Jolyn's pov
Goosebumps pricked my skin. "Really, why does this place feel so familiar?" I asked, somewhat surprised by my own question. It was a strange, unexplainable feeling.
Bailey glanced at me, puzzled. "You said this is your first time here. Why does it seem familiar to you?"
I shrugged and took another sip of my coffee. "Maybe it's just the coffee. As you said, it brings back memories."
Bailey was thoughtful for a moment. "You could be right. Sometimes, the simplest things trigger memories."
She then asked, "Do you have any plans for tomorrow night?"
I shook my head. "No plans, just heading home."
"Do you have a dorm already? If you're free, you could join me in mine. I'm on my own there," Bailey offered.
I smiled warmly. "That sounds nice."
"There's a catch," she added, sipping her coffee.
I waited for her to continue, but she took a pause.
"My brother is in the next room. Sometimes, when he's bored, he knocks on the door at all hours. It's hard to sleep," Bailey explained.
I chuckled, recalling how my brother Damien used to do the same when he couldn't sleep, then acted as if nothing had happened the next day.
"You're right; Lucious can be quite the nuisance."
Bailey laughed at my comment. We bonded over our shared frustrations with Lucious, and her stories made me laugh genuinely. It felt wonderful to laugh like this again, and I was grateful to Bailey for that.
As the sun began to set, we decided to leave the café. We discussed how I would move my things to her dorm. Our university offered room options, but students were free to choose their accommodations as long as they didn't disrupt others.
"Are you heading back to the hotel now?" Bailey asked as we reached the street.
"Yes, I'm waiting for a taxi."
I had declined my father's offer to hire a driver, wanting to prove I could manage on my own. So, I stood there waiting.
"Alright. I need to get back to my dorm. Call me if you need anything. Here's my card," Bailey said, handing me a card.
"Thank you for a wonderful day," I said, giving her a hug before she left.
As I waited alone, a red car pulled up. When the window rolled down, I saw Lucious behind the wheel. My smile vanished instantly.
"I'll take you back to the hotel," he said.
"No, thanks," I replied, crossing my arms.
"Have you adopted my sister's attitude already?"
I didn't answer.
"Get in the car, or I'll schedule extra training for you tomorrow," he threatened.
I hesitated, waiting for a sign that he was joking, but his serious expression told me otherwise. As my personal trainer, he had the authority to do just that.
Reluctantly, I got into his car.
"Girls are so complicated," Lucious laughed, despite my glaring at him.
It was a strange mix of emotions—part irritation, part unexpected happiness. I hated the situation but couldn't deny that being with him brought a curious, confusing joy.
_ _ _
I was seated alone in the garden. Bailey and I had plans to meet up there today but she couldn't come.
She left me text stating that she had a small wardrobe malfunction and needed to return to her dorm room.
With my enrollment done and with no particular plans, I was left to wander aimlessly. Lucious had invited me out earlier, but I had turned him down.
I wanted to spend time with his sister, though in truth, I also wanted to see him. I figured it was time he learned that he couldn't always get what he wanted right away. He had called me earlier, but I ignored it.
As I sat alone, observing the plants, I spotted a familiar figure at the edge of the garden. It was her again—the girl I had seen before. What was her name? Alacia?
"Hi there," I said cheerfully, moving closer, but she instinctively took a step back.
"Is something wrong? I'm not trying to be a bother. I just want to be friends," I said, puzzled by her reaction.
She looked at me with a hint of fear. Had she seen me dealing with those bullies before? That was just self-defense; it wasn't an indication of my character.
"I know..." she mumbled, her voice tinged with apprehension.
"Why do you seem so reluctant to befriend me?"
"I don't want to. Just... please, don't ask me about it. This garden is my refuge. Please leave," she pleaded, avoiding my gaze.
Her demeanor puzzled me. Despite her refusal, I could sense she was hiding something. I wanted to understand why she was so afraid, but her resistance only fueled my curiosity.
"Please?" she repeated, still not meeting my eyes.
I sighed and walked away, frustrated. I wanted to know more about her, but her constant rejection made it difficult.
Who was she? Why did she seem so terrified?
As I pondered this, my phone rang again—Lucious. I answered, and he asked me to meet him at the library, mentioning he had something for me. After ending the call, I saw a text from Bailey explaining she couldn't make it because her father had called her for an urgent meeting. I understood and headed to the library, knowing I had no choice but to deal with Lucious.
I arrived at the library and looked around but didn't see Lucious. Just as I was about to leave, I felt a sudden presence close behind me. I turned, only to find myself nearly colliding with Lucious's solid chest.
"What the hell!" I exclaimed.
"Shh! Quiet down!" I heard a stern voice from nearby. I quickly covered my mouth, trying to stifle my reaction.
Lucious, laughing, enjoyed my dismay. "What the hell!" he mocked, mimicking my earlier outburst.
I crossed my arms and raised an eyebrow. "So, this was your plan? Are you satisfied now?"
"No, I didn't expect you to make such a scene. You're a terrible library guest," he teased, pinching my nose.
I rolled my eyes and said nothing. It seemed like he was getting back at me for ignoring him the previous day.
"Where have you been? I was about to search the entire campus. Bailey didn't give me a clear location, and you didn't pick up your phone," he said, his tone almost accusatory.
"I was in the garden," I replied.
"In the garden?" he repeated, as if recalling something. "Ah, you must have met the quiet girl there?"
My interest was piqued. Did he know who she was?