Beneath The Quiet Moon

Chapter 11– A Scholarship

It had been over three days since Alexander left the little house in Valerie’s care.

Each morning, she watered the flowers in the garden, arranged the throw pillows on the velvet sofa, and took slow walks by the small pool.

“This is absolutely perfect!” Valerie squeaked, her eyes widening as she read through the scholarship requirements for one of the most prestigious high schools in the city.

Name: Valerie Jordan

Age: 18

Sex: Female

Her hands trembled slightly as she filled out the form. She double-checked every field before finally hitting *Submit*.

"Thank you for registering. Please wait for 3 days. If eligible, you will be contacted and directed toward writing the exams."

Her heart raced. A smile tugged at her lips.

Without wasting time, she grabbed a small notepad and began drafting a simple study timetable. She divided her days into reading, mock tests, and rest.

****

Valerie stirred awake, groaning softly as the remnants of last night’s study session tugged at her bones. Her eyes fluttered open and she instinctively reached for her phone on the bedside table. The screen lit up it was already past 7AM.

With a quiet sigh, she sat up.. carefully straightening the cozy blankets before stepping off the bed. Her feet pressed against the soft rug beneath, and she made her way to the bathroom.

***

After her bath, Valerie returned to the room, her skin still warm from the steam. She spotted a nude lip gloss resting neatly on the dresser. She picked it up, applying a thin layer across her lips.

She stared at her reflection

Her mind wandered off "Jake". She hadn’t heard from him in days. Would it be weird to ask him for his digits? They barely knew each other. She waved the thought off.

Her slippers padded softly against the staircase as she made her way down. The warm aroma of breakfast greeted her first.. The dining table was already set.

“Good morning, Ms Lin,” Valerie said politely, offering a small smile as she entered the room.

Ms Lin looked up from the far side of the table, her expression warm but composed. “Good morning, Ms Valerie.”

Valerie made her way to the table, sliding into her usual seat. She reached for her glass of juice, took a small sip, then glanced over.

“Ms Lin,” she called softly, catching the older woman’s attention.

“Yes, Ms?” Ms Lin responded..

****

There's a soft knock on the office door.

Alexander, seated behind his polished mahogany desk, barely looked up from his laptop. "Come in," he said coolly.

His assistant steps in, holding a slim file. “Mr. Alexander,” he began, his tone slightly hesitant. “This just came in..it’s Miss Valerie’s application to Creston High School. She’s applied for the scholarship program.”

Alexander finally looked up, arching a brow as he took the file. “Scholarship?” he echoed with quiet amusement, flipping the folder open.

His eyes carefully scans the file Name: Valerie Jordan.

He leaned back slightly in his seat, a subtle smirk pulling at his lips. “Of course she would,” he muttered under his breath.

He tapped the paper thoughtfully.

“I’m curious, little Miss Valerie,” he said under his breath, his eyes lingering on the application. “Let’s see what you can truly achieve in this lifetime.”

His assistant looked on in silence, unsure whether to stay or leave.

Alexander closed the file gently. “Make sure the school board gives her application a fair look. No interference.”

“Yes, sir,” the assistant nodded, exiting quietly.