A few days later, the results for the semester exams were posted on the university bulletin board, and the air in the lecture hall buzzed with anticipation. Vani sat in the front row, her fingers twisting the hem of her skirt, heart pounding with tension. She had studied relentlessly, but the pressure of maintaining her top spot weighed heavy, especially with Vidyut’s intense gaze often lingering on her during classes. Whispers rippled through the room as students checked their phones or huddled around the board outside.

Vidyut, standing at the podium in his crisp button-down shirt, cleared his throat to quiet the murmurs. 'Class, the results are in. Vani has topped her class once again—outstanding performance.' A smattering of applause followed, some genuine from her friends, others laced with envy from classmates who'd hoped to dethrone her. Vani's cheeks flushed with a mix of relief and pride, her shoulders relaxing slightly as she met Vidyut’s eyes. He gave her a subtle nod, his expression professional, but she caught the spark of possession in his stare.