The proposal
1073 Words
Selena's POV
I walked faster because I was afraid that if I slowed down for even a second, I would lose my courage and turn back.
Melinda had been staring at me like I had suddenly grown a second head since I stood up from my seat.
She even leaned toward Caleb and whispered something. Judging by the way Caleb looked between Ashford and me, I was certain they were questioning my sanity.
Maybe I was questioning it too.
Approaching Ashford Enzo Callaghan in front of an entire classroom was not exactly the smartest thing I had ever done.
But I didn't stop. For Jenny. For my siblings. And maybe... just a little bit for myself.
I had spent five years watching him from afar. Five years convincing myself that being near him was impossible. But now I had a reason.
I couldn't give up before I even tried.
The entire classroom slowly grew quieter as I approached his desk.
Ashford was packing his books when he noticed my shadow falling over him.
He looked up. For a moment, his blue eyes simply stared at me. Then his eyebrows slightly furrowed.
I noticed the way he studied my face, like he was trying to figure out why I was standing there.
"Hi, Captain Goals," I greeted him with the brightest smile I could manage.
His expression changed slightly. It wasn't much. But enough for me to notice.
"You're that..."
"Yes," I quickly interrupted, saving him from struggling to remember. "It's me. Selena."
A painful, uncomfortable silence descended between us.
I could feel everyone's eyes on me. Some were curious. Some looked amused. Some looked like they were waiting for me to embarrass myself.
Among them were Lucas, Gabriel, and Bella.
Bella looked like she had just bitten into something extremely sour.
Lucas, however, looked entertained. He rested his chin against his hand, watching the scene unfold with obvious interest.
Gabriel simply smirked.
"What is it?" Ashford finally asked.
His voice wasn't rude, but he looked confused.
I swallowed. "No. Nothing is wrong."
A nervous laugh escaped my lips. "Actually... something is…" I stammered.
*Brilliant, Selena! Excellent explanation.* I wanted to hit my own head.
Ashford waited patiently, but after a few seconds, he picked up his bag. "Emm, look. I have somewhere to be."
Panic immediately rushed through me.
"Wait!"
Before I could stop myself, my hand reached out and grabbed his arm. The moment I realized what I had done, my entire body froze.
I quickly let go.
"I'm sorry." My face burned.
Ashford looked down at the hand that had just held him, then back at me. I expected annoyance.
Instead, his expression softened slightly. "You're nervous."
It wasn't a question.
I nodded and looked away. “A little."
A small sigh escaped him. Then, surprisingly, he reached into his bag and handed me a neatly folded handkerchief.
"You don't have to be. I don't randomly bite."
I blinked. "What?"
"Don't get me wrong. You look like you're about to faint." He continued in a polite voice.
My eyes widened. Was he worried about me?
The thought alone made my wolf unbearably excited.
“Mate cares.” She purred.
I ignored her and focused on the man in front of me.
Ashford's voice lowered. "Take a breath. What did you want to say?"
His kindness made everything worse. Because now I didn't want to disappoint him.
I gripped the handkerchief tightly. "I heard that you need a tutor."
Several whispers immediately filled the classroom.
Ashford's expression changed. "You heard?"
I nodded quickly. "I'd like to apply."
For a second, nobody reacted. Then, laughter exploded.
It wasn't from Ashford. But from everyone else. My face went hot. I knew this was going to happen. I knew people would laugh. But knowing didn't make it hurt less.
"Did she really just say that?"
"She wants to tutor Ashford Enzo Callaghan?"
"Does she even know who he is?"
The whispers continued.
Even Melinda and Caleb looked surprised, although they weren't laughing.
Ashford remained quiet, and that somehow made me more nervous.
He wasn't laughing. He wasn't angry. He was simply watching me. Like he was trying to understand me.
"I mean..." I quickly continued, desperate to explain. "I'm one of the best students in this class. I can help you improve."
I took a breath. "And you don't have to pay me."
The laughter became louder.
"She's volunteering?"
"Who does that?"
I ignored them. "I just want to help."
Ashford stared at me for a long moment. Then he asked quietly: "Why?"
The question caught me off guard. Why?
Because you're my mate. Because I've loved you for five years. Because my sister's life depends on this. Because I need you to fall in love with me.
Obviously, none of those answers could leave my mouth.
So I smiled. "Because I can."
Ashford looked at me strangely. Like that answer made even less sense.
After a moment, he shook his head. "I appreciate the offer, Selena."
My heart dropped because I knew what his next words would be.
"But I don't think it's necessary,” he added. "And you shouldn't offer your time for free.”
The words hurt more than I expected.
Of course. Why would someone like Ashford need help from someone like me?
"I understand." I forced another smile. "Thank you for listening."
I turned around before he could see how embarrassed I was.
Then a voice stopped me. "Selena."
I froze. It wasn't Ashford. It was Lecturer Kelvin.
The entire classroom immediately went silent.
Kelvin stood near his desk, holding a few papers in his hand. His eyes moved between Ashford and me. Then they settled on me. For a brief second, there was pity in his eyes. It wasn't the kind reserved for weak students. It felt... personal.
My stomach tightened.
"Both of you," he said calmly. "Come to my office after your next class."
Nobody spoke. Bella and her friends exchanged looks.
Ashford looked just as confused as I was. And for some reason, that made me even more nervous. Because Lecturer Kelvin wasn't looking at us like we had caused trouble. He was looking at us like he knew something we didn't.
“Are you busy right now?” Ashford asked me.
I froze. “Right now?”
I'm always busy. But for Ashford…
“...No. I'm not. Let's go,” I murmured with a bright smile.
- Writer
