Lora’s beautiful features show signs of restlessness as she embraces me. Kristoff gives me a genuine nod, and we sit.“It was so unexpected,” she says, glaring at Kristoff. “This is your fault, you dipshit!”“Don’t worry,” I say. “I’d already talked to Mr. Melnard. He’ll find me a place, and Mr. Pitch insisted on paying for the rent.”Lora’s face glows with relief. “Thank God! But where will you stay in the meantime?”I give Kristoff a quick glance as he waits for my response. “So, um... My boyfriend offered, so I’ll ask if I can stay for a day or two.”“This is your fault!” Lora smacks Kristoff on the arm.
“You will tell me the next time something like this happens,” Julian says firmly.I wasn’t planning on telling him when I arrived at his penthouse half an hour ago, but Lora convinced me I should tell him about my apartment issues. I also wanted to talk about the car, but he was mad, so I decided to do that later.I get that he’s concerned about me. He’s shown me many times that he cares about me. He is, however, still my professor. Our relationship is already forbidden, and keeping it hidden is our top priority. How can we do that if someone from school sees me here, let’s say, Kristoff?“I already explained why,” I reason.“That’s not an explanation.” He paces back and forth from the living room wi
When Julian climbed into bed last night, I felt his arm wrap around me, but I was too tired to notice what time he got home.But I awoke alone in bed this morning. Julian is already preparing breakfast at the dining table.“Good morning,” I say. As usual, he looks more appealing than the food.“Come here. I was about to wake you up.” He gestures to me and pops a small piece of tomato into his mouth.Instead of sitting, I approach him and wrap my arms around his body.Hmm. He smells like he just got out of the shower. It was a mixture of mint, citrus, earthy, and pure masculine notes...“You didn’t wake me up when you came last night,&rdquo
“Can I drive this? She’s breathtaking.” Lora admires my gleaming new Volvo. I told them I’d drive it to Kristoff’s place after our classes. I’ve mostly driven Lora or Kristoff’s car in Whitlock, but I’ve also taken cabs.I’m thankful to have Julian and my benefactor in my life. But my boyfriend giving me a car is too much. He was under no obligation to do so. I don’t think I can argue with him about it, though, because he’ll still do it.But I’m thrilled about it. I will not be left out or have to wait for a ride with my friends.“Let’s just meet there,” says Kristoff as he walks to his car.Lora’s car is parked across the lot.
Julian was in his study when I arrived at the penthouse. I made him a cup of coffee and prepared some cookies I had purchased earlier so I could contribute a little to his place. As I approach the front door to his study, I see him rubbing the back of his neck and bending it from side to side.“Tired?” I ask, setting the tray of snacks on his desk.When he looks at me, his expression relaxes. “Thank you. How was your day?”“Good, and thank God, I finished my song. Lora and Kristoff helped.”“Really?” He smiles. “Would you mind showing me?”“I’ll practice the whole thing later, so you’ll hear it anyway. Besides, you’re preoccupied. What is that
Whitlock Main Performance Hall corridor is teeming with students getting ready for their performance. Even at this early stage, this event is monumental for everyone involved. Each performing arts department — drama, singers, dancers, instrumentalists, songwriters, and composers — is assigned a day and time to perform. And today, songwriters, composers, and singers are gathered together.Nobody knows what’s going on inside the hall. Only the performer/s are allowed, while the six panelists observe and evaluate each performance. I already know three of them, so I’ll learn the other three when it’s my turn to perform.Julian is also present, but only as an observer.There are ushers at the entrance and an assistant who will call out names when it is their turn. Lora and I and the re
