♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
Jennifer

I wish I could say, ‘I think about you all the time, I look for you in everyone and I find myself in college earlier than I should just to get a glimpse of you. Your eyes are deep shades of blue & I want nothing more than to drown in them. You make me want to go against every single person on this planet who dares to oppose this love’.

I witnessed the exact moment realization dawned in his gorgeous eyes, shattering a piece of my heart along with it as he added, “I love your thoughtfulness. Thank you, I love this coupon. I'll use it wisely.” He said the word love a total of three times and I am melting faster than an Ice-cube on a hot day.

Just stop my heart. Wait, keep beating but at a normal pace.

“I know,” I coughed as my voice sounded hoarse. I knew he didn't mean it the way my heart wanted him to. I knew it all along but a stupid part of me wanted to hold on to the hope that it might actually mean that he loves me, “read the back for terms & conditions.” I looked down to hide the sadness & disappointment on my face.

“There are three conditions. First, the wish can only be granted between nine to five.” He looked up before adding, “Corporate working hours? Fine by me.” Then he shifted his attention back to the coupon to read the rest, “Second, no illegal wish will be entertained. And third and last, the wish can’t be anything remotely related to physical labour.”

He looked up at me with a smirk, “Physical labour? Why would I do that?”

Memories of him making me run from one place to another for his ridiculous requests came rushing back to me, “Oh, please. You made me run around the vast grounds of college in heels for your ludicrous attempt at revenge.” I edged in my seat and put my hair behind my shoulders.

“You call that physical labour?” He laughed, “That was hardly any labour. But I get your point, so I accept all the terms and conditions.” He folded the piece of paper and tucked it inside his shirt pocket close to his heart.

“Here are your reports.” Harper announced. How long has she been standing here? She abandoned all the manners outside the room as she shamelessly ogled him.

“Thank you so much.” Mr. Reynolds said politely but she blushed as if he proclaimed his unconditional love for her. God, control yourself woman. He’s not yours.

Thankfully, Chris returned just in time & collected the files from her and excused her. That’s twice in a row.

Audrey still hasn't arrived, knowing her phobia for bacteria & stuff, I concluded she must be waiting outside.

Chris helped Mr. Reynolds walk out. A lot of nurses were surrounding the reception area near the front desk when Harper—Yes, again that I feel embarrassed for her—handed him a piece of paper, “I like to visit historical places.”

Mr. Reynolds stared at Harper as if she said, ‘I am actually a nine hundred two year old vampire. I got my eyes on you, you better watch your remaining blood. If I liked the one I took I might come later for more.’ Damn, I couldn’t control my laughter, making her openly glare at me.

I smirked in her direction making sure that she gets my message loud and clear—I-am-going-to-burn-your-chit. The whole thing indicated their gossip group works fast.

We got out of the hospital and that’s when I noticed my other crazy half standing beside a pillar with her phone in hand & a face mask in place. Typical Audrey in a hospital setting.

“Audrey is here.” I said to no one in particular as I made my way to her.

She instantly felt my presence as she pocketed her phone & embraced me, “Jen, you idiot.” She hit my head lightly, “Why didn't you tell me you were in the hospital? I was contemplating calling Walter.”

“Don't worry, I’m okay, just a little scratch on my hand.” I assured her as her hold on me tightened.

“Why didn’t you call me again? I have been waiting for like half an hour now.” She sighed. Stupid me, I was so engrossed with Mr. Reynolds that I forgot to call her back.

I buried my face in her shoulder as I said, “I'm sorry for all the trouble but I couldn’t leave him alone.”

“Him?” She pulled back and looked me in the eyes with amazement. She looked around hurriedly before her gaze shifted right behind me.

“Yeah, I’ll explain everything later.” I mouthed so she doesn’t ask any more questions which might lead to trouble.

I looked back to notice Mr. Reynolds & Chris watching us awkwardly.

“Which one of them made you enter a hospital?” Audrey’s sharp gaze landed on Chris first before shifting to Mr. Reynolds. Chris held up his hands in surrender and pointed at Mr. Reynolds with his eyes.

I should have thought this through. I can't tell Audrey that this is Mr. Reynolds, my professor, in front of Chris.

“Ryan got into an accident so I took him to a hospital.” I blurted, pointing in Mr. Reynolds’ direction, avoiding his eyes and then I pointed towards Chris, “That’s Chris, he’s his best friend.”

I then grabbed Audrey to my side before saying, “This is Audrey.” She gave me a sideways glance with questions swirling inside her eyes which are the same colour as mine.

“Hello, Ryan & Chris, I’m Jennifer’s roommate. I'm sure you’ll drop us home. Am I right?” She questioned while my eyes widened in disbelief.

“Of course.” Chris beats Mr. Reynolds before he could say anything.

“Where’s your car?” I whispered to Audrey as we followed them to Chris’ car.

