"Her name is Emily," I said, sighing and taking a step away from the shelves. "Stop being so intimidating, Nadia."

I wondered what Nadia was doing here. She never called for about a week, and was here all of a sudden. She seemed to be glowing, smelling wonderful, too.

I turned my attention from her.

Emily looked so uncomfortable, eyes everywhere but locking on anyone's.

Nadia hummed, ignoring me. "What's your major?" " English," Emily softly said.

She was so dainty which wasn't my usual type. But her presence was interesting. The way she carried herself ... it all made me want to know more. It was such a shame I couldn't remember that night, but I comforted myself with the thought that at the very least, it was good.

And something told me that being around her would be a much better experience. But I couldn't do anything when Nadia with all her trouble was here.

She was really frightening Emily with her glare and while I appreciated it whenever she did it to other girls, I didn't this time. It kinda pissed me off.

" New student, right?" Nadia continued. " I've seen you around Ava Morales and she's pretty new, too."

Emily nodded, her hands red from gripping her books.

I reached out to help, but Nadia stopped me with a hand. I frowned. "What?"

"We have to leave," she spoke, not looking at me. "Your father called me." I let out an exhausted breath. "About what?"

She glanced at me over her shoulder. "Do you want me to say it in front of her?"

I looked back at the confused Emily and offered her an apologetic smile, for what? I didn't exactly know.

I grabbed Nadia loosely and dragged her outside before she could bother her further.

I could hear the click of a camera as we walked out of the library and ignored it. Even in the library, I'd never be safe from attention.

Outside, under some nearby trees, I let go of her, looking down at the blonde woman, questions in my head as she remained silent.

"Are you going to speak or just keep pissing me off?" I finally asked.

She smiled, her arms folded across her chest. "Just wanted to make sure you could still talk. He said he was having a dinner party with the VC of the university, and a few other important guys, so he wants you to come."

I knew what this was. Not a request. There was no way for me to refuse. " He could've just called me."

Nadia laughed. "Your phone is switched off." She smiled mischievously. " I bet that's intentional."

I sighed. "Just wanted sometime alone without him bothering me. Guess that'll never be possible."

"You didn't seem alone, with that ... new girl. She's cute," she said, sitting on the bench. "Where did you meet?"

I sat beside her, hands in my pocket as I tried to remember a few details other than the party. " Ethan's party. I think we slept together," I said, ruffling my hair as she gaped.

"You slept with her?" she questioned loudly. "Are you sure? Ethan told me you were drunk that night," she added, whispering.

"I was. But I woke up naked in bed with her," I mumbled.

I turned to see Nadia quiet, her expression unreadable. "What?" " Nothing," she said. " It's just interesting. So ... you like her?"

I tapped my chin. "Something like that. I do want to get to know her a little better. Maybe be friends."

She let out a laugh of disbelief. "You've never actively tried to be anyone's friend. I'm pretty surprised."

"Well, people change."

I got up, gesturing for her to get up.

" How did you know I was at the library?" I asked, walking side-by-side. " Ethan told me."

"Of course he did," I sighed.

We left for Ethan's place, stayed there for lunch, simply enjoying each other's company. Nadia eventually left for the guest room to sleep, tired from her various sessions and travels.

I sat alone in the living room, calmly staring off into space, thoughts swirling.

I was thinking about that party. I really didn't want to go. Sometimes I wished I wasn't the only son. I wished I had another family. So much pressure, so much expectations.

So much words of warning ...

'Do you want to embarrass this family? '

'You 're my son, do as I say. If you do, your future will be bright. ' 'What would people say? '

'If you follow the rules, your life will be great. '

'No. We don't report to the authorities in this house. ' 'Nothing is illegal if the people in charge support it. '

'Money. All that matters is money. Get money, more money, and more money. '

'Even if you report to the police, do you honestly think they'll do anything? I have money. We have money. So many connections, influence. '

'If you 're angry, suck it up. You know you have no choice. You never have. '

My mind couldn't forget those words ingrained into my mind. My bones. My soul.

