard-educated intellect, his reputation clearly well-earned.

She watched, mesmerized, as admiration and respect filled her eyes. Jonas was not just a speaker but a performer, captivating his audience with a masterful blend of classic references and sharp wit. It was no wonder he was held in such high esteem; he spoke like a seasoned orator, his knowledge as extensive as it was impressive.

The applause that intermittently thundered through the room was a testament to his impact, loud and emphatic, a chorus of approval for the wisdom he imparted. After more than an hour of captivating dialogue, Jonas gave a modest bow to signal the end of his lecture. The invitation he extended for further conversation was met with an eager buzz. Students lingered, hoping for a moment of his time and eager to bask a little longer in the light of his expertise.