5-Giving him a chance

Anna POV

"Mum, it's my friend-" I barely said when Vincent's voice cut through the air.

"It's your son-in-law," he declared, his tone laced with certainty.

"Son what?" I blurted out, my heart skipping a beat. This couldn't be happening.

"Son-in-law? How dare you!" My mother stormed into the living room, her face a mask of fury. But then she saw him, and her expression softened into something I had never seen before. "Oh, my son-in-law! Come in, come in."

"Thanks, ma," Vincent responded, a sly smile playing on his lips.

My world tilted. "Mom?” I asked her, then I turned to Vincent “What are you doing here?" I shot him a sharp look, demanding answers without words.

"Anna," my mother turned to me, her voice suddenly sweet, "why don't you check on the food in the kitchen?" She didn't wait for a response, turning to Vincent. "Can I offer you anything, dear?"

"No, I'm fine, ma."

"Alright then." She flashed him a smile, the kind she only reserved for people she really liked. Something was definitely off.

Five hours later, Vincent and Max finally left, and I wasted no time confronting my mother.

"What was that about, Mom? You told me to stay away from boys!"

"Shh!" She hushed me, glancing around as if someone could hear. "I said stay away from irresponsible boys. Don't you get it?"

"Get what?"

"He's born into wealth, Anna."

"So what?"

My mother sighed, as if I was a child failing to grasp a simple lesson. "Darling, you're going to school to make us proud, right?"

"Yes, of course."

"Well, there are plenty of graduates out there good, smart ones who can't find jobs."

"But, Mom"

"Shh, listen to me. It's not a must that you make us rich through studying. Of course, study, but also, grab your opportunities when they come. If you finish high school and you're about to go to university, your dad and I can't pay the money. So just... relax."

I nodded, my mind reeling. What was she trying to pull?

On Monday, In school, I was chatting with Kara when Vincent interrupted us.

"Hi, darling," he said, his voice smooth as silk.

"Hi," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Morning, Vincent," Kara chimed in.

"How was your night?" Vincent asked, his eyes locked on mine.

"It was okay, thanks."

"Are you busy?"

Kara jumped in, "Yes, we were about to head to the library."

"Wow, bookworms! Can I join?" he asked, his smile widening.

"No!" Kara snapped, almost simultaneously as I said, "Yes."

Vincent chuckled. "Alright, thanks."

As we walked, Kara leaned in, whispering urgently, "Hey, what's wrong with you? Why did you want him to come along?"

"Nothing," I whispered back, but my heart raced.

When we got to the Library, I remembered I left my textbook in class.

“I left my textbook in class, I will get it and be right back.” I said and left.

On my way I was ambushed. Clarice, the mean queen, stalked up to me.

"So, it's you, idiot!" she sneered.

"I'm not an idiot," I retorted, keeping my voice even.

Before I could react, Pretty slapped me hard. "How dare you talk back?"

Pink stepped forward, her eyes narrowed. "Let's make ourselves clear, leave Vincent alone."

Annoyance flared in my chest. "Why should I? Because it pains you that he loves me?"

Clarice's face twisted in fury. "You dare" she hissed, then her voice dropped to an ominous whisper, "No problem. Be sure that something trouble awaits you."

I stood my ground, my anger boiling over. "Get lost. I don't care."

"Oh, really?" Pink said, her voice dripping with malice. "You'll regret this."

Later that day, Vincent found me, his usual smirk replaced by a look of concern.

"Hi, dear," he said softly. "What's wrong? Are you crying?"

I shook my head, my voice barely above a whisper. "No." Then I turned and ran, not looking back.

The next day, I was taking a quiet walk, enjoying the rare moments of peace, when Lorna and her gang cornered me.

"Hey, you moron," Hara called out, but I ignored her.

Lorna wasn't having it. She slapped me, hard. "Can't you greet us?"

I met her gaze, unflinching. "Do I need to? You're just a student like me."

Sani laughed darkly. "Wow, what bravery. But you're a fool for saying that."

The beating they gave me was brutal, but I refused to back down.

"You can beat me up, I don't care. But I love Vincent, and he loves me too. So, you," I pointed at Lorna, "can go to hell. There's nothing you can do."

Lorna's eyes flashed with anger. "What did you just call me? You're a nobody, a dustbin rat who lost her way here! I'll make sure you know your place, you insolent fool!"

I stood tall, my voice steady. "Yes, I'm nothing, nobody. But at least I struggle to make it in life. Unlike you, who live off your parents' wealth. Without that, you're nothing."

Lorna's face twisted in rage. "You'll regret this."

"I have no regrets," I spat back. "Vincent doesn't even see you."

Lorna slapped me one last time before storming off with her gang. But as they left, I knew this was just the beginning.

I made my way to the restroom, fixed my hair as best as I could, and headed to class, determined to face whatever came next.

"Babe, what's up?" Kara asked, noticing the mess my hair was in.

"Lorna attacked me," I said, trying to sound nonchalant.

"Again?" Kara sighed. "Sorry, dear."

I shrugged. "I fought back."

Kara's eyes widened in disbelief. "You did what?"

"Yes," I said firmly.

"Are you okay?"

"Of course. Those girls need to be taught a lesson."

Kara looked at me like I was crazy. "No one dares to, not even the teachers."

"Well, it's high time someone did."

"And that someone isn't going to be you," Kara warned.

"Why not?" I challenged myself. "I'm not scared of anyone. I love Vincent, and nobody is going to change that."

As I walked away, I could hear Kara muttering to herself. "What's wrong with her? Is this girl crazy?"

"Hi, darling," he greeted me with that familiar grin.

"Hi," I replied, my heart racing for reasons I couldn’t quite understand.

"Thanks for the lovely welcome today," he said, his tone teasing.

I raised an eyebrow. "Really? Why?"

"You're the kind of girl who's a hard nut to crack, you know? Tough, harsh..."

"Well, forget it. Are you coming in or leaving?" I shot back, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Easy, sweetie," he said, stepping inside. "What can I offer you?"

"Nothing. I just want to tell you to be ready."

"For what?"

He smiled, that secretive smile that always made me nervous. "Our date."

"Date?" I repeated.