"IS that Zoe the commoner?”

“Wow, she’s hot, dude!”

“A commoner is always a commoner. Even if she wears luxury clothes.”

“Right.”

Zoe is aware that the people are eyeing her. Murmuring about her.

Well, who wouldn’t?

She was known to be the commoner. She has been bullied ever since because of her mother. But all of these, she tends to ignore.

And she was quite aware that her entrance, with the two men beside her, walking with her, would literally catch attention.

She stopped walking and faced the man on her right. “Maybe it would be best if you would wait for me in the parking lot? I know you understand my situation,” she said and smiled. However, she got no response.

She looked to her left, and still, the other man had no response.

‘Seriously?’ she thought.

“Look, sir. You will put me in trouble if you don’t stay away—”

“We need to follow sir Lincoln’s order, ma’am. I’m sorry,” finally the man on her right talked.

Zoe pinched the bridge of her nose to calm herself. Afterward, she wandered her gaze around and saw her fellow students gossiping, whispering through their ears. And she’s aware that it is all about her.

She heaved a deep sigh and continued to walk to the left wing of the university.

‘Damn, you got this, self,” she thought.

“Hey, bitch!”

Zoe stopped when she heard that voice—that familiar voice came from the cheerleading team leader at the University, Mira.

“My, my, Zoe…” Mira walked towards Zoe, but the two men on her side went in front of her, seeming to protect her.

“What on earth?” Mira, for sure, was baffled. “Hey, Zoe. Can you tell them to stay—”

“State your business, young miss,” the man on Zoe’s right talked.

Zoe heaved a deep sigh and moved to the side. She slightly pulled the man and smiled at him. “I got this.”

She looked at Mira, and the latter arched her brow as she crossed her arms in front of her chest. “What’s going on? As far as I remember, you’re not born rich, and the last time we see each other, you’re not with them.”

Zoe smiled faintly and nodded. Guess Helios’s idea is really gonna create a scene and will probably humiliate her.

“Trust me. I have no idea.”

Mira snorted. “Have no idea? Are you fucking kidding me?” she moved closer to Zoe, but the man stopped Mira, making Mira complain and glare at him.

“And what’s with their sunglasses? They’re inside the school premises. And I can’t see the sun?” Mira reacted and rolled her eyes.

Zoe let out a soft chuckle. “I’m sorry…” she glanced at her watch, “—I’m gonna get late—”

“Are you avoiding me now? Don’t tell me you already forget that you owe—”

“I certainly not forget about it, Mira. But please. I have a class to attend—”

“In ten days, we’re gonna climb to the stage and get our diploma. But your debts on me have not yet been paid,” Mira warned as she glared at Zoe.

Zoe could feel the blood rush towards her cheeks, and her heart started to thump fast.

“I… I know. I will pay you. But I still don’t have the money. I don’t have work—”

“Says the woman who has bodyguards and dresses like she was a real princess,” Mira interrupted.

Zoe knew that she needed to pay Mira.

The thing was, she had no job yet. It was her mother’s debt to Mira’s father but Mira, being a bitch who always bullies her, still saves Zoe and her mother. Long story short, Mira saved them, but they need to repay.

“Ten thousand dollars is just a small amount, Zoe. I’m sure your new sugar daddy can give you that.”

Zoe frowned.

‘Sugar daddy?’

“Sugar daddy? What makes you think that I have—”

“Then what? Don’t tell me your mother sell you and a rich guy has bought you?” Mira asked, making Zoe’s eyes widen in surprise.

She was rendered speechless.

Mira let out a disturbing chuckle. “Oh, did I hit the trigger?”

Zoe’s lips parted, and she let out a chuckle. “Of… Of course, I’ll pay you. I’ll tell him—”

“Great. Anyway, I don’t care about who’s your master, bitch. I just want to get my money,” Mira said before she left, which made Zoe feel a little mystified.

Mira is not like that, and it’s the first time that she confronted her and did nothing to her. Despite the two men beside her, Mira will always be Mira, and she should make a way to do things for her.

