At 10 a.m., one hundred eighty university students filled the large, spacious lecture hall, bathed in soft, sparkling lights overhead. The lights at the far end of the hall were dimmed, allowing the focus to remain on a woman in her thirties standing at the front. She was Madam Maria, one of the most respected Finance professors at the prestigious institution.
Students eagerly sought to attend this university not only because it offered exceptional opportunities for global careers but also because it provided a comfortable and convenient environment for studying.
Madam Maria began her lecture by projecting a slideshow with the latest technological advancements on the screen. The atmosphere in the room was charged with tension as she spoke. She had a presence that commanded attention, and rumours whispered that she could make unruly students behave with nothing more than a word. Her reputation as a cold-hearted professor who could make even excellent students falter in their exams kept everyone on edge. The fear of making a mistake that could haunt them forever was palpable in her class.
Far from the professor's commanding presence, a young woman sat deep in thought in the corner, her soft, arched eyebrows knitted in concentration. Anyone who saw her at this moment instinctively wanted to comfort her, reassuring her that everything would be alright.
"Serena?" A voice broke her from her thoughts. It was her best friend, Lila Valen. Lila was a stunning woman who attracted attention wherever she went, with every head turning as she passed. But she remained unaffected by the spotlight, never one to seek attention. Despite being from a wealthy family and involved in many social circles, she was humble, unlike others from affluent backgrounds.
Lila reserved her care for one person—her lonely but strong-willed friend, Serena Winters. Lila often cared more for Serena than her family, who were too busy with business to spend time with her. Serena, however, had always been there when Lila needed someone.
"Serena, are you okay?" Lila asked, her voice laced with concern when Serena didn't respond. She repeated her question, and when Serena still seemed lost in her thoughts, Lila instinctively placed a hand on Serena's shoulder, gently shaking her to bring her back to the present. It wasn't until she saw Serena return to being herself that Lila relaxed slightly.
"Yes? Did you call me Lila?" Serena finally responded, her focus returning.
Serena turned her head to face Lila, waiting for her to respond. Lila wanted to smile, but something was different about her dear friend. She noticed the change in Serena's eyes, and an intense pang of pain shot through her heart as though a sharp knife had pierced her chest. She quickly looked away, unable to bear the emptiness in Serena's gaze. What had once been the most captivating eyes, bright with warmth and life, now appeared dull and emotionless.
When Serena glanced at Lila, she noticed her friend was on the verge of tears, and panic gripped her heart. She took a deep breath and tried to clear the storm of emotions clouding her mind. She knew she had to pull herself out of this darkness before it consumed her and caused Lila even more sadness and disappointment.
"Lila, I'm sorry. I've caused you to cry," Serena apologised, her voice laced with regret. She had promised Lila she wouldn't let her fall into that abyss again, but her sorrow deepened the situation. Lila's tears flowed freely, unable to be held back. The students around them grew uncomfortable, sensing the shift in the atmosphere. They were worried that Madam Maria would take offence to the disturbance, and the thought of being reprimanded by her made everyone uneasy.
Lila felt the weight of the other students' gazes and tried to regain control. She wiped her eyes, focusing on calming herself for the sake of everyone in the room, including Serena. She didn't want to cause more trouble, especially not in front of Madam Maria. It was embarrassing enough to be scolded like this.
Just as Lila regained her composure, Madam Maria spoke into the microphone. Her voice echoed across the lecture hall, cutting through the tension.
"Hold on," Madam Maria's voice rang out, causing the students who had begun to leave to freeze in their tracks. They quickly returned to their seats, fearful of angering the professor.
"Serena Winters, I want to meet you after this class. Everyone can leave except you," she said, not even glancing in Serena's direction. She began gathering her files, clearly expecting Serena to approach.
Serena's heart sank as she heard her name. It was her first time being singled out by the notorious professor, and she felt a wave of nervousness wash over her. Without wasting time, she reached for Lila's hand and smiled reassuringly. Lila understood. She nodded and walked toward the door, urging Serena to stay calm.
"Don't worry about me," Serena whispered as Lila exited.
Serena slowly walked toward the front, standing before Madam Maria, her heart racing.
"What's wrong with you?" Madam Maria's voice cut through the silence as she looked up at Serena for the first time.
Serena was caught off guard by Madam Maria's sudden question. What have I done to make her ask something like this? she thought, her mind racing.
