登入I was totally aware of the eyes that were following me.They looked curious.I unconsciously smoothened the fabric of my dress.And adjusted a loose strand of my hair behind my ear.My heels clicked softly against the polished marble floor.I couldn't help but think about why Mr. Briggs was calling me.Did I do something wrong?I lifted my head and spotted Aaron across the ballroom.He was standing beside Mr. Briggs, Thomas, Nathan Cole and several distinguished businessmen.Aaron stoop confidently.Even among powerful people.Then...Suddenly, he turned like he had sensed my gaze.Our eyes met and he smiled.Not a broad smile.Just a small, reassuring one.I let out a quiet breath I didn't even realize I was holding.As I walked closer, Mr. Briggs noticed me.His expression soften immediately.A genuine smile replaced the mean billionaire expression I was expecting him to give."Come here, Allison."He said with a calm voice I was never expecting him to have.I walked over politely.
I stood in front of my dressing mirror, arranging my hair as I prepared for the party this evening.The golden light of the setting sun filtered through the curtains.I had put on a red ball gown which had enough glittering stones and beads on it.A soft knock came from my door."Come in." I shouted.It was Mother.She entered with a small jewelry box in her hand.She suddenly paused the moment she saw me.Then she gave a simple smile.A proud mother smile.I noticed the smile through the mirror."Mom?" I asked.My mom chuckled."I'm just looking at my daughter."Then she walked closer and straightened the shoulder of my dress.Smoothened a tiny crease that wasn't even there.Then she stepped back again."You're beautiful."I laughed shyly."Thanks mom."My mom gave a smile and looked down at the jewelry box she was holding.She opened it.There was a very delicate necklace inside the box.Nothing extravagant.Just simple but elegant.She stepped closer and helped me wore it."Perfect
*The next day* *Liam's POV* I walked through the school gate alone, one hand in my pocket.Other students were already at school.Most of them walking in groups as usual.Unlike previous days, I wasn't just going to an empty class where I'll sit there and think about my life.I was giving Paige exactly what she asked for today.I gave her enough time.Enough chances.She could've ended this herself instead she chose not to.I walked through the classrooms and stopped at the entrance of the student council office.I glanced at the door for some seconds thinking about what I was about to do."Guess I'll do it."I took a deep breath and walked inside.As I stepped in, I saw the student council president, vice president, secretary and two other committee members arranging contests files.They were composed, looking corporate like they were running a company."Morning, Liam." The president said with a smile."You're here regarding the contest right? Well, the votes are increasing a bit.
The night was calm.Crickets chirped softly.We walked slowly down the quiet street.Neither of us spoke for a moment.I enjoyed the silence because I'm happy he's here.After a while, I broke the silence."So... what do you want to tell me?" I asked with a smile."Nothing serious. I just wanted to steal you away for a little while." He said.I laughed."I'm serious. You must be probably upset with me for missing your calls right?" He said.I looked at him.I was but not anymore... He showed up at least."Not really." I said with a low voice."Not really?" He asked with a smirk.Before I could say something else, he held my hand and intertwined his fingers with mine.We passed a small park with a wooden bench beneath a street lamp.Aaron glanced at it."Let's sit for a while."I nodded then we walked towards the bench.We sat close enough that our shoulders touched.Then...He started talking about his first day at the Briggs corporation.About the meeting.About meeting Nathan Cole.
*Allison's POV* I picked my bag as school ended.I remembered the text Aaron sent about him being busy and not being able to come to school.I guessed he was still at the Briggs corporation probably busy with some succession training program.I headed out if the classroom.I couldn't help but notice the couples contest posters around the school.The contest is just few days away.I took the next bus outside the school to Maple and Pages.I had a lot of work to do with Naomi today. *Maple and Pages* The cafe was busy as usual.I already knew I was going to spend a lot of hours here today.Few hours passed by and I was still taking orders, serving coffees and clearing tables.After the rush calmed down, I sat down for a break.I leaned my back on the chair and exhaled deeply.Then Naomi walked over carrying two mugs.She leaned against the counter."You did a good job today."I smiled."Just doing my job.""So... your prince didn't come to kidnap you after school today?"I laughed.
*Aaron's pov* I pulled up at the parking lot of the Briggs holdings.My Dad constantly reminded me of how important this meeting was so I had no choice than to attend the meeting before going to school.I dressed more formally that usual.Crisp shirt, tailored trousers and polished shoes.The lobby was full with employees and as I entered, they suddenly started making way for me."Good morning Mr. Briggs." The employees greeted as I walked through them.The elevator doors opened and a man in his early thirties approached me.We was quite well groomed."Good morning Mr. Briggs." He said.Professional.Calm.I nodded."Morning."Then he extends a hand."Nathan Cole.""Your executive assistant." He said."Oh. Nice to see you Mr. Nathan." I said as we shook hands."Mr. Briggs selected me personally. My responsibility is to make your transition into leadership as smooth as possible." He said smiling politely."Okay. So you're here to make sure I don't embarrass myself?" I said jokingly."
My chest tightened a bit with the way he said those words.Aaron still held my wrist lightly.The empty classroom felt too quiet now.Late afternoon sunlight stretched across the floor while dust floated lazily through the air between us.And God…being this close to him was making everything harde
*Aaron’s POV* I barely slept.Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Allison’s face again.Not angry. Not yelling.Just hurt.And somehow that was worse.I sat at the edge of my bed staring at my phone for what felt like the hundredth time that night.Still nothing.No reply. No call. No “leave me
The room stayed silent.Paige still standing on stage holding the microphone calmly while the giant screen behind her glowed against the dark hall.And my heart slowly stopped beating properly.The first screenshot stayed frozen across the screen.Paige:"You’re really dragging this fake thing that
“What was that supposed to mean?” I asked again.More furious.Paige had already disappeared into the crowd of students filling the hallway, but her words still sat heavily in my chest.'Expect the worst.'Aaron looked down at me immediately.Even surrounded by noise and people celebrating national