I stared blankly at my textbook all the while he spoke to the class, trying my best not to have his eyes catch mine ‘This man is my professor?’ I thought to myself, I felt embarrassed, after everything that has happened between us, the time at the restaurant and also at the hospital.
Five days ago… While I worked my night shift at the restaurant, i noticed a man, his eyes somewhat dazed, having a ghastly laughter “Can we get a waiter here?!” He yelled loudly. I scurried to his table “Sir, the menu, please choose what you want” I said, noticing that he hadn’t even opened the menu in front of him ‘He must be one of these rich folks’ I thought to myself, forcing a smile. “I don’t want anything on the menu.. I want you” the man said, his eyes insistent on me, his lips holding a mischievous grin. “Ex..excuse me? Sir!, this is a restaurant not a pub” I said sharply, taking the menu in my hand as others in the restaurant had started peering at us. “Fine, fine I’ll have your best meal” he said, smiling at his friend. “Okay” I said quickly rushing to have the best meal on the menu, I had promised myself to do whatever it takes to make money even despite challenges I may face. As I had given him the meal, he snarled at me, then looked to his friend. I quickly went to serve others. After their meal, I handed him the bill “Thank you sir, for dining with us” I said politely. “This isn’t my bill, are you trying to rip me off?” He asked in a harsh tone, standing on his feet. “I don’t understand, what do you mean sir?” I asked, perplexed “I gave you what you ordered” I said in my defense, trying not to attract the attention of other diners. “So are you calling me a liar?” He asked, raising his hand at me. “It’s never gentleman-like to hit a lady, in public” a man said, holding his hand in the air. “She’s trying to rip me off” the man protested, pointing at me “She’s one of them gold diggers” the man standing close to him retorted, running his hands through his hair. “Get her fired!” He added “You are a thief!” I yelled out. “Let’s try to be calm now” a man said, a familiar face, it was Professor Caleb, he rushed in just in time. I looked away, trying to hide my face “Get this girl out of this place!” The man said with mock anger. “Don’t worry sir, you and your friend can go” Caleb said, his voice was calm as he signaled for his friend to let go of the man. “B..but who’s going to pay for their meal?” I questioned, my blood boiling with anger. “Young miss, control yourself, you’re only just a waitress” the man I thought to be my savior said, pointing his finger at me. “Those men seem elite, they wouldn’t lie like that” he added, spiking my pain, his baritone was deep but it made me angrier. “I did not do anything wrong” I said angrily, just as the manager walked in, his fray white hair showing his age. “Please gentlemen, please, have your seat and your meal” the manager beckoned as he showed them to their seats. I wasn’t wrong, I knew that but it bothered me that no one listened to my side of the story because they were rich gentlemen. Later that evening, I sobbed because I just lost a part time job and that fraud cost me my job and the other rich folk that came with Professor Caleb cost me my sanity, I went home angrily. Presently… That rich folk will be getting married to me and he’s now my professor, I couldn’t help but think if this was God’s way of punishing me for something I must have done in a past life. “Are we all clear!” Julian’s voice rang in my ears. “Yes, Professor Cawthorn” we answered in unison, I quickly packed up my books so I could head to the hospital. “Miss Princeton!” I heard my name loudly, I turned to see him gesturing his hand towards himself, his expression unchanging, his light blonde hair stowed away nicely on his head, his light green eyes following me as I walked to the podium. “Yes, ..Professor Cawthorn” I addressed him, averting his gaze. “I see here that you’ve been missing lectures” he said calmly, holding is laptop which looked really portable with his hands. “Sir, I’ll do my best to meet the quota” I said calmly, hands behind my back. “Are you trying to avoid me?” He asked, his gaze turning to me from the laptop. “It..it’s not like that” I stammered. “You know, we’re going to be married” he said, a smirk, forming on his face. “How can you not be discrete about that?” I whispered “And why didn’t you tell me you’d be my professor?” I asked as I furrowed my brows. “Actually for the first one, I’ll try my best, miss Princeton and as for the second one, it was a last minute thing” he answered, his eyes now on his laptop. “May I leave now?” I questioned, trying my best to hurry. “Yes, you may” he answered. I quickly walked past him, “Aren’t you forgetting something?” He said calmly behind me. “Like what?!” I asked hastily as he walked slowly towards me. His face came closer to mine as he leaned forward, my pupils moving from left to right as I watched his nose stay few inches away from mine. “This” he said, pulling out my trinket that had fallen from my backpack, waving it to my face. I looked at him, my face flushed red, I grabbed my trinket, andrenaline quickly flushed through my veins as I bolted out. “This is not okay, this man’s going to make my heart fail before the semester ends” I muttered as I rushed out ‘A deal is a deal, I’ll have to marry Cawthorn, whether I want it or not’I thought to myself as I headed for the hospital.Julian’s POVI watched her walk off, clutching her book in one hand as she stormed off ‘I was just trying to be a good professor’ I thought to myself as a smirk formed on my face.I quickly recollected myself and packed up to go home, to my father’s house, that is.