Zara, meanwhile, was sitting in her car with her eyes shut while Sirius drove ahead.
The journey from Golrid City to Clover Hill takes about three hours, so Zara had set off early to ensure she could relax upon arrival.
As she settled in for a bit of rest, her phone buzzed with a new message.
Zara blinked her weary eyes open and noticed it was from Ethan.
[Good Morning, Lia.]
After glancing at the message, Zara put her phone away.
As she was about to set her phone down on the seat, another notification popped up.
[If you need anything, just let Sirius know. Don't worry about a thing, or just call me, and I'll handle it.]
Reading the message made Zara smile warmly as she shut her phone.
After three hours on the road, the car finally pulled up in front of a quaint little cafe in Clover Hill.
Sirius stepped out and opened the door for Zara.
Zara stepped out of the car and turned to Sirius with a calm demeanor. "Sirius, stay in the car," she instructed.
Sirius replied with respect, "Then, I'll wait outside here, Miss Bennet," maintaining his composed expression.
Zara gave him a nod before entering the café. She found a cozy corner seat by the window and placed her order, settling in as she waited for her drink.
Before long, her drink arrived.
She was dressed in a loose grey crop hoodie paired with light blue jeans, her hair styled in a high ponytail under a baseball cap, and she completed the look with white sneakers. The outfit had a casual vibe, yet it highlighted her elegance and beauty.
The waitstaff at the cafe couldn't help but be captivated by her stunning looks and the elegant way she sipped her drink. Yet, there was an air about her that made them a bit wary, a cool vibe that radiated from her.
After a while, the cafe door swung open, and in walked a fit girl with long legs. Her straight hair cascaded down her shoulders, and her feathered bangs framed her fair face. She sported blue jeans and a white top tucked neatly into them, topped off with a black blazer and block-heeled boots.
As she stepped inside, she scanned the room. The moment her eyes landed on Zara, her face lit up with a broad smile as if she had just spotted a goddess, and she made her way over. Zara had already noticed the girl the moment she entered the cafe.
Zoye, the girl in question, had plans to attend the auction taking place at Blossom Park. With some time to spare before the event, she and Zara decided to meet up at a nearby coffee shop first.
When Zara spotted Zoye rushing towards her, she calmly got up and was enveloped in a warm hug as Zoye approached with open arms. "Hey, Luna! How have you been? It feels like ages since we last saw each other," Zoye exclaimed while embracing Zara.
"Absolutely, it has been quite a while. A few months can feel like forever, right?" Zara replied, and Zoye playfully stuck her tongue out as she released her.
Once they settled into their seats, Zoye ordered a strawberry milkshake and some milk pudding. "So, how's life treating you, Miss?" Zoye asked, her face lighting up with curiosity.
Zara noticed the curious look on Zoye's face and raised an eyebrow, tilting her head as if to ask, "What do you mean?"
In response to Zara's expression, Zoye threw her hands up in mock surrender and said, "Okay, okay! I totally asked the wrong person. My bad!"
"Sure, your life seems pretty straightforward and a bit dull, but I bet there are a ton of mysterious things going on behind the scenes. Even with all that mystery, why aren't you considering dating or having a crush or something?"
Zoye continued, sipping her milkshake. "You've got it all, and I can tell you're enjoying life, but you're still missing that one special piece."
Zara looked at Zoye with a mix of seriousness and playfulness, her eyebrows raised. "I've already mentioned this. Keep your romantic thoughts to yourself. If you continue like this, I might just have to call Kole to assist you with that part of your life. What do you think? Sounds like a plan, right?"
Zoye's face shifted from joy to panic at the mention of Kloe. "No! Please don't do that. You know how hard I'm trying to stay away from him. If he spots me now, I'm definitely in trouble."
Zoye, Zara, Freya, Grace, Zen, and Kole were all classmates and shared a close bond. Each of them had carved out their own niche in their studies, thanks to their school and family influences.
This school caters to students whose families not only possess wealth but also hold significant influence.
It primarily serves children from esteemed and well-guarded families, ensuring they have access to secure environments for their education and personal development. Unlike typical schools, this institution offers a unique curriculum tailored to equip students with the skills they need for their future.
In this setting, every student comes from a respected background, making them less vulnerable in society. The students here are not to be easily swayed or to be provoked.
Students from Laurania High School are truly in a league of their own, as Garden Grove High School stands out as the only institution in Laurania dedicated to enhancing personal habits and knowledge.
On another note, Zoye and Kole are a couple, but they often find themselves in disagreements. These conflicts usually arise from Zoye's actions, which Kole tries to address and resolve.
"I see you still have some fear of him. I thought no one could ever reign in Miss Zoye Francis, not even your parents," Zara remarked playfully.
Zoye pouted like a kid when she heard Zara's teasing tone and replied, "I thought the same thing! But who would've guessed that Kole coming into my life would give my parents more power and team up with him to keep me in check? If I had known my life would turn out like this, I wouldn't have gotten involved with him at all."
Frustration was written all over her face as she wallowed in self-pity.
Zara, noticing Zoye's dramatic reaction, shook her head with a sigh and said, "You really haven't changed a bit. Just a heads up, though—Kole might be quiet for now, but we all know how he operates. He's just letting you enjoy a little freedom for the moment. Don't forget, he'll be back to find you soon."
"Luna, don't freak me out! If he tracks me down, he'll just send me back to my folks, and then they'll keep an eye on me with all the company stuff. Ugh, just thinking about it makes me want to find a place to disappear." The thought alone sent chills down Zoye's spine.