I grabbed the half empty glass of whiskey on the stool before me and drained the glass.

I heard a door open and moments later, Ethan plopped beside me. "You know, you've turned moodier than ever," he began. "It's like you're a different person. I worry sometimes."

I could hear the concern in his voice, but no matter how close we were, I couldn't just say what's on my mind. It's deeper than that. Dark.

" Is it family stuff?" he asked, concerned. "You wouldn't understand," I simply said.

"Okay." Ethan gave up. "But just know, if you need anything, you can always reach out. I'm your friend. I'm here to support you."

He raised his fist for a fist bump, and I reciprocated the gesture. "Thanks," I said.

He poured himself a drink. " It's cool. You've never been the open type, and I won't give you to be. Unless it's something serious."

It was noon and I left for my place to decide on an outfit for the dinner party. I drove in silence.

"Incoming call," was said aloud, and I answered it.

"Did Nadia give you my message?" my father asked in his usual gruffy voice. "Yes, sir."

"Good. I sent you the address and time. I expect you to be at your best behavior. There's someone I'd like you to meet."

My jaw tensed. "Okay." The call ended.

I returned back to silence.

" He's definitely going to matchmake me," I said to myself.

"Incoming call. "

I sighed and picked it.

"Julian," a female voice spoke.

I paused breathing for a moment. " Hello, Mom." "M- my baby," she whispered.

I closed my eyes for a second, letting out air from my mouth. "What do you want?" I asked rudely.

" I- I just ... I just wanted to talk to you," she said pitifully. "To hear your voice."

" I already said I'd come visit next week, you'll be able to see me then, what else do you want?" I told her, fighting the urge to hangup.

" I know," she breathed. " But can you blame a mother for trying to reach out to her child?" She sighed sadly. "You never call or text anymore. It's happened since highschool, but I assumed it was just you being stubborn ... wanting to be independent. We really used to be so close. I love you so much, Julian. Why don't you want me to-"

"You know why," I interrupted harshly. "You know why; I've told you why. I don't know why you want to keep having this conversation when you don't really care about what I think."

I heard her sniffle. " But you know this is hard for me. I'm doing this all for you. All of this is for-"

"Save it," I said, trying to control the anger in my voice. " I'll see you next week. But we're not going to talk about this again. You've already made your point."

There was silence at the other end of the line. Silence, but I could also hear heavy breathing and sniffling.

"Goodbye, Mom," I said, right before hanging up and driving into my house.

***

The party was just like I expected. Boring and fancy.

As usual, I turned myself into the perfect extrovert and charmed my way into everyone's heart. It was difficult forcing a smile when I just didn't care. When I didn't want to be here.

I held a glass of wine in my hand, thoughts elsewhere.

I needed something warm and just ... sweet. Something totally new.

My mind went to Emily. I silently cursed myself for not asking for her phone number back at the library. That has been part of my intention until Nadia came.

I didn't understand why I was so interested in her and wanted to know her better. I could be with anyone.

Whenever I looked into her eyes, it gave me nothing but comfort.

A large man who looked like he'd burst out of his suit came up to me, a wide smile on his face. "Julian, my boy," he said enthusiastically. "You shouldn't be standing all alone. There's so many beautiful young ladies here. I've heard of your reputation for women." He leaned closer,

whispering, "We're both alike in that area, and I might even go home with one today."

I faked a smile, my skin crawling because of his words. I was nowhere like him, I internally denied.

" It depends on how I'm feeling tonight," I said, which he readily accepted, laughing loudly like I said the funniest thing ever.

" I like you. Ah, you're so funny, just like your father." He patted me on the shoulder before letting me be.

But my little peace was disrupted by my father, of whom I hadn't seen since stepping into the building.

He looked the same as always, his expression hard and eyes always showing disapproval. "Julian," he said. "Glad you could make it."

Not like I had a choice.

