The next day, Liora met Sven behind the cafe, out of sight from others. She preferred to skip his typical spot, where he often photographed women. She couldn't let him see any signs of vulnerability.
Inside the cafe, students came and went, quickly grabbing their coffee or small breakfast before heading to their classes. Sven's eyes appeared swollen and reddish as if he hadn't gotten any sleep.
"Why did you tell me to be careful?" Sven questioned, his tone irritated. Liora stifled a pleased smile. She glanced over Sven's shoulder once more before locking her eyes with his again. Sven immediately glanced back anxiously. "Is someone following me?" he panicked.
Sven moved closer to Liora, causing her to flinch and take a step back.
"Listen, Mr DeCosta, you need to remain calm." She glanced around, ensuring no one was eavesdropping, then said in a calm tone, "And I'm only here to help you." She paused before continuing, "I have no interest in a job. But I wasn't sure how to approach you, so I lied about the job." Liora certainly didn't want a position that might involve Sven taking pictures of her or doing something far worse, like selling her organs in the name of giving her a job. The thought of selling organs made her grit her teeth while maintaining a forced smile, trying to suppress the urge to punch him in the gut.
"Stop calling me DeCosta. Call me Sven." Sven disliked when young girls addressed him by his last name; it made him feel ancient. If you're not interested in a job, then why did you request to talk to me?" He fought to contain his annoyance, as he had not rested well since Liora warned him to stay cautious. "What do you know that I don't?"
Liora took a deep breath before she revealed. "You've made some powerful enemies, and they're watching you. That's all I can say for now, as I have to go to my class. I am getting late." Liora wanted him to feel more anxious, so she decided to hold on to whatever more she wanted from him further. 'Let him be more paranoid.'
Sven's eyes darted around like a paranoid maniac. "Who…who? And how do you know this?"
Sven's gaze pierced through Liora. His eyes were filled with a deep-seated mistrust. This stunning woman who had approached him with a request for employment now felt more like an enemy.
Liora's eyes darted about, surveying her surroundings with an almost frantic energy before she lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "Because they told me." Her head tilted intermittently as if she was seeing something that others couldn't.
"Lady, if you are trying to play with me..." Sven began.
Liora interrupted him, looking distant. Her gaze drifted beyond him as if she were looking into another world. With her lips slightly parted, she asked a question that felt heavy in the air. "Do you feel the weight pressing down on your shoulders right now?" Her eyes stayed fixed on an unseen point above, leaving Sven unsettled and searching for meaning in her words.
Sven gulped and started moving his shoulders to see how he felt. He even looked up. "Yes, I feel a little heavy. Why?" he asked.
"Does it happen a lot? Back pain, knee pain? Do you feel like you have a heavy burden on your shoulders?" Did Liora take a lesson from Caspian? These were common traits as people got older.
"Y...yes. Why do you ask?" Sven's voice faltered.
"Nothing, I wanted to confirm if you feel something," Liora said, looking into Sven's eyes. "Be careful, okay?" She repeated.
Sven could no longer conceal his desperation and annoyance. "That's enough! Just tell me, what is it? I need to know right now." He had spent the entire night contemplating her warning. He had many enemies. In fact, he had spent the whole night making a list of them. Wasn't he anxious enough already? This woman was on the verge of giving him a heart attack.
Liora was relishing Sven's anxiety. 'Serves you right,' she thought to herself. She kept her composure. "Do you genuinely want to know? I'm simply trying to help you, Sven." However, before she spoke more, Liora dramatically placed her hand on her throat. "I'm feeling thirsty. Could I have something to drink?"
Sven's irritation was clear as the clear blue sky. He was desperate to find out the truth and yet Liora seemed to be dragging her feet.
"Just hold on for a moment," he said, trying to rein in his temper.
He stepped inside the cafe through the back door and quickly returned with a steaming cup of coffee. "Here," he said, handing it to her.
"Thanks," she replied, letting the warmth of the coffee seep into her hands. "Now, about what you need to know…"
Sven leaned in with his serious expression marring his face.
"I can see ghosts."
A moment of silence spread between them. Sven stared at her in disbelief before laughter erupted from him. This woman's words, which had kept him on edge all night, were referring to ghosts? "I really wasn't expecting that!" he chuckled, shaking his head in amusement.