Madam Maria, noticing Serena's silence, grew frustrated. This fragile-looking girl was wasting her precious time. Madam Maria had been teaching Serena for a year, and she had always stood out as one of the most attentive students. But today, something was off. Ana's distracted demeanour was puzzling and disappointing to the professor, who had secretly admired her intelligence despite her aloofness.
Determined to get to the bottom of it, Madam Maria repeated her question, her tone sharp. "What could be so important that it makes you lose focus during my class? Thinking about your boyfriend?"
Serena froze, the word "boyfriend" ringing in her ears. Boyfriend? I've never been in a relationship! she thought, her chest tightening. But the thought of admitting this to her intimidating professor was out of the question.
"I'm sorry, Madam. I'm not feeling well today," Serena replied, forcing the words out. It was a lie, but she couldn't bring herself to reveal the truth behind her distraction.
Serena wasn't someone who shared her problems easily—except with Lila. She had been her confidante since they were thirteen. Now, at twenty-two, their bond was unshakable. Serena trusted Lila like a sister, telling her everything without hesitation. Lila already knew what was weighing on her today, which was why her friend had been quietly watching her, concerned. Lila would never stop keeping an eye on Serena because she understood how easily Serena could sink into her own darkness.
Madam Maria's piercing voice interrupted her thoughts. "Are you sure? Because it seems to me you're hiding something. I detest it when my students lose focus during my lectures. You've heard me say that before." Serena bit her bottom lip, a telltale sign of her nervousness.
Madam Maria's cold gaze didn't waver. "If this is about your boyfriend, then do me a favour—don't attend my class until you've sorted it out. Whatever your problem is, I don't care. I only expect my students to act professionally. Do you understand?"
The harshness of her words hit Serena like a blow. Why does everything have to be so cruel? she thought bitterly. Can't the world show me even a little warmth? What did I do to deserve this punishment?
She fought to stay composed, holding back the tears welling in her eyes. Her fists clenched tightly at her sides as she forced herself to respond. "Yes, Madam. I understand." Serena felt herself slipping further into the darkness she had been trying so hard to escape.
Lila stood at the lecture hall's door, her gaze fixed on the closed door, worry etched across her face. Serena, please forgive me. This is all my fault for causing you trouble, she thought, her heart heavy with guilt. She winced as the door creaked open, and the sound sent her rushing toward Serena. She grabbed her hands and looked at her face, searching for signs of what had just happened.
"Serena, I'm so sorry. Did Madam Maria notice what happened just now?" Lila asked, her voice trembling. She waited a moment, her anxiety growing, until she saw Serena nod slowly. Lost in thought, Serena seemed distant, consumed by the turmoil inside her. Lila tried to shake her out of it.
"Hey, what's going on in that mind of yours? Still thinking about that? I know you can't let it go until it's resolved, but can't you just take a break from it? I really don't want to see you like this."
Seeing Serena in this state made Lila's heartache. She felt an overwhelming urge to confront anyone who had hurt her friend. She wanted to bring back the bright smile Serena once had—the smile she hadn't seen in years.
The last time Serena smiled so freely, without the weight of the world on her shoulders, was five years ago. Since then, she had made a silent vow to protect her future, to keep fighting for her life despite the pain she had endured. But those five years had shaped her into someone who didn't know how to express her emotions anymore.
"Are you okay, Serena?" Lila asked gently, trying to reach her friend. "Do you want me to take you to the hospital?"
"No need," Serena replied, her voice distant. "I was just thinking… which part of me looks like I have a boyfriend?"
Lila blinked in surprise. "Wait, what? You have a boyfriend?" Her eyes widened in shock. "Hello! Do you not remember how many handsome men I've offered you? You rejected every one of them without even looking at their faces. With that attitude, you'll never have a boyfriend, okay?" Lila was baffled. She'd never expected Serena to even entertain the idea of having a boyfriend, let alone ask about it.
Serena sighed, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "It's not that I don't want one. It's just that I choose not to have one. Don't act like you don't know why. But still, I don't understand why Madam Maria thinks I have a boyfriend. I've never been close to any man except from my family and your father."
Lila paused, puzzled. "So, that's all that's bothering you? I thought you were still stuck on that other issue."
Serena shook her head, a tired smile appearing on her face. "Don't worry, I'm fine. I'll follow your advice and ignore it for now. I'm just really exhausted. Since I don't have class this afternoon, I will take a rest. See you later." With that, Serena turned to leave.
"I know you're a strong girl, Serena," Lila whispered to herself as she watched her friend walk away. "Take your time. I'll be here when you can share your burdens with me." Lila watched her go, then headed to her next class, hoping Serena would eventually find peace.