But why?

Zoe sighed and looked at the two.

“Do you know her?”

The two looked at each other and nodded.

“Huh?”

“She was Helios’s cousin, ma’am.”

Zoe’s jaw dropped; eyes filled with shock.

Cousin?

Does it mean she knew that Helios— “so, she’s familiar with you—”

“Indeed,” the two said in unison.

‘What the hell?!’

In class, Zoe’s mind is flying somewhere; her thoughts are full of questions, and she basically wants to know the answers.

How on earth did Helios and Mira have connections?

She shook her head and closed her notebook as she dropped her pen on the desk.

The whole thing will feed her curiosity. Then suddenly, she remembered the phone that was inside her bag.

‘Great. I need to ask Helios,’ she thought.

Zoe waited for her classes to end in the morning, and afterward, she went to the garden, where she usually spent her lunch alone.

But this time, she was with what they call ‘bodyguards,’ and she found it a little bit awkward.

“Can you please stay away from me for a moment? My apology, but I wanted to have privacy.”

“But ma’am—”

“At least give me time to talk with Helios. I will gonna call him.”

They nodded. “We’re gonna watch you still, ma’am,” the man said before they walked away.

Zoe sighed in relief when the two kept their distance from her. She then let out the phone and tried to figure things out with it.

This is her first time. Although she tried to tap it last night, still, she needs more knowledge about it.

Helios’s instructed her that the only contact on the phone was his number, and all she needed to do was to click the designated app.

And she smiled when she successfully did it.

She heaved a sigh and calmed herself while waiting for Helios to pick up his phone.

Well, Nana told her that Helios might call. However, it seems like the man is quite busy.

She sighed once again when no one answered, but after a few seconds, she heard his voice over the phone—deep, velvety, and husky. It was Helios’s charming tone.

“Baby.”

Zoe pressed her lips and smiled. “Helios.”

“Mm…”

“C-Can I ask something?” Zoe started.

She heard Helios’s soft chuckle. “Seems like something is bothering my baby?”

Zoe shook her head, well as if Helios could see it.

“How are you related to Mira?”

The line went silent for a few seconds before Helios responded. “Mira, what?”

“Mira Riverdale.”

Helios let out a soft chuckle. “She’s my cousin. Second. In the mother side.”

Zoe nodded.

“Oh, I forgot, she’s at the same university as you. Is she bullying you? Tell me. If so, I’m gonna punish that—”

“Hey, it’s okay. She’s no harm. And she’s good. She even saved mom and me just like you did.” Zoe needs to let it out. She feels like Helios must know.

“Oh. I know Mira; she’s a bitch, and helping is not her cup of tea.”

“She did, Helios—”

“Calling me ‘baby’ is fine, wife. Besides, we’re gonna marry—”

“Enough with it, Helios. I am not exerting a joke here,” Zoe stated, making Helios laugh on the other line.

“Sorry, baby. So… what about Mira?”

“I owe her ten thousand and—”

“She wants the money?”

Zoe nodded. “Yes.”

“No problem, baby. I will transfer it to her account. That’s nothing. And—”

“Helios…” she sighed, “—you don’t understand. I just want to—”

“No. It’s fine, baby. Your fiancé will take care of it.”

“Helios, are you still making fun of me? How did you become my fiancé? I know you save me—you bought me is the term. And sooner, I will make amends—”

“Who said that I will let you make amends? I want to marry you not because of pity, Zoe. It’s because I love you. Now, let’s talk when I get back….”

Zoe was about to interfere, but Helios didn’t let her.

“—Oops. I don’t wanna hear a thing about you, undesiring my offer. Let’s talk about the marriage when I get back, baby. I’m not fond of jokes, Zoe. So, wait for me.”

ZOE was surprised when she woke up one morning. Helios was there, sitting beside her, and she bet he was staring at her, who-knows-when.

It was a hell week for Zoe, dealing with other bullies, but she admits it and is beyond grateful because the queen, Mira Riverdale, was there to save her ass.