"It's alright," Liora replied, keeping her calm and confident. "At first, everyone reacts like you do. But when the situation intensifies, they eventually seek me out for assistance." A smile played on her lips as she continued, "I'm kind of a shaman, Sven." She whispered the last part as if it were a secret. "Do not tell anyone. It's my secret."
Sven's laughter faded as he examined her expression, searching for signs of insincerity in it. He does not believe in such ridiculous things. "A shaman? You've got to be kidding me. Is that really what you do?"
"I know it sounds unusual," Liora said gently, meeting his gaze. "But there's much more to this world than what we see. Sometimes, the answers lie beyond our understanding."
Sven massaged the back of his neck, "Okay, Li, I need to head into the cafe where my presence is required. Have a nice day." Sven shook his head in disbelief. This woman is out of her mind if she believes ghosts are real. He is the one pulling a fast one. Does she really think she can swindle him for money? Just as Sven was about to leave, Liroa spoke up.
"You have my number. If you encounter any more trouble, call me if you require assistance."
With that, she turned and walked away confidently, leaving Sven standing there, his laughter fading as doubt began to creep into his mind.
Liora threw the coffee in the dustbin before entering the class. She hadn't taken even a sip of that coffee. How could she take something from the murderer of her father?
Meanwhile, Donovan cornered his cousins, who had been dodging him ever since the beach incident, both at home and on campus.
"Spill." Donovan stood before them like a pillar of iron. His hands crossed on his chest, and his brows furrowed in a serious expression. There is no way he would let his cousin avoid him any longer. They were definitely hiding something from him. Something about Liora.
Kai and Logan exchanged nervous glances. "W..we don't understand what you mean," Kai stammered. He was failing to keep his cool after being confronted by Donovan, who looked like he would murder them anytime if they did not spill the beans.
"Don't make me tap your vital points. You might never get an erection after that." Donovan warned them with a wicked grin spreading across his face as he traced his finger along his thumb.
Kai and Logan exchanged alarmed glances at the implication of Donovan's threat. Donovan was highly skilled in understanding human anatomy. He could target specific vital points with devastating precision. Even blindfolded, he could inflict pain or incapacitate someone with ease. They needed a way to defuse the situation and keep this monster at bay.
Logan took a deep breath and decided to take a gamble. "We think you've got some unresolved feelings for Liora. That's why I brought her up." There was no way they were going to tell him the complete truth.
Hearing Logan's explanation, Donovan didn't say a word. Instead, he just turned and left for his class.
Kai let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. "I was ready to run as far as possible from Don," he confessed.
Logan chuckled, nudging Kai. "Next time, let's just tell him we joined a monastery. Less chance of getting our vital points tapped."
"So, where is our Liora?" Kai asked while looking around. "I haven't seen her since yesterday."
Logan lightly slapped his forehead in exasperation. "I do not want Don to hear you calling her our Liora. I do not know about you, but I definitely want to have kids someday."
As Donovan walked, he noticed Liora walking towards her class with a cup of coffee in hand. She looked troubled as if the coffee had caused her some deep frustration. Donovan could not help but be amused by her action and expression and he chuckled quietly.
His laughter was deep and strong, like the comforting yet slightly threatening rumble of thunder. It was a rare sound that drew people in, making them want to listen more, even with a hint of danger behind it.
"What's got you chuckling?" Rihana approached Donovan to say hello. She could hardly believe her ears. Had she really heard him laugh?
Donovan often wore a faint smile for her but an actual chuckle she had never seen before.
She wondered what could have made him chuckle. How breathtaking it was, just like when he talked. She felt a twinge of desire rushing through her, wanting the taste of his lips, yearning to feel the soft warmth of his mouth against hers. Yet, a nagging thought crept in. If Donovan chuckled more often, how many women would suddenly find him irresistible?
But as Donovan turned his head and caught sight of Rihana, the smile he had worn moments before vanished. "Nothing important, Rihana." His voice had an edge to it. He never thought Rihana could act so cruelly because of the dress that she would kill Li for that. If she wanted one, he could have easily bought her thousands, but her petty thinking made him grind his teeth in frustration.
