Temptation

Chapter 9

«Il n'y a pas de verités moyennes. -Georges Bernanos»

«There are no half-truths.»
~~~

I was back on campus on Monday. It felt refreshing to finally get out of my dorm and sense the chilliness on my skin. On my way, I had numerous classmates who wished me a good day and welcomed me back. I was smiling at them and forgot about my problems. I concluded not to let any drama ruin my last year to become the heiress I am supposed to be.

Moreover, being a chief executive is also understanding not to let your emotions grow and swipe them away. I could not care less about Thea leaving me, Julian decided to threaten me or my mom's sudden envy to make me live with her. However, this is what I thought, and I am bluffing. That is the mask that I put on because no one should know my mind or my weakness. The truth is I lost a friend, I felt trapped, and I have numerous such eyes on me, expecting me to make the right move, but I do not know the right move. I have these lawyers, Marc, who want to guide me on the right path, yet I do not see the way. Some days I feel like a puppet. I only pleasure everyone, not myself. The saddest part is that I am okay with that. Last days, I spent the nights crying and asking for a sign of guidance because it is a matter of time before I break.

As usual, I waited for Xavier in front of the main establishment. My bag in my right hand and my notes book against my chest. Two female silhouettes were coming out of the dorms building; it was Thea and, to my surprise, Kelly. My mouth dropped when I finally understand that the unimportant roommate was Kelly herself. All this time, she was busy with her roommate that I thought was a guy. It was Kelly, Julian's girlfriend, Agea's best friend. Was she hanging out with the devil squad on my back?

Bile started to form in my throat. I wanted to throw up. I flew into the building to go to the bathroom when I ran into someone, almost fell on my back but the person caught my arm and pulled me closer to his chest. I was going to thank him, but I recognized the perfume, raised my head, and was nose to nose with Shawn.

I sincerely regretted coming out today.

I should have called still sick again.

"How many times are you going to fall for me?" he smiled maliciously.

"Don't flatter yourself."

I tried to pull my arms back from him, but instead, his grip became more firm.

"Why you so agitated? I am talking to you, and you are trying to get away from me."

"I have to go to class."

"Class starts in 20 minutes. We have time."

"No, we don't." I, again, tried to ran away from his grips, but he was too strong. He pulled me closer to him.

I was in an uncomfortable position, and it was 6 am, the sun has not risen yet. We were in a corner with poor lighting. Not many students were up at this time—no one to save me. I was trapped between him and the wall. Shawn was large and tall, not as much as Julian, but he was five foot eleven; I was only five foot four. He also worked out, so I had no chance of escaping. When I pushed him, he did not budge. I was getting frustrated and praying that Xavier appeared now.

"Would you let me go?" I hissed.

"How about you calm yourself down, talk, then you can go?"

"It never occurred to you that I don't want to talk to you?"

I was agitating myself to make more space between us.

"I know you still mad at me, but you will forget about everything, and we will back the way we were."