"Noel?"

"Noel!" An excited voice echoed in the space, which caused Noel to wave a hand whilst he walked out of the room. Evangeline giggled as she raced towards him, then wrapped her arms around his back. "Come on, don't play hard to get." She laughed while they walked away.

"Why was I getting ahead of myself." I whispered, though the dispersing figures' conversation became inaudible as time passed. There was no time for me to dwell on my emotions because a random thought of my promise to my father caused a discomfort in me.

I rushed out of the building, which was incredibly massive. Even though, I couldn't complain since the luxury views were worth it. At a time like this, I could feel that I wasn't fit for this place.

Most people had their drivers waiting patiently for them to complete class, while others had weird tech locomotive equipment for individual movements. On the other hand, I had an outdated brand of a bicycle for transportation. What was worse was to remember that most of these people used cycling as leisure on field trips or adventure games.

My phone buzzed, and I stopped in my movement. Luckily, there was hardly any traffic on Thursdays and the roads were less occupied with vendors. For a moment, I froze while staring at the alert messages.

Quiz 32 – Group 10 discussion (10 unread messages)

As expected, Noel had created a private discussion group, which meant that I was indirectly in open communication with him. I know, a girl could only dream, but he is so perfect with imperfections.

I quickly saved his number as 'NVP' with a cute bear emoji. At the same moment, the stopwatch in my side pocket alerted me of my upcoming evening study time. Without any further thoughts, I rushed home.

I pulled up at the entrance of the gated house, then packed my bicycle. It took me a few seconds to notice the three black cars that had been packed in front of the house. It was quite a shock because father had a few friends. Not only that, but it meant one thing, a possible loan company.

Worry crossed my face as I held back all my nervousness. A fake smile slowly spread across my face, at the same time, I pushed the door open. Right across the room were two individuals seated on the white couch. They seemed focused on the conversation because none of them spared a glance in my direction.

Father was focused on the papers placed on the glass table. Although, I noticed him shivering as he opened the documents. "Young master, please give me more time. I promise –" My fist clenched at the sight before me.

"The project had to take less than two months, it has been four months." The lady dressed in a dark blue suit spoke calmly. She seemed kind yet cruel at the same time, and that only made me angry. She had straight, shoulder - length brown hair that complimented her brown doe eyes. Unlike me, she was tanned olive toned with a slender form.

"I understand that am a burden, but my situation." My father's shaky voice filled the room. I couldn't take more of the situation as I continued my walk up the stairs until I was in my room.

Tears began pouring down my heated cheeks just after the door closed. The pain in my chest continued as my fingers gripped the thick sweater that I wore. The previously quiet room was once again filled with my inaudible screams and huffs. As I wiped my ever flowing tears, a notification caught my attention.

I quickly pulled my sudden buzzing phone before an uncontrollable chuckle was released. I gasped, then continued looking at the trending gossips. "Leticia Annie Parschel broke off her engagement because the heir of house Lockwood forgot her age on a birthday cake present."

"How is that possible?" I laughed, then scrolled. Just after that discussion was another of Evangeline and Noel's youth charity event that was held the previous week at an orphanage. They looked so mature and luxurious in official imperial uniforms. For a moment, I imaged myself in her position, how would it feel having his hand resting on my waist? A creepy smile crossed my face.

"Incoming youth charity event volunteers application opens NOW!" Event volunteers? My eyes widened as I recalled that it was a youth month. Numerous jobs and events for youths paid so much during February. With a smile, I quickly clicked on the link. It didn't take long before I applied for a position in the paid category, and with that, I sighed in excitement.

Response will be in less than 3 working days.

"I have finally found a suitable part-time experience." I laughed, then walked over to the bathroom. It was a long night and I could feel the strength in me drain. "I have to pass this exam."

Days passed by unnoticed, and I was already counting less than twenty-four hours before the response was received. But, not to dwell much on it, I was very distracted by another thing at hand. Today was the day that I had to get on Noel's good side.

A beautiful, sunny afternoon with a white, cotton summer dress that complimented my warm brown tone was my first step. Moreover, I added a designer set of gold jewelry that was decorated with shaped navy-blue butterflies. My morning Afro was quickly loosely curled then styled in a cute, messy high puff. To complete the look, I got my summer clear, short heels and a pink purse.

