Chapter 11

POV - (Point of View) Aurora Navarro

"I'm here!" I said breathlessly as I entered the classroom. All eyes turned towards me, but I didn't care.

"Late, Miss Navarro," the teacher said in a serious tone.

"Don't tell me!" I replied sarcastically, forcing a smile.

I walked to my seat, obliged to pass by Violet as usual, ignoring her disgusted look, and sat down.

I paid close attention during the class, but at one point, I found myself wondering about Tristan. I hadn't received any sign from him today, and I hadn't even seen his car on the streets.

Where could he be? Maybe at the company, busy with work, or perhaps he's charming some girl somewhere.

What if he's watching me right now?!

I looked around, scanning every corner of the room and every student's face, then I looked out the window. Everything seemed normal.

I was brought back to reality by the sound of the bell ringing. I gathered my belongings and quickly walked out of the classroom. I was already late for college, and the last thing I needed was to miss the train.

I descended the stairs to the underground, swiped my card at the turnstile, and crossed it, arriving at the train station.

Within minutes, I was boarding the train and taking a seat. Luckily, there were only a few people, and there were plenty of seats available.

Someone sat next to me, but I didn't see who it was. I was focused on the numerous hate messages that Adelaide had sent me. She was angry because I had messaged Griffin pretending to be her, but I know Adelaide is happy about their date on Saturday.

I turned off my phone and glanced sideways at the person next to me. I froze.

What is he doing here?

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Alex asked, and I pretended not to understand. "You seem surprised to see me here."

And I am! Normally, he rides home with his friends. Why did he decide to take the train this time? Because of me? No, it can't be. I need to stop fooling myself so much!

"To be honest, I found it strange that you started talking to me out of the blue," I said, and he smiled, looking at his own shoes, seemingly embarrassed.

"I saw you throw a hot dog at Violet," he said, and I bit my lower lip to hold back laughter as I remembered the incident. "I-I thought your action was cool. Actually, I like your honesty and courage."

What?! Is that what I'm hearing?!

This time, it was me who looked down at my shoes with flushed cheeks. I thought he wanted to keep his distance from me. I've gotten myself into so many troubles where I ended up with the reputation of being a "troublemaker" unjustly, but I was mistaken. This surprised and made me happy at the same time.

We talked throughout the train ride and continued as we walked on the sidewalk towards our neighborhood. That moment was so enjoyable that it felt like a dream.

The conversation was interesting, but I had to admit that my thoughts were drifting towards a certain Mr. Arrogant to be more specific.

I'm such an idiot. I'm with the perfect man, but I'm thinking about the one who is the complete opposite. He's not genuine, his smiles are fake, yet strangely, all of that attracts me in a unique way.

Alex dropped me off in front of my building and waited until I entered, being a gentleman as always.

Already entering my apartment, I allowed myself to sigh deeply in a passionate air. Tristan is wrong, my feelings for Alex are not artificial.

I walked to the living room window and looked out onto the street, searching for the luxurious car, but it wasn't there. Tristan hasn't shown any sign of life all day.

Why am I thinking about that imbecile?!

This isn't right. I shouldn't be trying to find him; I should be grateful for his disappearance.

He must have given up and finally realized that I won't surrender to him. He's probably having fun in his harem right now.

This is wonderful! I'm finally free from Mr. Arrogant!

***

Days later...

What a bore!

It's been days since I've seen Tristan, and I continue to hate myself for thinking about that masochistic Mr. Arrogant.

On one hand, it was bad not to have Tristan to annoy me and follow me around all the time. Provoking him was also fun.

Alex started taking the train home every night, and I have no complaints about that. I enjoyed his company a lot, and he was the only one who took Tristan off my mind.

Today is Friday, and my only commitment is the lecture at the college that I'm obliged to attend.

Most of the students were already in the auditorium, waiting for the lecture to begin, but I was searching for Alex in the music department. I had been doing this for a while when I spotted one of his friends. I approached him and smiled politely since I didn't know him. He was a short guy who studied in the engineering department.

