Chapter 5: Your Arrogance Is Hunting Me

Upon Judy's arrival at the restaurant, the manager strides quickly toward her. "Did Mrs. John like the cake?" The manager inquires with a curious tone. Observing her reaction, he patiently awaits her response, demonstrating a genuine interest in her answer, but the uncertainty of how to reply is clear on her face. "Sir, I need to use the restroom. Can I please?" The manager's expression quickly turns sour as he nods in response to Judy's uncertainty. Judy is experiencing unbearable back pain, and upon meeting Daisy, she requests her assistance. They enter the women's restroom, and Judy removes her uniform and top, asking Daisy to examine her back to determine the cause of the pain. "Wth, Judy!" Daisy's yells resonate near her ear. "What happened, Daisy? Y-you know it's hurting a little though." Daisy says this while panicking, "Blood is dripping!" She checks out her top instantly. Daisy is correct; there are tiny blood drops on her top. As she is wearing a black top, nobody notices it. However, the stinging makes her doubtful about something like that. "You can't be that careless, can you? Let's go to the hospital now." Judy nods at her while putting on the top. Daisy communicates her medical condition to the manager, who promptly gives his consent. Fortunately, the hospital isn't far away, so it doesn't take much time to get there. After treating her wounds and buying the prescribed medications, they both come out of the hospital. "You're just careless! You've gotten hurt that severely and still don't care about it!" Despite receiving scowls from her relative, Judy pays no attention to her because she appreciates the fact that this girl is the only one who shows her care and concern in the self-centered city where they reside.

"My darling, don't worry about me; I'm all right now," she says confidently to calm her down. "Shut up, isn't it hurting?" "Umm, a little, but it's okay," Judy looks at her while grinning sheepishly. "You know I kind of feel better when I get hurt because I love to make you worried." Judy maintains a lighthearted demeanor in response to Daisy's growing frustration, while holding her hand and making eye contact. "In this world, only a few people are lucky to have a friend like you, and I got that one, so why don't I make her worry a little?" Daisy expresses her discontent through a disapproving glare directed at Judy. "I'm also lucky to have you as my friend, but your carelessness scares me sometimes. If you don't take care of yourself, then who will look after granny?" Daisy says with her earnest, still caring tone that makes Judy hug her immediately.

"Thanks a lot for coming into my life, Daisy." She says, smiling at her. After releasing her embrace, Judy walks past Daisy. "If I die someday, then please look after my grandmother." Judy playfully teases Daisy by laughing and sticking out her tongue, but is further amused by Daisy's humorous response, causing her to laugh even harder.

"Stop right here," she yells, "you silly girl!" She approaches her and firmly grasps her ear, pulling her in close. "Argh, Daisy! It's hurting. Please let go of my poor ear." "Not until you promise me not to make this type of joke again." "Okay, okay, I'm sorry, my grandma; now please let go of me."

"Okay, I'm sparing you this time, but remember, this is the last time I am letting you go." She releases her grip on the ear, prompting Judy to breathe a sigh of relief and gently massage the affected area.

"Oh, I have something important to tell you." "And what's it?" Judy asks her curiously.

"Remember, I told you about my friend?" Daisy says, glancing at her intently. Judy's face reflects confusion, and she can't remember anything. "Don't tell me you've gotten a boyfriend." Realizing the condition of her memories, Daisy rolls her eyes. "My friend just arrived here to meet me." "Ehhh! I mean, you two are dating already! How dare you, Daisy? I'm your best friend, and I know nothing about it!" Her continuous bragging breaks Daisy's tolerance level. Finding no choice, she pinches her n**ple hard. "Argh!" Judy screams, "My precious n**ple is gone!" Daisy covers her mouth, likely in an attempt to prevent passersby from overhearing the conversation.

"You shameless b**h!" Daisy yells. "You two are already dating?" Judy asks again, making her scoff. "No, dumb! You know I sometimes want to beat your a*s up so bad." Daisy's expression conveys surprise, while Judy appears bewildered. After a brief pause, Daisy's phone begins to ring.

"Judy, he's calling."

"Okay, talk to him. I'm waiting." Judy patiently waits for Daisy to finish her call. After finishing the call, Daisy holds her hand.

"It'll take five minutes to reach the cafe where he's waiting. Are you okay with that?"

"Yeah, I'm okay with that," she says, "let's go."

Judy and Daisy join the stream of pedestrians walking towards the cafe, occasionally interrupted by the blaring horns of passing cars. As they make their way inside the cafe, Daisy catches the attention of a young man around their age and greets him with a friendly wave, which is reciprocated by the young man. Although Judy is struck by his handsome appearance, she realizes that Daisy has never mentioned him before. The young man's chiseled jawline and captivating feline-shaped eyes make him particularly striking, which is accentuated by his attire of a white t-shirt and black blazer.