I nodded, offering him a small smile as he placed a hand on my shoulder, acutely aware that someone's always watching. Looking for something to post online. My father hated bad press, and me being shown to be a displeased son wasn't good press. Even if I hated him, the press didn't have to know.

"What do you think about the girls here?" he asked, locking eyes with me. " I don't know," I replied honestly.

I hadn't met all of them. They were okay. Some were a bit overwhelming, but I wasn't unused to it. I knew some of their names and their popularity though.

He shook his head. "That won't do," he said, his voice lowered and even. " I called you here because I want you to find your future wife." He continued, his grip on my shoulder starting to hurt. "I have a few girls for you to meet. Well, just one in particular. She's perfect."

My tongue felt so heavy that I couldn't muster the courage to tell him off. To refuse him.

But his eyes which never showed emotions, that felt like a black hole, sucking you in, leaving you paralyzed with fear wouldn't let me.

He called over a woman walking past us. "Angelina! Just the girl I wanted to find."

He waved over a gorgeous red head dressed in black. She fluttered her eyelashes when she got closer.

"Son, this is Angelina Ross. She's the daughter of Adam Ross, the owner of AM Technologies."

I could tell from his eyes what he was trying to communicate to me ' Don't fuck this up' and I sighed internally.

Turning to Angelina, I introduced myself. I didn't have to say much for her to swoon, which thankfully, made my father pleased.

" I'll leave you to alone then."

With that, he walked away. But my eyes followed him as he walked away, grazed the hands of a woman, and held her hand, kissing her before walking up the stairs acting lovey-dovey.

That woman wasn't Mom.

The days were going by so fast, it made me worry a bit.

I didn't want to blink one day and be done with everything. I wanted to go ... explore the city. And that's what I told Ava, but she told me she was unavailable for it.

It was ironic how she'd always force me to go out and I'd begrudgingly go, but the moment I wanted to do something, she's busy.

I made no complaints, happy that it was a Saturday. I hated going out in the public because of how the human population made me feel overwhelmed. But before coming here, I'd promised myself that I'd explore and try new things.

And I was going to do that with or without Ava.

So I walked out of my dorm, dressed in a simple sunny dress, a cute necklace, and sandals.

I took in deep breaths with each step I took away from the building, reassuring myself of my decision. To me, it felt like everyone was looking at me-judging me. I knew they weren't and probably didn't give a fuck about me, but that's what you start to think in every situation when you had a terrible childhood.

Because of how large the school was, I had to take the bus to leave the environment- it was odd doing this all alone. Then I walked a bit, looking at the map on my phone, occasionally glancing up.

Nobody seemed to care what I was doing, and that's just how I liked it.

Then I almost jumped out of my skin in fear when a sleek black car pulled up beside me. I walked a few steps forward, and it kept following me.

Then it horned at me.

Looking around, and back, I was a bit scared. But I reassured myself nothing would happen to me in the daylight if I just looked at who it was.

So I leaned closer.

The windows revealed Julian's face. " Hi," he said charmingly.

I let out a sigh of relief. " Hi. I thought you were some sort of kidnapper."

"Sorry about that. I saw you walking, but I didn't know how else to reach out." A hint of a smile played on his lips as he pushed the door open for me. "Get in. The hot sun isn't good for you."

The sun-kissed streets seemed to come alive as his smile widened.

He 's so hot.

I knew my eyes probably sparkled as I slid into the passenger seat. It was so comfortable, clean and so obviously expensive.

"So where are you going?" he asked. "You got family outside school? Or just want to do some shopping?"

I squeezed my hands on my dress, trying to avoid looking into his eyes.

" I just ... I'm new around here, not just the school. I've never been to such a place before, my home isn't that great, and I wanted to explore," I admitted.

Julian's smile grew wider. "Well, let me show you the real city, then."

I was surprised. I never expected him to be so willing.

"Y- you don't have anything else to do?" I asked curiously.

He shrugged. "Not really. I drove out of my place because I was bored and like you ... I want to explore."

