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.

My stay at my parents' house for the week wasn't over yet, but I used the excuse of school to come see Emily.

The building was too empty, suffocating and just... nothing I wanted to be in, so I walked out early in the morning, not taking breakfast despite my mother's insistence.

I'd had an encounter with my father, and I'd honestly admit that it was the scariest I'd ever seen him. That powder on the floor seemed to really anger him. And it made me more curious and suspicious.

Somehow, I was going to find out what his deal was. I could never be in the know of his deeper dealings with people in higher positions, but I knew I'd find out somehow. Soon.

My thoughts went to my friend, Ethan. Getting Ethan to do my bidding again wasn't hard. He seemed really to sort of like Emily, which I ignored. He wasn't dumb enough to try anything as my friend.

He'd communicated with the culprit of Emily's injuries and got back to me. Now we just wait.

I waited in silence at my place, my thoughts on Emily. What will she think when Ethan comes to see her? How would she act when we meet? If she agrees, that is.

Fortunately, she actually did.

And I found her by my door dressed in a simple T-shirt and jeans. Her focus was elsewhere before her eye met mine.

My heart constricted when I saw her crutches, and it did even more when I looked at her face.

She offered me a small smile when I offered her a wider one.

I let her in, and nodded at Ethan who proceeded to leave.

Closing the door behind me when she got inside, I simply observed her scanning my home with fascination. She moved in small steps each time, her hands tracing the walls and her eyes gazing up.

Usually, I'd curse out anyone doing that, but I liked her looks of geniune interest.

This also gave me the chance to notice the littlest things about her, like her tiny necklace and her cute dangling earrings, or that her hair was packed into a ponytail.

Then she turned to look at me, and I watched her flush, seeing it dawn on her that she was probably acting like she was at a museum.

"Sorry," she muttered.

"You didn't do anything wrong," I told her, walking towards her as I helped her sit down on the couch. "Let me get you something to eat and drink." "No, I-" she tried to refuse.

"I'm the one who called you here," I reminded her. "Let me get you something." I got her some snacks and orange juice, returning to her side immediately.

I noticed her shifting, but I didn't point it out. I motioned her to eat and she started doing so.

"So how's everyone treating you?" I asked.

"I haven't really gone to class yet, so I don't know. Ava's been really nice though, and people online are..." she trailed off, a trace of sadness in her voice.

"But it's fine," she suddenly spoke. "I can take care of myself, and nobody will bother me again because we're not dating." I knew she didn't want to talk about this again, so she switched to talking about school. Which I, admittedly, was uninterested in hearing about. But it was fine, I just wanted to hear her talk.

And having her comfortable around me was important too.

I glance at my phone, finding a message. [Hi, Julian. It's Angelina Ross, remember me?] I looked back at Emily, like it was nothing serious, and her face held no suspicions, drinking her juice. My eyes stayed on her throat, paying attention to her swallowing and cleaning her mouth after.

I gulped, unable to look away. She finished and smiled at me, none the wiser. "Thanks for the snacks and drink." I leaned forward, letting out a breath to calm myself. "It's no big deal. I have enough food that I don't eat. If you want, you can come over everyday."

I watched in amusement as she blushed. "I'm joking," I said.

I was not.

She said nothing, her face still pink.

It was a few minutes later, and she was ready to go. I didn't want to see her leave, but I knew I couldn't force her because I was trying to make her actually like me.

I called a cab and didn't allow her leave until the person notified that they were outside waiting.

We were by the door as I spoke to her, with me leaning on the wall and Emily finding it hard to look me in the eye.

"While I was joking about coming over everytime," I began. "You could call me anytime you want. If I'm not available, you can call Ethan." She looked at me with confusion and wonder on her face. "Why are you doing this?" she finally asked.

I sighed, not surprised by the question. "Because I think we're... friendly now. And I don't want anything to happen to someone I consider a friend." I continued. "I also want to see you happy.

We're not officially friends yet, but I hope we can be eventually." "Oh," she replied, her expression a mixture of emotions. "Thank you." I reached for a strand of her hair and played with it. "You don't have to say thank you everytime, you know." She backed away from me, looking down on the ground. "It's manners." Then oh-so-quietly that I almost didn't hear it, she added, "You should learn some." My eyes widened, and a surprised laugh came out of my mouth as my hand was frozen in the air. She really was... everything I liked.

I said nothing in reply and after giving her Ethan's number and forcing her to save my number, I followed her to the elevator and helped her get inside.

I badly wanted to follow her inside right to the cab, but I wasn't stupid. Anyone could see us together.

So I watched the doors close and waved a good bye. Then I walked back into my house, sat back on my couch and sighed.

Her scent was everywhere, just like blue berries with a hint of honey. I took in as much as I could as I closed my eyes, already missing her presence.

I stretched my hands a bit before placing it back down, then I realized I touched something.

I frowned, opening my eyes to see an... earring.

I instantly knew who it belonged too, though I almost forgot she wore jewelry.

I smiled to myself as I held it in my palms. I'd definitely see her soon.

My phone buzzed. I sighed when I looked at it and picked it up. "Hello." "Call Angelina Ross and ask her out on a date, Julian," my father's cold voice spoke. "This is not a request." Then he hung up.

My jaw tightened, mood already ruined as I sat in place.

I looked through the second message that Angelina sent.

[I don't know if you're busy now, but we can talk whenever you're free] So I placed a call to her, doing as my father demanded, though obviously reluctant.