Rosie's Obsession

Chapter 35 — Center of Attraction

Low murmurs filled the air immediately.

I placed my head on the table as embarrassment washed over me.

It was no surprise that everyone… scratch that—the whole school would be in complete disarray.

Why?

Because the Goldwells were freaking rich.

Undeniably wealthy.

And to top it off, his father was a politician.

“Andrew Goldwells?” someone asked quietly.

“I thought he attended the British Academy.”

Of course…

The British Academy was one of the three most influential schools in Britain.

“What is he doing here?”

“Settle down class.” Henry said.

And everyone did.

I raised my head, staring at Henry.

“Mr Goldwells,” he bit out. “It is indeed a pleasant surprise to have you with us.”

“Thank you, Mr Gareth—”

“As you know…” Henry began, cutting Andrew off.

“We're already well into third year, so I do hope you plan to focus more on trying to catch up with us than certain activities that boys your age tend to indulge in.”

The class erupted into quiet snickers.

I pursed my lips, feeling sorry for Andrew.

A chair scraping dragged my attention from Henry to Andrew as he stood up.

“I don't think you're aware, Mr Gareth, but I have been ranked top scholar at the British Academy six times in a row.”

Henry's jaw clenched, eyes hard.

“That is good to hear. You may sit.”

Andrew did.

Then class began.

………

Safe to say, class ended badly.

With Andrew trying to get my attention at every chance and Henry's constant gaze on me…

It was hell.

As soon as the bell rang, signaling the end of class.

I zipped out.

But guess what?

Fucking Goldwells was already waiting for me.

“We have English next.”

“I know that, Andrew.” I groaned, walking away from him.

He followed after me.

“I was waiting for you, Rosie.”

“And why would you do that?”

“Because I wanted us to walk together.”

“I don't want that.”

“Why not?”

I skidded to a stop, turning around with a glare.

“If you haven't noticed, Goldwells, you're quite popular. And sadly, I don't do flashy.”

I turned back around, walking on.

But he still followed after me like an overeager puppy.

“Well, there isn't really much I can do about it.”

“I know, Andrew. That's why I'm giving you space—”

“But I came here because of you.”

“And I never asked you to.” I yelled in exasperation.

Andrew's expression fell slightly.

Murmurs spread quietly through the hallway.

A few students stopped their chattering, glancing at us warily.

Others outright pulled out their phones.

I scowled.

Fantastic.

First day of Andrew Goldwells’ arrival and somehow I was already becoming campus entertainment.

I exhaled heavily, stepping close to him.

“Just… stop following me around.” I hissed under my breath.

“But—”

I opened my mouth to snap at Andrew again, but the bell signaling the start of the next class cut me off.

“Let's just go.” I mumbled.

A large grin spread across his face instantly.

I glanced at the door with the ‘English’ signboard before pushing it open.

My brows furrowed slightly as I noticed a group of people gathered around.

Whether it was something or someone.

I wasn't sure, neither was I interested in knowing.

On a normal day, I most likely would have gone to see what was up… but with Andrew on my f*****g tail, the reverse was the case.

I dropped my bag on my table, taking my seat.

“What's going on over there?” Andrew asked, taking a seat beside me.

“I don't know, Andrew. You're welcome to check it out,” I muttered, dryly.

“Nah… I'm good,” he replied.

I exhaled heavily, rubbing my temple.

Then I glanced at the door, watching as students filled in.

I tapped my phone, checking the time.

12:20

My feet tapped against the floor impatiently.

Andrew's voice droned on in the background, surprisingly keeping my mind occupied.

After a while, I checked the time again.

12: 35

I frowned slightly, glancing at the door.

Where the hell was Lena?

It was half past twelve already.

I folded my arms over my chest, shifting in my seat as unease settled in.

“Is everything alright?” Andrew asked.

“Yeah… it's Lena.”

“Who's that?” he asked in confusion.

I stared at him with boredom.

“My friend, the one I came to school with.”

“Oh…” he mumbled, nodding in understanding. “What about her?”

“She's supposed to have been here before me… it's unusual for her to show up this late.”

“Maybe she got occupied,” Andrew said, shrugging carelessly.

“With what?” I growled.

“I don't know… her boyfriend, maybe.”

“She doesn't have one.” I grunted.

I exhaled heavily, choosing to dial her number instead.

It rang for a few seconds, then ended.

I tried again.

Still nothing.

My unease turned to panic.

“So… what about you?” Andrew asked.

I glared at him. “Seriously?”

He pursed his lips.

“I'm guessing that's a no?”

I huffed, slinging my bag onto my shoulder as I headed for the door.

“Wait, Rosie.”

Henry screamed, running after me.

“This is not the time, Andrew,” I said, quickening my pace.

I dialed Lena's number again.

It rung as usual.

Then nothing.

“Did I say something wrong? If I did, I'm sorry.”

“You didn't say anything wrong, Andrew. I'm just not in the mood.”

I sent a quick text to Lena, asking where she was.

I wasn't surprised when nothing came back, but I still found myself panicking more.

“Slow down, will you?” Andrew screamed.

I turned around swiftly.

“What the hell is wrong with you, Andrew?”

He stopped, blinking in surprise.

“Christ, Rosie. I should be asking you that.”

“Quit following me around—”

“They're divorced now?” Someone screeched.

My gaze snapped to the group of people, attention zeroing into them.

I began walking closer, my heart beating with each step.

The voices became clearer as I got closer.

“She did not say that?” a blonde-haired girl said.

The brown-haired girl shrugged.

“I've always known he was a cheater but his wife calling him out was on another level.”

“How did you even get this information?”

“How do you think?”

I cleared my throat, grabbing their attention.

“What is going on?” I asked.

“Everyone’s going crazy about Lena's parents’ divorce,” the brown-haired girl said.

Shit.

“Where's Lena?” I asked sharply.

“Where else…” she replied, pointing at the group with a large smirk on her face.

“Right at the center of f*****g attraction.”