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.

Emily I was at my dorm, safe and comfy. To be honest, ever since I'd been back from the hospital, I'd never stepped out. I was scared. Really scared.

I read the comments people made about me online. Some sympathetic, others saying I deserved it. The Whistleblower posted about my accident and even when I left the hospital.

Ava had teased me that I'd become a local celebrity now, but I didn't want to be a celebrity. I liked being unknown by everyone but my professors. It was all too much for me. I glanced at my legs, leaning back on my chair as I munched on some chips, another hand playing around with my laptop. Because of my fear of going out, Ava took it upon herself to bring her notes from every class and bought whatever it was I needed. Luckily, the university provided the best of everything, so I didn't need too much things. She got me gifts, and made herself available at all times.

She was so sweet, but I didn't want to be a burden. I was planning on leaving for the library at some point during the week.

However, one thing that made me feel better than before was Julian calling. I didn't even know why I was excited, but I just was. He sounded sincere with his apologies. He did have a point about it being his fault... it'd all blown out of proportion and now my face was everywhere. Who would believe that I wasn't dating him now?

I sighed, getting up from my desk, concluding that I wouldn't be able to study no matter how much I tried.

It was nighttime and I laid on my bed, scrolling through my phone when it started buzzing.

[Emily] [Mom's sick. We need some money.] My grip on my phone tightened as I deleted the message and blocked the number.

I knew it was all just a play to get something from me by Ronald. I didn't want to have anything to do with him. I had enough to deal with.

That didn't stop my hands from shaking with nervousness though.

I was awoken by midnight by Ava. A wide smile was on her face. I looked over her and commented. "You're going somewhere?" She grinned. "Yup. Ethan Morgan is hosting a party." Then she turned sad. "It'd be cool if you weren't in crutches." I laughed nervously. "No, no, no. It's fine." At least now I don't have to think of an excuse, I thought gratefully.

She smiled comfortingly and hugged me.

"If you need anything, just call," she told me, getting up and struting out the door.

And so I was left alone. And I fell right back into sleep.

Except... I had a nightmare.

Of chains and whips, screaming, curse words all thrown at me and tears running down my face as my body shook in bed.

"Leave me alone," I whimpered multiple times.

Truly, it was a nightmare I wanted to forget about.

****

Two days had passed and it was finally time for me to move. To get up. And I did. Shakily. Ava wasn't home and I felt claustrophobic now. I needed to do something with myself.

I sucked it up and took a car around to the school library directly from my dorm because I obviously had crutches, and I didn't want anyone to see me.

Sat faraway from everyone's sight, I browsed through the books. But when I tried to reach for a book higher than my height, I winced.

I let out a breath. I didn't want to ask for help from anyone so I didn't bother.

"Need help?" I glanced up to see Julian's friend, Ethan. "Uh..."

He smiled. "Hi, Emily. You look well." "Thanks," I said, still confused.

He laughed, then looked around before he whispered. "Okay, I'll get straight to the point: Julian wants to see you, and I'm here to deliver." I gave him an incredulous look. "D- deliver?!" He nodded, taking out his phone to place a call. "Hey." "What? Is there a problem?" Julian's smooth voice asked through the speakers.

"Nope. Just wanted to tell you I'm at the library to see Emily." "Okay, cool." Then the call ended, and I was left with the hairs on my body standing, my heart racing hard and my ears tingling from hearing just those few words. And I didn't know why.

"So?" Ethan probbed.

I hesitated.

He grinned. "Nothing's going to happen to you, I promise. I'm not a creep and I'm not stupid enough to do anything to harm you." Refusing would be rude. He'd already called Julian in front of me so what more did I need? Plus, I was... curious.

So I nodded. "Okay," I whispered.

He followed me out of the library, and I kept my eyes forward, trying to ignore the glances.

Hopefully this wouldn't be a problem.

He helped me into his car the moment we stepped outside and promptly started the engine, driving away from the building. The car drive was silent for a moment before Ethan asked me if I was alright.

I shrugged. "The doctor said I'll be out of my crutches soon, so it'll be fine." "You're not even worried about who hurt you and all?" he continued to ask.

I thought about it. "They couldn't find the person, and I don't know the person. I can't really be angry even if I want to because at least I survived." And I get a chance to continue school, get great grades and get a really good job. I'd get a chance to live a good life before death. A first in my family, sadly.

Ethan hummed, steering the car farther from other school buildings. "You seem to have an interesting look in life. Revenge isn't a bad idea sometimes." I shrugged. I actually didn't have anything against revenge or being hateful and angry, it's just that I tried and I just could never execute it. I didn't have the confidence nor power. So I just gave up on it. I wished I could say that it's peaceful this way, but it wasn't.

It was nice watching it in the movies though.

Ethan didn't try to continue the conversation and let the silence settle.

The buildings got more and more unfamiliar as we drove, but I didn't ask questions, which was probably dumb because what if he was kidnapping me?

It took a lot of minutes till we reached a very reserved neighborhood that from the outside you could tell not just anybody could enter. We got through after some security checkup and parked by a large building complex. I followed Ethan as we walked inside.

There were so many steps to go through that I was already exhausted by then. I just wanted to sit down and rest.

After going through an elevator, we stopped at a door and knocked. I looked around the fancy walls and marble floors feeling grossly uncomfortable.

The door opened and I returned my attention to it.

Then I saw him.

He stood tall and handsome, his eyes lighting up when he gazed down on me.

"Hi, Emily," Julian said, his smile slowly taking my breath away.