A Morning of Surprises
Emily's aunt was fuming, her voice echoing through the empty halls. "This girl is going to spoil our family name! Can you imagine? She's not even at home, sleeping who-knows-where. What nonsense!"
Emily, oblivious to her aunt's rant, was already getting ready for the day. She had planned to keep her living arrangements private until she finished college and could afford her own place.
After dressing in a stunning light blue V-neck gown, complete with a delicate necklace and dangling earrings, Emily smiled at her reflection. "Good morning, Emily. Today, I'm going to tackle everything."
Downstairs, she found Leo waiting, looking dashing in his black suit and red overcoat. His leg crossed, he exuded confidence.
"Wow, you look stunning," Emily said, her eyes widening.
Leo smiled. "You too, darling. Shall we go? I can drop you off at college."
Emily hesitated. "No, I'll take a taxi. I don't want to disturb you."
Leo chuckled. "Your college is just a stone's throw from my work. No need to worry."
Emily's concern shifted to her friends' potential gossip. "But your car is quite... flashy."
Leo's eyes sparkled. "You're worried about what people say? You'll get attention regardless, so better face it now."
Emily's cheeks flushed. "Okay, let's go."
As Leo took her hand, Emily's heart skipped a beat. "Do we have to do this? No one's watching."
Leo's smile was disarming. "Just getting to know my fiancée better, making her feel comfortable."
Emily giggled, feeling butterflies in her belly. "Oh my gosh, that's so sweet. Alright, let's go."
They walked to the car, a sleek black Ferrari. Emily's eyes widened. "This is... impressive."
Leo laughed silently, enjoying her reaction.
As they drove, Emily's mind wandered to her secret identity as an artist. She drew whenever she visited her grandfather, filling sketchbooks with vibrant creations.
Should she share this with Leo? She glanced at him, his profile strong and handsome.
For now, she'd keep her art a secret, savoring the joy of having something just for herself.
Arriving at college, Leo leaned over, his lips brushing against Emily's in a light kiss. "Have a great day at college, and don't forget to miss me."
Emily's cheeks flushed. "I will."
"If you encounter any situation, just call me. My number is... I'll send you a message later."
Emily nodded, her heart racing.
She quickly gave him a peck on the cheek. "Bye, later!"
Stepping out of the car, Emily's face, ears, and cheeks glowed bright red. Her blushing was unmistakable.
The campus fell silent as students stared, mouths agape, at the sleek Ferrari and its occupants. Emily's emergence from the luxury car sparked whispers and gasps.
"Is that... Emily?"
"Who's the guy?"
The old rumors about Emily's mysterious past swirled anew, fueled by her association with the enigmatic Unknow guy.
Leo's eyes lingered on her retreating figure. A smile played on his lips.
The whispers spread like wildfire as Emily walked away from the Ferrari. Classmates gathered, eyes wide with wonder.
"Oh my God, whose car was that?"
"Who was that guy?"
"I thought Emily was from a poor family. Who brought her to school?"
Gasps filled the air as they spotted the diamond ring on Emily's finger.
"Is she engaged?"
"Why would she still come to college if she's already set?"
Jealousy and hatred etched on many faces, especially among the girls.
"Emily's always been average, but now she looks... stunning."
"I don't get it. She's always been so low-key."
The gossipmongers dissected every detail, from Emily's outfit to her hairstyle.
Meanwhile, Emily swiftly headed to her first class of the day, Physics. She settled into her seat, trying to focus on the lecture.
As the day progressed, Leo's message arrived during her third class.
"Hey, I'll send my assistant to pick you up later. I've got work. Hope you don't mind."
Emily replied, "Yeah, no problem. Take care, bye."
Leo's response was brief: "Bye sweetie ."
Unbeknownst to Emily, the news of Leo's engagement had spread like wildfire outside campus. The Pariser published a cryptic article:
"Business Magnate Leo Engaged to Mysterious Woman"
The article featured a photo of the diamond ring, but not Emily's picture. This only fueled the speculation.
Back on campus, the gossip intensified.
"Where did she find such a rich businessman?"
"Is she a secret heiress or something?"
Rumors swirled, and Emily remained oblivious, focused on her studies.
As Emily packed up her belongings after her last lecture, a familiar face approached her. Rachel, an old classmate, wore a mask of concern etched on her face , but her eyes betrayed a deeper sentiment - hatred.
"Emily, don't be upset, but..." Rachel's voice dripped with malice. "When did you get engaged? Why did you hide this from us? Why no invitation to your engagement?"
Emily's instincts prickled, sensing the trap.
"Who's the lucky person?" Rachel pressed on. "And when did you become rich? I thought your parents passed away long ago."
The surrounding students' attention piqued, drawn in by Rachel's provocative tone.
"Is it true your aunt was angry you didn't sleep at home?" Rachel's voice rose, intentionally fueling the gossip.
The hallway erupted into a cacophony of whispers and gasps.
"Oh my God, I never expected her to be like this!"
"I never thought she lived such a life!"
Emily's face flushed, her patience wearing thin.
"Rachel, please. If you know what's good for you, watch what you say. I'm not the person you think I am."
Emily's stern warning only fueled Rachel's vitriol.
"You think you're better than us now, don't you? With your fancy ring and rich boyfriend!"
Emily's eyes narrowed, her voice firm.
"I said, watch what you say, Rachel. This isn't the place for this conversation."
With that, Emily turned and walked away, leaving Rachel and the gossiping crowd in her wake.
As Emily disappeared into the throng of students, Rachel's eyes seethed with resentment.
"This isn't over, Emily," she muttered under her breath.
The confrontation only intensified the rumors surrounding Emily's engagement and mysterious boyfriend.
Meanwhile, Leo's assistant, dressed in a crisp suit, waited discreetly outside the college entrance, ready to escort Emily to safety.