“We are gathered here to read Master Billy Cawthorn’s will” I heard the lawyer say.“Sorry I’m late” I said casually, walking down to where my step mother and her children sat.“Why did you even come here?” Maria snapped, of course she would have something to say to antagonize me, she’s my step mother.“This is my father’s home” I answered, taking my seat calmly as I crossed my leg, watching her face redden with anger.“Please continue” I said, gesturing to the lawyer who quickly adjusted his pair of glasses and started reading intently.“My estate in Italy, will be given to my second son, Festus Cawthorn” the lawyer read as Festus smiled, his eyes wa
Amelia’s POVWalking into such a large boutique I was in awe “Haven’t been in such a place?” I heard his voice, I saw it as a sign of mockery, I turned to him, his eyes as though averting my gaze.“What’s that supposed to mean?” I snapped.“Nothing really, come on, we don’t have all day” he said, walking in front of me, hands in his pockets.“Miss, please, this way” a petite lady said, gesturing that I follow her, I quickly turned my eyes away from him to follow her.“Your fiancé will wait for you over here” she added, smiling from ear to ear.“Uhmm..he’s..” I tried to protest, then almost immediately I remembered the contract.I quickly followed her, I chose what felt rather so free for me, not minding what I’d wear ‘it isn’t my real wedding’ I thought to myself, picking a long dress with no uniqueness.As the curtains flew open and I set my eyes on him, seated calmly, his greenish grey eyes watching me, his e
I stared at the face in the mirror, I hadn’t done my makeup in a while, I looked at myself once again, I took a deep breath and just then, I heard a subtle knock on the door.“That must be my ride” I said to myself as I walked to the door.“Thought you might need an outfit” his voice was calm, yet it scared me.“What’s this?” I asked, watching him pull what seemed like a box of clothes.“Oh and ladies” he called out and immediately a group of ladies walked into my apartment “She’s the one” he added as I stood there in shock.They took me by my arms, “Let’s get into it” one of the ladies said.“Wha..what’s happening?” I asked while being whisked away.“Just a little touch up” another lady said smiling as she wiped off the little make up I had already done.After hours of their mincing and mixing, I looked at myself at the mirror ‘wow, they know their work’ I thought to myself.The ladies quickly walked
Julian’s POVI noticed Maria’s glare, her eyes watching Amelia closely ‘Is she trying to find a flaw?’ I thought to myself as my smile widened as I slipped my hand into hers, I could feel her puzzled reaction to my warm touch.I leaned closer to her, reaching down to the tip of her right ear.“Flow with it and keep smiling” I whispered to Amelia, she took a rather daring glance at me before smiling once again.“Babe, I need to rest” she said in the softest voice I had ever hear her muster, I glanced in her direction, a smirk formed on my face as I lowered my gaze.“Ofcourse princess” I answered, pulling her to myself as I showed her to our room.“We share a room!” Her voice echoed in my head the moment she entered the room ‘little miss rage is back’ I thought to myself as I ran my fingers through my hair.“Shh” I answered, there were light footsteps right outside the door “Don’t shush me!” She commanded ‘Why is
Amelia’s POVI had totally forgotten the most important thing I needed for an after shower, my outfit.I slipped my foot out of the smoked screen Jacuzzi, poking my head out of the bathroom door, just enough to see the perimeters. “How could I forget to grab that” I muttered to myself as I noticed the clear coasts, my eyes catching my black top which laid on the dresser.I held my body towel to my chests firmly, taking calculated steps so I could get it before he would walk in. “Guess you’re done” I heard a soft baritone from behind, a chuckle following right after.I squealed “Look away!” I yelled, turning to see him, his back completely turned, “You don’t think I’d jeopardize this?” He asked, I could hear the mockery from his voice.“Sta..stay that way” I stuttered, grabbing my top quickly from the dresser.“You know you’re not all that” he said, now turning to face me.“I didn’t tell you you
After the family briefing, it was time to head to bed, my whole body aches from the journey down to meeting his family.“I get to sleep on the bed” I said to Julian, pointing at the king sized bed.“Ofcourse, where else would you sleep?” He chuckled, fluffing the pillow.“Then..why are you fluffing the pillow?” I asked, raising a brow at him, expecting the worst response.“It’s for you” he said, my tensed shoulders falling back at the sound of that, his lips curled into a smile “And me” he added, looking at me to watch my face boil in anger.“I’ll sleep on the floor then” I said, pouting, grabbing a pillow that laid at the edge of the bed.He took his seat at the edge of the bed as he watched me pout and mutter under my breath in anger.“Oh my God!!” I squealed, throwing my hands in the air, startling Julian up to his feet “What is it?” I asked, his eyes on me as I pointed to the floor, my hands quivering with