Each performance took an entire day to finish. I’ve waited with everyone else, hoping for a miracle that my name, or someone deserving, will be called. Regardless of the outcome, another meaningful moment in my life lies ahead.Mr. Melnard will see me tonight.There are over a hundred people in attendance in the performance hall, waiting for the big winners and awardees to be announced. They stated that a special academic award would still be given to those who delivered outstanding performances. Still, only one from each class will advance to the finals—the one who would compete against St. Agatha Academy’s champion.Lora and I are holding hands. She probably wishes for the same thing. Kristoff is quietly sitting on my other side, his gaze fixed on the stage. Not until Ben taps him on the shoulder
We shake hands. “You’re Dean Melnard?”“That’s right.” He flashes his pearly white teeth. “Let’s say that’s an alias. Please have a seat, Ms. Scott.” He sits on the chair opposite me.A waiter then approaches us, assists me in settling in, and hands us a menu. “Thank you,” I murmur.“Just order what you want, Ms. Scott. It’s on me,” Mr. Melnard says—I mean, Mr. Bryant.I hide my face on the menu, pretending to choose while I’m actually trying to process the unexpected revelation.I’ve been emailing this man for over two years. He has been extremely helpful to me. He’s always polite, so I’m never intimidated
When I got to bed later that night, I immediately called Julian. Damn. My feet are killing me from running around all day in heels. “How’s Kristoff doing?” I ask, my gaze fixed on the ceiling. “He’s already dozed off.” I hear a door closing in the background. “Did you guys talk?” “Yeah.” “What did you say?” “Everything. I told him everything from the start. It’s alright now. You have nothing else to be worried about.” I exhaled a sharp sigh of relief. “We should’ve done this sooner. I’m sorry because Kristoff is a good person.” “He is. He didn’t tell you even though he already knew. “Hey, don’t worry about it, and get some rest,” he says softly. I chew my bottom lip. “Thank you for today. I was late, but you waited for me.” “No. Either way, I’d still tell you about it. I should be thanking you for accepting me.” Silence. I love hearing his voice. I could fall asleep all night listening to him speak. He makes me feel as if I’m lying on clouds. “I love you so much, Julian.”
I got separated from Julian at the party when everyone surrounded him to wish him a happy birthday. I also see his parents, Rachel and Benjamin, at the corner, speaking to some guests. I realize this is my second encounter with his father, and I don’t know much about him yet. Rafael, his eldest son, bears a striking resemblance to him. I’m curious about him because I’ve already met Julian’s entire family.The party is formal, well-prepared, and obviously exclusive, as evidenced by the familiar faces—most of whom are celebrities. I’m glad I dressed appropriately tonight. Everything Dean had arranged for me had probably come from Julian. Now I just have to get used to that fact and accept that he and John Pitch are the same person. And that I’m now engaged to him. This ring on my finger proves I’m not imagining things.
When Dean arrives at the hospital, he sees me right away. His face is stricken with concern as he studies me from head to toe and then sighs when he realizes I’m fine. But whoa. I’m amazed at how he came here fast. I was just talking to him. “What are you doing here, Anya?” “It’s Kristoff. He’s had an accident. I can’t just leave him there, Dean, knowing I’m partly to blame.” “How is that your fault? Is he alright?” I nod. “He’s already awake, but he refuses to notify his parents.” Even though I know they’ll blame me, I’ll take whatever they say. “He probably thought it would just cause a stir. His parents are at the party. Don’t worry. I’ll check on him later, so we should leave now.” “What did Mr. Pitch say?” “He’ll come to see you. You can explain everything later.” I exhale a sigh of relief. “Thank you.” But Julian’s birthday, too! He could be looking for me right now. But I haven’t received a call or message from him yet, and neither has Lora. “He’s waiting, Anya, so hur