“In the parking lot.” I looked at her in utter puzzlement. The cleanliness freak is ditching her spotless car to sit in some unknown car. “Which one of these guys is yours?” I facepalmed myself in agony. I wish he was my guy but he'll never be.

“Ryan is Mr. Reynolds, my professor. I just met Chris who has no idea that he’s my professor. So you need to watch your mouth before saying something which might be damaging about Mr. Reynolds’ reputation.” I informed her as I made sure no one but her could hear.

She gasped loudly before shouting, “Jen, what the hell. Wasn’t—” I clasped my hand on her mouth. However, Mr. Reynolds & Chris heard it as they turned around to look at us. I gave a sheepish smile while Audrey gave a thumbs up to assure them we were perfectly fine.

“Woah! Reputation, huh? Oh, I’m loving it, the forbidden romance vibes. The stolen glances when nobody's looking, clandestine meetings, the craving to meet again and again and again. Oh my heart. I'm so happy right now. Now that I know you were busy with him, I'm not mad at you anymore.” Audrey whispered as she wrapped her arm around my shoulders.

“Sorry to break your little bubble of happiness but there’s absolutely no romance going on between us. If anything, it falls under the unrequited love category and that too from my side.” I combed a hand through my hair. “All he will ever see me is as a student. He earlier mentioned to a kid that he has someone on his mind. Plus, let's not forget that I have a finacé.” A sad smile appeared on my face.

“Oh come on, Jen. If worse comes to worst, I’ll take your place at the altar, we almost look the same. You know I have no love life anyway.” She gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze before a mischievous smile appeared on her face, “so, back to your Mr. Reynolds. He must be talking about you. Wait, let's check.”

Before I could ask what she meant by check, she loudly announced, “My best friend’s brother is obsessed with you. He just texted me that if you agree he would marry you right away.” She pretended to look through her phone as if a text actually appeared and showed it to me which actually had a picture of Lee Min Ho. An involuntary ‘wow’ slipped past my lips as I admired his ethereal look. Wait, what are we doing?

“What are you doing?” I mouthed to Audrey as I looked ahead to notice Chris saying, “Why are you clenching my hand? Dude, I know it’s your day but that is no way to treat a helping hand. Besides, my hands mean a lot to me.” He checked his hand twice to make sure everything was alright.

“I barely touched it. Stop being dramatic. Obsession is never good, never. Everyone should stay away from obsessions as they always lead you to your downfall.” Mr. Reynolds said, gripping the car door as Chris shoved our bags on the floor of the backseat of his Rolls-Royce.

“See. That’s the effect you have on him.” Audrey’s voice made me shift my focus back on her. “He couldn’t picture you with anybody but him. Thank me later.” She said cheerfully as she pulled out her phone to point it straight at me before proceeding to point it at Mr. Reynolds who was still gripping the car door in such a way that his knuckles were turning white.

“What are you doing?” I snatched her phone to see that she was recording a video.

“Capturing the moment where I proved that this love is not unrequited.” She then points the camera at Chris, “Chris’ back looks sexy as hell though.” I rolled my eyes at her but my heart beated fast. Is it possible? Could he love me in a romantic way? I looked back at Mr. Reynolds, to notice that he sat in the back seat and motioned me to come sit next to him by making space for me.

I made sure that Audrey is okay with sitting in the front before settling next to Mr. Reynolds.

The music filled the car when I turned to look at Mr. Reynolds, “Is it hurting a lot?”

“I'm fine.” He said as he pulled out a chit from his pocket which I recognized was from Harper. I snatched it from him without caring about how bad it looks.

“Darling, I’m just a booty call away. I was always interested in history and heard you like historical places. It’s fate. Let's make some juicy history together.” Along with her number with a kiss.

I cringed at the letters sprawled out in the worst handwriting I have ever encountered.

Even though something claws at my insides as I hand him the chit, I managed to smile, “You sure have charm, professor.” When I noticed Chris giving me a look in the rear-view mirror, I added, “Snape.” 

He muttered, “Potterhead,” and to my relief, Audrey engaged him in a conversation taking all his focus away from us.

Mr. Reynolds rolled his eyes, pulled out a pen to cross out the number so it wasn't visible anymore and then proceeded to pull down the window to throw it away.

I internally danced on happy, happy, happy but stopped when I noticed Mr. Reynolds wincing when he tried to get comfortable in the seat. Damn, that person ran off after the accident.

People were speculating that it didn’t look like an accident but rather a planned one. Who would do that?

But then again, a thought crossed my mind. Was this a planned attempt to put our lives in danger or rather...mine?

Memories of that text message and phone call and even that stalker flooded me. I was in the car a few moments before the accident happened. Am I speculating about it? Or is it actually all connected? What should I do?

