201 Fake Relationship      

The room fell into a hushed silence, a thick blanket of disbelief settling over the students like fog. Eyes widened, jaws dropped, and gasps hung in the air as Seraphina's words reverberated through the room.

Then, a collective surprise blew through the roof at Seraphina's revelation. 

"N-no way," Maximillian blurted out, his voice a mix of disbelief and denial. "This has to be some sort of joke. You can't be serious, Lady Seraphina. He's just a nobody!"

Seraphina's expression was calm and composed, and she simply smiled sweetly at Xin. She reached out and gently intertwined her fingers with his, her touch warm and reassuring. 

The gesture seemed like a blow to Maximillian's gut. 

"We're going out, right, Xin?" she said, her voice soft but firm.