Love In Full Bloom

Chapter Seventeen

MIGUEL'S POV

I got home around 7pm, exhausted, and craved a warm bath and peaceful rest. Maybe a massage would've been nice, but I'd have to settle for a bath.

I entered my room, placed my briefcase on the chaise lounge, and headed to the bathroom to fill the tub. I added some soothing lavender bath salts, anticipating the relaxation to come.

As the warm water enveloped me, my muscles instantly relaxed. I lay back, rested my head on the tub's edge, and closed my eyes, letting the calming scent work its magic.

The soft glow of the bathroom lights danced across my closed eyes, and I let myself drift, the warmth enveloping me like a gentle hug, but my mind began to wander.

I thought of nothing in particular, yet somehow, Mariam's smile floated into my mind's eye.

I opened my eyes, surprised, and let the warm water wash over me, trying to shake off the unexpected distraction.

After drying off, I slipped into my bathrobe, feeling the soft terrycloth envelop me. I climbed into bed, exhaustion overriding my hunger. Tomorrow's lectures loomed, but I pushed the thought aside, letting sleep claim me.

The next morning, I woke to the sound of my alarm blaring at 5:30 AM. I hit the snooze button, lingering under the covers for a bit before finally getting up to start my day.

After washing up, I walked into the dining hall, and the servants had already set out my breakfast – scrambled eggs, toast, and fresh fruit. I took a seat and began eating, savoring the flavors. Just as I was halfway through, my phone buzzed. Mom's face appeared on the screen, concern etched on her face.

"Miguel, what's going on? The servants told me you locked yourself in your room all evening and didn't come down for dinner. Are you okay?''

I sighed, knowing I'd have to explain.

"Mom, I'm fine. I just had a long day and needed some rest. I didn't mean to worry you."

''But why didn't you eat dinner?'' she pressed.

''I wasn't hungry, Mom. I just wanted to sleep.'' I said with a frown on my face,

'I'll have to talk to the servants about this. They shouldn't be sharing my business with Mom.' I thought in annoyance.

We continued the conversation with me reassuring her I was okay.

''I will, Mom. Love you.''

''Love you too, sweetie.''

After the call, I made a mental note to speak with the servants later about respecting my privacy.

I finished breakfast and decided to head to campus. Normally, I'd ride my motorbike, but today I chose to drive instead. Mariam's fear of motorbikes came to mind, and I didn't want to make her uncomfortable.

Given our lecture schedule, I planned to drop Mariam home afterward even though we're not friends but I hope she consider me as her friend from our last encounter.

I headed to the garage and got into my Audi R8 V10 Plus, a gift from my brother Chris after graduating as a medical doctor.

The car's powerful engine roared to life as I started it up. I drove to campus, feeling the smooth ride and enjoying the drive.

I arrived on campus early, and the parking lot was nearly empty. I parked my car and headed to the lecture hall. As I walked in, the familiar surroundings greeted me. I took my usual seat, near the back, where I could observe the lecture without drawing attention to myself.

A few minutes later, Andy, walked in and spotted me. He smiled and took a seat beside me, exchanging quiet greetings. We chatted briefly about our weekend plans before the lecture began.

The professor walked in at 7:10 AM, and the lecture on Marketing Operations commenced. Today's topic was the 4 Ps in marketing – Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. I focused on the material, taking notes and actively engaging with the discussion.

The lecture was going smoothly, with the professor wrapping up the last topic. Just as he was about to conclude, the door opened, and Mariam slipped in. My eyes automatically drifted to her, and my expression darkened. She was wearing a revealing outfit, one that left little to the imagination. I felt a surge of annoyance.

Mariam spotted me, smiled, and took a seat beside her friend . I tried to focus on the lecture, but my eyes kept drifting back to her, my irritation simmering just below the surface.

As the professor ended the lecture and walked out of the class, I gathered my belongings, my mind preoccupied with Mariam's outfit. Andy noticed my expression and raised an eyebrow. "Everything okay, man?"

I shook my head slightly. "Yeah cool. Will you go out?." I asked instead.

Andy nodded. "Yeah, I'm heading to the canteen for breakfast. Want to join me?"

I shook my head. "I'll pass. I need to get some work done on my laptop."

Andy raised an eyebrow but didn't push the issue. "Alright, see you soon." As Andy walked off, my mind wandered back to Mariam's outfit.

I couldn't shake off the feeling that she was dressing inappropriately. I thought about confronting her about it, wondering if she'd listen to my concerns.

I looked up to see her walking out of the lecture hall with her friend, and I followed them immediately . "Hey," I said when I got to her, trying to keep my tone neutral.

"Miguel!" She smiled, seemingly oblivious to my mood. "What's up?"

We stepped aside, out of the flow of students. "Can I talk to you about what you're wearing?" I asked, my voice low.

Mariam looked down at her outfit and then back at me, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "What's wrong with it?"

"You know exactly what's wrong with it," I said, my frustration evident. "You're showing too much skin. It's not... suitable."

Mariam's expression changed, a mix of surprise and defiance. "I dress how I want, Miguel. I'm not going to change my style just to suit your preferences."

"But, can you please cover up a bit?" I asked, trying to keep my tone light.

As we stood there, I couldn't help but notice the crop top hugging her torso, showcasing her midriff. The baggy jeans hung low on her hips, but it was the crop top that really got under my skin.

Mariam looked down at her outfit and then back at me, a mischievous glint in her eye. "What's wrong with this? I'm comfortable."

I sighed, feeling a bit frustrated. "You know it's not decent to dress like this. It's... distracting."

Mariam raised an eyebrow. "Distracting? For who?"

I looked at her sternly. "Wait here. I'm getting my jacket. Wear it over your top." Mariam's annoyance was palpable as she shot me a look.

I returned with the jacket, surprised to find Mariam still waiting. "Here, wear this," I said, holding it out. Mariam's expression remained annoyed, but she took the jacket and slipped it on, covering her midriff. "Thanks," she said softly. I nodded, feeling relieved. The jacket looked oversized on her. We stood in silence before Mariam spoke up, "You really don't like my outfit, do you?" "Break's over in thirty minutes," I said, dismissing her question. Mariam turned abruptly. "Let's go," she said to her friend.

I watched them walk to the stairs, disappearing from sight. I released a breath I didn't know I was holding, then headed back to the hall to tackle my pending work. "This girl will be the death of me," I muttered, sitting down.