Chapter seven
1036 Words
Diana's pov
The heavy metal gate of the school slams shut behind me. I step off the curb and grip my handbag tightly. My phone vibrates violently in my hand.
Aunt Elena.
Her name flashes on the screen with lots of missed calls and unread messages. My stomach turns. I walk under a big tree and stare at the phone. I really need to talk to her right now—something she will actually believe.
The call stops, but then it rings again immediately.
I take a deep breath and answer it.
“Diana, where are you?” Her voice is full of worry. “I’ve been calling and texting you since I got back from the hospital. What is going on?”
“I’m fine, Aunt,” I lie, walking towards the school building. “I’m sorry I missed your calls. I’ve just been really busy.”
“Busy?”
She pauses. “You haven't even come home since I left the hospital.”
I swallow hard. “I know. I'm sorry. I just had a lot to deal with.”
“I know you're busy, Diana, but you sound strange.” Her voice gets softer. “Is something wrong? You have never disappeared like this.”
“No. Everything is fine, Aunt.” I whisper
There is a long silence on the line.
“Then tell me something,” she says. “How did you pay for everything?”
My hands grip the phone tighter. “What do you mean?” I act like I don't know.
“You know what I mean. My lawyer called me. Every debt is cleared. The loans—everything is paid.” She stops for a second. “Diana, that was a lot of money. Where did you get it?”
My heart starts pounding. “I... I got a new job opportunity,” I stammer.
“What kind of opportunity?”
I close my eyes tightly. “I got another writing contract.”
“With that much money?”
“Yes.”
“Diana.” The way she says my name makes me freeze. “I know how much writers make.
And I know you were struggling with your last book. Please don't lie to me.”
I panic. My contract says this whole thing is strictly confidential. If I tell her, I would be going against the terms.
“I signed a contract with a rich private client,” I say quickly. “It pays very well, and I have to stay close to them while I work.”
Aunt Elena stays quiet for a moment.
“You're an adult,” she says with a heavy sigh. “If you want to do this, I won't force you to tell me everything.”
I let out a breath I was holding. “Thank you.”
“Just promise me one thing.”
“What?” I whisper.
“If something is wrong, tell me. I don't care about the money. Don't suffer just to protect me.”
My eyes sting. “I promise.”
“Take care of yourself, Ana. And please answer my calls next time.”
“I will, Aunt. Thank you.”
I hang up and head straight to my Lectures. I am already very late for my class.
I barely make it to my lecture before the professor starts. The hours pass quickly, and before I know it, the lunch bell rings.
Chloe and I head to the canteen to get something to eat.
“Oh my goodness, Diana! Someone is glowing!” Chloe screams the moment we step in the canteen.
I smile and tilt my head. “And who is that?”
“You, of course!” She rolls her eyes and drags me to the food counter.
“What are you girls eating today?” Mrs. Maggi asks us cheerfully.
Chloe buys our food quickly, and we sit down at our favorite table.
“Come on, Diana, tell me everything!” Chloe whispers, leaning over the table. “Was he gentle or was he rough?”
My face burns hot instantly. I remember the dimly lit room, his strong hands, and his deep voice.
Chloe notices my silence and opens her mouth in shock. “Oh my goodness... you actually did it? You didn't run away?”
I take a deep breath.
“Blake didn't force me, Chloe. He saw how scared I was and told me I didn't have to do it if I wasn't ready. His voice was actually very comforting.”
I look down at my hands. “Unlike my exes, Blake didn't make me feel pressured. For the first time, I actually felt something I couldn't explain. My body responded to him, and that scared me. But he was... intense. More than I expectd.
Chloe smiles warmly. “I'm so glad it went well. I told you Blake is a good guy.
I just hope he takes it easy on you next time.”
A knot formed in my stomach.
“I haven't seen Blake since that night, Chloe,” I whisper, feeling ashamed. “Miss Sofia said he traveled out for work. But honestly? I don't think he wants me anymore.”
Chloe frowns. “Why?”
“Because after we finished, he asked why I didn't tell him I was a virgin. Then he put on his clothes and walked out coldly.
He clearly doesn't want a virgin! What if he asks for his money back? I don't have anything to repay him!”
“He won't ask for a refund, Diana,” Chloe says, pushing my food closer to me. “He was just shocked. Just eat your food.”
I pick up my spoon to eat, but a dark shadow suddenly covers our table.
I look up, and my breath stops.
Matt is standing right beside us, staring directly at me.
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