CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT: MAGIC TRICKS

Sighing as my alarm goes off, I strut into the bathroom, my every step unsteady. Having not slept a wink all night, my body feels heavy. His words from yesterday, still ringing in my head. 'I love you.' He'd said it and my heart sank. Not because of the words but the look in his eyes. He'd looked truly hurt. That look in his eyes was my doing. Guilt tugged at every inch of me and no matter the reasons I came up with for not telling him, it ultimately ended with his words... trust. I didn't trust him. I shivered slightly and only then did I realize; the shower temperature was on cold.

"Fuck..." turning the lever all the way the water became too hot, and I gasp jumping backing, slipping and knocking my wrist on the tub.

"Jesus! I know I fucked up but give me a break, will you? Fuck me!" Exiting the bathroom, my ringtone bellowed through the room surprising me and I jumped backwards, knocking into the dresser. Picking it up I see Hughes' ID and sigh.

"Morning Hu..."

"Young Master. Get to the Academy right now!"

"Huh!"

"It's Jason, Young Master." His name was all I needed to hear for my mood to sour even more. He'd left and I'd called but he hadn't replied; not even to my messages. What the hell was he thinking disappearing like that? I mean he has every right to be mad but at least reply. Pouting in defeat after checking to see if he'd replied once again, I busied myself with getting ready and within the hour I drove into the schools' lot and headed to the office; my office now. Entering, I'm greeted with the worried looks of not only Hughes but Tang and Jon.

"What the hell's going on?" Arching my brow, I study them as they look at each other, no doubt trying to figure out who'd answer. Clearing his throat Jon moves towards me, handing his tablet.

"He sent me this yesterday." Frowning in confusion, I scan the written email:

Jon,

Below is the self-study schedule of my classes. I trust you to look after them and answer whatever questions they may have. I emailed them all the resources I gathered to help them but please do me this one favour. I'm sorry for inconveniencing you.

Jason.

"W-What is this?" I hand the tablet back to him and Tang hands me a letter.

"This came this morning ma'am." Without opening it I could tell what it was by the printed words on the envelope.

"He... he didn't?!" I look to Jon but he only nods, a deep sigh escaping him.

"Jon please don't mess with me. Where is he?!" He looks to Hughes and Tang and they both give him approving nods.

"I don't know Atlas. I went to his apartment this morning, but he wasn't there. His car was there but... his bike."

"What..." Yuzuki? What the hell are you doing? Telling me you're mad at me, saying you love me and then pulling a magic trick?!

"Clear my schedule for today." Turning on my heel I practically ran to my car. You better be there. Please. Please be home.

Letting myself into his apartment. I check every room, shouting his name.

"Yu...?! Yu-San...?!" Entering his study, I'm greeted by a mess of papers. I'm about to leave when the contents of a document near my feet catches my attention. Scanning the room again, I pick up the folder. It had a green tick at the header and notes scattered alongs the sides in Yuzuki's handwriting and as I read the contents the name Kojo jumped out at me. Tears streamed from my eyes and I collapsed onto the floor.

"You stupid, stupid man." Why didn't I trust you? A warm hand touches my shoulder and looking up I'm met with Jon's sympathetic eyes. He smiles weakly pulling me into his embrace.

"Oh, Atlas." Drawing circles on my back, he sits with me as I cry.

"Why... didn't I trust him… I misunderstood him..." my breath catches and I choke, sobbing harder, "Now... he's gone..."

"Don't worry. I'm sure he's just blowing off steam..." he pauses, pushing me away slightly, his thumb wiping away my still pouring tears, "he'd never abandon you at a time like this. Never! That's the type of man he is. He loves you. Trust in that if nothing else in this world darling." He hugs me again, before helping me to the closest chair.

"Since he found out that you were short on funds, he's been looking into different companies for secure investments..." He takes the now crumpled page from my hand and smiles, "I suppose you both think very alike, seeing as you two seemed to have picked the same companies. He thought if he'd just thrown his thoughts at you, you'd reverse into your shell, so he told you them in the shadows while waiting for you to ask. He's like that you see..." he moves away, picking up the scattered pages and placing them on the table, "like you, he had trouble trusting others, so he waits for you to come to him. He's quite the fool, always putting everyone before himself. However," he pauses, his intense gaze returning to me, "you're the first thing, person, he's ever claimed as his own. The only thing I've ever seen him get worked up about."

