Chapter 25

"Hey, you forgot something," 

I stopped at the threshold of the gate, turning slowly to meet his gaze. He was smiling mischievously at me, but his features were charming enough to make my cheeks flush with embarrassment.

Just a moment ago, I had barely freed myself from his grasp, and now what did he want? I was only a step away from him, my arms crossed. I raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to continue, when I felt his lips leave a soft trace on my cheek. A surge of warm emotions filled my veins, and I could feel butterflies fluttering in my stomach. My heartbeat even stopped for a moment.

"Alright, you can go now, my wife," 

He said, tapping my forehead to bring me back to my senses. Why did that kiss have such an effect on me? I stepped back a couple of paces, clutching my bag tightly, wanting to escape his gaze.

Alexander didn't stop me as I met the driver, Max, who opened the car door for me. I didn't hesitate to get in. I didn't even feel like my legs could support my weight. 'Stay strong, Teal,' I sighed, staring at a message from Alexander.

"I'll come pick you up after your university classes." 

I closed the phone and tossed it onto the seat, running my fingers through my hair with a deep sigh. It was a real problem—how could I have accepted this arrangement with him? After taking a deep breath, I pulled out my notebooks and started reviewing them.

I noticed Max was watching me through the rearview mirror, but I didn't care. I had a dream, and that dream was to become a great businesswoman with my own companies. I wanted to give my mother a life of peace, and I never wanted her to struggle again. I would do whatever it took to maintain my academic standing.

Suddenly, the car stopped two blocks away from the university. "These are Mr. Alexander's instructions. I will drop you off here every day," 

I looked up to meet Max's gaze. Oh, he was careful not to let anyone discover his identity as a husband. I didn't want the spotlight on me either. I got out of the car and watched Max leave before I crossed the street. Then, I bumped into that famous guy—what was his name? Samuel.

"Considering the car that dropped you off, you must be on par with the wealthiest people in New York. Why don't you bring that car to university?" 

Samuel said, motioning for his assistant to leave. He looked like he had just finished a meeting with one of his clients at the restaurant.

I ignored him and continued walking. Sometimes, I felt like these guys were just fools. Just before I reached the university gate, I felt a presence beside me. He intertwined his fingers with mine and kissed my hand gently, making it seem like we were on a date to anyone who might be watching.

Before I could react, I ran into Malika, whose tears were streaming down her face. The ice cream she had been holding had fallen to the ground, and the girls with her put their hands to their mouths. Samuel might not know, but why was Malika showing such a reaction?

"Are you crazy..."

Samuel shut my mouth when he took out a red rose from his jacket pocket and offered it to me, making everyone around us whisper more and more.

"I really like you, Teal Ivic. Go out with me."

Malika's tears increased, and the shock on everyone's faces said it all. This was unbelievable.

"Have you lost your mind?"

Before I could continue, Samuel came closer, brushing my hair back. "Malika is part of my family's plan to be my future wife, and what I want is to get rid of her. So, bear with me. Besides, I haven't found a better competitor than you."

Samuel whispered in my ear, and I felt like this day would never end. I turned around to find Malika had collapsed and fainted. Oh my God, what is all this drama? I glared at Samuel with anger and disgust. I didn't like being used in someone else's game.

"Listen to me, we'll settle this later."

I pushed him back, stepping on the rose he had given me, as if I hadn't seen or witnessed any of this drama. I made my way to my classroom.

"Look at her, this is the second time that girl has rejected Samuel."

"Damn, no one dares to set their eyes on Samuel because of Malika, but this girl, without doing anything, caught his attention."

"Maybe they're dating."

"Damn, did you get a picture of what just happened?"

"Yeah, yeah."

There were many comments, but I acted like I didn't hear any of them. I sat down in my seat, and Bria waved at me with her sweet looks. "Oh, Teal, you're trending on the university's social media right now."

Her voice was loud. By God, is this a joke? I just wanted a peaceful university life. I rubbed my forehead. I didn't care about their noise.

"Tell me, how is your father's health?"

I tried to distract her from talking about Samuel and me. "Girl, you've rejected Samuel with all his wealth and fame. You've made him the number one enemy of all his fans."

Bria said with excitement in her eyes. "Yeah, I rejected him simply because I..."

I wanted to tell her and everyone that I was married so they would stop staring and whispering. Thank God, though, that those girls were friends of Malika's, and Malika was nowhere to be seen with them.

"We're here to declare war on you. This will be your end because you broke Malika, the queen of this university."

Wow, more drama. Just what I needed to give me a headache. I was fed up with silence. A provocative smile appeared on my face. "I'd love to see you try."

I said, signaling for them to leave the classroom. I could see the anger building in their veins. If the professor hadn't entered, I thought I might have had to deal with them physically.

"Teal, oh Teal, my heart stopped beating."

Bria sighed after the girls left. "You seem so strong, but be careful. Malika and her friends have a lot of influence in the university community. The annual cultural celebration is coming up, and dealing with them won't be easy."

Bria added, wiping her glasses, then sighed deeply. "Don't worry, I've met worse than them."

I said as I packed my things. That had been the longest lecture.

Suddenly, I remembered Alexander's message telling me he'd pick me up himself. I remembered the moment his lips touched my cheek, and the strange feeling that lingered, which I still couldn't explain.

'Ugh, it's so hot.'

I tried to shake off the imaginary smoke cloud rising from my head.