Chapter 6

My eyes flew open as water was sprinkled on my face, jolting me back to consciousness.

I have no idea how long I had passed out, but the moment I opened my eyes, I realized I was in a room I couldn't recognize. I could still hear the noise of students outside, which showed I was still in the school.

As I shook my head and tried to wipe the water off my face, I realized my two hands couldn't move. It was tied behind me as I sat on the chair. Not even my legs were free.

“Sorry, I had to tie you up, but it is the only way to make things go faster and easier.” The voice of Helen made me shiver. I quickly recalled what had happened earlier.

She took me out of class to show me something she said was good news. Then I was attacked from behind.

How did I end up here? So it was her plan to lure me out of the classroom.

“Miss Helen, what is going on?” I demanded in shock and confusion, raising my head to look at her, so I would be sure she was really the one.

She stood tall in front of me, her hands on her waist as those angry and jealous eyes peered at me.

“What is your relationship with Leo? And don't you dare tell me nothing!” She snapped, her tone sharp and envious.

I blinked, confused. “What are you talking about? I don't…" My words hung in my throat as she gave me a knock on the head.

“Don't answer my question with questions! When did you meet Leo, and what went on between you both?” She snarled, but I couldn't reply, as the hit still aches so bad.

I can't even rub it to ease up the pain.

“I know everything, but I want to hear it from you!” She added, grabbing a fistful of my hair and forcing me to look up at her face.

“You are making a mistake.” I managed to say, and she let out a deep grunt.

“Let me explain something to you!” She sighed and stood upright. “I am in love with Leo. For the first time in my life, a man had captured my heart at first sight, and guess what? I am already obsessed! He is the man I am ready to sacrifice anything for.”

“I don't know why you're telling me all this.” I seethed, struggling to free myself.

“I saw you leave his office with a smile all over your face. Jaden also told me about you being with him in that club weeks ago. Diane, he is your teacher. Why do you want to take this risk?” She asked, taking a deep breath.

“What risk? We aren't dating or anything.” I retorted, and she nodded.

“He fucking likes you. I don't know how, but I saw his eyes twinkle at the mention of you. Diane, you are like an obstacle to me. He won't notice me as long as you're alive. You're ruining everything.” She hissed, rubbing her temple.

“What are you insinuating?” I whispered, dreading pooling in my stomach.

“I want you to get a boyfriend. I don't care if it's real or fake, but find a guy to date so he sees that you don't care about him. He should see clearly that there is no chance for him in your life.” She instructed in a commanding tone as if I was her slave.

“And why will you force me into…”

“Do as I say if you still want to enjoy your stay in this school. I can help you get rid of every bully, including Jaden. Just do as I say, okay? You won't ever want to be my enemy. Trust me.” She added with a sinister smile before pulling out a knife from her pocket and cutting off the ropes.

She helped me up.

“Nobody should know about what happened here. I trust you to make the right decision.”

She led me down, and just as we got to the class, the school bell rang for closure.

I picked up my bags and hurried home, everything playing like an illusion in my head.

It was hard to understand; I was just kidnapped in school by my own teacher and then warned to stay away from Leo.

What the heck?

Leo doesn't even like me, and now I am already gathering enemies who won't mind killing me to have him.

I sighed and rubbed my face as the thought of everything that happened in that room replayed in my head.

There were cameras, but Helen didn't care, which only means she had it all sorted out.

First was Jaden, now Helen. I have no idea what more would be added to the list. There would be nobody to save me and I may end up losing my life for a strange man that doesn't love me.

Just as I strode, getting closer to my house, I caught a glimpse of a car following me. I arched my brows, fear creeping inside me as I braced up to run.

I increased my pace, and the car increased also. My heart began to pound harder, sweat forming on my face. I had never felt so insecure, and it all started after meeting Leo.

It was all my fault to keep all this a secret from my parents.

My phone beeped at that moment as I brought it out to call the emergency line.

It was a text from an unsaved number.

