The lecture hall buzzed with energy as the students chatted before the start of class. Elena Harper sat near the back, her notebook open in front of her. But instead of paying attention to the idle banter around her, she was scribbling furiously. It wasn’t notes for class-her thoughts were consumed by her family’s struggles, and the only way to keep her emotions in check was to write them down.
“Hey, Elena, what’s got you so serious?” Gabriel leaned over from the row beside her, flashing his trademark grin. “You plotting world domination or something?”
Elena barely looked up, mumbling, “Just… stuff.”
Andrew, who was sitting in the row ahead of her, turned around with a smirk. “Come on, Gabriel. She’s clearly writing a love letter. Maybe to you?”
Gabriel laughed, but Elena’s head shot up, her cheeks flushing. “What? No! It’s not-”
Before she could finish, Mia, who sat a few seats away, interjected with a saccharine tone. “Oh, leave her alone, boys. Elena’s too busy trying to figure out how to juggle all her admirers. Right, Elena?”
Elena glared at Mia, her irritation evident. The two had never gotten along, and Mia always found ways to make digs at her, especially in front of others.
“Maybe she’s just stressed about being the queen of scandals,” Mia added with a mock smile, earning a few chuckles from the nearby students.
“Enough, Mia,” Gabriel said firmly, his playful demeanor gone. “Don’t start.”
Before the conversation could escalate, the sound of polished shoes clicking against the marble hallway silenced the chatter. Adrian Blackwood had arrived.
The students scrambled to their seats, straightening their posture as the imposing professor entered the room. Adrian’s sharp gaze swept across the hall, noting the sudden quiet. He placed his leather folder on the desk with precision and adjusted his cufflinks before addressing the class.
“Good morning,” he began, his tone cold and commanding. “I trust you’ve all had enough time to socialize. Let’s focus on what matters now.”
The class nodded obediently, though the tension in the air was palpable. Adrian had a reputation for being strict and unyielding, and no one wanted to be the target of his sharp tongue.
As he began the lecture, his sharp eyes scanned the room. They landed on Elena, who was once again scribbling in her notebook, her pen moving rapidly across the page.
“Miss Harper,” Adrian’s voice cut through the room like a whip.
Elena froze, her pen hovering midair. Slowly, she looked up, her heart sinking as she met his piercing gaze.
“Stand up,” he commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Elena rose reluctantly, her notebook still clutched in her hand.
“What, exactly, is so important that you can’t focus on my lecture?” he asked, his voice laced with irritation.
“I-I was just taking notes, Professor,” she stammered.
Adrian’s lips curled into a cold smirk. “Really? Then why don’t you share your brilliant insights with the class?”
Elena hesitated, her mind scrambling for an answer. “It’s… just personal notes.”
“Personal notes?” Adrian raised an eyebrow. “This is not a diary session, Miss Harper. If you can’t respect my class, you’re welcome to leave.”
The room fell silent as Adrian’s words hung in the air. Gabriel and Andrew exchanged worried glances, their tension visible.
“Professor,” Gabriel spoke up cautiously. “I’m sure Elena didn’t mean to…”
“Did I ask for your opinion, Kingsley?” Adrian snapped, his gaze icy. Gabriel immediately fell silent, though his jaw tightened in frustration.
Elena swallowed hard, feeling the weight of everyone’s stares.
“Out,” Adrian said, pointing to the door.
“But-”
“No excuses,” he interrupted. “Leave the classroom and return when you’re ready to take this seriously.”
Humiliated, Elena gathered her things and walked out, her head low. Gabriel and Andrew looked as though they wanted to follow her, but one sharp glance from Adrian kept them in their seats.
—
As the lecture continued, Adrian noticed a raised hand. It was Mia, her expression smug.
“Professor,” she began sweetly, “I think it’s only fair to let you know that Elena’s behavior isn’t a one-time thing. She’s always distracted in class, and honestly, she’s been caught in so many scandals. I’m surprised she even cares about school at all.”
Adrian’s jaw tightened as he listened. He wasn’t one to entertain gossip, but Mia’s words added fuel to his already growing frustration with Elena.
“Is that so?” he said, his voice dangerously calm.
Mia nodded eagerly, her eyes glinting with satisfaction. “Yes, Professor. I just thought you should know.”
Adrian didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he turned back to the class, his expression unreadable.
—
Outside the lecture hall, Elena sat on a bench, her head in her hands. She felt a mix of anger and humiliation bubbling inside her.
A few minutes later, the door opened, and Gabriel and Andrew stepped out, ignoring the glares of their classmates.
“Hey,” Gabriel said softly, sitting beside her. “You okay?”
Elena looked up, her eyes watery. “What do you think?”
“That was harsh,” Andrew admitted, leaning against the wall. “But it’s Blackwood. He’s not exactly Mr. Warm and Fuzzy.”
“Why did he single me out?” Elena muttered. “I wasn’t doing anything wrong.”
Gabriel frowned. “You’re a target, Elena. And people like Mia don’t help.”
—
Inside the classroom, Adrian finished the lecture and dismissed the class. As he gathered his things, he thought about Mia’s words and Elena’s behavior.
He didn’t know why Elena Harper got under his skin, but one thing was clear he wasn’t done with her yet.