I came to apologize

Early the next morning, Alaric made sure to check if Vespera was at school before driving over.

He pulled up to the dorms in his flashy sports car, phone in hand, calling Vespera. It was rush hour, with students coming and going, and many girls whispered among themselves, eyeing the expensive car and the handsome man who stepped out, wondering who he was here for.

In his car were three pink boxes with pretty bows on top—obviously gifts for a girl. Some speculated whether they were packed with clothes or handbags, given their size.

After waiting for a while with no answer, Alaric was about to head inside when he spotted Vespera in the distance. She was wearing a long coat that made her petite frame look even smaller, with her long hair flowing down her back, carrying a stack of books.

Alaric waved, calling out, "Miss Thornfield!"

Vespera stopped, visibly startled. She looked up and saw Alaric with his over-the-top sports car and the gathering crowd. Embarrassed, she tried to duck away,