I wasn't sure if I believed him, but he was offering me a free ride. While I didn't like accepting freebies, something told me to.

"Okay," I accepted.

So he started the engine and took me around.

I looked out the window, trying my best not to look at him. My body was tense, and my hands clammy. I didn't expect to feel so uncomfortable with him, but it was already too late to regret it.

"So where are you from?" he asked.

I glanced at him. "You don't want to know," I spoke.

He sounded surprised. "What? Why would you say that?"

"It's just because... it's small. No one really knows the place, to be honest. And it's very far away," I explained.

"That doesn't matter. I love learning about new things. And places."

I didn't know why he was so interested. I'd researched him online to understand just how

different we were. How we're not even supposed to be in the same space, and how any of my experiences are insignificant to him.

But I still told him what he wanted to know.

"The name is Glowsmore," I said. " It's a very tiny town." He hummed in interest. "Why's it called that?"

I shrugged. " I don't know. I don't really think I care either. My main aim from the beginning was to leave the place. And I did."

He let out a soft laugh.

I glanced at him again. He's not so bad. He seemed relaxed unlike how I saw him in his pictures or around people. Was that just some sort of shield or did he not think I was that important to

guard himself around?

"That night," he said, stopping by the driveway of a quaint cafe. "You don't remember it, do you?"

I shook my head, locking eyes with him. The air in the car suddenly didn't feel like it was enough. I was torn between liking or hating the way he was staring at me.

" No," I said, my voice low.

"Okay, that's fine. I had a feeling," he accepted. "I don't either. I do have some flashes, but it seemed we were really out of it."

I nodded. "Yeah."

This was so awkward.

" Do you want to be friends?" he blurted. I blinked, shocked.

He continued. " Do you want to be friendly, at least?"

I opened my mouth to speak, but my throat felt dry. I was too shocked by his question to speak. He smiled. " Maybe we'll talk about this later then, alright?" he asked, to which I agreed.

I needed to arrange my thoughts before giving him a response.

We got into the café where we sipped coffee and devoured pastries. It was all still weird, but I could handle it a bit, trying to ignore the double takes all the women and girls did whenever they saw Julian. It was kind of annoying. But to his credit, Julian didn't seem to care, which was quite surprising yet pleasing.

Next, we strolled through to an art gallery. I was an English major, but one of my best subjects ever was the creative arts. It was a shame I didn't know how to draw for shit.

As the afternoon wore on, Julian declared it was time for shopping. I protested, not expecting the change, but he was insistent. "Consider it a welcome to the city gift. And a gift for being a freshman," he said, his eyes twinkling.

I sighed, agreeing after a few pleas. I knew he would pay, because he'd already done that the first few times. But I couldn't help but feel like I was some sort of sugar baby.

Maybe I'd just protest whenever I was uncomfortable.

I snapped out of it though when we arrived at our destination.

At the upscale boutique, I tried on outfit after outfit, Julian acting like a kid in a candy store. He sat on the couch, watching me with an amused expression, offering critiques and suggestions. It all felt so bizarre, and it also felt like something I should be doing with my friends or boyfriend, of which he was neither.

But like a lot of things, I didn't protest. Julian was nice, the same way Ava was. Being rude would be stupid and disrespectful.

Saying no always got me the short end of the stick, and in a new environment with new people who actually seemed to not detest me, I had to make the most of it all.

When I emerged in a stunning red dress, he stood up, his eyes locking onto mine. "You look beautiful," he said, his voice low.

My cheeks flushed as I quickly changed out of the dress. Looking at the dress one more time, I accepted that he was right. It's so beautiful. But ...

"You can use mine," I said, trying to hand the sales associate my credit card.

Julian simply laughed, snatching the card from her hand. "I think I can handle it," he said with a polite smile, handing the associate his own card.

Despite my protests, he paid for everything, insisting it was his treat. And I gave up, deciding that it's dumb to try to stop a literal billionaire from paying for my stuff. As we left the store with the bags, I felt a mix of gratitude and frustration.