"Jon…"

"I'm guessing your little surprise didn't sit too well with him?" Sighing, I nodded my head in response.

"He was really mad."

"I would if you made such a decision without at least consulting me first," sitting at the edge of the table, his eyes burning through me, "So? Why didn't you tell him?"

"I…" I keep hesitating.

"Is it really because you don't rust him?" He asks and by his tone I could tell he already knew the answer. This is a question for myself. One I needed to answer and accept.

"... myself… I didn't trust myself," sighing, I ran my palm across my face, sinking further back into the chair, his scent from the cardigan dangling across the back enveloping me, "... he saw right through me. He looked really hurt, yet, he kept asking questions… about me…" "What type of questions?" Realizing I'd trailed off, Jon asks.

"Huh… oh, about the ghost shareholder I'm having trouble finding."

"What about them?"

"About what would happen if we found her."

"What's her name?"

"Bright. Bright Potter."

"B-Bright?" He asks, shifting slightly at the name.

"Yeah."

"And, what else did he say?"

"He kept saying I didn't understand what position I'd put him in and I stupidly snapped… mean… i said some stupidly mean things…" Groaning, I facepalm myself as his expression after I called him an outsider flashed through my mind.

"You two are really helpless, aren't you?" He says teasingly, a soft chuckle leaving his lips.

"More like I'm a really horrible person." I feel very much like my father's daughter right now.

"Yeah. Yeah you are. But I don't think you should beat yourself up too much." Jon says as he pats my shoulder, giving me a warm reassuring smile.

"What do you mean?" I asked confused, my brows crunching up in frustration. How can I not worry and beat myself up over everything's that happening. Yuzuki's basically M.I.A. right now.

"Hmm... for a smart girl you can be rather dense Ms. Winters. I'm trying to say that man loved you more than himself. So, trust him. Do you believe in the rule of three?" He asks, a playful smirk forming in the corner of his mouth.

"The rule of three?"

"All good things happen in threes. Fate and what not. You see, that boy believes you're his destiny to put it simply. Your Nan. Your Mother. His. These three people seem to have wanted you two to meet, every time something went wrong, one of these three women brought you two together. So, please wait and trust him, Atlas."

"What did you mean by 'his' just now?" I question and he looks at me confused.

"Huh…? Did I say that?" I groan at his obvious actions, knowing he wouldn't answer. He grins mischievously, stretching out his hand towards me, I take it allowing him to lead me to his car.

"Where are we going?" I ask, changing the topic in annoyance.

"To the Academy, of course. It's not going to run itself Madam Chair. Now I advise you to get your shit together, you have a game to win and I can assure you Jason is out there fighting for you." Taking in his words I smile, sighing as I get into the car and putting on my seatbelt.

"Yes, sir." Chuckling, he starts the engine and drives off. He's right. Yuzuki had asked me to trust him. Promised that he'd always be on my side. He'd said he loved me. He never said words he didn't mean; ever. I trust you Yuzuki, so please come home soon. It's already too lonely here.

"I hope you know you have to drive me back here after school cause my cars back there." I said matter of factly and he laughed.

"Yes, ma'am." Removing my phone from my pocket I bring up his chat, my fingers frozen over the keys. What can I even say? Sighing, I lock my phone again, stashing it away in my pocket. I'll wait, Yuzuki. For however long, so please come home. Pleading my request, I study the sky.

"Looks like rain." Jon sighs in response as he looks to the sky.

"Indeed."

As we enter the office again, I see now that most of the teachers were here. I could tell they were all looking at me, but I didn't care. Jon was right. I needed to trust in him and continue with my task now. Stopping at my door, I turn on my heels.

"Ladies and gentlemen, no need to stare. I assure you, nothing has changed, I'll still be rather annoying to you all from today onwards. I know the sudden news yesterday may be hard to accept or having someone younger than you in charge may displease some of you but I can assure you, this Academy is my mothers' legacy in this world and I will continue to work towards making it even greater. If you have any complaints or worries about anything to do with the ins and outs of The Academy, they can be discussed at the staff meeting tomorrow. So, let's work together, shall we?" I'm answered with a chorus of silence and determined eyes. I'll take that as a yes. Despite having four other blocks that had more teacher's offices, the one in the main building was only for that of the Head, VH and all the Department heads and their assistants. Which is lucky for me as I didn't have to walk to the separate blocks every time I need to meet with any of them. Curse this school for being so damn big. Entering my office, I'm greeted by the warm smiles of Hughes and Tang, who both knowingly smile at me, hopelessly failing at not staring at my now swollen eyes.