"Here is he!" Daisy points her finger at him excitedly. They go to the table where he is sitting, putting a beautiful smile on his charming face.

"It's been a long time, Daisy," he says.

"Yeah." She nods at him, and they shake hands merrily.

"Hey, Smith, meet my friend Judy," Daisy says while looking at her and putting her hand on her arm to pat it slightly. He looks at her, beaming from ear to ear.

"Hi, I'm George Smith; nice to meet you." He spreads his hand to her. She can feel her heartbeat increasing, and her words get stuck in her throat, but somehow she manages to speak with her little nervous tone.

"Hi, I'm Judy; nice to meet you." As they exchange handshakes, Judy offers him a timid smile. Though uncertain as to the origin of her unease, she acknowledges that she has not previously experienced this particular sensation. Finally, they take their seats at the end of their preliminary chatter.

"Judy, sit carefully and don't hurt your back." Daisy alarms her, so she doesn't press her back against the chair. Smith frowns at them and asks if something has happened to her.

"She just hurt her back," Daisy informs him of the situation, and he directs his gaze toward Judy. She finds it unnecessary to disclose her health condition to someone she has only just met.

"Don't worry, I'm okay with that," she assures them.

"Are you sure?" He asks, looking straight into her eyes, which increases her nervousness. She immediately nods at him and turns her gaze to the gloaming night sky visible through the cafe's glass.

"Smith, I told you about her, so you know what happened, and it will be really helpful for her if she could get admitted into your father's university," Daisy tells him with her little pleading voice.

"Don't worry, the examination hasn't started yet. As I am also participating in the examination, I can help you, Judy." He looks at her confidently.

"Thanks a lot." Judy offers a smile to Smith, who reciprocates the gesture with a slight nod. "Woah! That'll be great; we don't have to worry about it now," Daisy says, "but I think you two are getting very formal; please put your formalities aside."

"Yeah, definitely, we will." Judy awkwardly laughs while looking at him.

Upon noticing a book by his side, Judy finds herself increasingly intrigued by Smith. The longer she observes him, the more her curiosity about him grows.

"You like reading books?"

"Kind of drugs for me," he says, grinning sheepishly.

"Judy, he is just like you." Daisy says it exasperatedly, "Book, book, book—the most annoying things of my life."

"Don't you call my love annoying?" As Judy speaks, she is surprised to hear Smith simultaneously uttering the exact same phrase, a coincidence that's unexpected.

"Woah! What harmony! You two boring human beings, I hate you two." Daisy tells them, folding her hands on her chest, making them laugh together.

"Try to read some books if you want to be happy," Judy says in a commanding tone, making her roll her eyes in annoyance.

"Yeah, Daisy. She is right."

"You too, Smith!" Daisy gives them her dazed look. After having a happy time at the cafe, they eat dinner and leave for their house.

"Thanks a lot; if you weren't here today, I don't know how I would be able to manage," Judy says in her brittle tone, an adorable smile spreading across her face without any effort.

"If you want to give thanks, then give it to Smith, but I think you both kind of like each other. Is it love at first sight?" Daisy speaks while giving Judy her examining look, making her choke.

"What're you saying now?" She asks loudly and rolls her eyes at her sudden assumption.

"Ha-ha, think about it; nowadays, finding a man like him is very tough."

"Yeah," Judy admits, "your friend is too cute to handle, but keep the cutie pie with you; I don't need him." Despite her feigned disinterest, Judy experiences a deep-seated sense of happiness upon interacting with Smith. "Huh, I don't like cutie pies; he's not my type because I'm into bad boys." Judy scoffs after listening to Daisy. "Is that so?"

"Okay, let's see how long you can handle my cutie-pie Smith, and I know you very well."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever." Although Judy snorts jokingly, she can't help but be drawn to Smith's character. She views him as a kind person and finds intellectual hobbies like his love of books to be particularly alluring.

Standing before the mirror in Ellen's mansion, he contemplates his plan to bring Rylee home to meet his friends. His hope is that by introducing her as his friend, the issue with his mother might finally be resolved. Just then, his college friend and trusted assistant, Zen, enters the room. Known for his kindheartedness and exceptional organizational skills, Zen was appointed by his mother to assist him. Despite his average height and well-built physique, Zen's most remarkable qualities are his personality and stunning eyes, which he finds difficult to admit are also a point of attraction for him.

"Happy birthday, Ellen." Zen gives him his famous boxy smile.

"Thanks, my friend." Ellen smiles back at him.

"Here's your suit and all the stuff you have chosen." Zen places the clothing and accessories that Ellen will be wearing that evening on his bed.

"So, Rylee is coming today?" Zen asks curiously, which is responded to instantly.

"You should open up about your relationship," Zen suggests. "I mean, how long are you going to keep it hidden from Aunt?"

