Chapter 8: Back to Reality
494 Words
Lydia Harper was twenty-one, a sophomore at Mo Bei University—ranked fourth in the city.
Her major? Broadcasting and media.
Her grades? Average.
But her voice? Clear, sweet, effortlessly pleasant.
And her looks? Enough to turn heads without even trying.
She’d even been voted the most beautiful student in her department.
The black Porsche slowed near campus.
Lydia spoke quickly.
“Mr. Blackwood, you can stop here. I’ll walk the rest.”
Alexander glanced at her.
“Why?”
She hesitated.
“Your car’s… a little too flashy. I don’t want people getting the wrong idea.”
“What kind of wrong idea?”
“That I’m… dating a rich guy.”
For a brief second, a smile flickered on his lips.
Then he said lazily,
“With your looks? No rich guy would bother.”
Lydia forced a smile. You’re the ugly one. Your whole family is.
The car came to a smooth stop.
“What time do you finish?” he asked.
“Six.”
“I’ll have the driver pick you up.”
“No need,” she replied quickly. “I’ll take a cab.”
He didn’t argue. The car pulled away.
The moment she reached the classroom—
“Lydia! Over here!”
Nora Whitman waved excitedly.
Lydia walked over.
“What’s up? You look like you’re hiding something.”
Nora grinned and pulled out a magazine.
“Look!”
She pointed to the cover.
“City B’s rising star—Alexander Blackwood. Youngest CEO. Only twenty-five.”
Her eyes sparkled.
“They say he’s rich, powerful, and stays away from women. Basically perfect.”
She clutched the magazine dramatically.
“I’m obsessed. He’s my idol.”
Lydia rolled her eyes and tapped her forehead.
“Wake up. He already likes someone.”
Nora blinked.
“How do you know? Do you know him?”
Lydia stiffened slightly.
“No. I’m just saying—someone like him definitely has someone.”
Nora sighed.
“Figures. All the good ones are taken.”
Then she smiled again.
“It’s fine. He’s like a star in the sky. I’ll admire him from afar.”
Lydia shook her head. Hopeless fan.
Just then, the classroom fell silent.
The English professor had arrived.
And just like that, Lydia buried herself in her books again.
At the same time—
Alexander Blackwood walked into the Group.
“Good morning, President,” employees greeted him one by one.
He nodded and stepped into the executive elevator.
The doors closed.
The moment he disappeared, whispers filled the office.
“Did you see his forehead?”
“Yeah—what happened?”
“No idea…”
“Why is everyone gossiping instead of working?”
A playful voice cut through the chatter.
Brandon Pierce had arrived. Stylish as always.
The receptionist leaned in.
“Mr. Pierce, the CEO, is injured.”
“What?”
“His head.”
Without another word, Brandon headed for the elevator.
- Writer