"Excuse me, have you seen Alex around?" I asked.

"He just called me saying he got the night shift at the station. He won't be able to make it here on time," he explained, then looked at my face more closely. "You're Aurora Navarro, right?"

"Yes, nice to meet you," I replied.

"Pleasure, I'm Lucca. Alex has told me about you, that's why I recognized you."

I widened my eyes a bit, unable to believe his words, then smiled, blushing slightly.

"He did?" I asked, amazed, and the guy nodded. "You know, Lucca, I think we're going to get along well."

He chuckled softly.

My new friend, Lucca, and I entered the auditorium, which was already filling up. We were lucky to find two seats side by side in the front row. We sat down and waited for the lecture to begin.

Suddenly, the lights were dimmed, and the room was illuminated only by the lights pointed at the stage, where the director stood with a microphone. There were some chairs behind him, where the speakers would sit to provide more information about each department of the college. This annual lecture was held to inspire students in their chosen careers.

The director started speaking, and I didn't even make an effort to pay attention, unlike Lucca, who seemed attentive to every word. I was almost falling asleep in that chair when suddenly I was awakened by the applause of others. I started applauding without even knowing why everyone was doing it.

When I returned to my senses, I noticed that people were applauding the speakers who were going up on stage and taking their seats in the center.

I blinked several times, thinking it was a mirage, and sweating, I realized that my jaw almost hit the ground. Tristan is sitting in one of the chairs, dressed formally, and looking at the director seriously, paying attention to what he was saying.

Why is he up there?!

This doesn't make sense! He graduated in accounting, and the college doesn't offer that department. So why is he one of the speakers?

"And now, I invite Tristan Callahan to talk about the engineering department," the director announced.

Engineering?!!

The audience applauded enthusiastically as Tristan positioned himself in the center of the stage, holding a microphone. Especially the girls, some even stood up to glorify his presence.

"I believe most of you are confused. Why would a businessman with an accounting degree be giving a lecture on engineering?" Tristan gave a smirk, and I heard many girls sigh. "I had doubts about which career to pursue. I started studying engineering for a year but quit and switched to accounting, where I quickly graduated..." he explained before delving into more details about the engineering field. Despite not having graduated in it, he could master the subject like a true genius.

For a few seconds, I found myself in the same state as the other girls, drooling over that man who was not only very handsome but also highly intelligent. His mouth moved, but I couldn't hear anything he said. It was as if I was under a spell. Tristan had that power, and I hated it when I was too weak and fell into his seductions.

I shook my head from side to side, freeing myself from his spell. I looked at Lucca and was surprised to see his eyes literally shining as he looked at Mr. Arrogant, a big smile on his face.

I tilted my head to the side, considering the possibility that my new colleague might be gay.

"Lucca, I'm sorry if I'm being too direct, but are you gay?" I whispered, and he looked at me quickly as if I were crazy.

"No! Where did you get that from, girl?"

"From the way you're looking at Tristan."

"I just have great admiration for him," Lucca said, and I raised an eyebrow. "Don't judge me. Tristan is a genius who achieved a very important career at such a young age."

"What bad taste," I muttered quietly, shaking my head in disbelief.

"What did you say?"

"Nothing," I forced a smile and pretended to pay attention to the lecture.

After Tristan finished speaking, he returned to his seat and handed the microphone to another speaker who stood up and began talking about journalism. At this point, I should pay attention since it was my field, but I took the opportunity to take out my camera and focused it on Tristan's face. He looked distractedly at the speaker before turning his face in my direction, locking eyes with the camera lens. He rolled his eyes and returned his attention to the speaker.

Tristan didn't seem surprised to see me, and I didn't find that strange. It's not that I think the world revolves around me, but I'm sure he's only here because of me. A businessman like him has many other important things to do than talk about engineering with teenagers. He's here hoping to get laid. Maybe I'm not his main focus today; I think he'll try to get with a college girl who easily falls for his charm.