"I don't know, Zen." Ellen sighs deeply. "It feels like Mom will not like her."

"Well, you know about her choice." Zen shrugs. "If that happens, you'll have to lose her, and you can't lose her in any way because you've grown attached to her." His sudden thoughtfulness pulls Ellen into the world of brooding.

"What if Aunt finds out about it on her own?" Zen asks with a firm tone. "Then the situation will deteriorate, so it's better to confess on your own. Who knows what if she accepts it." Ellen can rely on Zen, but he is afraid of losing Rylee.

"I can't, Zen," he says, as mixed emotions start to play in his heart. He is confused about what he wants and what he doesn't want.

"You love that girl a lot, Ellen." Zen serves as a reminder for him.

"You know she's great, but it seems like she's so self-obsessed. No offense, but can't you be too careful?" Zen addresses him, awaiting a response, yet he remains silent as he acknowledges the validity of Zen's observation.

"Okay, get ready because the guests are coming and I'm here so you can ask me if you need any help."

"Don't bother, I'll manage; you can go now," he says. Zen shakes his head in response and exits the room. Approximately an hour later, he is interrupted by a knock at the door, and in walks Mrs. John, radiating an air of elegance befitting her maternal presence.

"My son is a prince!" His mom smiles proudly, giving him her affectionate and adorable smile.

"Because my mom is a queen." He takes hold of her hand, prompting her to draw him in for an affectionate kiss on his forehead. In response, he lowers his head slightly to allow her to reach his forehead and bestow the kiss.

"Happy Birthday, my prince." Upon extending her well-wishes, she embraces him warmly. With the arrival of guests imminent, she urges him to join her in the hall room.

"Yes, mom, let's go." He entwines his hand with his mother's, and together they make their way to the living room, where guests await their arrival. His mother begins conversing with the guests, and he greets them politely. As he scans the room, his eyes fall upon his girlfriend, and a smile lights up his face at the sight of her surrounded by their mutual friends.

"Woah, Ellen is a living prince! You're lucky, Rylee. However, I don't know how the hell he is in love with you!" Emely tells Rylee, staring at him amusingly. In response, she earns Rylee's toxic aura.

"Rylee would not associate with him if he were not a prince." She smirks, looking at her.

Ellen approaches the group and proceeds to greet his friends with a firm handshake. Despite his strong desire to embrace Rylee, he refrains from doing so with his mother present, opting instead to shake her hand, much to her displeasure.

"I'm dying to taste you, baby. I don't know why you're just giving me a formal treatment." Rylee goes near him and whispers in his ear.

"Babe, don't tease me this way, wrong timing," Ellen says while biting his lips. In a moment, after hearing his mother's call, he promptly makes his way to her.

"Your prince is just a cub of his mom!" Emily teases Rylee.

"Just wait and watch how I make this mom's cub my slave!"

After cutting the cake, Ellen looks at his mom when everybody starts drinking and gossiping.

"Mom, I'm going to my friends, and please don't let anyone bother us."

"Yeah, sure, you can go now and enjoy yourself with your friends. After all, it's your day." His mother conveys this with a genuine smile. Feeling relieved, he walks towards his friends, leading them to his gaming room.

"It was very hard to control myself, baby." A greasy chuckle skips his lips while he utters it in his husky tone, which makes her smirk. Ellen stomps on his lips while all his friends start cheering.

"Aren't you going to introduce your girlfriend to your mom?" Rylee asks him after breaking the kiss.

"I'll, but not now. I'm just waiting for the perfect time to come." As Ellen tells her, she rolls her eyes.

"I don't know when the perfect time will come," she says arrogantly.

"Wait a little, please." He looks at her, but she removes her gaze.

"I know well how to calm down my girl's sulk." He gestures to his other friends to proceed to the adjacent room to enjoy their drinks, and they follow suit. In the now-empty gaming room, he finds himself struggling with the impulsive urge to suppress his hormones. "I'm all yours now, baby." After hearing him, she gives him a seductive look while nodding at him instantly. As he pulls her near, he deftly spins her around, allowing him easy access to the bare expanse of her back. His lips graze over her neck with a gentle touch, but as soon as his fingers make contact with her skin, Judy's face appears before him. Despite his growing frustrations, he finds himself lost in thought, imagining her presence as he plants rough, fervent kisses on the nape of his current partner's neck.

With a deep, seething grudge, he abruptly turns her face towards his, pressing his lips against hers without a moment's hesitation. As she moans with pleasure, he gradually works his way down to her collarbone, dotting her skin with passionate marks that will remain long after the moment has passed.

As she eagerly arches her back, her desire for more is palpable. However, he suddenly pulls back, leaving Rylee frowning and confused. "What's wrong?" she inquires, her eyes searching for answers.

