Chapter 7
“Rica, I am sorry for what I have done. I felt ashamed to see you again.” Ilona bid her farewell.
“Ilona, we shall keep in touch. I don’t blame you for what had happened.” I hugged Ilona. Ilona has decided to move to another city to start over again. I felt sorry for her. As a good friend I didn’t know that she likes Adam. I should be more sensitive on this. She has also arranged our first meeting at the club. It must be quite hard for her. I blamed myself for what had happened, I forgave her.
The result is out, and I received a call from Prestige University. “Hello Ms. Spencer. I am Natalie from Prestige University.” “Hello Ms. Natalie.” I returned the greeting.
“Congratulations! You have been awarded a scholarship by Smith Group of Corporations. Your school fees and expenses will be fully sponsored until graduation.” Natalie informed.
“OH!?! Seriously?? Thank you!!” I was delighted by the news.
“My pleasure. Kindly come to the office tomorrow to fill up the forms and confirmation letters.” Natalie asked. “No problem. See you tomorrow.” I replied. It was a great news at this depressing time. My mum doesn’t have to fret about my school fees anymore as I was awarded with a scholarship. I went to the office with Mei Ling the next day to fill up the forms.
I have been ignoring Adam and his calls. He was not to be blamed but I lost a good friend because of him. I felt awkward to ever see him again. I bumped into Adam at the cafeteria. “Hi Erica!” Adam greeted. “Are you stalking me?” I protested.
“Of course not. I just saw you here and thought to say hi to you.” Adam replied.
“Ok. Hi! Bye!” I began to walk away. Adam followed me closely. I turned around and glared at him with anger.
“Erm… There is something I would like to let you know.” Adam explained.
“What?” I asked losing my patience. “I have fully sponsored your school fees and your expenses here until you graduate.”
“Who allow you to do so?” I was stunned with eyes wide opened.
“You? You just signed the forms and letters for the scholarship. I am the one sponsoring you.” Adam explained.
“No. Smith Group of corporations is the one sponsoring me.” I replied. Adam looked at me with one raised eye-brow. Oh No! Smith Group of corporations is his family business. How could I be so naive and didn’t realised it.
“OMG! I can’t believe this!! I will terminate the scholarship.” I protested. “Ilona told me about your family issue. I am glad to be able to help.” Adam explained.
Oh? What should I do? Maggie was over the moon when I told her that I have been awarded scholarship. How to tell her that it was a mistake.
“Darling Erica. Don’t have to be wary. I just wanted you to be happy. That’s all.” Adam smiled.
“No. What can I do in return?” I asked Adam.
“There is one thing I need.” Adam walked closer to me and my heart was skipping fast; I was blushing. He whispered into my ears.
“I need a partner for my summer holiday.” And he smirked. Oh? He was just teasing me, so mean. There is three weeks summer holiday starting tomorrow., I was planning to go back home to spend time with my mum.
“OH? You could ask Derrek.” I stepped behind to get away from him.
“He is busy with his girlfriends. You could choose a holiday destination. Any destination.” Adam asked. I ponder for a while and replied with a cheeky smile, “Maybe jungle trekking in a tropical rain forest.” I smug, claiming my victory as I walked away. He was astonished and lost. He can’t stand such an activity for a spoilt brat like him.
Adam called me on the cell phone a few moment later. “Hello?” “Hello Erica. Get ready your luggage and passport. We are leaving for jungle trekking holiday tomorrow.” Adam informed.
“What? You can’t get an air ticket at this time. It is peak season.” I replied with denial.
“We are taking private jet. My family owned a few private jets at the airport. I just need to do a few arrangements and we are good to go.” Adam explained.
“Oh my gosh. I can’t believe this.” I replied. “My chauffeur will pick you up at 12pm tomorrow. Bye!”. “Hello? Hello?” Adam has hung up the phone.
I called my mum to inform her that I will be leaving for a vacation tomorrow. She was supportive and asked me to enjoy myself.
“Rica, what are you doing?” Mei Ling looked puzzled when she saw me packing my luggage. “I am leaving for a holiday with Adam.” I replied.
“Where are you going?” Mei Ling asked. “I have no idea. Adam is a weirdo.” I replied with a glum. “Take care of yourself and enjoy! Let me know when you reach there, babe.” Mei Ling smiled.
Adam’s chauffeur picked me up at 12pm sharp and headed straight to the airport. I was excited and nervous at the same time. I met Adam at the airport. He was waiting for me with his luggage. He brought together two securities and one personal assistants.
“Hi Erica! How do you feel?” Adam greeted with a smile. “Hi Adam.” I returned the smile. “Where are we flying to?” I asked in anticipation.
“It takes about 18 hours of flight.” Adam replied.
“Oh?” leaving me with suspense and excitement. “You are taking so many people with you?” I asked.
“Yeah. To ensure your comfort and safety.” He replied. Is the holiday destination notorious? Why do we need bodyguards? I wondered.
“Hi Madam. I am Duncan.” One of the security introduced himself. He has tanned skin and grey eyes.
“Hi Madam. My name is Andrew. We will ensure your safety. Let us know if you need any assistance.” second security introduced himself. He has brunette hair and green eyes. They looked stern and smart.
“Hi Madam! I am Elaine. I will coordinate with others for the holiday arrangement.” A young lady in her 30’s introduced herself. She has freckles across her cheeks and sparkling blue eyes.
“Please call me Erica. Madam makes me sound so old.” I returned the greeting with a smile.