Although being an hour early, I made sure my eyeliner shaped my almond brown eyes into something captivating. A little brown lipstick and pheromone blocker was my final touch. I spent the next twenty minutes packing the suppressants, powder and necessary stuff.

Finally, it was time to leave. I knew that Noel would be early, but I had not expected that his driver had been waiting for me. I rushed downstairs, then saw my father, who happened to be watching a drama. "Good luck on your date!"

"It's not a date!" I yelled, then rushed past the living room. I heard him murmur, "kids these days." But I chose to ignore the trivial comment. The fact that he didn't ask further questions was proof enough that he had already interviewed and threatened the driver. I smiled, it was funny how I knew that based on his sneaky character.

The door of the luxurious, white car was opened by the guard who stood across the entrance. He gestured for me to enter, which I did without hesitation. Upon entering, my eyes scanned the interior before being fixed on Linyu.

He had on a casual attire and summer glasses that covered his monolid eyes. With the ever welcoming smile, he greeted me and gave me a small box of grapes. "I got them on the way here." He smiled once more, showing his dimpled cheeks.

"Thanks, you are so kind." I couldn't resist the temptation to have a taste, a satisfied smile crossed my face while I licked my bottom, plump lip. "Hmm, it's sweet!"

Linyu's fingers ran through his hair as he stared, dumbfounded by my actions. I could feel the burning stare that was focused on me, although, I forged my ignorance.

"Do you have an alpha?" He paused, "I mean, do you like someone?"

His random question caught me off guard, and in no time, I was speechless and stuttering. "W-what!?" Could this be the time when a random, smooth confession would intervene. I wasn't more prepared for such situations. Only Noel had my soul, mind, and body wrapped around his beautiful, gorgeous fingers. With that predetermined affirmation, I regained my confidence to immediately turn him down.

"Not to be mean, l'm taken. But-" I looked at my manicured nails. Even though, I knew how overly kind Linyu was, it seemed shocking that he would be that direct.

"Oh no." A chuckle was all I heard before I lifted my head, "Am not asking you out. I was just asking for a friend."

"Ooh." I felt the raised heat up to my cheeks, while my embarrassment was evident enough in my cracked tone. Bothered, yet confused by his sudden expression.

Was it because I wasn't that attractive? Maybe he saw me as a weird girl – it wasn't uncommon among my classmates. A frown spread on my face, then I felt a warm finger between my frowned brows. "Pretty girls don't frown." That random act caused my breathing to stop. "Relax."

Did he think am pretty? I rubbed my thumbs against each other while my gaze was fixed on him. He had his focus outside the window while his fingers tapped playfully on his thigh. For a moment, I was mesmerized by his sudden calm aura. I had never noticed how attractive he was.

"If you keep staring at me like that, I might lose a friend and an engagement." He smiled then pointed at the massive building, "We are here."

I hadn't noticed that the car was packed until Linyu said so. We were both led out and into the huge, luxurious building that was heavily guarded. It was peculiar how we were directed towards the lift without issuing our business there. The woman dressed in a red suit happened to know Linyu based on their familiar attitudes toward each other. Although, I wouldn't be surprised if they were strangers. Linyu Li seemed more of a smooth talker, and wonderful at entertaining people too.

"The young master is in here." Judy, the young lady, gestured towards the open door. After noticing our nods, she walked away when a man dressed in a navy-blue suit came out. He walked back in, then gave us a sign toward the kitchen.

"I, personally, made snacks for our study time." A smooth voice echoed from the corner of the large space. The kitchen was scattered, although I noticed several servants cleaning after him. Noel seemed to focus on brewing the tea while the giant man beside him cautiously made alarming gestures. As scary as he looked, the expressions were filled with worry and tiredness while he guided and scolded Noel. "What a mess, I apologize."

I thought I was prepared to see him, but after hearing his voice, all my insecurities came to life. My previous affirmations and confidence were replaced with anxiety and nervousness. No matter how much I nervously rubbed my hands and cleared my throat, my plans had failed before they began.

"Take a seat by the balcony, I will ask the servers to bring some refreshments." Upon hearing that, I watched a young lady carry a tray as she followed behind us.

We walked out of the room, and into a beautiful open area that had a medium size swimming pool. The clear pool was right next to a small outdoor bar. We were casually led towards the round table and informed about the restrooms.

"The young master will be here soon."

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