“Hey,” Helios uttered and smiled at her.

Zoe couldn’t still believe the things happening between them were too swift and seemed temporary.

She moved herself up and leaned on the headboard, never leaving Helios’s gaze.

“Since when did you arrive?”

Helios crept a playful smirk on his lips. “Just this morning.”

Zoe pressed her lips and sighed. “And how long have you been staring at me?”

Helios let out a soft chuckle. “You have no idea—”

“Just answer me, Helios. And I am not up for a joke.”

Helios’s forehead creased and sat properly. “What’s with you, baby? Did I do something wrong?”

Zoe took a deep breath and sighed. “I don’t know,” she shook her head, “—all of these seem so unreal, and it shouldn’t be like this.”

Zoe was certain that he might trigger something inside Helios. And she won’t apologize for that.

“Are you talking about my proposal? The marriage thing—”

“That marriage thing…” she raised her hand to prevent Helios from talking.

“Marriage is not a game that has to be played by kids. Marriage is sacred. You can’t just joke with that thing around. Especially to strangers like me. Whom you only met,” she stared into Helios’s eyes, “—a few weeks ago,” she added, making Helios scoff.

Helios arched his brow. “You are not a stranger.”

Zoe laughed sarcastically. She doesn’t mean to be rude to someone else who saved her life, but she’s dealing with an important thing.

“Say, you know me. Like from that bar? Two years ago? A virgin woman who deals with a one-night stand with Helios Lincoln? So, that will be the reason for our union?”

“Stop being sarcastic, Zoe.” Helios’s voice is indifferent. It’s stern and chilly.

Zoe laughed. “I’m certainly not. I am stating facts. I am waking you up.”

“You can’t change my mind—”

“Stop this nonsense, Helios. Marriage is not for rush—”

“Trust me. I know you well. Wanna know a secret, Zoe?”

Zoe was rendered speechless. She doesn’t know why Helios needs to rush things, especially with the word marriage… which is supposed to be not.

“Do tell.”

“I am responsible for your scholarship.”

Zoe wasn’t surprised. She knew it days ago.

“I know,” she replied and curled down the comforter as she moved to the side and wore her slippers.

“You know?” the shock in Helios’s voice and reaction are indeed visible.

Zoe met his eyes and nodded. “I do.”

“Then, what’s wrong—”

“You don’t love me, Helios. The marriage you want won’t work without love.”

Helios’s eyes widened, and he chuckled. “Oh, you have no idea how much I love you, Zoe Levine. I love you so much—”

“We can’t be together, Hel. You know that. I know we had sex twice, but that’s not a measure of love. Can’t you understand?”

Zoe put her hand on her waist as she tried to explain things to Helios, who was on the other side of the bed.

Helios stood up and flashed sadness in his eyes.

“How sure are you? I love you, and I won’t offer marriage if I am not ready.”

Zoe shook her head, and there was only one thing she knew that might stop Helios’s stupidity.

“And I don’t love you, Helios.”

Silence evaded the whole room, and no one dared to talk for minutes. They both could hear the swoosh of the wind, the way how leaves moved by its force, and the chirping of the bird, which had been lightened by the morning sun.

“You’re—”

“That’s the truth. Not just because we had sex or I let you have me—that I want you fucking me means to say that I love you, Helios. That’s not how it works. Love is different from want. I want you, but I do not love you. And love can’t be one-sided. Again, marriage is sacred. Thank you so much for saving me, even though I know that I was sold to you rather than to your father. But the thing you’ve done to me will not affect my emotions, my heart towards yours.”

Zoe saw a tint of sadness in Helios’s eyes and the way he shook his head and let out a sarcastic smile.

Helios is hurting.

He smiled. “I see…” his voice is faint, “—I am sorry—”

“No, I am sorry, Helios. I didn’t mean to hurt you—”

“Congrats,” Helios let out a sarcastic chuckle, “—you just did.” Zoe was about to talk when Helios cut her off. “—no worries. I understand, and I can manage. Maybe, you’re right… I shouldn’t rush things. Excuse me.”

