When Fred turned onto Lexington Avenue instead of my apartment, which was in the opposite direction, I knew my guess was right. I just had a smooth ten-minute drive in a cool car that smelled like berries and brambles. The plush leather upholstery makes me feel like I’m sitting in the most sumptuous seat in the world. Stopping in front of the Le Papillon, I notice Professor Sebastian’s car pulling over the driveway, and a valet opens his door. Fred opens mine. “Ms. Anya.” “Thank you,” I mutter, and then I step down. Ahead of us, I catch my professor’s watchful gaze, observing me. I make my way toward him. “You ready?” he asks. “Yes, but we’re eating dinner here?” I know I asked the obvious, but having dinner with him here is not a good idea. Somebody from the school might see us. “Yes. It’s late, and I’m hungry,” he says plainly. Oh. The restaurant’s head waiter, Harold, welcomes us at the door. “Good to see you again, Professor Sebastian—” he glances at me with slight confu
It didn’t take any longer than fifteen minutes before we arrived in front of my apartment building. “Thank you, professor. You really didn’t have to do this,” I say as he walks me to the front entrance. He looks over the seven-floor complex and nods in approval. A smirk forms on the corner of his mouth. “Who do you share your space with?” “Lora. Our apartment is quite pretty, and it has two separate bedrooms. Having security is a plus. Even though it’s expensive, we’re splitting the rent.” “Maybe I can stop by for a coffee sometime.” My mouth drops open. “Oh, I’m sorry about that. Would you like to come in for a cup?” “No, it’s fine. I already have other plans for tonight. I hope you have a pleasant evening, Ms. Scott.” I chew my bottom lip. I wish I could ask where, but I obviously can’t. “I guess I’ll bid you good night. Good night, professor.” “Good night.” He strolls back to his car. For some reason, as I continue to go inside, I can’t help but see him one more time from
Professor Sebastian sits at the edge of the desk and clasps his hands. “Today, we’re going to talk about point of view,” he says in a firm voice. I’m curious to see how he differs from our previous professor in terms of how he instructs us on songwriting. “A point of view describes the relationship between the audience and the singer. Here’s a case: a story of a man’s selfless devotion to the woman he loves.” My eyes move around the room to look at everyone’s faces. All eyes are focused forward, mouths are sealed shut, and everyone else has their notes ready. I sit properly. “Let’s call him Joe,” the professor continues. “Joe loves this woman, but as listeners of his story, we don’t know that because we don’t know them. Only the songwriter can tell you that story...” Professor Sebastian tenses up and walks to the center. “What we want to do here is to express an idea. What am I going to say? Which approach should I take? From personal experience? Perhaps you’ve had your heart bro
I tighten Kristoff’s bowtie and smooth his black lapels. My boyfriend looks dashing in his tailored tux today. The latest single of the quartet he’s on is finally getting its music video.It’s actually pretty hectic. Cameras and videographers are working behind the scenes. There are cables, tech machines, and equipment everywhere in the studio, and the stage artist is yelling at some people while the director speaks to one of the members.Kristoff plays the cello and has been a part of the Dream String Quartet since his freshman year. The other members, Flynn, Jace, and Seth, all have different majors but come together as an ensemble. They have become Whitlock’s pride because their music has been featured in television and film soundtracks, major school activities, professional theater plays, live performances, and concerts.More than ten million people follow them across their social media channels.I smile as I look up at him.He strokes his hair with his fingers. “How do I look?”I
Julian takes me to an exclusive nightclub on the Upper West Side, but there’s no single customer in sight. It appears it hasn’t opened up yet for the night. I tense up as I scan the vast bar area, manned solely by a muscled bartender in a classic vest and white shirt with tattoos on his arms.But seriously? He brought me here? The professor really is peculiar.Is this something he frequently does? Bringing women to nightclubs?But nope. I’m not his woman.“Mateo. My usual,” Julian says to the bartender as he approaches the bar.“Si, señor. And for the señorita?” Mateo asks, his Spanish accent precise and clear. He also has a pretty high voice for such a large and powerful man. I bet he can sing in falsetto up to a higher C5 note.“Mudslide, please,” I say. It’s my usual drink when Lora and I go to a club.“Are you sure?” he asks me again, now smiling. “Because we have something better.”I laugh. “Está bien, señor barman.”“Ah, you speak Español?”“Si, solo un poco. Mi madre era Colomb
I lift my gaze, yearning to my professor’s beautiful face, listening to his voice, observing his gestures, and marveling at his kissable moist lips. I’m captivated and terrified at the same time, becoming cognizant of how strongly I’m drawn to him, which isn’t right. It’s most likely the cocktail. I no longer have control over my words. “Kristoff’s mom hates me. She didn’t even need to say anything. And America is a brat who is really straightforward. They have no right to look down on others just because they were born wealthy. I’m poor, but it doesn’t mean I don’t have feelings or a mind.” His brows knitted together. “I’m not surprised, but have you told Kristoff?” “It wasn’t necessary. I’m sure he’s aware. He doesn’t like his family either.” I sigh hard and shake my head before drinking again. “Melissa and America are almost alike. But Kristoff’s mother wasn’t born rich, Anya. Her father used to work as a blue-collar employee for Sebastian Records.” I wipe the drink from my li
When I come out of the bedroom, I find Julian sitting in the living room with papers strewn across the center table. And seeing him in those black-framed glasses is always a delight for me.Damn. A small grumble escapes my mouth as I chew my bottom lip. I could never tire of that sexy, smart look.I avert my eyes and stride to his dining area, which is adjacent to the floor-to-ceiling windows. I can’t help but admire his private space. It’s enormous and modern, much like his workplace. The living room’s walls are mostly glass, which overlooks the city’s panoramic view. There are no photographs on the walls, only vibrant abstract paintings.His space reflects his personality. It’s bright and well-organized. I’ve met men like him who are gentlemanly, but Lora used to say that nice guys are almost boring. I wouldn’t understand her because she prefers bad boys to nice boys.Well, Kristoff is nice...Julian, on the other hand, is anything but boring if I understand Lora correctly. The man
Lora wraps her arms around me the moment I walk into our place. Her embrace tightens around me, and she sobs like someone has died. I wish I could be a little enraged, but I can’t. That was yesterday.“I’m so sorry, Anya. I really am.”I close my eyes and give her a tight hug. My heart hurts for her, but I miss her. “Why don’t you just start explaining?”“I will. I swear.” She lets me go. I notice her puffy face and nose. With her swollen eyes, she appears to have been crying all night. “But where were you?” She takes notice of my baggy outfit. “And what are you wearing? Are those men’s clothes?”“It’s a long story.” I sigh. “But does this mean I didn’t lose you?”“Come on, Anya! You’re my best friend. My only one.”“Yes, but you will tell me everything you know.”“Yes, of course.” She wipes her tears away with her fingers. “We’ve been calling and waiting all night.”“Come.” I reach out and take her hand, leading her gently to the couch. I see that the house is also a mess. On the liv
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