Chapter 8

“Leo, were you among the robbers? You were the one who got rid of that video from Jaden?” I asked breathlessly as tears fell from my eyes.

“I wish I could just hate you. I really don't know what is wrong with me.” He hissed and walked back to his chair and sat, crossing his legs on the table and looking up at me with a grim expression.

“I am really sorry I did that video. He made me do it with the promise of not releasing those naked videos of mine. My parents are beginning their political careers, and our future relies on it. I was really scared. It will ruin them if…”

“I believe you.” He breathed. “It sucks, but I fucking believe everything you say. Now clean those tears and leave.”

"Thank you so much! We will see after school!" I squeaked before scurrying out, grinning from ear to ear.

He just saved me again and now I don't think I can control it anymore. I am in love.

Leo's POV

A knock came on my door just immediately Diane left and as I got to the door, a young woman was standing there.

I noticed she was a teacher with the attire she wore, But I was kind of confused to see her skirt far above her laps. She had pulled them up well enough to display her in thighs.

My eyes squinted as I stared at her with a questioning look, not sure what she was doing here. I can't remember inviting her to my office.

“Who is that girl?” She asked with a deep frown on her face, tucking her brown hair behind her left ear. I could sense jealousy and anger in her tone and I just couldn't understand why.

She bit her lower lip and swallowed hard as if she had read something from my eyes that didn't sit right with her.

“Can you at least let me in first?” She asked, placing her hands on her waist.

I let out a shrug and reluctantly gave in. We may just be meeting for the first time, but I already feel uncomfortable with her. Although she was very beautiful and tall with porcelain skin and velvet brown eyes that won't stop piercing into my face, I still disliked her.

“My name is Helen, a computer science teacher, and you?” She smiled, stretching her hand for a handshake.

“Leo, math teacher. Nice to meet you.” I said bluntly, forcing out a smile that failed me because it was obvious I wasn't happy seeing her here.

“Why do you have that face?” She looked so shocked and confused as if she was not used to being treated that way.

“What face? That's my normal expression.” I retorted, moving to my chair and sitting. I faced her with a “What are you here for?” gaze.

“I saw your pictures among the newly employed teachers, and I must swear you caught my attention. Not only my attention; maybe you also caught hold of my heart too because I was so restless and badly wanted to meet you even though I was told you always want your space.” She breathed, walking closer and placing her two hands on the table.

Her cleavage was right in front of me, and since she didn't button up properly, I could see a glimpse of her nipples.

“So what exactly are you here for?” I asked, already pissed, and she grimaced, feeling disappointed.

“Isn't it obvious? I just told you I am in love. To be honest, I am not and have never been the type to confess her feelings to a man. And a lot of men, including the other teachers in this school, are dying for the opportunity to have me, but I…”

“Helen, or whatever you said your name was, please, if you don't have any work-related stuff to say to me, use the door.” I cut her, my eyes flaring at her.

“You don't like me?” Her brows arched as a little gasp slipped her lips. “Are you married? Or do you have a woman in your life? Your relationship status is “single.”

“I don't have anyone in my life, and I would rather die that way than that person being you!” I snapped, standing up.

“I don't believe you. Listen, I know you may be scared of us being caught, but I want you to know we can do whatever we want because it is allowed between two teachers. We can meet anytime in your office or mine and…”

“Oh, that's really relieving to hear, but you are not anything close to the kind of lady I want.” I retorted, not allowing her to finish whatever she was saying.

“So what kind of lady do you like?...” She asked and paused. Her eyes glinted as she shook her head.

“Don't tell me it is that girl that I saw leaving your office with a huge smile on her face…It is not what I am thinking, right?”

I grunted.

“Get out of my office, or I'll be forced to call the security on you or drag you out myself!” I was filled with rage, and when she smiled, it felt like my heart would burst from fury. I could see the desperation in her eyes, and I knew she wasn't someone to give up so fast.

“Since I got to this school, no male teacher had ever rejected me. I don't know why you are different, and I guess that has piqued my interest. It even makes me want you more because you aren't like others who lust and would kill to have me.”

Her eyes were on me, brimming with admiration as she licked her lips.

I hissed and moved to the door, opening the door and gesturing her out.

“You said that student came to do what in your office?” She asked as she made her way out.

“It is none of your business, and I am not mandated to tell you about everything that goes on in my life, sis!” I spat, feeling irritated.

“Alright, maybe she will tell me then. I have seen her face in my class before. Bye, and take care of yourself for me.” She giggled, her palm brushing my cheek before she walked out the door.

I shut the door and head back to my chair. Just as I sat down, my phone rang. I was about to snub it, but as I realized it was the mafia leader, I had to pick.

“How is it going? I hope there has been no suspicion around you." His hoarse voice spoke through the phone, and I took a deep breath in and out to calm my nerves.

“Yes, everything is perfectly fine.” I replied, and there was a bit of silence before he broke it.

“I think there is a bit of a problem about the background we created for you.” He said, and my face contorted.

“What problem? It doesn't seem so to me.”

“Yeah, I thought of it and realized it will bring a lot of problems in the future even though it hasn't started now. Remember the man we are after; his daughter is always so careful and may request that every teacher's history is checked properly.” He sighed, and I was getting bored.

“Tell me why you called.”

“You have to fall in love with someone, start a normal dating life, and propose to her. It will make you less suspicious, as people would see you as a normal guy like everyone else.”

“What?” I scoffed, groaning in frustration. I waited to hear him say it was a joke, but no. He was serious, knowing this was something I hated most.

“I know we don't have the heart to fall in love; that's why it won't be real. It is all a facade. You can choose to pay someone to act like your girlfriend. It is even better if she agrees to be pregnant for you. An information reaching me is that the girl we are awaiting will be in the school in the next three months.”

My fingers ran through my hair, my teeth clenched as I cursed under my breath.

Fuck!

“This is a very important mission, so I don't want any mistakes.” He added before hanging up.

If I thought Helen had ruined my mood, this call just made it way worse.

What the heck does he mean by falling in love and proposing? How am I supposed to pretend that long without it all being obvious?

I slumped on my chair, hissing and hitting my fist on the table as I racked my head for the lady to act this with, but no one. Helen was the worst option that came to my mind.

How can I pretend to like who I hate? I find it so hard to hide my hatred for someone. I really hate everything about romance and love.

Just as I shut my eyes, someone's face lingered in my mind, and my heart skipped a beat.

Diane.

I don't know why a rush of happiness swept through me at the thought of her. I realized in that moment that she was the only person I wouldn't be pretending to love, and it would be real.

Just a few hours ago, I found out she almost destroyed me, and I just escaped by a strand of hair. She recorded a video that would shatter all the plans, and I would even end up dealing with the law, which risks my identity being exposed.

Yet, my cold, hardened heart melted when she apologized. She told me it was Jaden who manipulated her, and I believed; not only did I believe, I forgave her, and all my anger towards her vanished.

When I saw the videotape, I vowed in my heart to make her life a hell, but I could even do anything when she entered this office.

No one had ever made me become this soft, and I was both scared and frustrated, yet I didn't want to let go.

There was one way we were taught in the Mafia world to set myself free from this, and that was killing Diane. Yet, the thought of it made me shiver. Diane has held me with a charm I couldn't escape from.