As we drove back to school, the silence between us was comfortable. Which was unexpected. We had exchanged good conversation, and it was all nice.

My phone buzzed, and I took it from my purse, curious. It was a notification of a short post. By The Whistleblower.

I clicked on it, expectant. But I didn't expect what I found.

[Mystery Girl Found With Julian Blackwell?] I froze.

It was a photo of Julian and I leaving the café . " Holy shit," I whispered.

"What?"Julian asked.

I forced a smile at him. " It's nothing. I'm just checking the time." He nodded, easily accepting my excuse. "Alright."

My hands shook, and my heart rate increased the closer we got to my dorm. I looked back down at it to read.

[According to our sources, her name is Emily, a freshman, and she 's from the English department. It's not confirmed yet, but it is interesting.

Despite this, I bet the Julian Blackwell fangirls have probably found her dorm room and full name.

Stay tuned for more gossip from 'The Whistleblower'!]

My hands shook, shocked and suddenly scared.

I didn't know whether to tell Julian. Was there anything he could even do? What do people who get on the news usually do? Ignore it all, right?

Minutes later, still none the wiser, Julian was about pull up to my building, but I directed him to drop me off a block away. He appeared confused, but did as I asked.

"Thanks for today," I said, reaching for the door handle.

"Wait," Julian said, his voice low. "Give me your number at least, until you come up with a decision."

I raised an eyebrow but couldn't deny the spark of excitement I felt as I gave him my number. I watched him drive off, waving goodbye, before I walked to my dorm.

My phone buzzed with a message from Ava, but just as I was about to respond, I saw a group of girls emerge from the shadows of the dorm building. Their eyes locked onto me, and their faces twisted in anger. "You're the one, huh?" one of them sneered.

My eyes widened, scared, as I took a step back, but the girls closed in, their heels clicking on the pavement.

The girls didn't give me any space. They pushed me, their words insulting and threatening. I

raised my hands, trying to defend myself, and took another step back. I felt the edge of the curb behind me, and my foot slipped off the sidewalk.

Then I heard Ava's panicked voice shout from afar, "Emily!"

My eyes darted towards the dorm, and I saw Ava sprinting towards me. But before I could react, I heard the sound of screeching tires, and suddenly I stumbled backward, my arms flailing wildly because I was hit. Hard.

The world went dark, and then my vision snapped back into focus. I laid on the ground, my

head- my body pounding in agony. Blood trickled down my face and Ava's face hovered above mine, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Emily, oh my god, Emily!" Ava sobbed.

The screaming grew louder. My gaze drifted towards a sound, and I saw the car, its front

bumper crumpled, its windshield cracked. The driver's door swung open, and a figure stumbled out, their face contorted in terror.

But my vision began to blur again, and everything went dark.

I was driving right to my place, a smile playing on my face, when Ethan called me over to come hangout.

I really wanted to turn him down because I just wanted to go home and sleep, but I agreed.

I turned the other way and drove to his place, Emily on my mind. I had her number, which meant I could reach out anytime. When I stepped foot into my friend's house though, I paused when I saw the look on his face.

I raised a brow. "What is it?" He grimaced. "Have you seen the news?" "What news?" I walked closer to him, curiosity all over my face.

"That Emily girl was in an accident," he said.

I glared at him. "Don't mess with me, bro." There was no way in hell that was possible. She was just with me. I'd just collected her phone number. I'd just dropped her off... He showed me his phone and I saw it written plainly, and the location written was exactly at her dorm street.

I tensed. I couldn't believe my eyes. "What the fuck?" "She was attacked by some girls... they didn't hurt her, but a car certainly did," he explained.

I looked at The Whistleblower blog, seeing their earlier posts of today and found one that highlighted Emily's face. With me.

I was angry. I didn't know if it was directed at myself for being so careless or at the driver for hurting her. Most likely both.

My hands squeezed into fists and I wanted to punch something.

