chapter 2
713 Words
Chapter 2
Emily walked out of the café with Olivia, still shaking her head.
"I can't believe that guy."
Olivia laughed. "You mean Alexander?"
"Yes! He acts like the whole world revolves around him."
Olivia smiled. "Well... to be fair, most people on this campus treat him like royalty."
Emily rolled her eyes.
"I don't care if he's a billionaire or the president. If he's rude, he's rude."
Olivia couldn't help but laugh.
"I think you're the first person I've met who isn't afraid of him."
They continued walking until they reached Building B. Students filled the hallways, chatting excitedly before classes began.
Emily looked at the room number.
"204... this is us."
She took a deep breath before stepping inside.
The lecture hall was huge, with rows of seats rising toward the back. Nearly a hundred students were already there.
Emily and Olivia found seats in the middle.
A few minutes later, a middle-aged woman entered carrying several books.
The room immediately became quiet.
"Good morning, everyone," she said with a warm smile. "My name is Professor Grace Williams, and I'll be teaching Human Biology this semester."
The students greeted her.
"Before we begin, I'd like everyone to introduce themselves."
One by one, students stood and shared their names and hometowns.
When it was Emily's turn, she stood confidently.
"Good morning. My name is Emily Carter. I'm from Rosewood, and my dream is to become a doctor who helps people in underserved communities."
The class applauded politely.
Professor Williams smiled.
"That's a wonderful goal, Emily."
Emily sat down, feeling a little less nervous.
After nearly an hour, the lecture ended.
"Your first assignment is due next Friday," Professor Williams announced. "You'll complete it in pairs."
The classroom buzzed with excitement.
"Please don't make us choose partners," Olivia whispered.
Professor Williams smiled knowingly.
"I've already chosen your partners."
One by one, she read out the names.
Emily listened carefully.
"Olivia Bennett with Daniel Brooks."
Olivia sighed dramatically.
"So close."
Professor Williams continued.
"Emily Carter..."
Emily looked up.
"...Alexander Hayes."
The room fell silent.
Several students turned to look at Emily.
Someone whispered, "She's doomed."
Emily blinked.
"What?"
At that exact moment, the classroom door opened.
Alexander walked in.
He had clearly arrived late, but he looked completely unbothered.
"I'm sorry I'm late, Professor."
"Take your seat, Mr. Hayes."
As he walked down the aisle, his eyes met Emily's for a brief moment.
He recognized her instantly.
The girl from outside.
The girl from the café.
He sat beside her without saying a word.
Emily let out a quiet sigh.
Of all the people...
Professor Williams continued.
"Your assignment will require teamwork. I expect both partners to contribute equally."
As soon as class ended, students began leaving.
Emily packed her books.
"We need to discuss the assignment," she said without looking at Alexander.
"I know."
His voice was calm.
She finally looked at him.
"When are you free?"
Alexander checked his watch.
"Today. Four o'clock. Main library."
Emily nodded.
"I'll be there."
Without another word, he stood up and walked away.
Olivia rushed over.
"What happened?"
"We're partners."
Olivia's mouth dropped open.
"With Alexander Hayes?"
Emily nodded.
"My luck is terrible."
---
At exactly four o'clock that afternoon, Emily entered the university library.
The building was quiet, with shelves stretching from floor to ceiling.
She looked around until she spotted Alexander sitting alone near a window, already surrounded by textbooks and a laptop.
He looked up as she approached.
"You're on time."
Emily sat across from him.
"I don't like keeping people waiting."
For the first time, a faint smile tugged at the corner of Alexander's mouth.
"Good."
Emily noticed it disappeared almost as quickly as it had appeared.
She opened her notebook.
"So... let's get this assignment over with."
Alexander nodded.
"Agreed."
Neither of them noticed a group of students watching from the other side of the library.
One girl folded her arms, her expression darkening as she watched Alexander speaking to Emily.
"Who does she think she is?" she muttered.
Her best friend leaned closer.
"You know Alexander never studies with anyone."
The girl narrowed her eyes.
"Well... that's about to change."
A slow, jealous smile spread across her face.
Emily Carter had just made her first enemy without even realizing it.
- Writer