Julian’s POVI watched the black dress I hand bought wrap around her body, her hands sleeveless, her almond colored eyes glimmering, I watched her carefully hold the railing as she pranced down, taking her time to get to me.I stretched out my hand, watching her eyes lower to catch my gaze “Thank you” she muttered, slipping her hand into mine.“You look amazing” I whispered into her ears, letting her walk beside me.“It’s not like you two are married anyways” I heard my stepsister say, and scoff right after in the distance, I turned my eyes to her.“And we are going to get married” Amelia snapped back, before I could even mutter, as though reading my mind, she glared at her.“If you’re jealous, why don’t you say so and maybe you’ll get a husband!” She added, I turned over to her, ‘did someone wake up on the wrong side of the bed today?’ I thought to myself.She was quite sharp in making others quiet, Daniella couldn’t mu
Amelia’s POV‘Why is he being so nice?’ I thought to myself as I stared out the window.The moment he drove into the parking lot of the restaurant which seemed to be packed, I knew it was best for me to wait outside for him instead of watching him try to find a space to park, so I nodded the moment he suggested it.“Amelia Princeton!” I heard a voice coming from the entrance of the restaurant ‘It’s coo coo suzie’ I thought to myself as I saw her walk towards me, waving.“I knew I recognized that squeezed expression from somewhere” she added, waltzing in her long heels, a man in dark shades following right behind.I glared at her, knowing her fully well, she’s here to gloat as that has always been her work, I could see it in her toned skin and dainty brows, the bags the men behind her held, she was extravagant.“So..what brings you to such fine dining?” She asked, smiling sheepishly.“I’m here with my fiancé” I
Julian’s POVWatching her walk away in anger, fuming, I couldn’t help but smirk at her reaction ‘Is she jealous after seeing Prisca in my office?’ I thought to myself, walking to the closet.I noticed her wallet sitting on the side closet “How can she forget her wallet?” I muttered, taking it in my hand.“Where’s Amelia?” I asked the maid who sat idly, feigning working hands.“Master Julian, she just left, I saw her wave a cab right outside the gate when I walked out” she said in a hushed tone as though speaking louder would mean losing her job.“Thank you” I answered, rushing back into my room to get ready to follow her, instead of heading to campus.“Pick up, pick up!” I said holding my phone in one hand, the other on the steering wheel.I had called upto six times already, luckily, I spotted the car as according to the man who stood guard at the gates this morning.“Why is he following that route?” I muttered ti myself, following him at a distance.The route the driver had taken wa
As I found myself seated at the passenger seat of the cab, I stared at my phone, it was 7:30 already, I folded my arms, looking out the window.‘Why am I getting so fussy about this matter?’ I thought to myself, not watching the driver who sat in silence driving calmly.I could feel the summer breeze on my skin from the window, I let my worries go as I peered to see the driver taking a turn, a turn I didn’t understand.“Uhmm.. mister, this isn’t the road to Kilam hospital” I said, putting my hand on the seat, indicating I wasn’t buying the idea of following an unknown route.“Ma’am, this is a shortcut to the hospital” he said, his voice, low and firm, the type who you wouldn’t suspect, I knew never to trust such a voice.“I want to stop” I said firmly, my palms getting sweaty.“It’s a shortcut ma’am” he protested, his hands steady on the wheel.“Pull over.. now!” I screamed, my voice getting louder‘Maybe I should’ve left Julian drive me’ I thought to myself as my fear began to rise,
Amelia’s POVWaking up to the smell of pancakes in the morning at home seemed alright but this wasn’t my home and the Cawthorns weren’t the type to love pancakes.I stood up from the bed, taking the drapes to a side, searching for Julian, my eyes couldn’t catch sight of him.“Where’d he go so early?” I muttered, looking at the wall clock.“Class doesn’t start till 10am, it’s only 6:00” I added, slipping my hands into my pajamas pockets. I walked to the door, still wondering where he could be, suddenly locking eyes with Festus who stood at the hallway.“Good morning” I said to him still peeking from the door. “Uh..morning” he answered casually, his eyes as though averting my gaze.“So..uh..what are you looking for?” He asked, his hands in his pockets as he walked closer to the door.“Oh, I’m just looking for Julian” I answered casually, throwing in a smile, knowing how much his family tries to put off Julian.“Looking for me darling?” Julian asked, emerging from the side, an apron tie