"Calm down, Julian," Ethan said, reaching for my shoulder. "It's not your fault, you know." He seemed to understand where my mind was going. While his words were comforting, I really didn't believe him.

"Ethan, I want you to do something for me," I decided. "And what is that?" he asked curiously.

"I want you to help me find out who hit her." His eyes widened. "You're joking," he said. "You're not a damn detective, you know. Also, you've never once cared about anyone enough to use-" He stopped when he saw the look I gave him.

"She's in the hospital because of me," I said, my voice low and even. "I need something to at least rid me of some damn guilt, Ethan. I can't visit her because everyone will know, which would make things worse for her. And I can't call because I know she'll be unconscious." Resigned, my friend nodded. "Fine. We're going to be the good guys for now." "Thanks," I finally said.

We didn't play any games anymore, but we did watch an action film and ate something he ordered. Nadia didn't reach out, probably because she was busy or just didn't care.

I got into the guest room and looked through the school news and saw it filled with what happened to Emily. I looked at The Whistleblower too.

Despite my claim that I didn't want to call her, I dialed Emily's number. I was sure she wouldn't answer, but that didn't mean I couldn't try.

She didn't answer.

And I felt my heart squeeze in pain as I closed my eyes, forcing myself to fall asleep.

****

It was a few days later and I was at my parents' house in the morning, just in time for breakfast.

Thankfully, my father wasn't around, but unfortunately, my mother was there.

She had a wide smile on her face as she welcomed me into the house, offering me a hug that I accepted. I didn't want her crying on me so soon, I already had enough on my mind.

I quietly walked up the stairs after she let me go. I didn't say much to her and I didn't want to.

Settled in my room moments later, I took in the familiar walls and decorations, the paintings and carved pieces around. It was an extremely large room that sometimes I was overwhelmed by it.

But it also felt empty.

I sighed, bundled in my sheets after keeping my bags aside. I took out my phone and looked at a number I had saved for a while and decided to take a chance.

I pressed the dial button.

It rang for a long time and I held my breath in wait. Hoping I'd get a response.

I eventually did.

"Hello," a hoarse voice answered.

"Hey," I breathed.

I heard silence at the other end of the line. "Julian?" the voice finally asked.

"Hi, Emily," I said softly.

"H- hi, um," she started. "I didn't expect a call from you at all." I felt a pang of guilt at that. "I'm sorry about that, Emily," I rushed to explain. "I heard what happened to you but I didn't want to see you at the hospital because I didn't want a repeat of that. And I couldn't call because... you were still unconscious." "It's fine," she replied after a moment. "I didn't really expect you to reach out at all. It's not like we're... that close." I opened my mouth to protest, but held in my words. She didn't need me arguing with her now. I called to comfort her anyway.

"So how are you feeling?" I asked, concerned.

She sighed. "I'm fine. I wasn't hit too hard to affect my legs, so I just have to use crutches for now. It'll all heal soon and I'll be back to normal." "I'm really sorry about this, Emily," I quietly said after she was done.

She let out a sound of surprise. "Well, it's not really your-" "But it is," I interrupted, insistent. "You got hurt because you were with me. I don't pay much attention to The Whistleblower, but I guess a lot of people do and..."

"It's to be expected," Emily told me, laughing nervously. "You're really popular and rich, and... every girl wants you." I looked up at the chandelier and fancy lights in my room. "And what about you?" "What about me?" she asked, confused.

I felt a smirk slowly grow on my face, imagining how her face looked as I asked the question, "Do you want me?" I was heavily amused by the sound of shock she made and her stuttering. I'd seen her long enough to know how shy she was despite her somewhat tough exterior.

"No," she finally denied. "I don't want you." I smiled to myself, not really believing her. Or maybe it's just my over-inflated ego. It would be nice if she wanted me though. She'd be a much better choice than all the other girls throwing themselves at me.

