CHAPTER FOUR: The First Rule
822 Words
The crisp autumn breeze swept through Northcrest University, carrying with it the scent of freshly cut grass and roasted coffee beans from the campus café.
Ariana stood outside the Student Leadership Building, clutching the project folder Professor Hayes had given her the previous afternoon.
She checked the time.
3:58 p.m.
Two minutes early.
She wasn't surprised when Liam wasn't there yet.
Popular people usually made others wait.
She sighed and leaned against the stone wall, flipping through the project guidelines.
The assignment wasn't simple.
Each pair had to organize a campus-wide charity fundraiser whose proceeds would go toward building a community sports center for underprivileged children.
It required planning, sponsorships, budgeting, publicity, and a final presentation before the university board.
Forty percent of their semester grade depended on it.
"I can't fail this," Ariana whispered.
Not after everything she'd already lost.
"Talking to yourself?"
She looked up.
Liam Carter walked toward her with his hockey bag slung over one shoulder.
His dark hair was slightly damp, as if he'd just finished practice, and his navy jersey stretched across his broad frame. Even after hours on the ice, he looked effortlessly composed.
"I wasn't," Ariana replied.
"You were."
"I was thinking."
"Out loud."
She rolled her eyes.
"This partnership is already exhausting."
"The feeling's mutual."
For a brief second, neither of them spoke.
Students passing by slowed down to stare.
Some whispered.
Others shamelessly took pictures.
Ariana lowered her head.
"They're staring."
"They always do."
"No... they're staring because I'm standing next to you."
Liam glanced around.
The students quickly looked away.
"They'll get bored eventually."
"I hope so."
He didn't answer.
Instead, he nodded toward the building.
"Let's get this over with."
Inside, the Student Leadership Office buzzed with activity.
Groups of students were already discussing ideas for their projects.
Professor Hayes welcomed everyone before explaining the rules.
"Remember, this project is about teamwork. Your individual grades will depend on how well you work together."
Ariana resisted the urge to laugh.
Teamwork? With Liam?
Professor Hayes continued.
"You'll have six weeks to organize your event. Creativity matters just as much as execution."
As students broke into pairs, Liam pulled out a chair opposite Ariana.
He opened the project folder without looking at her.
"We should establish one thing first."
She crossed her arms.
"And what's that?"
"We keep this professional."
"I wasn't planning anything else."
"No unnecessary conversations."
"Fine."
"No interfering with my hockey schedule."
"I have my own life."
"No drama."
She smiled sweetly.
"That one might be difficult."
He frowned.
"Why?"
"Because somehow, drama seems to follow you."
For the first time...
Liam laughed.
It wasn't loud.
Just a quiet, genuine chuckle that caught both of them off guard.
"You think you're funny."
"I know I am."
He shook his head, still smiling slightly.
"You're not what I expected."
"What did you expect?"
"A spoiled transfer student looking for attention."
Her smile faded.
"And instead?"
"Someone who apologizes too much."
She looked away.
"I'm used to taking the blame."
His expression changed.
There was something about the way she said it...
As though she'd spent a long time carrying burdens that weren't hers.
Before he could ask, Professor Hayes clapped her hands.
"Each team will now brainstorm one fundraising idea."
Ariana immediately reached for a pen.
"What about a charity hockey exhibition?"
Liam looked impressed despite himself.
"You don't even like hockey."
"I don't have to like it to know people will pay to watch it."
He nodded.
"It could work."
"We could invite local schools."
"And sell tickets."
"Food stalls."
"Signed merchandise."
They spoke almost at the same time.
Then stopped.
Ariana blinked.
"So..."
"So..."
"We actually agree."
Liam leaned back in his chair.
"Don't get used to it."
She smirked.
"I wasn't planning to."
An hour later, they stepped outside together.
The sun had begun to set, painting the sky with shades of gold and crimson.
"I'll type up today's notes," Ariana said.
"I'll contact the team about the exhibition."
"Meet tomorrow?"
He nodded.
"Four o'clock."
"Don't be late."
"I won't."
She turned to leave.
"Ariana."
She stopped.
It was the first time he'd called her by name.
She looked back.
"What?"
He hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"...About the coffee."
Her stomach tightened.
"I know you didn't do it on purpose."
She stared at him, surprised.
"I accepted your apology yesterday."
For reasons she couldn't explain, those words lifted a weight from her shoulders.
"Thank you."
He gave a small nod and walked away.
Ariana watched him disappear down the path toward the hockey arena.
Maybe...
Just maybe...
Working with Liam Carter wouldn't be as impossible as she'd imagined.
But neither of them noticed the pair of emerald-green eyes watching from across the courtyard.
Vanessa Sinclair lowered her sunglasses slowly, her gaze fixed on Ariana.
"So..." she murmured with a cold smile.
"That's the girl."
The smile disappeared from her lips.
"No one takes what's mine."
- Writer