Caught off guard by his own thoughts, he struggles to find a response. His mind is still consumed with the memories of Judy and her insufferable arrogance. "Damn!" When he grabs onto her hips and thrusts into her with a powerful, primitive drive, he lets out a loud roar of frustration, his rage simmering just beyond the surface. His motions are quite vigorous in an effort to pull his attention away from his troublesome thoughts by losing himself in the pure physical pleasure.

After some time, he lets go of her hips and slumps onto the couch, his chest heaving from the effort. While the feelings and memories that had been tormenting him continue to chew at him from the inside, the tightness in his body gradually releases.

"F**k!" With his jaw clenched tight, he clasps his fists tightly, his frustration evident in his tense posture. Rylee sits beside him, leaning against his shoulder, but her touch causes him to jump away from her. "What's wrong with you?" "Nothing; fix yourself." After taking a moment to compose himself, he adjusts his disheveled clothing and makes his way out, stepping into the cool night air. The chill offers a moment of respite from the heat of the moment, and he takes a deep breath, attempting to clear his mind.

After meeting Smith, Judy enters her house and goes straight to her bed. She lays on her stomach because her back is still in pain. She takes out her phone and finds herself smiling while looking at it, something she hasn't done before.

"Should I text him?" She mumbles, "I am dying to talk to him." The urge to communicate with him begins to occupy her thoughts.

"No, no, I can't do it; what'll he think?"

Judy sets her phone aside and pouts. Suddenly, the sound of a message notification captures her attention. She is torn between hoping the message is from him and not expecting it at all.

"Why will he even text me?" She utters a soft sigh and shakes her head to clear her mind. As she picks up her phone, she notices his name on the screen, causing her heart to race with anticipation.

"Woah!" Cheers have filled the room, and her amusing smile has brightened her demeanor. It feels like she has won the entire world.

"Hi, what're you doing?" Smith's message pops up.

"Hello, I'm on the way to sleep."

"Oh, then sleep tight." "Sorry for bothering you."

"What the hell?" A regretful whimper skips her mouth.

"It's okay, Smith. I've just laid down; I'm not sleepy at all." She types this message with a stormy motion.

"Oh, it's okay then." "I've something important to tell you."

"Yes, you can tell me anything."

"Anything?" After being asked this question, she bites her lips nervously.

"Okay, I have gotten some sad news for you, but don't panic. I thought the exam would be held one month later, but the authority decided to take the exam next week." As she reads the message, her eyes widen in surprise at what he wrote.

"What! Next week! This is so early!"

"Yeah, but don't panic. I'll help you. Let's study hard together." Upon reading his message, she feels a sense of relief, and her heart rate slows down.

"Thanks a lot, Smith, but it'll be hard for you as there is not much time."

"Don't worry about it. As for me, there is no problem; now it's up to you." A happy smile spread on her face; she let out a sigh of relief.

"Okay then, let's study together, and thanks again. Good night."

"Okay, good night." The notification pops up with a sleepy emoji. "Have a sweet dream."

He shares the library address with her, which fills her with excitement for their upcoming study session.

"C'mon, my poor heart, don't get that happy—otherwise, I'll exaggerate everything in front of him because of you."

After planning for the next day, she does not know when she drifts into Dreamland. Judy awakens to the sound of her phone's alarm buzzing. Groggily, she opens her eyes to find the room illuminated by the morning sunlight filtering through the curtains.

Prioritizing her responsibilities, Judy makes a plan for the day, starting with a visit to the restaurant to convince the manager and secure her job. Her eagerness to meet Smith only amplifies her determination. Following her morning routine, she dresses in blue boyfriend jeans and a purple t-shirt with a black thin hoodie, opting for a different hairstyle than her usual ponytail. Carrying essential books, she leaves her apartment and walks outside. After receiving a call from Daisy, she answers promptly.

"I'm coming, on the way."

"Listen, you don't need to come, I've talked to the manager, and he agreed, so study with him attentively," she says. After listening to Daisy, a surprised smile appears on her face.

"How long are you going to help me, Daisy?" She asks her, but her eyes get teary.

"Till the end, and don't get emotional." Daisy laughs slightly at her.

"Don't laugh, you bad girl," she slightly yells at her.

"Don't be sad, and best of luck with the examination." Judy shakes her head in agreement.

"Study hard, and please pay attention to the book rather than him." She again laughs at Judy, who makes her shy with her dart of cheesy words.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever." As Judy turns towards the source of the honking, she sees Smith emerging from a car.

"You're here, but you don't know my destination!" She asks him, surprised.

"Well, Daisy told me." He gives her a firm smile.

"I've been calling you several times, but you're always busy, so..."

"Oh, sorry! I was talking with Daisy."

"It's okay." He opens the car door for her.

"Thank you, Smith."

"I'll be happy if you get rid of your formality from now on." He tells her while giving her his beautiful, gummy smile; she also smiles at him while nodding her head.