Contract Marriage with My Secret Partner in Crime-Chapter 85: Walking Disturbance

The black SUV slowly rolled to a stop in front of a wide, clean building lined with white pillars and trimmed gardens. A polished metal sign by the entrance read: Camellia Hall. It was the dormitory where Levy would be spending the next Chapter of her life at Elite Legacy Institute.

Kendrick killed the engine and turned off the ignition with a sigh. "Here we are."

Zephany fidgeted with the hem of her blouse, her nerves bubbling quietly under her calm facade. Beside her, Levy was already grabbing her backpack, excitement and nerves mixing in her expression.

The moment they stepped out of the car, it was as if the world slowed. Conversations near the entrance hushed. Heads turned. A few audible gasps slipped through the quiet.

"Is that...?" one girl whispered to her friend, eyes wide.

"It is! That’s Kendrick and Zephany! Weren’t they trending last week?"

"They are even better looking in real life," another girl breathed out, clutching her books tighter.

Kendrick stiffened slightly, feeling the weight of dozens of gazes. Zephany ducked her head, her cheeks burning. She cursed herself silently. She should have worn a hat or sunglasses at least. Anything to blend in.

Beside her, Kendrick leaned down a little, his voice low, almost amused. "We should’ve disguised ourselves."

Zephany nodded quickly, tugging her cardigan closer around her. "I did not think it would be this bad," she muttered, eyes darting around.

"They are so pretty," a boy muttered nearby. "That girl’s hair... it’s insane. Like fire."

"And her eyes. Wow," his friend whispered back.

Zephany winced at the attention. Her vibrant red hair might as well have been a flashing neon sign. Especially paired with Kendrick, whose tall, broad figure and handsome face made them look like a pair straight out of a magazine.

Meanwhile, Levy pulled her cap lower over her face, thankful for her foresight. "Tsk," she muttered under her breath. "You two are a walking disturbance."

Kendrick chuckled softly but quickly said, "Come on, let’s go inside before it gets worse."

The three hurried toward the dormitory entrance. Zephany kept her head low, almost tripping over the curb in her haste. Kendrick caught her elbow gently, steadying her without a word, the touch quick and discreet.

Finally, they slipped inside the building, the heavy doors muting the outside noise. The moment the doors closed behind them, all three exhaled.

"That was awful," Zephany whispered, touching her burning cheeks.

Levy shook her head, her expression a mix of amusement and regret. "We should have thought this through."

Kendrick just ruffled his hair, sighing. "Too late now. Let’s find your room."

They followed the directory signs down a bright, clean hallway lined with polished floors and pastel-colored walls. After a short walk, they reached the assigned room. Levy pulled out the key and opened the door.

As they stepped inside, the cozy room opened up to them. Two bunk beds on either side, desks neatly lined up, and large windows letting in warm sunlight. There were already some bags and decorations scattered around, showing that Levy’s roommates had already started settling in.

But before any of them could relax, they noticed three pairs of wide eyes staring at them.

Three girls stood frozen near the far side of the room, mouths slightly open, one clutching a pillow to her chest as if to steady herself.

Levy already knew them when she first visited her.

Zephany blinked, feeling the awkwardness fill the room. Kendrick coughed lightly, trying to act normal, while Levy rubbed her forehead, muttering under her breath, "Great. Just great."

For a second, no one moved.

Then one of the girls, a petite one with short, bouncy brown hair, gasped softly. "Oh my gosh. It’s really them."

Another, a tall girl with long black hair braided neatly down her back, whispered, "They were trending last week. Kendrick and Zephany... the prodigies."

The third, a girl with honey-blonde curls and glasses slipping down her nose, simply stared, wide-eyed.

Levy groaned quietly. She had completely forgotten how fresh their faces still were in people’s minds. She regretted now bringing her brother and sister-in-law with her. Sure, it was nice to have help, but... the attention. She could feel it thick in the air.

Levy threw her duffel bag onto the bed assigned to her, taking a deep breath before turning to her roommates. She forced a smile. "Hey. Uh, I guess you already figured it out but... this is my brother, Kendrick. And my sister-in-law, Zephany."

Zephany offered a shy, small smile and a little wave, wishing the ground would just open up and swallow her. Kendrick simply gave a polite nod, his usual quiet nature kicking in.

The brunette girl was the first to recover. She grinned widely, stepping closer. "I’m Mira! First-year, majoring in Communications."

The tall girl with the braid smiled next, her expression composed but friendly. "I’m Celeste. Business major." She looked at Levy with a bright expression. "Looks like we’ll be classmates."

Levy’s face lit up a little. "Really? That’s great."

Finally, the blonde girl with the glasses pushed them up her nose and smiled shyly. "I’m Dana. Creative Writing major. It’s nice to meet you."

Kendrick gave them a small smile. Zephany nodded, her hands twisting together behind her back.

For a moment, the three girls just stood there, beaming at them.

Mira bit her lip, looking between her two roommates before blurting out, "Can we... I mean... would it be okay if we asked for a photo? Just one?"

Celeste laughed lightly. "We totally understand if you don’t want to. We just... this is kind of a once-in-a-lifetime thing."

Dana nodded rapidly. "We promise we won’t post it anywhere without your permission."

Levy shot her brother and sister-in-law a pleading look. Kendrick sighed quietly, exchanging a glance with Zephany, who gave a small, resigned smile.

"For Levy’s sake," Kendrick said softly, stepping beside Zephany.

Mira squealed quietly, quickly pulling out her phone. Celeste and Dana rushed over, standing beside them.

Levy rolled her eyes but smiled, moving to take the picture. "Alright. Everyone say ’Elite Legacy.’"

"Elite Legacy!" they all chorused, laughing.

The camera clicked.

The girls beamed, thanking them profusely. Zephany tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, still flushed but relieved it was over.

"You guys are seriously so nice," Mira gushed, bouncing on her toes.

Celeste smiled warmly. "We’re really looking forward to being Levy’s roommates."

Dana nodded, adding, "We’ll take good care of her."

Levy felt a bit of her earlier stress melt away. Maybe this would turn out okay after all.

Kendrick ruffled Levy’s hair affectionately, making her yelp. "Be good."

"I am always good," Levy protested, swatting his hand away.

Zephany laughed softly at the familiar banter. She watched as Kendrick’s face softened when he looked at his sister. A part of her heart warmed at the sight.

Without even thinking, Kendrick reached down, brushing a tiny piece of lint from Zephany’s sleeve, the gesture quick and natural. Zephany stiffened slightly at the touch, her cheeks burning, but she ducked her head to hide her reaction.

Levy noticed the small interaction, raising a brow slightly, but said nothing. She smirked a little to herself, thinking, At least he’s doing a good job.

Meanwhile, Mira, Celeste, and Dana watched the interaction with wide, starry eyes, whispering among themselves.

"They’re so cute together," Mira whispered.

"I know. Like a drama couple," Dana sighed dreamily.

Levy clapped her hands once, gathering everyone’s attention. "Alright. Let’s get unpacking before Mom sends a search party."

They laughed, and the room quickly filled with the sound of unzipping bags, rustling clothes, and soft chatter.

For a moment, everything felt normal.

Zephany smiled to herself as she folded Levy’s clothes and helped arrange her things. Despite the earlier embarrassment, despite the attention, she was happy. Happy to be here, happy to be part of a family that felt... real.

And beside her, Kendrick leaned against the wall, arms crossed, watching them with a faint, content smile.