My college crush

In a house, in a cozy little bedroom, a girl lay asleep, having forgotten the whole world. She looked like a fairy as she slept, with a sweet smile on her face. Sunlight filtered in through the window and fell on her face, making her glow. Her eyelids fluttered, and she slowly opened her eyes—golden and bright like the sun. Her golden hair and lips were like cherry blossoms. This was Alice. Stretching lazily, she got out of bed and hugged herself, saying, "Good morning, morning Alice!" She smiled and walked into the bathroom. Alice’s POV: Today is my first day at work. Honestly, I’m really happy because my dream is finally coming true. I’ve been selected as a personal assistant at the world’s best company. But I don’t know why—my heart is racing. I can't quite explain this feeling. Maybe it’s just because it’s my first day… Oh goshhh! I am so excited… Then Alice took off her T-shirt, and her eyes went to the left side of her chest. Her smile faded, and her eyes welled up slightly. There, on her chest, was a name—Griffin. A name that meant the world to her. Alice’s POV: Griffin… the name of my first love. Not just my first, but also a one-sided love. The person I have loved more than anyone else in this world… and maybe always will. She lovingly traced the name with her fingers. 20 minutes later I got ready and came downstairs, where my family—my mom and dad—were having breakfast. Well, I come from a middle-class family. My father, Holden, is a school teacher, and my mother, Mary, is a housewife. I also have a younger brother who is currently in college. I sat down on the chair and said, “Good morning, morning,” but received no response—as expected. I was used to it by now. Actually, my parents never really liked me because they wanted a boy… but I was born a girl. I started having breakfast when my mom said, “Alice, Justin called. He said you haven’t been talking to him.” Shit… that f***ing bastard. Sorry, that’s my fiancé. We got engaged a few days ago. It’s an arranged marriage, fixed by my parents without even asking me. While eating, I said to my mom, “I don’t want to talk to him.” My mom got angry and snapped, “Why not? He’s your fiancé. You’re both going to get married soon. You have to talk to him.” I knew she would say something like that. I just said "okay" to avoid another fight. I didn’t want to ruin my mood. I left for my job. I had booked a cab. While sitting in the cab, my eyes went to my finger, where a diamond ring sparkled—put there by my fiancé. It’s not like he’s a bad person, but he always consults my parents about everything. I don’t really like him much, and I’m not sure I ever will. 7 years ago St. Thomas College I was 18 years old. It was my first day at college. I had joined mid-year because my dad was transferred to a new city. This college was much better than my old one. Students could choose their favorite subjects, and the teachers were pretty cool too. That day, I was wearing a floral frock and glasses over my eyes. After the first period, I was heading toward the canteen when a girl from my class, Alora, said, “Hey! Come on! Did you know our college hottie has a basketball match today? Let’s go watch!” Basketball wasn’t really my thing. I wasn’t interested at all. But before I could say no, she grabbed my hand and dragged me there. Basketball Court There were two teams—Red and Blue. The court was filled with noise and cheering. Among all the noise, one name stood out more than the rest—Griffin. I had no interest. I was just sitting there with a book. Then Alora snatched my book and said, “Miss, this isn’t the library, this is the basketball court! Look at our college hottie, Griffin, playing so well!” Rolling my eyes, I looked up. A boy in a blue T-shirt was dodging the opponent team with the ball in his hand. In the end, he made a dunk shot and turned in my direction. His gray eyes were stunning. His messy, sweat-drenched hair… and that smile—enough to drive anyone crazy. He was extremely handsome. Suddenly, his eyes met mine. For 2 seconds, it felt like he was looking only at me. Then he hugged his teammates. With that, the blue team won. And he won my heart too. “Ma’am, we’ve reached,” the cab driver said. I snapped out of my thoughts, paid the fare, and stepped out. My eyes fell on a tall building with big bold letters: Lysandros Global. I smiled and walked inside. The receptionist greeted me and said, “Alpha is in a meeting right now. Please wait for a while.” I waited in the waiting room. After some time, a young man—probably the secretary—walked in. He greeted me and said, “Hello Alice, I’m Lucus, Alpha’s secretary. Alpha is waiting for you. Please come with me.” I picked up my bag and followed Lucus. For some reason, I started feeling a strange, familiar sensation inside me… but I ignored it. We reached the 54th floor via the lift, where the security was very tight. Lucus dropped me in front of the CEO’s cabin, where two bodyguards stood. I was a little nervous. Lucus said, “Go ahead. All the best, Alice.” Then he left. I took a deep breath and walked in. The interior of the cabin was quite luxurious—white and brown themed. There was the CEO’s chair and desk in front of me. Strangely, the chair was turned away. Someone was sitting in it—his aura was intense. I nervously said, “G-g-good... m-morning Alpha…!” His deep voice responded, “Sit here.” I sat on the chair in front of him. Then, in a cold and serious tone, Alpha said, “Miss Alice, this is your first day. My first question is simple: Are you competent enough to handle the demands of this position? This is not a charity job. I expect nothing but the best from my employees.” His words sent chills down my spine. Controlling my emotions, I replied, “Y-yes Alpha, I’ll do my best.” Then Alpha turned his chair toward me. And when I saw his face—I was shocked.