The New Face

Odessa walked across the campus, lost in thought. She had just come from a lecture and was heading to the library to study. As she turned a corner, she collided with a tall, handsome guy.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" Odessa exclaimed, as they both bent down to pick up the books that had scattered on the ground.

"No worries, I'm the one who should be apologizing," the guy said with a charming smile. "I wasn't watching where I was going."

As they stood up, Odessa couldn't help but notice how cute he was. He had a striking emerald green eyes and messy brown hair that fell across his forehead.

"I'm Odessa," she said, holding out her hand.

"Nice to meet you, Odessa," the guy replied, shaking her hand. "I'm Kaius but you can just call me Kai, I just transferred here from another university."

Odessa's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh, welcome to our campus! I've never seen you around before."

Kaius chuckled. "Yeah, I'm still getting used to the layout. I was hoping to make some new friends, but it's not easy when you're the new kid on the block."

Odessa smiled sympathetically. "I know how that feels. But I'm happy to show you around and introduce you to some people."

Kaius's face lit up with gratitude. "That would be amazing, thank you! Would you like to grab coffee with me and start with that?"

Odessa hesitated for a moment, unsure if she should spend time with someone she had just met. But there was something about Kaius that put her at ease or so she thought.

"Sure," she said finally, smiling. "I'd love to."

As they walked to the coffee shop, Odessa couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement. Maybe this new guy in her life would bring some much-needed change and take her mind off things.

"So, what brings you to our campus?" Odessa asked, as they sat down at a small table.

Kaius took a sip of his coffee before answering. "I wanted a fresh start, I guess. I was at a big university before, and it was just too overwhelming. I wanted to be at a smaller school where I could actually get to know people."

Odessa nodded understandingly. "I know what you mean. Sometimes a fresh start is just what you need."

As they chatted, Odessa found herself feeling more and more at ease with Kai. He was easy to talk to, and he seemed genuinely interested in getting to know her.

As they finished their coffee, Kai turned to her with a smile. "Thanks for showing me around and talking with me, Odessa. I really appreciate it."

Odessa smiled back. "No problem, happy to help and please you can call me Dessa. Maybe we can hang out again sometime?"

Kai's face lit up. "I'd like that."

As they parted ways, Odessa couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. Maybe this new guy in her life would bring some much-needed change. And maybe, just maybe, she would find a true friend in Kai. Odessa thought she'd find a true friend in Kai but little did she know that there was a storm brewing. Like they say the devil you know is better than the devil you don't

~~~~~~~~~~

Odessa's phone buzzed as she was studying for her upcoming exams. She picked it up, expecting it to be one of her friends. But to her surprise, it was a number she hadn't seen in a while.

"Hello?" she answered, curiosity getting the better of her.

"Odessa! Oh my god, it's so great to hear your voice!" a familiar voice exclaimed on the other end.

Odessa's eyes widened as she tried to place the voice. And then it hit her - it was Jaxon the guy she had met at the park in New York when she was visiting George Anderson

"Jaxon! Oh my god, how are you?" Odessa asked, a smile spreading across her face.

"I'm great, thanks for asking! I was just thinking about you and wanted to catch up. How's life been treating you?" Jaxon asked, his voice warm and friendly.

Odessa filled Jaxon in on her life, telling him about college and her friends. Jaxon listened intently, asking questions and making jokes.

As they chatted, Odessa felt like no time had passed at all. It was like they had just met yesterday, not months ago.

"Hey, I'm having a party in a month's time, and I'd love for you to come!" Jaxon exclaimed, interrupting Odessa's thoughts.

"A party? That sounds like so much fun! I'd love to come," Odessa replied, already imagining the excitement.

"Awesome! I'll send you the details soon. Can't wait to see you!" Jaxon said, before hanging up.

Odessa grinned, feeling a thrill of excitement. She couldn't wait to see Jaxon again and catch up

~~~~~~~~~~

Zaynix's eyes narrowed as he dialed Julian number, his mind racing with the news he had just received. The sun was setting outside his window, casting a golden glow over the room, but Zaynix mood was far from peaceful.

"Hello brother" a little voice was heard on the other line

"Where is Julian" Zaynix asked

"He went to get my doll, why didn't you tell me you were travelling" Liana asked in a calm tone

"I'm sorry Lia, but something urgent came up, that is why Julian is there to take care of you, be a good girl okay" Zaynix said

"Okay"

"I need you to give the phone to Julian" Zaynix said

There was a pause on the other end of the line, and Zaynix could almost hear Julian's voice. "What's going on, Zaynix?" Julian asked, his tone measured

Zaynix voice was firm. "Julian, I need you to take care of Liana. Make sure she's safe."

Julian's tone was serious. "Consider it done, Zaynix, and you should know that even if you didn't tell me to do so, know that I'll protect her with my life. But I have some news too."

Zaynix eyes narrowed. "What is it?"

Julian hesitated.

"Gunnar and Ray... they've joined forces with the Scarfo organization."

Zaynix laughter was cold. "Those traitors. They think they can play with fire and not get burned?, they think because I spared their lives, they can undermine me?"

Julian's voice was cautious. "Zaynix, we need to be careful. This is getting out of hand."

Zaynix tone was confident. "Don't worry, Julian. I'll handle it. We also need to find a new hacker. We can't have too many weaknesses."

Julian's pause was brief. "Got it, Zayn. I'll take care of Liana and find a new hacker."

Zaynix voice was final. "Good. Keep me updated."

With that, the call ended, and Zaynix was left to ponder his next move. The game was heating up, and Zaynix was ready to play.