"Besides, don't you already have someone?" she mumbled. "I thought you were just interested in being friendly with me." I blinked in surprise, sitting up. "Who said I had someone?" "Everyone is saying that," she answered somewhat nervously. Before I could defend myself, she moved on with the conversation by saying, "I have to go. I have to take my meds, and study." "Oh, okay," I said.

"Thanks for calling," she told me, and cut the call.

I ruffled my hair, my thoughts scattered. Then I heard a knock on the door.

"Julian, you should come down for breakfast," the headmaid called.

I groaned to myself before getting up, dreading sitting on the same table as Mom.

The dining room was absolutely gorgeous, if you could ignore the atmosphere. Spread on the table were toast, bread of different kinds, eggs, cereal, tea, milk... so much to pick to eat.

Breakfast really was always a lot in the house.

I picked some toast and tea and ate slowly, feeling my mother's eyes on me. I sat at the other side of the table just within her view and reach and I was uncomfortable. Eating my food, I started regretting coming back.

"So how's school?" she asked.

I took a sip of my milky tea before speaking. "School is great." She leaned forward. "I heard that you're currently seeing Angelina Ross. She's absolutely gorgeous." I stared at her excited expression. "I'm not seeing her. We just met once." She smiled. "That's how it always goes. Your father and I met the same way." My grip on my cup tightened. "Well, I'm not my father." She appeared surprised by my tone. "But you're the only child and son we have left. It'd be best if you do everything like your father did, for your success." I remembered what I saw that night. Him with another woman. I was sure he probably had other women around that weren't Mom. No matter how mad at her I was, I also felt sorry for her. My father was trash and she kept acting like he wasn't. He didn't marry her out of love and she was paying for it.

"I only want to marry someone I love," I said, looking all over her beautiful and fairy-like features.

She could be with anyone else even now and she would be happier. But her desire for keeping appearances and... her fear of my father were too strong. Unfortunately, I understood her. But I still felt like it didn't have to be like this. There are a lot of things she could do that would free her. If only she had the guts.

Breakfast continued with small talk- mostly with Mom speaking, and when I was done, I walked out the door to the large garden inside. I needed as much clean air as I could get.

I slowly walked on the green grasses, touching the roses, chrysanthemums and more. The silence mixed with the chirping of birds were beautiful until it was interrupted by my phone buzzing.

I picked it up. "Yes?" "Hey," Ethan spoke, not wasting time. "My guys found out who the girl that hit Emily is. What do you want to do now?"

My expression turned cold and I responded. "I want them to... speak to her for my sake." I told him my plan and he agreed, eventually ending the call.

I sat on a bench inside and sighed. I couldn't do much for Emily to apologize, but the one thing I could do is to get the culprit and... hurt them. Like they did her.

My thoughts briefly went to question myself: Am I acting like my father?

I shook my head immediately. I would never act like him. I was doing a good thing by protecting an innocent lady. My father would never do this for anyone.

I leaned back and closed my eyes. Emily consumed my mind in the most interesting way. I didn't actually know what about her made me so curious because the only thing I really knew about her was that she was on scholarship, really smart and... that's it. She's not rich or even the most sociable... However, I think that's what made me want her even more. Being friendly was sure on my list though. I sneezed as a leaf fell down on my nose.

Getting up minutes later, I made the decision to see her in school later. Away from the preying eyes of everyone.

I'd gone to bed and woke up by evening. I'd gone to the kitchen to take some snacks before dinner, but then I bumped into someone on my way up the stairs. It was an unfamiliar man that I'd never seen before, probably one of my father's business clients or friends.

"Oh, I'm so sorry," I apologized when I realized that I hit his bag down on the floor.

"It's alright, it's alright." The man waved me off as he promptly picked up his bag and hurried away, not turning back once.

My brows furrowed in suspicion as I watched them.

I looked back down on the spot he once was and squatted down to look at the floor closely.

There was a kind of powder spilled on the floor.

...A powder?

I frowned deeply as my thoughts swirled, reaching to touch the floor.

"What are you doing?" I snapped my head up to look into my father's cold eyes.