I continued to focus my camera on Tristan. He tried to avoid me, but occasionally, he glanced at the lens. Then, at one moment, he locked his gaze on me and kept it that way for a long time. I took advantage and took many photos.

I was about to take the camera away from my face, satisfied with the photos when I saw a small closed smile grow on his lips. It was a miracle to see him smile, even if it was a fake one. I quickly took a picture.

This time, when I develop them, I'll keep them under lock and key so that neither Mr. Arrogant nor anyone else can steal them from me, especially the last photo.

When the lecture finally came to an end, the lights came on, and some students started leaving the auditorium, while others stayed behind to exchange a few words with the speakers.

I remained in the auditorium; I wanted to talk to Tristan, and I don't even know why I wanted that, but in the end, it seems that I won't even be able to get close to him. He seemed like a celebrity, surrounded by girls and boys, and Lucca was included in that crowd.

While those people tried to get at least some of Tristan's attention, he was looking around as if searching for someone or something. His gaze stopped on me again.

I broke the brief eye contact and stood up, heading for the exit of the auditorium. To my misfortune, right at the exit door was the devil wearing a blue dress and high heels.

"What are you doing here?" Violet crossed her arms.

"I study here," I stated the obvious. "And like everyone else, I'm obliged to attend these lectures every year."

"I'm not talking about that," she flipped her hair back. "I thought you would be among those people begging for the attention of heir Tristan Callahan."

"Why would you think that?" I asked, not understanding, and she gave an unpleasant smile.

"I know you like to search for images of shirtless Tristan during class."

Physically, I appeared normal, but inside, I was freaking out.

"I understand. Tristan is a dream."

"A nightmare," I corrected the girl.

"It's a pity he'll never be interested in you," Violet said, intending to hurt me, but I found it ironic.

"Aurora."

I turned around after hearing Tristan's voice calling me; he was right in front of me.

"I want to talk to you," he said.

First, I felt like laughing at Violet's surprised expression, but then I felt angry at Tristan for being so authoritarian with me, something I hate.

"And who said I want to talk to you?"

"I didn't ask, and I don't care what your answer is."

I was immediately taken aback by his rudeness, but before I could retort, he grabbed my wrist and led me out of the auditorium.

I managed to free myself from him when we were in an empty hallway. I looked at him frustrated.

"Have you gone crazy to pull me like that?" I shouted. "You disappeared for a few days and now you think you own me?"

He raised an eyebrow, and I repeated the gesture, not understanding what was going on in his head.

"Did you, by any chance, miss me?" he asked.

"I-I didn't!" I swallowed hard for stuttering. "I was very happy to have had these peaceful days, but if you don't remember, I'm a very curious person."

"Well, telling you won't make any difference anyway," Tristan shrugged. "I was on a business trip."

"And what are you doing here, at the college?"

"Is it yours or something?"

I huffed upon hearing him. He was not only more authoritative but also more audacious.

"It's not mine, but I study here, and I know you already knew that, which leads me to believe that you're stalking me again."

"It's almost that. I haven't forgotten that I won the bet, and I want my prize."

Argh! Not this bet story again! He's practically asking for another kick in the groin!

"I still refuse to sleep with you, so there's no point in insisting."

"I wasn't going to ask for that. I have a second option."

"And what would that be?" I asked wearily.

"I want you to go out with me."

"What?!" I almost shouted in surprise.

"Don't think that I'm inviting you on a date, no flowers, chocolates, or candlelit dinner. That's all very ridiculous."

I thought for a few seconds; accepting to go out with him seemed like the best and also the worst option. You never know what to expect from him, and besides, a lot can happen in one night, but it was better than the first option.

"Fine, I accept."

"I'll pick you up on Saturday at eleven," he started to turn around but remained when I began speaking.

"Eleven o'clock? Isn't that a bit late?"

He gave me a sideways smile.

"At eleven, it's just the beginning of the night," he said.