Rival

Chapter 11 Rival

Jenny brightened. "Oh, yes! We spent all afternoon in the kitchen. It was a disaster at first, flour everywhere, but we finally got the ratios right for the lemon poppy seed muffins. Joana thinks we might actually have something there. We're thinking of trying a new sourdough starter next week, if we can find the right kind of flour." She talked with an infectious enthusiasm, her eyes sparkling.

"Sounds delicious," Rick said, picturing the future bakery that never came to be. "You two are really passionate about this. I admire that."

"It's just a dream right now," she said, a hint of wistfulness in her voice. "But it would be so lovely to have our own little place, somewhere cozy, with the smell of fresh bread always in the air."

"Dreams can become reality, Jenny," Rick said, his voice firm, his gaze steady. "Especially when you work hard. And you, my dear, work very hard."

She blushed again, looking away shyly. "You always say the nicest things, Rick."

They attended their first class and soon went out of the classroom after an hour. They once again went to the bench where they were seated a while ago. The two once again began to discuss things.

Their conversation flowed easily, jumping from class assignments to campus gossip, to the latest book she was reading. Rick felt a profound sense of peace settling over him. This was what he had missed most: the simple, uncomplicated joy of Jenny's presence, her laughter, her quiet wisdom. He savored every moment, committing it to memory.

Just as the next bell for morning classes rang, a shadow fell over them. Rick looked up, and his heart, which had been so light moments before, plummeted into his stomach.

Nortorn Klane.

The person who almost broke their marriage in the future.

He stood over them, a picture of polished arrogance. Dressed in impeccably tailored trousers and a crisp, expensive shirt, Nortorn exuded an air of effortless superiority. His dark hair was perfectly styled, and his smile, meant to be charming, was a condescending smirk in Rick's eyes. Nortorn was twenty-one, a few years older than them, a senior at the university, and already carried himself with the entitled swagger of someone destined for greatness. In the future, he would be great, a titan of agriculture. But in this moment, he was just the boy who would try to steal Jenny.

"Jenny, my dear," Nortorn purred, his eyes completely ignoring Rick, who was sitting right beside her. It was a deliberate, calculated insult. "You look as radiant as ever this morning."

Jenny's smile faltered, replaced by a polite, somewhat strained expression. "Good morning, Nortorn." She shifted uncomfortably, subtly leaning closer to Rick, a gesture that did not go unnoticed by either man.

Nortorn's gaze finally flickered to Rick, a quick, dismissive scan that lingered barely a second before returning to Jenny. "I was just heading to The Gilded Spoon for a quick bite before my next lecture. Would you care to join me? My treat, of course. I've heard their new pastry chef is quite exceptional." He emphasized "my treat," making it sound like an exclusive offer.

Rick felt a familiar knot of anger tighten in his gut. This was the man who had caused so much pain, so much insecurity in his marriage. He remembered the arguments, the subtle jealousies, the constant worry that Jenny had regretted choosing him over Nortorn's wealth and status. In the future, Nortorn was able to shake her feelings for Rick. It was the most painful thing that he had felt in his life. But it has not happened yet, and he would not let it happen… again.

Jenny looked from Nortorn to Rick, her expression softening slightly when her eyes met Rick's, then hardening almost imperceptibly as she turned back to Nortorn. "That's very kind of you, Nortorn, but I can't. Rick and I were just about to head to class, and I already have plans." She didn't elaborate on the plans, and Rick appreciated the subtle shield she put up.

He suddenly recalled this scene in his mind and it made him smile.

Nortorn's smirk vanished, replaced by a scowl. His jaw tightened, and a flicker of possessive rage crossed his features. "Oh? Plans? What kind of plans could possibly be more important than a proper meal?" His tone was edged with thinly veiled contempt, his gaze once again sweeping over Rick, this time with open disdain. "Unless," he added, his voice dripping with sarcasm, "you're implying that… this is a plan."

Rick felt his young self's anger stirring, a primal urge to leap up and confront Nortorn. But the older Rick was in control, calculating, and strategic. He already knew this would happen and of Nortorn's personality, his explosive temper. A public confrontation here would only make things worse, potentially alienating Jenny or even getting Rick into trouble. He just needed to sit still, Jenny will handle it.

