The Prince from my dreams

Chapter 3 –First meeting

Ria’s POV

Six years back, when I was still a sophomore at the Horington university, I was full of dreams and determination. My dad could barely pay the fee for my studies. But I worked hard and earned myself a scholarship. I busied myself with academics. I rarely gossiped with other girls or flirted with the boys. I was the most boring student without any social life. But I was happy as long as I stood at the top of the university.

Other students avoided me and called me a nerd. I was pretty invisible to them I guess. I never hung out with anyone as no one wanted to hangout with me. Because my favourite hangout spots were the classroom and library.

I was busy with my books during the days. But in the night, I was deeply lost in my dream lands. Though it might sound stupid, I dreamt of my Prince Charming who always came to rescue me during times of need. It felt nice to feel the warmth of a person towards me. Especially for a lonely person like me, who barely had any friends. The only friends I had were settled abroad.

Though I never saw the face of my Prince, every morning I would be in great mood after waking up. Though I loved dreaming of my Prince, I knew it was just a dream. I was no fool to look for my Prince in real life. My love life in reality was zero and I had no complaints. You can say that I was living two different lives. One, as a nerdy student and the other as a Princess doted by her Prince charming. As my days were passing without any hiccups, one night I dreamt my regular style of dream. But that night, I saw the face of my Prince for the first time. He had an aloof expression. A fair complexion with impeccable features. Eyes, vigilant as a leopard, ready to pounce on his enemy. A sharp and a pointed nose and thin lips that smiled enticingly. A custom made Prince in accordance with my taste. I was too startled to look at his handsome face and woke up blushing.

It was already dawn. I hastily cleaned up and rushed to college. I reached early as I had to research few materials in the library. After spending more than an hour in the library, I noticed it was almost time for my class. I picked up the books from the library and sprinted towards the classroom, afraid of being late. I quickened my pace, only to collide with a strong figure. The books in my hands fell with a thud. While I crouched to pick them up, I raised my head to look at the person whom I collided with.

I gaped in disbelief. How could I dream of a stranger who actually exists in the real world? I remembered my dream from the night and couldn’t help blushing while my hands paused midway from picking my books. “Like what you see?” his thin lips parted as he spoke. I snapped out of my daze. Though his face matched with the prince of my dreams, his demeanour was a stark contrast. He directed his menacing glare at me instead of welcoming warmth. He had a sinister look as if accusing me of some terrible deed. I snapped out of my reverie and shuddered at the look on his face. His eyes really resembled that of a leopard ready to pounce on its prey. I was too scared to look into those eyes.

“Huh?” I was confused at his words. “Done checking me out? Just scram.” He ordered, gritting his teeth. I was ashamed, for an instant. He thought I was ogling at him. I prepared myself to run without turning back. But the hatred emanating from him was too much to accept. So before turning away, “You are a conceited fool. Too full of yourself.” I scoffed and left.

(Present) Elliot’s POV

She was mad at me. It was satisfying to drive her mad. I must admit she looked cute with flared nostrils, puffed cheeks and glaring eyes. She resembled a cute little dragon ready to spit fire. She then stood up and turned away to leave. Before closing the door behind her, she turned to me with a mocking smile and said, “I will never let you take over Hamilton AI and Robotics.”

Now this seems too far fetched. Who said I wanted to take over their company? I saw her leave not bothering to clarify her misunderstanding. But she sounded like she held the reign of the company in her hands. Wasn’t she just another employee here?

James stepped in the moment Ria left. “Hey dude! How did it go? She was fuming when she left. Pissed her off, huh?”

I shoved the researchers list in his hands and asked, “what’s with the name?”

“Hey! I wanted to give you a head start talking to her.” James explained.

“She didn’t find it funny. Its all your fault she left in a huff.” I accused him. Before he could refute, I added, “I missed my chance of asking her out for lunch. You jerk.” I smacked his back with full force.

He stumbled forward few steps and said rubbing his back, “I was pulling a prank. Ria Walton, does sound a lot more sexier than Ria Abbot.”

“In another thirty minutes I want to see her having lunch with me.” I ordered.

“Hey! Don’t you think you are being mean to me? All for that nerd. She was the only girl without friends in our entire college. I wonder why you took fancy to her all of a sudden. I have seen the past few years how to left no stone unturned to find her. Care to explain?”

“Twenty five minutes.” I announced. “You are running out of time.”

He went out furrowing his brows muttering under his breath.

Ria’s POV

My brain stopped functioning owing to a dumb**s. Now all it needs is some caffeine. I was enjoying my cup of coffee when I overheard someone say that Elliot Walton wants to treat all the researchers to lunch today.

I rolled my eyes and proceeded with my work. I didn’t have any appetite left after the morning’s events. Besides I didn’t fancy meeting him for the second time in a day. So I remained alone in my lab enjoying the solitude. I gathered my thoughts and wanted to pin point what ticked me off this morning.

1. Was it talking to ‘Elliot the great’?

2. Was it because he questioned my academics? Like he didn’t know why I didn’t get my certificate.

3. Was it because uncle Cory kept me in the dark regarding the whole acquisition thingy? I wonder if the company is doing so bad that he wants to sell it off.

The answer is ALL OF THE ABOVE.

Finally! I gathered myself and started working in the now deserted lab. I realize my brain functions well when I am left alone with no gossips infiltrating my ears.

I checked my code for the last time and triggered the simulation. I was deeply engrossed taking notes of my observations, when someone wrapped their arms around my waist from behind. I was too shocked to move. I turned my head to see it was Jack Mason. His head was resting on my shoulder. He was one of my fellow researchers whom I am not fond of.

He gave me a perverted grin. I tried to move away from him, but his hold was tight, almost squeezing me.

“Leave me.” I yelled at him. “I am in middle of something. You are disturbing me.”

“If you were not in middle of something, would you not mind?” he whispered hoarsely into my ears as I struggled to free myself.

Now you know why I don’t like him. He makes me feel uncomfortable. The way he looks at me makes me feel under dressed.

While I was struggling against him, I heard a cold baritone from behind, “Lets swat away this bug.” followed by a loud thud and the hands around me were gone.

I turned around to see the magnificent figure of Elliot standing tall. He was fuming at the man sprawled on the floor clutching his ribs.