"I hope you disobeyed me and didn't cancel..."

"I most definitely disobeyed, Young Master." I chuckle, walking around them before taking my seat.

"Good. Now then, let's work harder from today onwards. Hughes set up a meeting with all the shareholders for the day after tomorrow and send me the applications for a new temp." Nodding he leaves for his office and I turn to Tang.

"Ms. Tang, if you don't mind meeting with Touji and Kojo today that would be most appreciated..." she looks a bit hesitant and I smile, "don't worry. I'll have Hughes ask to get them in earlier, so you'll be able to pick up your kids on time. Wish the twins a happy birthday for me." She smiles appreciatively and nods, leaving as well.

"And me?" Jon asks, arches his brow teasingly, his fingers wiggling wormlike, "massage... tea... whatever you want milady..."

"Get back to work, you sloth. You're not getting any free time."

"Yes, boss," He laughs and heads to the door, stopping short in his tracks before turning around, "His resignation?"

"Until he gives it to me himself, it's rejected. As of now, he's on unpaid leave."

"Shit, no pay? Savage!" He feigns injury, placing his hand over his heart and I roll my eyes.

"Be quiet. Also, if anyone from the team asks for me, send them my way. I'm sure they've got a lot of questions. And if you see Jay, please tell him to come by when he's free."

"Yes, boss." With a final salute, he leaves. I sit back in the chair, my sigh carrying throughout the office. I truly do hate office work. It's officially my first day and I'm already sick of this closed space. As if hearing my thoughts, the phone rings and I answer.

"Miss. Ingram, Mr. Fairchild's on line one." For a brief second, he flashes into my mind and I sigh. Reality hits and I come to terms with it not being him.

"Thank you." The line beeps and the man's warm voice comes through.

"Good morning, Ms. Ingram."

"Good morning, Mr. Fairchild." The rest of the morning falls into a rhythm of phone calls and sorting documents one after the other, that I lose track of time and by lunchtime, the only reminder of my need for food is the growl of my stomach.

"Right... I missed breakfast." As I'm about to call Assistant Hugh, my door bursts open and a group of friendly faces enter, beaming smiles everywhere.

"Look at that beautiful sight." I roll my eyes at Myles swooning, and the others laugh pushing past him.

"Sup, Ms. Boss lady." Jay smiles warmly, leaning over to move my folder before placing a tray on my desk.

"What's this?" I arch my brow at the array of food in front of me.

"Well, young Jay here..." Tom stepped forward, placing his arms across Jay's shoulder, "figured you'd be chained to that damned desk unable to move so we put together a bit of all your favourites." He says as he ruffles Jays hair, smiling warmly at him and Jay smiles shyly at me.

"Thank you guys, truly." As though on command my stomach growls loudly again and they all laugh as I hide my face in embarrasement.

"I guess we saved you on the brink of death huh?" Juliet giggles and leans over to place a box of strawberry milk on the tray and my eyes go wide.

"Juliet! Gahhh, I could kiss you right now." Grabbing the drink, I down it in one gulp without fail and laughter rings through the room again. We fall in casual conversation as I eat and when the bell goes again they all sigh, getting up reluctantly.

"Since we know the boss lady, don't we get to break the rules." Julien asks and I chuckle.

"No. It means you follow it even more closely to show that you truly love me Julz." I retort and he grins, picking up the tray.

"Yes, boss." I smile up at him and he returns it warmly.

"You know, I thought you'd all be mad at me for not telling you."

"Don't be ridiculous sweetheart," Nic moves around the table to hug me, "we understand why you'd keep it to yourself. I mean we all figured you'd only told us bits that night, especially after the way Mr. Wilson stepped in to save you. We're not mad." I squeeze her hand and smile up at her.

"If anything, we bloody respect you for how you've somehow managed to get this far," Tom says smiling at me, "We're all pretty much heirs to our families business's and I don't think any of us could do what you've done and will continue to do from now on." He finishes, punching my arm playfully and I can't help but grin thankfully at him.