Mr. Reynolds seemed to be in deep thought. Without thinking I entangled our hands together. He immediately looked at me with surprise so I squeezed his hand before stating, “Don't worry. You'll be alright in no time and the person who caused you this pain is going to pay once the police discover them. I will make sure of it.”

He gave me a small smile as he wrapped his other hand to sandwich my hand in his. “I am just thankful that you weren't with me at the time of the accident. I don't know what I would have done if something... I don't know but I'm worried about you. That accident scene keeps playing in my head everytime I close my eyes and the only thing I care about is that thankfully you weren't there.” A tear slid down my face but I quickly wiped it away with my free hand.

“Try not to think about it. Instead focus on the time we spent in the Adventure Park.” I pushed the hair back from his face which was in his line of vision.

“There's something I want to tell you. It's not the right time but—” His phone ringtone cut off whatever he was about to tell me. He reluctantly let go of my hand when Chris shouted to turn off the annoying sound.

While Mr. Reynolds talked to whosoever was on the other side of the phone, my gaze settled on a high end club with Luna written in bold with neon lights. This club opened about a month ago which was owned by none other than Walter's friend, whom I had a crush on.

A red LaFerrari in front caught my attention, making me perk up in my seat. I inspected the people and sure enough I spotted her with a lady looking drunk. What is Mom doing here? She doesn't drink. Or have meetings in clubs. She likes to maintain her image.

“Stop.” I said to no one in particular however Chris instantly hit the brakes at my command.

“Where are you going?” Mr. Reynolds asked as I quickly gathered my things.

I looked up and answered, “Audrey and I have something to take care of here. Thanks for the ride, Chris.” I pointed outside in general at the crowd which was gathered in line.

“At the club?” He asked incredulously as I took the Unicorn stuff toy before opening the door.

“No, not the club. Keep the teddy bear as a memento of Adventure Park. Alright, bye.” I was about to get out when he took hold of my hand.

“It doesn’t seem right. Are you sure? Will you be safe? I'm worried. Let me drop you home, not in front of a club with those drunkard guys.” I swear the look of concern in his eyes almost made me give in. But I need to check what’s going on so I put my other hand on top of his, in a reassuring manner. “Trust me. I’ll be alright. I’ll let you know when I reach home. And you take rest once you are home. Okay? Please trust me on this.” He reluctantly let go of my hand.

Audrey got out first and helped me with my bag filled with stuffed toys while I shut the door and waved at him, “Good night.” However, he did something I did not expect at all.

He got out as well.

“What do you think you are doing? Get back inside and go home. You are not well. Take rest and don’t forget to have meals as per the doctor’s instructions.” I urged him as I frantically took a look back at Mom to make sure she’s still there.

“I’ll drop you home first. Get back inside the car, Jen. I do trust you but after what happened just let me drop you home safely. Do the work you have here in the morning.” I liked the sound of name rolling off his lips. He called me CR most of the time so it feels so good to hear my nickname instead. Focus, Jen.

I looked back to notice that Mom drove off at full speed. Shit, she seemed drunk.

It would be better if I inform someone at home to do something about it. A call to Dad which will be answered by his assistant as usual.

Leonard, one of the Dad’s men caught my attention. What is he doing here? Oh no, this is bad. I decided to hurry and send Mr. Reynolds away before Leanard spots me with him.

“My uncle is here. Please leave, if he sees us, I’ll be in so much trouble. I’ll explain things to you later on the call. B-bye.” I practically nudged him back into the car.

A puzzled expression was all over his face, “Be safe, okay? Audrey, please make sure you reach home safely. Note down my number so you could call in case of emergency.”

Audrey pulled out her phone to note down his number when I informed them, “There is no need to do so, I know your number by heart.” Mr. Reynolds took a deep breath. Wait, what did I just say?

“Take care. Don't forget to take your meds.” I said cheerfully knowing fully well we don't have much time before Leonard caught us. The look on his face is as if I am abandoning him but he did what I told him. I pulled Audrey away from the car as she was busy flirting with Chris in the meantime. We waved goodbyes to both of them.

I let the car take off first before going towards Leonard who was looking our way, he saw everything. Will he rat me out?

“I’ll handle it.” Audrey whispered without looking at me.

I smiled as we approached him, “What a lovely evening, Leonard.”

“It’s night time. Why are you two out here with guys? Were they drunk?” Why would he think they were drunk? Oh  yes, Mr. Reynolds was having difficulty standing up straight because of the accident.

“No, Leonard, they weren’t drunk. He was just a friend of mine.” Audrey responded to save me.

Before he could ask more questions, I added, “By the way, Mom just drove off at full speed in a drunken state.”

Leonard’s face turned pale, “Shit.”

A/N: Someone is going to make an appearance in the next chapter, any guesses?

A long chapter after a long time!!
Thank you so much for sticking around!🥀🌃❤️