The project pairing
695 Words
Chapter 3: The Project Pairing
The next morning, Cassie felt a familiar mix of dread and anticipation as she walked through the gates of Eastvale Academy. The courtyard buzzed with activity, students laughing, gossiping, and showing off designer uniforms and bags. She adjusted her blazer and held her backpack tighter, trying not to draw attention.
“Cassie! Over here!” Jada called from the cafeteria corner, Malik silently at her side.
Cassie hurried over. “Morning,” she muttered.
“Brace yourself,” Jada said, lowering her voice. “Today’s a little different.”
Cassie frowned. “Different how?”
“You’ll see,” Malik said quietly. “Just… stay alert.”
In class, the teacher announced, “Today we will begin the semester’s major project. Pairs will be assigned. Your task: analyze a real company’s product line, marketing strategies, and propose improvements. Be thorough—presentation counts.”
Cassie’s stomach tightened. She scanned the board, reading the pairings. Then her eyes widened:
Cassie Miller → Lyra Vanhart
Her pulse quickened. She looked at Lyra, who was smirking like she had expected this all along. Amber eyes flicked toward Cassie with that same sharp intensity.
“Well, well…” Lyra’s voice cut across the room, casual but dominant. “Looks like we’re stuck together. Try not to embarrass yourself, okay?”
Cassie swallowed. “I… I’ll do my best.”
Lyra’s smirk deepened. “Your best had better be enough.”
Jada nudged her. “See? Just survive. That’s all that matters for now.”
Malik whispered, “She likes to test people. Don’t panic.”
The teacher dismissed the class for lunch, leaving the pair seated together.
“So,” Lyra began, leaning back in her chair, amber eyes sharp, “we need to divide tasks. I’ll structure the presentation and handle speaking. You…” she paused, watching Cassie fidget, “…research the products and marketing strategies.”
Cassie nodded. “Got it. I can do that.”
Lyra tilted her head, smirked, and added, “Good. I like people who can survive my standards.”
The rest of the day passed in a blur, and when the bell rang, Cassie grabbed her things. Lyra called after her.
“Cassie, we’ll need to discuss this more… somewhere private.”
Cassie froze. “Private?”
Lyra’s smirk was sharp. “Yes. At my house. You’re coming. Don’t argue. We need uninterrupted time if we want a proper project.”
Cassie’s mind raced. Lyra’s house? That’s… that’s impossible. She’s so rich… and her house—everyone talks about it.
“You… you mean now?” Cassie asked nervously.
“No, later. After school. Be ready. Don’t waste my time,” Lyra said, dismissing her with a flick of her hand.
Cassie walked to The Golden Bean Café after school, the weight of the day pressing on her. The smell of coffee beans and fresh pastries greeted her like a brief escape. She tied her apron and began taking orders: cappuccinos, caramel lattes, croissants, muffins. Her mind drifted to Lyra’s amber eyes, her commanding presence, and the thought of being summoned to her house later.
Hours passed quickly, orders flying in, hands moving on autopilot. But the nervous energy in her chest never left.
By the time she returned home, her mother was sprawled across the couch, empty bottles littering the coffee table.
“Where’s my money?” she demanded immediately.
“I… I need some for school supplies…” Cassie said quietly.
Her mother’s glare cut her off. “คุณไม่มีวันรวยหรอก (You’ll never be rich). Give me everything. Now.”
Cassie’s hands shook as she handed over her earnings. Hunger and exhaustion gnawed at her, but she said nothing. She sank onto her bed and stared at the ceiling, thoughts of the project and Lyra’s house swirling in her mind.
Eastvale Academy wasn’t just a school, she thought. It’s a battlefield… and now, I’m stepping even deeper into Lyra’s world.
Her pulse quickened at the thought of Lyra—dominant, intelligent, sharp, and utterly unpredictable. She didn’t know what to expect at her house, but she had a feeling it wasn’t going to be easy… or safe.
- Writer
