Chapter 8: Under the surface

Trina's POV

While Romeo and I were eating, he wouldn't stop teasing me. It made people around us look at us—some of them were from Ashton. I was worried they might gossip about us. Even though this is an elite school, there are still some gossipy types around.

It's not that I don't want people to know about us, but I just don't like gossip, especially when people are already eyeing us.

"My love! Why aren't you eating?" he asked with a teasing grin.

"Enough, okay?" I replied, my head lowered.

"Aw, is my love upset?" he said, smiling.

I looked at him and sighed.

"They're staring at us," I said, and he glanced around.

"Don't mind them. As long as you're with me, they can't touch you."

Such arrogance. I'm just thinking that it might make him more of a target for bullying from the people at Ashton.

It's not that I'm bragging, but I have a lot of guys who flirt with me—except they're all like Jackson, playboys, so I ignore them. I'm also afraid that if Jackson finds out about Romeo and me, he might make trouble for him. If even Zep, the tough guy, doesn't back down, how much more Jackson?

"Don't you trust me, my love?" he asked, making me look at him.

"It's not that. I'm just scared they'll make trouble for you."

He took my hand and looked straight into my eyes.

"Just trust me."

When he said that, I don't know why, but I felt reassured. When he says something, it always feels genuine and sincere.

"Eat already."

I started eating, but he stopped when his phone rang. I glanced at the table where his phone was—it was his dad calling.

"Excuse me, love. I'll just take this," he said, and I nodded as he quickly stood up.

Why did he have to walk away? He could've answered it in front of me. And when will I finally meet his family? I don't want to rush him, but I'm just excited.

Zephyr Romeo's POV

I stood up and walked away from our table so Trina wouldn't hear my conversation with Dad.

"Zephyr, son! Where are you?" he asked as soon as I answered the call.

"I'm with someone. What is it?"

"I'll pick you up. Just stay there."

I was surprised by what Dad said. He couldn't see Trina—she'd start to wonder.

"No! Just tell me where you are."

After he told me his location, I quickly returned to our table. Before sitting down, I intentionally put on a troubled expression as if something serious was on my mind.

"Trina," I called, and she immediately looked at me. "Something came up. I'm sorry, but I need to go. I might not be able to join you at the event."

I saw the disappointment on her face, but she quickly recovered and smiled.

"Why? Is something wrong?"

"An emergency came up at home."

I didn't add any further details to avoid making her suspicious.

"Okay. Just text me later."

I kissed her on the cheek before heading out of the restaurant to meet Dad.

As soon as he saw me, he pulled me into a hug.

"Even with that disguise, you're still handsome," he said.

"Why did you call me here?" I asked. We were inside his car in the school parking lot. He handed me my clothes—neatly pressed and on a hanger. A tuxedo, slacks, leather shoes, a necktie, and a long-sleeved shirt.

"What's this?"

"Put it on. I want to introduce Zephyr as the founder of Ashton University."

I was a bit shocked by what Dad said, but at the same time, excitement rushed through me.

Finally!

Trina's POV

I entered the school alone, feeling down. I was excited to be with Romeo, but suddenly, there was an emergency at his place.

As soon as I walked through the gate, I immediately spotted Pat, busy organizing the venue. I must admit, she's amazing.

The setup was beautiful—I thought she was just going to make it look like a high school event, but it wasn't like that at all. The venue was an open field and so spacious. There was a stage at the front, surrounded by white and black balloons.

The tables were round, with no chairs—everyone would be standing. There were waiters in uniform, carrying trays. In the middle of the path leading to the stage, there was a red carpet, surrounded by high-quality flowers.

"Trina! Thank God, you're here!" Pat approached me, and I raised an eyebrow.

"Don't tell me, you're not done and need my help?" I asked, but she just smiled at me.

I furrowed my brow. She'd never smiled at me like that before.

"No, actually. I need a favor," she said, acting all cute.

"I knew it, you need something."

"We were thinking we need a singer for the event to entertain our guests," she said, grinning.

"And?"

"Can you sing for us?"

"What?!"

"We don't have any singers in our class, and someone said you have a beautiful voice."

I don't have a beautiful voice! I only sing in the shower.

"Are you out of your mind? I can't. Sorry."

I was about to walk away when our professor arrived.

"Pat, is everything ready?"

"Yes, but we still have one thing unsettled," Pat said, still smiling at me.

"We need someone to sing to entertain our guests."

"That's a brilliant idea!"

"Someone said Trina can sing beautifully, so I offered her, but she refused," Pat said sadly.

"Trina, please do it for us."

I looked at Professor.

"But—"

"No buts. I know you won't embarrass our class, right?"

"O-okay..."

I glanced at Patricia—this is payback for me.

I couldn't relax because of what just happened. Now, I'm in a room, getting my makeup done by one of my classmates.

"Just relax," said Gail Hona, one of my close friends.

"How am I supposed to relax? Try being asked to sing in front of so many people!"

She raised her hand. "Okay, chill. You're stressing out."

I sighed.

"Girl, what are you going to sing?" she asked.

I thought for a moment. I hadn't chosen a song yet.

"You don't need to belt it out," she said. "What matters is that you sing with your heart, and make them feel the meaning of the song."

Suddenly, a song popped into my mind—one I've loved since I was a kid.

"That's the spirit, girl. You got this!"

We high-fived.

When I stepped out of the room, I heard the MC start speaking.

"It is a matter of great pleasure and honor for me to welcome the owner of Ashton University..."

I smiled, excited to meet the owner of the school.

"Please give a round of applause for Mr. Timothy Anderson."

Everyone clapped. But when I saw who stepped onto the stage, I froze.

It was none other than Zep's dad.

What the hell?

To be continued...