Sprawling Green Fields
1228 Words
Hasan’s gaze remained forward. “My father’s business partner owns it.”
When they arrived at Stanford University, Alina’s mouth fell-open.
The campus was enormous — towering white buildings lined with glass windows, sprawling green fields, and elegant sculptures scattered across the grounds. Luxury cars filled the parking lot, and groups of well-dressed students sat chatting beneath shaded courtyards.
Alina stared in disbelief.
“It’s beautiful…” she whispered.
Hasan’s gaze flicked toward her. His lips curled slightly. “Do you like it?”
Alina’s eyes widened as she took in the sight of the grand university.
“It’s so beautiful…” she breathed.
Hasan’s gaze softened at the wonder in her voice.
“I’ll make it up to Mr. Drawson when I become a nurse,” Alina said quietly.
Hasan raised a brow. “Will you?”
Alina smiled shyly. “Yes.”
Hasan’s eyes glinted with amusement. “If you say so.”
Alina’s cheeks flushed at the playful tone in his voice.
A small smile tugged at Hasan’s lips. “Do your best.”
Alina’s heart skipped. For the first time since they had met, Hasan’s expression was… soft. Playful.
Her lips curled into a smile. “I will.”
Hasan’s gaze lingered on her face for a moment longer.
For the first time in a long while… he felt something unfamiliar warming his chest.
And he didn’t hate it.
After their visit to Stanford University, Attorney Juanco left to return home.
The ride was quiet — Alina sat with her hands folded on her lap while Hasan’s sharp gaze remained focused on the road.
“Hasan…” Alina’s soft voice broke the silence.
“Hm?” Hasan’s eyes flicked toward her.
“Can you drop me off at ABC Supermarket?”
Hasan’s brows lifted slightly. “Why?”
“I need to pass my resignation letter,” Alina replied.
Hasan’s gaze darkened. “Resignation?”
Alina smiled faintly. “I won’t have time to work there anymore, not with my new school schedule.”
Hasan didn’t respond at first. His jaw tensed as he processed her words.
At ABC Supermarket.
“I’ll take you,” Hasan said coolly.
Alina hesitated. “Would you… mind waiting in the car instead?”
Hasan’s eyes narrowed. “You don’t want me to go inside?”
Alina smiled. “No need. I’ll only be a minute.”
Hasan’s gaze lingered on her face for a moment before nodding.
“Fine.”
Alina turned toward the bodyguards.
“You don’t have to come with me.”
The bodyguards exchanged looks but didn’t move.
“I’ll be fine,” Alina insisted.
“It’s just a supermarket.”
Hasan’s eyes sharpened. “Are you sure?”
Alina’s gaze softened.
“No worries — I’ll be back in a minute.”
Hasan studied her carefully before leaning back.
“Alright.”
When Alina stepped into the supermarket, all eyes turned toward her.
Her co-workers blinked, their mouths slightly open in shock.
Alina wasn’t wearing her usual faded uniform or old shoes. Today, she wore a fitted white blouse tucked into a black pants. Her long black hair was styled into soft waves, and her pale skin glowed beneath the bright lights of the store.
“Wait… is that Alina?”
“She looks so… gorgeous.”
“Is she a model?”
From behind the counter, Jacob’s eyes widened. He immediately abandoned his post and rushed toward her.
“Alina!” Jacob’s face lit up.
Alina smiled softly. “Hi, Jacob.”
Jacob’s gaze swept over her, and his smile faltered.
“Wow… you look… incredible.”
Alina’s cheeks warmed. “Thank you.”
Jacob’s eyes softened. “It’s been a while. I thought you weren’t coming back.”
Alina lowered her gaze. “Actually… I came to pass my resignation letter.”
Jacob’s smile faded. “What?”
“I can’t work here anymore,” Alina said gently.
Jacob responded sadly. “Why?”
“It’s… complicated.”
Jacob’s brows furrowed, but before he could ask more, Alina stepped toward Mrs. Condura’s office. Jacob followed closely behind.
Inside the office, Mrs. Condura sat behind her desk, adjusting her glasses. When she saw Alina enter, her eyes widened.
“Alina?” Mrs. Condura smiled warmly.
“You look so gorgeous, dear!”
Alina smiled shyly. “Thank you, ma’am.”
Mrs. Condura’s gaze sharpened when she saw the envelope in Alina’s hand. “What’s this?”
“My resignation letter,” Alina said softly, handing it over.
Mrs. Condura’s smile faded.
“Why?”
Alina hesitated. “It’s complicated, ma’am.”
Mrs. Condura’s gaze softened.
“But how will you support your studies?”
Alina smiled faintly. “I will still continue my study.”
Mrs. Condura studied her carefully before nodding.
“If this is what you want… then I will let you go Alina, wishing you all the best.”
Alina’s eyes softened. “Thank you for everything, ma’am.”
Mrs. Condura smiled.
“You’ve always been hardworking. You’ll do well wherever you go.”
After the paperwork was done, Alina stepped toward the exit.
Jacob immediately followed her.
“You don’t have to walk me out,” Alina said, smiling.
“I want to,” Jacob insisted.
Alina sighed but allowed him to follow her.
Outside the supermarket, Hasan’s sharp gray eyes darkened when he saw Alina walking toward the car — with a man beside her.
Jacob leaned toward Alina, his expression warm and relaxed. Hasan’s chest tightened painfully at the sight.
Who the hell is that?
Alina smiled at Jacob as they reached the car.
“Thank you, Jacob,” Alina said softly.
Jacob smiled. “It’s nothing.”
“My new boss is waiting,” Alina added, glancing toward Hasan’s car.
Jacob’s gaze sharpened when he saw the bodyguard in a black suit open the car door for Alina.
Jacob’s eyes widened. “Wait… that’s a luxury car…”
Jacob’s mouth parted as Alina slid into the car. The door closed behind her, and the black-tinted windows immediately shut out his stunned expression.
Inside the car, Hasan’s jaw was tense.
He started the engine, his hands gripping the steering wheel tightly.
“Who is he?” Hasan’s voice was cold.
Alina blinked. “Who?”
“The guy with you,” Hasan said sharply. “Who is he?”
Alina’s lips parted, but she hesitated.
“I… don’t think you need to know.”
Hasan’s eyes narrowed dangerously.
“You’ll be my future wife in three years. I have a right to know.”
Alina’s heart skipped at the intensity in his gaze. Her throat tightened.
“He’s just a friend,” Alina said softly.
“We worked together at the supermarket.”
Hasan’s gaze darkened. “Just a friend?”
“Yes,” Alina nodded.
Hasan’s eyes sharpened as he studied her face. After a moment, his tense shoulders relaxed slightly.
“Good,” Hasan said flatly.
Alina bit her lip, her chest tightening at the low possessiveness in his tone.
Hasan exhaled slowly, his gaze softening.
“Okay, then. Let’s go home.”
Alina’s cheeks warmed. Her heart pounded painfully as Hasan pulled the car away from the curb.
Her gaze drifted toward the window as a strange warmth spread through her chest.
Why did his jealousy make her heart race like this?
- Writer
