The alarm pierced through the morning silence, jolting Aurélia awake. Despite just rolling out of bed, she looked stunning. It was time to start her daily routine, preparing for another day on campus. She slipped into a simple yet elegant short dress, curled her hair, and applied subtle makeup. With her effortless beauty in place, Aurélia was ready to tackle the brand new day, eager to dive into her final semester of college.
"Mom, I'm leaving! Since it's a Friday, I might come home late tonight," Aurélia called out from the dinning room, making sure her mom heard her.
"Okay, Rory, take care!" her mom replied.
Aurélia stepped outside, she was taken aback by an unexpected sight: a sleek black luxury limousine parked near her home. She wondered who it belonged to, thinking it might be her neighbor's new car, but it seemed too expensive for anyone in their neighborhood.
Aurélia shrugged off her curiosity and continued on her way. However, she noticed the limousine following her. She stopped walking, and the limousine stopped as well. She started walking again, and the limousine trailed behind her once more. This time, Aurélia's suspicion got the better of her. She stopped and approached the limousine, knocking on the window where the driver sat. "Why are you following me? If you don't stop, I'm going to call..."
Before she could finish her sentence, a smooth, masculine voice interrupted her. "Calling what? The police to come and arrest me without evidence?" Aurélia spun around to face the speaker, and her eyes narrowed as she saw Isaiah, the one person she had hated for as long as she could remember. She turned on her heel and walked away, choosing not to engage with him this time.
Isaiah trailed behind Aurélia, a smirk spreading across his face as he watched her hurried, awkward gait. He quickly closed the gap between them and caught her hand, his grip firm. Aurélia tried to wriggle free, but Isaiah's hold was unyielding. "Stop this, Isaiah, or I'll shout for help," she warned, her finger pointed accusingly at him.
Isaiah's voice was nonchalant, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Go ahead, sweet Rory, shout." Aurélia's eyes flashed with defiance as she opened her mouth to cry out. "Hey, help me!" she shouted, but Isaiah swiftly clamped his hand over her mouth. "Stop it, people will think I'm doing something bad to you," he whispered, his eyes locked on hers.
Passerby began to stare, their expressions a mix of curiosity and annoyance. An elderly woman shook her head, muttering, "These young people of today, always causing a scene." Aurélia managed to pry Isaiah's hand off her mouth. "I have to go, right now," she said, her voice firm. "Rich people like you don't understand that poor people like us have to study hard," she added, her eyes flashing with indignation.
But Isaiah just stared at her, his gaze unwavering. Aurélia noticed his intense stare and, feeling uneasy, slapped him lightly on the face. "I'm going!" she exclaimed. Before she could take another step, Isaiah swept her off her feet and carried her forward the limousine. "Put me down, you silly boy!" Aurélia demanded, her beautiful eyes locking onto Isaiah's handsome but arrogant face.
Isaiah ignored her protests and instructed the driver, "Hey, open the door." The driver complied, and Isaiah deposited Aurélia onto the plush seat of limousine. Aurélia fell silent for a moment, collecting her thoughts. "I'm sorry for the slap I gave you," she said, her voice sincere. Isaiah didn't respond, his expression unreadable. Aurélia's eyes narrowed slightly as she reached for the door handle. "Okay, if you won't accept my apology, then I'm leaving."
Just as she was about to open the door, Isaiah spoke up, his voice low and smooth. "It's okay." Aurélia's eyes lingered on Isaiah's face, searching for any sign of his true intentions. She couldn't help but wonder what game he was playing. Isaiah, the badboy, was being gentle? It didn't add up.
The silence between them was palpable as Isaiah slid closer to Aurélia. She broke the silence, her curiosity getting the better of her. "How did you know where I live?" Isaiah's gaze never wavered. "It wasn't easy, but I followed the taxi you were in the other day when I met you at the restaurant."
Aurélia's eyes sparkled with amusement. "You call it a poor restaurant, yet I heard it wasn't your first time eating there." Isaiah's hands rested on the back of Aurélia's seat, his fingers drumming a gentle rhythm. "I'll take you to campus, and from now on, I'll drop you off at home after lectures," he said, his voice smooth.
Aurélia shifted uncomfortably, feeling trapped by Isaiah's proximity. She pushed his hands away from the seat, creating some distance between them. "You've a girlfriend, can't you do that for her instead?" she asked, her tone laced with disdain. Isaiah's expression remained neutral. "Who said she's my girlfriend?" he countered, his eyes glinting with amusement.
Aurélia rolled her eyes. "Oh, okay, I don't care if she's your girlfriend or not. But let me make one thing clear, Mister: I'm not accepting your proposal or whatever it is you're offering."
Isaiah's face inches from Aurélia's, his eyes locked onto hers. "Miss, Rory or Aurélia whatever you call yourself, you're not in a position to refuse my request. Not even my father can deny me what I want. Who are you to reject me?" His voice was but commanding, his words sending shivers down Aurélia's spine. Aurélia's eyes blinked rapidly, her throat constricting as she struggled to breathe with Isaiah so close. She cleared her throat, trying to compose herself. Isaiah's lips curved into a faint smile, amused by her reaction.
The limousine pulled up to the campus entrance, and Aurélia quickly opened the door, eager to escape Isaiah's suffocating presence. As she stepped out, Isaiah called after her, "Wait, Sweet Little Rory." Aurélia turned, her eyes narrowing as Isaiah added, "Next time, wear nice shoes when you're in my limousine." His smile was infuriating, and Aurélia's face burned with anger as she walked away.
"I hate this guy," she muttered to herself, clenching her fists. "I really hate him." Just then, someone tapped her shoulder, making her jump. It was Lila, her friend from the nutrition department."You scared the crap out of me!" Aurélia exclaimed. Lila chuckled. "Were you expecting someone else?" Aurélia shook her head, and Lila asked, "What's going on? You're late today."
Aurélia signed. "That so-called 'wanted boy' on campus is the reason I'm late. Isaiah." Lila's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh my God, you mean that Isaiah boy every girl on campus dies for?" Lila's voice was above a whisper, and Aurélia hastily shushed her.
"Shh don't talk so loudly. Someone might hear us," Aurélia warned. Lila nodded, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Hmm, did someone see you coming with him? If Gabriella finds out, you're in deep trouble girlfriend."
"I already know Gabriella, Isaiah's girlfriend," Aurélia said with a chuckle. "I think they were born to be arrogant together. They're perfect for each other." Lila laughed in agreement. "Indeed they are!"
They made their way to the lecture hall for their nutrition class, Lila playfully tapped Asher on the back. "Hey, Asher!" Asher turned around, flashing a warm smile. "Hey, Lila and Aurélia!"
Aurélia, however, seemed distracted, her gaze fixed on the professor as he began to set up for the lecture. Lila nudged her, whispering, "Aurélia , Asher was greeting you and you didn't respond."
Aurélia snapped back to attention, offering Asher a soft "Hey."Asher smiled and nodded in response. The lecture proceeded smoothly, and afterward, Aurélia, Lila and Asher decided to take a leisurely stroll around the campus. Their conversation filled with laughter and easy camaraderie.