"We are over, Rihana. And before you start asking questions or putting on a show of how hurtful you are, let me be clear: I hate women like you!"
Eyewitnesses nearby gasped at his declaration, murmurs rippling through the crowd as Rihana stared at him, stunned and shattered.
"What have I done to make you think so low of me, Donovan? I've always been nice to you!" she questioned, confusion and hurt marking her features. She was in a great mood today. She even planned a dinner for them at a beachfront restaurant. So why was this happening?
"It's your homework to figure that out," he replied curtly before striding away toward his building, leaving Rihana bewildered. All around her, people began to whisper, gossiping about the scene that had just unfolded.
College hours had ended, and most students had already left to study or spend their leisure time at the beach. Liora made her way to the secluded area under the same tree she had practised climbing at 4 a.m. that morning when no one was around to witness her peculiar activity. This was the same tree Sven always brought students here.
She glanced around, ensuring no one was nearby. This area of the campus was less frequented, likely due to Sven's notorious reputation. With the coast clear, she pulled out a thinner rope from her bag and, after a few attempts, managed to secure it tightly to a sturdy branch using a smaller hook.
Giving the rope a firm tug, she confirmed it was strong enough to hold.
Liora exhaled in relief and began climbing up the tree, her movements precise and calculated. Today, she carried a slightly heavier backpack packed with everything she needed for her plan. Balancing herself on the branch, she reached into her bag and retrieved a small wheel with a thin, long string attached—much like the pulley systems used in brick water wells.
She fixed the wheel securely on the branch, ensuring it was tightly bound. After setting it up, she tested the mechanism by pulling on the rope, watching as it moved smoothly over the wheel, just like a well's pulley. A satisfied smile crossed her lips.
Everything was ready.
Liora perched on the branch, her legs dangling freely as she looked out over the serene campus. From up here, the world seemed quiet and peaceful. A rare tranquillity settled over her as she gazed at the water stream below, the sunlight dancing on its surface.
For a moment, she let herself drift into thoughts of Caspian. She wondered what he was doing and if he missed her as much as she missed him. A faint smile played on her lips. Her heart felt both heavy and warm at the same time.
Liora was daydreaming when a loud cry broke her peace. She quickly looked up and saw a fierce bird staring at her. Its feathers were ruffled with anger as it protected its nest of eggs nearby. The bird flapped its wings wildly, making a sharp sound making Liora flinch.
"I mean no harm to your babies. I'll leave soon, I promise," she whispered to the mother bird.
But the mother bird did not back down. Driven by instinct to protect her young, she screeched and swooped toward Liora, her wings moving fast.
Startled, Liora instinctively leaned back. Her grip on the branch faltered and she lost her balance. Her body tipped backwards. Her heart skipped a beat as gravity took hold, pulling her down.
She shut her eyes, preparing herself for the rough impact of the ground beneath her. But it never happened. Instead, she felt a powerful, steady force catching her mid-fall and holding her securely. At that moment, Liora recognized who it was. She wasn't even surprised anymore. She was so certain that even if she fell from her own bed, she would end up in Nova's arms. She gradually opened her eyes and found herself cradled in Nova's embrace.
Her cheeks burned with embarrassment. She immediately covered her face with her hands, not even daring to look at him. hid her face with her hands, unable to meet his gaze. The familiar aroma of his cologne, warm and masculine, surrounded her. His hold was solid yet gentle, his broad chest steady against her, as if he had no intention of releasing her.
"I-I still believe we should exchange phone numbers and let each other know where we are on campus," Liora stammered, still hiding her face.
"How did you know I would be passing by here today? Are you following me?" Donovan asked in curiosity.
Liora shook her head in denial. But she wouldn't fault Nova. After today, she felt like an official stalker, utterly smitten with Donovan like all the other girls at her school.
"H-How did you know I was going to fall today and that you would be here to catch me?" Liora asked, still concealing her face. She couldn't bear to look at Donovan. She didn't want to see any annoyed expression he may have had.
"Are you suggesting that I was just waiting for you to fall?" Donovan queried. His voice came out so smooth and deep as if someone who had indulged in whiskey. There was an alluring quality to it, rich and intoxicating, drawing Liora in despite the tension that hung between them.
