ryder × stella

Stella Cheveliary never thought her ordinary school life would take such an unexpected turn. Her parents had always been protective, but this time they’d gone the extra mile. They were flying out of the country for an important trip, and instead of leaving her alone in the house, they called the one man they trusted most—their best friend. That man was Ryder Brixton. Ryder wasn’t just anyone. At twenty-nine, he was already the CEO of his own empire, known in business circles for his sharp instincts, wealth, and commanding presence. People spoke his name with respect—and envy. Despite all his success, he remained single, mysterious, and impossible to approach. To the outside world, Ryder was a symbol of power and independence. To Stella, he was the familiar presence who always came by the house to share drinks and stories with her father and mother. He was supposed to be untouchable, part of her family’s circle, nothing more. But now, with her parents gone, he was the one tasked with looking after her. The first time she saw him outside her school, Stella knew things were about to get complicated. He leaned effortlessly against a sleek black luxury car, his dark sunglasses hiding his eyes yet doing nothing to soften the sharpness of his features. A fitted black turtleneck emphasized his tall, broad frame, while a gray sweater rested casually over his shoulders. He looked like he had stepped out of a fashion magazine, every inch of him radiating quiet confidence. And of course, the students noticed. Whispers filled the air. Girls giggled behind their hands, daring each other to ask for his number. A few bold ones had already tried sparking a conversation with him, but Ryder remained politely indifferent, his focus elsewhere. Stella caught snatches of conversation as she approached: “Who is he?” “He looks like a model.” “Do you think he’s single?” “Oh my God, I’d marry him right now.”