CHAPTER ONE

Failure is an unavoidable aspect of life, as well as a necessary component of any successful life. Failure is only an opportunity to start all over again, this time more wisely. Is failure, however, such an important part of everyone's life that it must be present at all times?

“Come on, Ade, just do it. I'm confident you'll improve next time. Don't frown because it gives off a negative vibe. We don't want any bad vibes here, do we?” Sancha made a valiant effort to make me feel better. She would always utter this statement in every day that God had given her. Well, it's my fault because I consistently fail.

“Do you believe I'll still be able to go graduate, Sancha? If Grandpa finds out about my grades, he'll be furious! I'm at a loss on what to do next.” I said it in a troublesome way.

Failure has always been my companion; I don't recall ever excelling in any of my subjects. I always get an average if I don't receive a failing grade. I've never been praised, yet I'm the one who needs to be cheered up.

“Stop wallowing in your misery, girl! I've always had a plan to keep you from failing, but you've always turned it down. Accept it, it's your final option.”

My face distorted when I watched her eating her sandwich while conversing with me. I didn't pay attention to what she said since I knew she wanted me to be instructed by some of the university's scholars. I don't know, I just don't feel comfortable being instructed by someone who isn't a close friend.

"See? When it comes to this subject, you're disregarding me once more. Adeline, stop it and simply do what I said. Don't worry about being a tuttee; I'll help you get a good tutor."

“I don’t wan—”

"Or do you want me to be your tutor?" she interrupted me. The mere concept of that makes me squirm. I recall her attempting to teach me Algebra, but despite my best efforts, I am unable to comprehend even a single word she says.

Sancha has never had a failing grade. She's always on the average, or if she's in a good mood, she'll be on the top. But she's not very good at teaching; sometimes I'm almost sure I understand what she's saying, but she always complicates things by using difficult phrases. I'm not sure, maybe it's my fault. I need to put in more effort.

I let out an exasperated sigh.

“Perhaps I should seek assistance; Papa would kill me if he saw me failing so often.” I said, referring to my grandfather.

Of course, he won't kill me, instead, he'll rant about how disappointed he is in me until my eardrums burst. My grandfather, Constancio Andrada, is the strictest grandfather a granddaughter could ever have, but I am grateful that she was able to raise me into the lady I am today. He had been my guardian since my parents died in an unfortunate accident just months after I was born. No matter how much despised him for taking control of my life, I knew that one day I would realize that he was doing this for my sake.

“That’s the best decision you’ve made in your entire life, Adeline Saleena.” she said stated with a chuckle. I couldn’t help but glare on her, she just pouted and rolled her eyes to me.

“I pity you, Sanchana Eliza; you've never made a better decision in your life. Oh, and how can you make a decent decision when all you know how to do is eat, sleep, and repeat?”

I put on a shocked expression, but when I saw her glare, I burst out laughing. True, she is always eating, which may explain why she has a slightly overweight yet voluptuous shape. Her hair was raven black and draped over her shoulder; she had a delicate nose and bright cheeks, which I admire occasionally because mine are paperwhite.

I’m not insecure about my looks, I just really appreciate others appearance. In today's world, appearance is overvalued since it leaves an impression but it is still the personality that makes an impact.

Just like in arts, the aim of it is to convey the inward importance of things rather than their apparent aspect.  You’re more than your physical appearance. It's still all about your personality and style.

I kept checking my watch to see if it was already dismissal time as the hours ticked by. Sancha left after our little lunch conversation because she is no longer a classmate in this subject. I don't have any close friends here; there are a few acquaintances, but I don't have time to socialize with them. I am itching to go home.

And if God has a favorite day to irritate me, it's most likely today! It began to rain heavily just minutes before our classes ended. I was striding down the corridor when I saw how the surroundings were fuzzy, most likely due to the rain.                                                                                                           

While I was rushing to the waiting shed, I quickly contacted Cielo, our driver, to ask about his location. He should be here before the clock strikes four. It's now four o'clock.

"Where are you, Cielo? Is it possible for you to come here now because it's pouring so hard! If you take any longer, we might be stranded” I enquired.

"My car broke down when I was on my way there. I'm at an auto-repair shop to have it looked at. I apologize, young lady. I can't go since it's raining heavily and I don't see any cabs." He went on to clarify.

"Cielo, don't worry, everything is alright. Is everything going well for you? Aren't there any cars available to pick us up?" I asked.