Her heart raced uncontrollably, and in a flurry of panicked words, she replied, "The bird attacked me. I didn't intend for this to happen. I swear!" She spoke so rapidly that her words tumbled together like a person who was desperately trying to clarify their situation.
Still holding her securely, Donovan looked up at the tree. He observed the rope and hook, then noticed the agitated bird flapping its wings, defending its nest. He looked back at Liora, his eyes narrowing in scepticism. 'What on earth was this girl doing up there?' His thoughts sped as he pieced together the unfolding scene.
Peeking through her fingers, Liora caught sight of his expression—confused, mildly annoyed, and utterly unconvinced. She could almost see the question formulating in his eyes: 'Why is she always in trouble?'
To her dismay, he was still holding her, refusing to put her down. She could feel his heartbeat, strong and steady, mirroring her own erratic rhythm. Is he planning to toss me into the water? That thought crossed her mind. He had thrown her once before when they first met on that stormy day.
She instinctively tightened her grip on his shirt and made eye contact with him, which she soon regretted. His eyes always seemed to ensnare her. Why?
"B-Be careful with your shirt if you're thinking of throwing me into the water. You wouldn't want to walk around with your chest exposed," she stammered, her voice trembling. She was ready to tear Donovan's shirt if he dared to throw her in the water.
Donovan's eyebrows furrowed in genuine confusion. Why did she assume he would do that? He hadn't acted in a way that would lead her to believe it.
"Is that what you want to see?" Donovan asked her genuinely.
"NO! Y-you can… um… gently let me down," she whispered soft and sweetly. Her eyes were wide with a blend of embarrassment and vulnerability.
Donovan didn't budge. He simply gazed at her with his expressionless face. His arms were still holding her close. Her scent was intoxicating to him, and her touch was warm and delicate. For a moment, it felt as though time stood still as his mind battled with itself.
His logical reasoning insisted that she was nothing but trouble—a walking disaster who somehow always landed in his arms. But his emotional side… it was entranced, ensnared in her gaze.
He could let her go right now, but she would run. He could see it in her eyes—the urge to flee, to escape his presence. And he didn't want that.
Not yet!
"Very well," Donovan decided, a subtle smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "If you're so insistent on staying in my arms, let's talk." Liora's eyes widened in surprise.
If she was going to keep finding ways to fall into his embrace, she might as well use this opportunity to get to know him better, to seek answers, to understand why she felt such a connection to him, and to clarify whether she was truly following him. But then again, she shook her head in denial. She was not stalking him, at least, not consciously. She was sure of that. She could not even share with anyone to get some clarification about her and Nova. What could she possibly ask? Why did she keep finding herself in Nova's arms? Liora's face could challenge the colour by the way she flushed at that thought.
Before she could object, Donovan started walking toward the parking lot, carrying her effortlessly.
She tried to wriggle free, but his hold was unyielding. Her heart pounded wildly, her mind racing with panic and confusion. Why wasn't he letting her go?
"You can let go of me. I can walk." Liora insisted.
"I know the first thing you would do is run away. And if I tried to stop you, I might end up with another hickey from you. I'm not taking that chance, Miss Li," Donovan replied calmly and coolly, his breath steady as if he was not burdened by her weight.
'Did he really just use the word hickey?' Liora thought to herself. She wanted to hide herself the way she was turning red. Her actions were going against her. "That's not what I did," Liroa whispered softly.
"Your words and actions do not match, Li."
She couldn't escape from Nova. She simply chose to hide her face behind her palms, grateful that there weren't many people on campus to witness her in this predicament.
"What do you think your girlfriend would feel if she saw us like this?" Liora inquired.
"Are you concerned about how my girlfriend might feel?"
Liora considered Donovan's question for a moment. It reminded her of how she had nearly harmed her. "No! I'm not. But you could get into trouble if she..." Liora's voice faded away.
"We have broken up," Donovan murmured softly for Liora to catch his words. She pulled her hands away and studied Donovan to see if he was being honest.
She would feel pleased if he really had ended things with her. She didn't think Rihana was a good person, and she truly believed that Nova could find a better girlfriend. A slight smile appeared on her lips.
Donovan quickly locked eyes with her, "Is that a smile I see on your face, Li?"