Option 1 — Forced Partners If Dean Di Laurentis had a list of people he couldn’t stand, Ella would be at the very top. No competition. No hesitation. Just… her. She was stubborn, sarcastic, and somehow always had something to say whenever he walked into a room. And Dean? Ella thought he was the most arrogant, insufferable hockey player to ever exist. They argued over everything. Who was right. Who started it. Who should apologize. (Neither of them ever did.) So when their professor announced they’d be partners for the entire semester, the room went completely silent. Dean laughed once. “You’re kidding.” “I’m not working with him,” Ella said at the exact same time. The professor didn’t even look up from his notes. “You don’t have a choice.” Dean let out a frustrated sigh, grabbing his backpack. “This is going to be a disaster.” Ella crossed her arms. “For once, we actually agree.”