"There are none, young lady," he replied. "Your grandfather and his associates were driven to Manila by Larry and Danilo, they use the other two cars. They were undoubtedly in a hurry and didn't have time to separate and grab their own cars.”

“What am I going to do now? I don't think the rain will let up anytime soon, and it's starting to get cold."

"Where are you now, young lady? Please avoid getting soaked in the rain; you can quickly become ill. Your grandfather will be concerned. Do you have an umbrella?" He reminded. I overheard voices in his background discussing his car's problem.

"I forgot my umbrella at home, but I'm at the shed now. I won't be able to return to our building because of the rain, so I'll have to wait here."

"I apologize, young lady. I'm going to go there as soon as I can. Please keep yourself safe" he apologetically stated.

I just nodded, but I knew it was pointless because he couldn't see me, so I just cautioned him to be careful.

I swung my attention around the room. A few students are gathered by the shed, possibly awaiting their drivers or a cab. There are no cabs on the road, possibly due to the heavy rain.

I sighed and got ready to walk to the building just a few meters away from here. I'm afraid I won't be able to stay here much longer because it's getting quite cold. I'm going to get soaked, but that's fine because I have spare clothes in my locker.

I was about to take a step away from the waiting shed when my wrist was grabbed by a firm hand. My mouth hung open in shock and bewilderment. His manly odor rapidly infiltrated my nose. His gorgeous brown eyes locked on mine. My wrist felt warm in his calloused and rough grasp. When I saw how much this guy resembled a Greek god, my jaw split open once more! His hair was dark brown and perfectly coiffed, and he had a high and pointed nose with sharp cheekbones chiseled down to his flinty jaw, which appeared to be sculpted and trimmed to perfection.

"What..." I trailed off. "What do you need?"

"Where are you going?" he asked with his icy and baritoned voice.

“I’m sorry but do I know you? It is not necessary for you to know where I am going because it is none of your concern.” I stated irritably.

No matter how much his face made my jaw drop, he still grabbed my wrist and stopped me from going like he was some kind of boss. He is a complete stranger to me! He simply tsked and snatched my wrist once again. This time, I smacked his hand and yanked it away.

"Asshole! What kind of person do you believe you are? If you keep getting closer, I'm going to yell and warn everyone that you're a kidnapper." I stated this as I moved away from him.

“Zeeve.” He casually said.

"What?!" I retaliated. What does the word Zeeve mean? Is it a code, a language, or something else?

"Tone down your voice, Miss. That's my name, and now you know who I am."

“And? I didn’t ask for your name, you presumptuous man!” I screamed right in his face.

"Look, kid. I overheard your conversation with your driver, and I'm afraid he won't be able to make it in this kind of storm. Tell him to go home and not come back here. It's perilous."

My mouth was hanging open once more. . Did he just call me a kid? looked at him in disbelief, noticing his height, which I estimated to be approximately 6'2. He towered over me, who is 5'6" tall. I felt extremely tiny in his presence, but that didn't give him the right to call me a kid.

“I’m not a kid, old hag!” I yelled angrily.

"Your demeanor indicates otherwise. Let’s go, I’ll take you home." he remarked flatly.

"What makes you think I'm going to ride in a stranger's car?" I asked cynically.

His lips rose into a grin, as if he was amused by what I said. I glared even harder at him, wondering who he thought he was to order me around.

"What makes you believe you'll ride a car? I don't own a car, we'll take public transportation. Assuming."

I looked at him, perplexed. He doesn't have a car? Almost every student here has one, or is he grounded?

"Leave me alone; I'm not going with you." I said. Even though I was eager to go home, I can't put my faith in a stranger like him. Who knows if he's a kidnapper or a rapist?

"Contact your driver. You're the last girl left in here, and if I learn tomorrow that a girl has been kidnapped by his insane admirers, my guilt would eat me alive." he said.

“Admirers?”

"Yeah, I heard those lads over there talking about you pervertly." he said.

I looked around, and it was true that I was the only girl remaining here. I spotted two lads a few meters away who were conversing and smiling. Are these the ones he's talking to?

"And, lady, we're using public transportation. I can’t do anything to you contrary to what you’re thinking. You're not even my type."

He began removing his identification card and handing it to me.

I accepted it befuddledly and read his information.

Zeeve Maxim Bullecer, Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.