"Plus, if you ever need our help don't be afraid to ask. We come from pretty rich ass families you know." We all laugh at Myles straight forward statement.

"Oh, I know. Hence the charity event. That's me sneakily telling you to give me your money." They laugh again before the second bell goes and they all moan.

"Alrighty then. Looks like I'll have to kick you guys out." Getting up I walk them to the door.

"I'll come by later." Jay says before leaving as I wave them goodbye.

"Atlas…?" I turned to see that Nic was still behind me, and I tense at the sharp look in her eyes.

"Yeah?" She steps forward, eyes trained on me.

"Myles wasn't lying. If you ever need help, please ask." Smiling, I nod at her and she smiles sweetly, making my heart tighten. .

"I'm seeing you more like a big sister every time I see you now. Even if I'm older." I chuckle and she steps closer, her finger resting below my eyes and I can't help but look at her surprised.

"Does it have anything to do with why Mr. Fairchild wasn't in today."

"Well aren't you a perceptive one." I arch my brow and she giggles softly.

"I see the way he looks at you. I know that look..." my eyes widen, and she giggles again, "he loves you and you... love him." I could tell by her tone that it wasn't a question but a statement.

"And what makes you say that?"

"It's the same look they give each other every day."

"Who?"

"Mama and Papa."

"They've been together for decades. We've barely…"

"The duration doesn't matter," she says cutting me off, "It's the emotions you feel for each other." She says softly, her eyes burning through me and I stare at her in dumbstruck.

"Then… What do they do when one of them makes the other mad? Disappoints them?" She chuckles knowingly.

"I see. Well, my dad's normally the one in the hot seat and when that happens he gives her, time. Time to calm down. Don't push him Atlas. Wait. And when the time comes, apologize. Sincerely." With that, she hugs me, and it isn't until the soft click of the door rings through the room do I realise I've been holding my breath.

I remember the couple she'd introduced me to over FaceTime when we shared rooms at the hotel. The way they laughed and talked would make even the gods jealous. They treasured each other. Did she just compare us to them?! Making my way back to my chair, I drop down, sinking into it. Us? I knew that I loved him. More than even myself. He said he loved me too but... trust. His words echo through my head again and my mind is filled with him. Laughing. Smiling. His warm touch. His lips. Unconsciously my fingers move to my cheek, the last place he'd touched. It'd felt cold then as he'd left without looking back but now it burned. The sadness in his eyes when I'd finally looked back at him during my speech. The sadness in his shape as he'd left. Every single emotion he'd kissed into me, ever since the first day we met. When I was nine and ten years later. I loved that man. I love him. Come home so I can tell you face to face. The phone rings again and sighing, I answer it and the rest of the day reverts into a routine of more calls and paperwork and by evening I feel totally heavy. Sighing as I walk to the car with Jon and Jay I stretch to get rid of some of my fatigue before stopping, turning to face them.

"Please thank your parents for me." I smile, giving Jay the folder I held in my hand and he takes it hesitantly before smiling at me softly.

"I will. Thank you, Atlas."

"No worries. You've helped me a lot. This is only my repayment." A car horn blares, and he looks towards it, smiling as Tom's car stops near the gate.

"I'll be leaving now. Bye, Atlas. Bye, Mr. Wilson." Kissing my cheek, he runs off.

"What was that?"

"A gift."

"Gift?"

"Since his brother stepped down, he'll be inheriting their trading company when he graduates. He's already started taking classes and training. I gave him a little gift."

"What gift?"

"A little nudge in the right direction for expansion." I wink and he laughs getting into the car.

"You're quite a terrifying business woman, Young Master."

"I try."

Taking me back to Yuzuki's apartment he waves goodbye as he drives off. Walking into his empty home, I sigh heading to his bedroom before throwing myself onto his bed. The moment I touch the soft mattress the days stress melts away and I'm felt to bask in my own thoughts. But Jon and Nic said to wait and give it time and that's what I will do but, I couldn't help feel scared. Like something wasn't right. Sighing, I inhale and the scent of his sheets envelopes me.

"Hmmm, it smells like you…" Closing my eyes, I let sleep take over. I guess I'll be sleeping here for a while till I get tired of your smell. Smiling, I let sleep envelop me, "I'll never get tired of your smell." My voice a soft whisper as the world fades away.