I feel my face whiten, unable to move my lips or even move at all. My mind is flooded with questions. How did he find out? Did Julian tell him? Or did he see us together? What does he think of me now?“Goddammit, Anya!” He rubs his face. Exasperated tears well up in his eyes. “Really? Julian? “Why him of all people?”“P-Please, Kris, calm down. I’ll explain.”I understand how important this is to him. I’ve known itsince the beginning. Kristoff looked up at Julian. He’s like a brother to him, someone he can rely on. But Julian and I went too far. It’s unfair that we kept it from Kristoff, but we didn’t do anything wrong. We were simply being cautious.I have to tell him. It should be done now, without hesitation. I’ll try to persuade him of my connection to Julian—everything from the beginning. We met before Whitlock, how I was chosen for the scholarship, how we met a
“How about this one?” I turn around in front of Lora while selecting a dress to wear to the signing at Sebastian Records in the afternoon today—my most awaited day. God, time flies! Oh, and tonight is Julian’s birthday party that will be held at the company.I’m wearing a Neiman Marcus royal blue asymmetric cross bandage dress and Christian Louboutin heels that were delivered to my door by my benefactor’s assistant, Jefferson ‘Dean’ Bryant. He thought I should dress nicely today, and he fully supports my newfound success. He also said he’d say something after I signed. I’m curious about what that’s all about.Lora squeals as she scans me from head to toe. “Damn, you’re hot. Hot, sexy-smart. I wish I could be there for you.”“
Anne’s laughter echoes throughout the living room after Hector finishes second in their game on my television I haven’t even used yet. Ben said it would be boring, so he brought his game console. The others are relaxing with some beverages and snacks while chatting. And I’m in the kitchen, getting another box of pizza and fried chicken. “Seriously?” Hector grumbles. “Wow, that was extreme! Now, give me your fifty dollars,” Anne brags. Ben chuckles. “I warned you, dude. You can’t force ladies these days.” “I’ll take the bet. I’m next,” Kristoff says. “Hey, me, too!” Brit yells. “Do they do this often?” I ask Lora. “Oh, yes. Usually in Hector or Ben’s place, but I hardly join.” I take a big bite of my pizza. God, I love cheese. “Then let’s join them now.” We bring the food into the living room and take a seat. “Hector, move your leg!” Give the owner some space,” Brit says as she grabs a
“So, what do you think?” Dean asks after we’ve toured an apartment on Royale Hill, two blocks from Whitlock. Since all the rents were the same, I chose the one closer to the school. “It smells expensive. It looks expensive.” It’s fully furnished and brand new. Despite the citrus air freshener, the interior still smells like leather and has glass windows. “Anya.” Dean crosses his arms, probably expecting me to say something serious. “Fine, I love it. It’s wonderful but still extravagant,” I admit bluntly. I suppose Mr. Pitch has nowhere else to put his money. What exactly is he thinking? The listing price alone scared me. Looking at it now completely overwhelms me. “You are welcome to move in whenever you want. I’ve already spoken with the lessor.”
“Rafael isn’t the type to disclose his strategies,” Julian says. “I do know that he will keep our reputation from deteriorating. Stella has a good public record, her records are selling out again this year, and fans are waiting for her new album. She made a fortune for Rafe when she gave up her stakes in her former management. Rafe will, of course, strive to keep her good image.”I close my eyes and let out a slow, deep breath to calm myself. “I’m sorry it happened to her. What are you going to do about her?”“Nothing. We were done a long time ago.” He drinks again.“But you’re still concerned about her,” I say bravely, but my voice wavering. Whatever his response, I must respect his feelings. He dumped his ex-fiancée because he bel
The silence in the penthouse is deafening when I arrive. I turn on the lights to make the room feel more alive. I haven’t heard from Julian since the morning, and he still didn’t respond to my texts or phone calls.I rush to the fridge for food because I’m starving. It’s a miracle that I’m hungry after an entire day of not eating.I grab some bread from the counter, spread it with peanut butter, and pour myself a glass of orange juice. With one bite and a gulp, relief washes over me.I go to the bathroom after eating to take a quick shower. I undress, step under the sprinkler, and then turn it on. I close my eyes and let the warm water flow over my head.I reach for the hair gel, but Julian appears unexpectedly and grabs the bottle. I stare