Zoe was shocked. “Helios…”

But Helios had already left the room.

Zoe heaved a deep sigh. ‘Did I go overboard?’ she thought.

…

“How’s your trip, Helios?” Nana Milky asked Helios when they were both sitting in the kitchen a few minutes after he went down from Zoe’s room.

Helios drank the cup of tea that his Nana served.

“Nothing’s new, Nana,” he replied after.

Nana Milky could sense that something was bothering Helios.

“Did you talk to Zoe?”

Helios’s met Nana’s eyes. “He doesn’t love me, Nana.”

Nana Milky felt pity for Helios, whom she treasured as her son for years.

Ever since Helios’ mother died, it was she who took good care of him.

“Did I scare her, Nana? Did I go so fast? I know, but I am true to my feelings. I love her. It’s been years.”

“You surely love her, but it isn’t right. I know you made the best decision to help her. But it was because you’re guilty—”

“No, Nana. I love Zoe!” Helios’s voice raised, and his grip on the mug tightened.

Nana was alarmed and calmed him down. What if Zoe saw it?

“I understand. But you should also get honest—”

“I am honest, Nana. You know I am. I helped her. I saved her. I love her.”

Nana Milky nodded to calm Helios. “I know. I am proud of you. I know you love her, son. But you’re stealing your brother’s identity.”

Helios’s clenched his fist and glared at his Nana.

“I am Helios, Nana. I am.”

“Orion—”

“I am Helios, Nana. Not Orion.”

Nana Milky doesn’t know how to control him at the moment, but she needs to calm him down.

“Icarus Helios is already dead. And you have nothing to do with it. It wasn’t your fault. Orion…” Nana paused when Helios raised his hand.

“I don’t want to hear anything that related to that name, Nana. I am the only Helios now.”

Nana shook her head and looked around. “Yes, you are. You and your twin have the name Helios. But you’re not the person whom Zoe met two years—”

“Enough with this conversation, Nana. And don’t ever mention my dead brother here,” Helios said, wearing his cold voice, and left.

Nana Milky shook her head in disbelief.

“CONGRATULATIONS, ZOE!” Nana Milky greeted Zoe as she exited the stage.

Zoe gave the elderly lady a genuine smile and hugged her. She then walked over to her mother, who was crying and standing on Nana Milky’s back.

Iris couldn’t help but cry as she watched her daughter walk across the stage to receive her awards and diploma. Words can’t describe how proud and happy she was.

“Mom…”

Iris shook her head, and she couldn’t stop thinking about what happened a few weeks ago. She regretted everything, and she was grateful that Zoe had allowed her to attend her graduation.

“Please accept my apologies—”

“Shh…” Zoe rushed up to her and tightly hugged her. “—don’t blame yourself, mom,” she released her grip and smiled. “We all commit mistakes, and I forgave you. And all I ask is that you promise me one thing...”

Iris bit her lower lip as she fixed her gaze on her daughter. She took Zoe’s hand in hers and squeezed it tightly as she met her gaze. “Please tell me, honey.”

Zoe cracked a grin. “Promise me you’ll never keep a secret again.”

Iris was stunned for a few seconds before smiling and nodding. “I swear to you. Come here,” she said and hugged her daughter once again.

“Well, I suppose it would be impolite to interrupt your mother-daughter reunion.”

Zoe let go of the embrace and turned to face the person with a deep but alluring voice.

“Congratulations.”

Zoe bit her lower lip as she stared at Helios. She was aware that they hadn’t been getting along well in recent days, and she admitted that she missed him.

She hadn’t seen him since that day. Nana just told her that he was going on another trip. And his presence this time took her by surprise.

“Hello,” Helios said as he handed her the tulip bouquet.

Zoe smiled at him as she held them. “Thank you.”

Helios sighed, smiled, and extended his arm to do the handshake with Zoe’s mother.

“I apologize for not formally introducing myself to you, Mrs. Levine.”