Festus’ POVI watch them slowly canoodle “Who is he trying to fool?” I muttered, seeing him put on her band aid, it was unseeming, Julian would never be that caring, after all, he tried to kill me when I was 10.Noticing as Amelia’s gaze had gone from his eyes and onto the door, I flinched, almost panicking, I walked away from their door “I don’t think they saw me” I told mother as I sunk my body on the large bed.“What are we going to do about Julian?” Mother asked, her voice was low, her throat stretched, her pacing rapid.“All we can do is to make that Amelia girl fall for me or better still have one of them if not both, killed.” I suggested, a calm note seeping from my voice as I stood up.“I think I have a plan” I said, rubbing my chin.I’m never going to let him take what’s mine, he never liked father, and father never liked him, always trying to be alone and spiteful, I hated that, besides he pushed me off a railing when we were little, I’m not going to let him have his cake an
Julian’s POVI lowered my gaze to see the anger in her eyes when I called her name in front of the whole class. Her baggy jean and fitted top outfit, highlighting her body features.Amelia had her way of acting around people, one that I had come to enjoy, her eyes glued to the lecture, her lips, contributing to every development, they seemed rather too soft today, she had abandoned the lipstick I had gotten for her and only God knows where she bought this, that made her look like she wanted to be devoured.“Professor” I heard a soft voice calling from behind “How can I help you?” I asked swiftly, adjusting my glasses as I looked into the document that laid on the desk.“Professor, it’s Prisca” she said again, I kept looking at my laptop, ignoring her reply.“You haven’t answered my question miss Elbourne” I replied, now turning to look at her. Her dark short hair shimmered.“I wanted to invite you to our annual award ceremony” she said, smiling “It would be nice to get our professor
I wrapped my hands around his neck, giving him a better grip as he adjusted my body to his, looking carefully at the steps as he held me up in his hand, I looked up to see his light green eyes perplexed, his expression was calm but it felt like he was worried.“Stay here” he said as he went into the bathroom, arriving with a first aid kit.“I’m really okay” I said calmly, he seemed to have ignored my plea, he took off my shoes, feet by feet.“You’ve got a bruise” he said, taking out the band aid “It’ll heal” I answered, pulling my legs in.“Will it?” He asked, raising a brow at me. I looked at him and then at our bedroom door, I saw a shadowy figure fade almost immediately, my guess was right, someone had been watching us.I lowered my face, leaning in closer to his face, my breath on his neck “You can stop now, the person’s gone” I whispered, taking my face away from his.He looked up at me, the band aid in place, his hand
Amelia’s POV‘Why is he being so nice?’ I thought to myself as I stared out the window.The moment he drove into the parking lot of the restaurant which seemed to be packed, I knew it was best for me to wait outside for him instead of watching him try to find a space to park, so I nodded the moment he suggested it.“Amelia Princeton!” I heard a voice coming from the entrance of the restaurant ‘It’s coo coo suzie’ I thought to myself as I saw her walk towards me, waving.“I knew I recognized that squeezed expression from somewhere” she added, waltzing in her long heels, a man in dark shades following right behind.I glared at her, knowing her fully well, she’s here to gloat as that has always been her work, I could see it in her toned skin and dainty brows, the bags the men behind her held, she was extravagant.“So..what brings you to such fine dining?” She asked, smiling sheepishly.“I’m here with my fiancé” I
Julian’s POVI watched the black dress I hand bought wrap around her body, her hands sleeveless, her almond colored eyes glimmering, I watched her carefully hold the railing as she pranced down, taking her time to get to me.I stretched out my hand, watching her eyes lower to catch my gaze “Thank you” she muttered, slipping her hand into mine.“You look amazing” I whispered into her ears, letting her walk beside me.“It’s not like you two are married anyways” I heard my stepsister say, and scoff right after in the distance, I turned my eyes to her.“And we are going to get married” Amelia snapped back, before I could even mutter, as though reading my mind, she glared at her.“If you’re jealous, why don’t you say so and maybe you’ll get a husband!” She added, I turned over to her, ‘did someone wake up on the wrong side of the bed today?’ I thought to myself.She was quite sharp in making others quiet, Daniella couldn’t mu
After the family briefing, it was time to head to bed, my whole body aches from the journey down to meeting his family.“I get to sleep on the bed” I said to Julian, pointing at the king sized bed.“Ofcourse, where else would you sleep?” He chuckled, fluffing the pillow.“Then..why are you fluffing the pillow?” I asked, raising a brow at him, expecting the worst response.“It’s for you” he said, my tensed shoulders falling back at the sound of that, his lips curled into a smile “And me” he added, looking at me to watch my face boil in anger.“I’ll sleep on the floor then” I said, pouting, grabbing a pillow that laid at the edge of the bed.He took his seat at the edge of the bed as he watched me pout and mutter under my breath in anger.“Oh my God!!” I squealed, throwing my hands in the air, startling Julian up to his feet “What is it?” I asked, his eyes on me as I pointed to the floor, my hands quivering with