Jenny, however, was clearly uncomfortable. "It's just… a casual study session. We're going to the library." She offered a weak smile, trying to defuse the tension.

Nortorn let out a short, humorless laugh. "A study session? How… quaint." He took a step closer, his eyes narrowing. "You know, Jenny, you deserve better than... well, than this." He made a dismissive gesture towards Rick. "Someone who can truly appreciate your intelligence and beauty, someone who can offer you the world."

Rick felt his hands clench into fists, but he kept his expression neutral, his gaze steady. He focused on Jenny, sending her a silent message of support.

Jenny's polite facade began to crack. Her chin lifted slightly, a hint of defiance in her eyes. "I appreciate what I have, Nortorn. And I don't need anyone to 'offer me the world.' I'm quite happy as I am."

The rejection, delivered with quiet dignity, clearly stung Nortorn. His face darkened, and his eyes, usually cold, flared with fury. He took a step back, visibly seething. "Fine," he spat, his voice low and dangerous. "Have it your way, Jenny. But don't come crying to me when you realize your mistake." He then turned his venomous gaze directly at Rick. "And you, Lane. Enjoy this while it lasts. You'll regret crossing me. Mark my words, I'll teach you a lesson you won't soon forget." he hissed in a low voice as he stood near Rick.

With that chilling vow hanging in the air, Nortorn Klane spun on his heel and strode away, his anger radiating off him like heat. He vanished into the throng of students heading towards the lecture halls.

A heavy silence descended between Rick and Jenny. Jenny let out a shaky breath, her shoulders slumping. She looked at Rick, her eyes filled with concern and a hint of apology. "Rick, I'm so sorry. He's always like that. So… intense."

Rick reached out, gently taking her hand, squeezing it reassuringly. "Don't apologize, Jenny. You handled that perfectly. He's the one who's out of line." He looked at her, his heart swelling with pride and affection. She was so kind, so considerate, even to a bully like Nortorn.

But when he recalled what happened in the future, he could not help but feel a slight tinge of pain.

"No, I will not let that happen again…" he muttered in a low voice.

She managed a small, grateful smile. "He just… makes me uncomfortable."

"I know," Rick said, his expression returning to calmness. "He won't bother you again, not like that. I promise." He knew he couldn't stop Nortorn from existing or from trying, but he could change the dynamic, ensure Jenny was protected, and make their relationship stronger than it ever was in the original timeline.

The bell rang again, signaling the start of the classes. "We should probably head in," Jenny said, gathering her books. She retrieved the rose, gently stroking a petal, a tiny smile playing on her lips.

"Actually," Rick said, a sudden impulse seizing him. He remembered how little time they used to spend together outside of classes. This was his chance to rewrite that. "Do you have time for a quick bite after your second class? There's a great little cafe just down the street, serves the best pastries." The irony of mentioning pastries, given her bakery dream, was not lost on him.

Jenny hesitated for a moment, then her face brightened. "Really? I'd love that! Just a quick one, though, I have a study group in the afternoon."

"Perfect," Rick said, standing up. "Meet me by the main gate right after your class. I'll be there."

"Okay!" she chirped, a spring in her step as they walked towards their respective buildings. "See you then!"

He watched her go, a profound sense of satisfaction washing over him. He had faced Nortorn, and Jenny had stood by him for now. It was a small victory, but a significant one.

After his classes, Rick made his way to the main gate, arriving a few minutes before Jenny. The café he had in mind was a modest establishment, but its quiet charm and excellent coffee made it a perfect spot for a quick, intimate conversation. He considered the cash in his pocket, a tangible representation of his future power.

Jenny arrived, her smile lighting up her face as she saw him. "Rick! Have you waited long? Sorry, I was a bit late."

"No worries," he said, offering her his arm. She took it shyly, and they walked together, the simple contact sending a pleasant warmth through him.

The cafe was cozy, filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods. They found a small table in a quiet corner. Rick insisted on paying, despite Jenny's polite protests. They shared a plate of small, exquisite tarts and talked about everything and nothing. Rick listened intently as Jenny recounted a funny story from her history class, her eyes sparkling with mirth. He shared a few anecdotes from his own day, carefully crafting them to sound like his younger self's typical observations, but with a subtle depth that he hoped would resonate with her.