Iris shook her head and smiled. “I already know who you are, son. Don’t be concerned. Zoe told me about you.”

Helios’ brow furrowed as he looked at Zoe. Then Zoe averted her gaze.

“Oh, she did?”

“Yes, and I know you’re Don Lincoln’s son, and you’re the one who saved and paid off my debts to him.”

Helios nodded, his lips pressed together. “My name is Orion Helios, ma’am.”

“Orion?” Helios overheard Zoe’s mumble.

He smirked. “That’s my other name.”

Zoe gave a soft chuckle. “Uh, you didn’t say anything to me—”

“Do you require it? I believe what you said to me that day clarified everything.”

Zoe looked at him, perplexed, and she could taste the bitterness in his voice. “Helios…”

Nana Milky intervened, telling them that they needed to celebrate before starting a fire and burning everyone.

“I’d like to try Italian cuisine. So, maybe book a table at an Italian restaurant, Helios,” Nana suggested as she assisted Helios’ arm, and they began to walk away.

Nana motioned for Zoe to join her, so she grabbed her mother’s arm.

“Is there anything going on between you two, honey?”

Zoe rolled her eyes and stated that she didn’t want to think about it. She sighed deeply and shook her head. “Nothing, in particular, mom.”

“Zoe!”

When she heard her name, Zoe came to a halt and frowned.

“Hey. Congratulations, bitch!” It was Mira. She took a step forward and looked at her mother. You must be, Mrs. Levine.”

Iris smiled and nodded. “Good day, dear. And you are?” She reached out a hand to Mira.

“Mira Riverdale, Helios’ cousin,” Mira replied, crossing her arms in front of her chest and looking at Iris’ hand. She smirked as she looked at Zoe.

“Stop using my cousin, you scumbags. I understand how your mother works—”

“Please, stop, Mira. I don’t want to start a fight,” Zoe stated, trying to maintain her calm demeanor despite Mira’s insults.

Mira snorted. “Uh, Uncle doesn’t want people like you tainting their family—”

“Mira, what are you doing?”

Mira came to a halt, and her eyes widened as she heard Helios’ voice from behind her. She rolled her eyes and turned to face Helios.

“I’m just sending these two warnings—”

“And, Who gave you the right?”

Zoe was taken aback. She assumed Mira was friendly because of what she had witnessed over the last few days. Mira is always there to protect her. Even though she found it strange, she was grateful.

However, she already understands at this point.

Mira is not sincere. She’s just acting. If that’s the case, why does she need to confront them?

“My dear cousin. Have these lowlifes already tainted your mind?”

Helios clenched his fist as he approached them.

Zoe felt a pang in her chest. And her gaze wandered; few remained, and she was afraid they would cause a commotion.

“No matter how you dress them. They still smell like trash, Helios, especially Zoe,” Mira's insults are getting overboard.

She’s too much.

Zoe couldn’t help but move in closer. “What exactly did you say?”

Mira turned to face her, her brow furrowed. “Are you deaf or not?”

Mira laughed as Zoe clenched her jaw and gritted her teeth.

“Oh, the stray cat wants to bite me?” Mira laughed.

“Enough already, Mira. Stop interfering with my—”

“I’m not interfering, my dear cousin; I’m just trying to make some sense. You dislike it when Uncle gets angry with you.”

Helios snatched Mira’s arm and drew her closer to him. “Stop causing a fuss. You don’t want it when I’m angry,” he said quietly.

Zoe pressed her lips together and looked at her mother. “Let’s go,” she said and walked towards the parking lot.

When they got there, Nana Milky asked about Helios.

“He’s dealing with his cousin,” Zoe explained.

Nana Milky sighed and shook her head. “Mira is a spoiled brat,” she said.

Zoe cracked a grin. “She was born wealthy, Nana. And perhaps an only child—”

“No, she lacks respect in general.”

When she heard Helios’ voice, Zoe’s eyes widened.

The man approached the driver’s seat of his Range Rover.

‘Great! I could feel his coldness,’ she thought.