“No need to panic; it is me, Leo. May I drive you home?” I read and heaved in relief, stopping in my tracks and turning to see Leo out of the car, leaning on the door.

I walked back with a beam on my face while he had a curious look.

“Why are you walking home? Isn't it too harsh?” He asked, and I gave him a long gaze.

“My house isn't far from here, and I love having a walk back home. It is refreshing to me and it's an exercise.” I smiled again, my heart foolishly racing as I was close to him.

He opened the passenger seat for me, and I entered.

“I was kinda worried when I sent someone to check on you in the classroom shortly after you left my office, but you were not there.” His eyes narrowed as he ignited the car.

“I went to the garden. Anyways, I didn't know you had a car.” I chuckled, and his lips curled into a little smile.

“There are a lot of things you don't know about me, and I won't want you to know them. Do you know Helen?” He asked, and my heart skipped a beat; a little gasp slipped from my lips as I heard the question.

“She is my teacher. Um... Computer science teacher. What about her?” I asked, trying to keep my tone smooth.

“She hates you because she thinks we are dating secretly.” He scoffed, and I acted shocked, covering my mouth.

“What? Why would she think such a thing?”

“If she ever threatens you, let me know. I will make sure…” His voice paused, and the car came to a screeching halt. His eyes had landed on my wrists, and he seemed to have seen the red stripes of that rope Helen used to tie my hands.

“Who did that to you?” He asked with a deep growl, those eyes growing darker as he took my hand and stared into the lines.

“No no, no... it was a game. We…I…” My voice was stuttering. Helen had warned me not to tell anyone and I am scared she would hurt me.

“If you don't want to tell me the truth, then it's fine.” He shrugged.

“Why do you suddenly care? You said I meant nothing to you, remember?”

He heaved a deep breath. “Yes, I remember perfectly; that is why I have to make sure you aren't hurt by people like Helen, who think we are having any secret relationship. I don't know who is spreading the lies that we are dating.” He hissed and looked away.

“My house is that black gate ahead. You can stop here; I don't want my parents to see…”

“I understand.” He cut me off as he parked at the roadside.

“You didn't tell me why you picked me up.” I asked, squinting my eyes at him.

“Maybe because I was thinking Helen would come to you. That woman is so obsessed with me and thinks you're an obstacle.” He replied, gritting his teeth. “I hope she is not the one that did that thing on your wrist.”

“She is not the one.” I lied, swallowing hard.

“Alright.” He sighed, and I could notice his eyes dim a bit when I opened the car.

“My crush in class finally gave me a green light, so I will be having a boyfriend real soon. That will surely clear the air about the rumors of us dating. Helen won't have to attack me again.” I grinned, but his face was grim.

“As long as he is better than that dickhead Jaden.” He shrugged, and I nodded.

“For sure. Goodbye!” I bade, and he only nodded, those eyes losing every glitter. I don't know why he looked so sad. I think it is all in my head. He would be overwhelmed with happiness to hear I would have a boyfriend and leave him alone.

That must be what he always wanted. If only he knew I was forced by Helen, and it was so painful to think of it. I am so in love with him, and I really wish we had met in a different place, as different people and not teacher and student.

I brought out my phone, hoping to see any message from him, but none. He was offline.

My head turned, and the car was gone. He didn't even wait to watch me enter. I am sure he would be heading to the club to celebrate my departure from his life.

I reached home and made sure to wear a long-sleeve top and trousers to cover the red stripes of that rope because I won't want to answer questions again.

The day went by fast, and soon I was already lying on my bed fighting with my body to sleep, but it couldn't come. My hand was in my hand, and I was staring at Leo's message wall, hoping he would text me.

I had sent him a lot of messages, asking how he was and if we could chat. I even added some math questions just so he would reply, but nothing happened. Worst of all, he didn't even view the message while online.

I slept off, woke up the next day, and the first thing I did was rush and check my phone. Maybe he had replied when I dozed off, but disappointment slapped me in the face as I saw it was still the same. He didn't open my messages. I felt like crying.