Chapter 160
I nodded. “That sounds about right. An alumnus with sterling achievements like yours definitely deserves the academy’s top brass to stand with you.”
He smiled humbly. “Those people are more trouble than they’re worth. I wish I could be free of that.”
“Sounds like a problem only the very successful ever need to worry about. We normies will just watch y’all like the audience we are.”
Soren lowered his head and chuckled in embarrassment. Then, quite suddenly, he said, “We can go to the National Academy together.”
“Oh! I was going to take the metro. Are you too?” I asked.
The academy would surely be packed that day. One didn’t get to see an institution celebrate its 100th birthday every day, after all.
To ensure student safety, the academy would likely restrict the number of cars entering So, I thought–why not just use public transport?
“You’re going to take the train after putting on your best look?” Soren raised an eyebrow. “I think I’ll come for you in a car. We can enter the academy from the northern gate.”
“Huh!”
I was surprised, but I also knew it made sense. A figure like him definitely had certain privileges.
The academy would treat him with the utmost respect, and I wouldn’t put it past them to organize a welcome party with the higher–ups. They were probably going to line the streets to greet Soren, right?
“I think it’s a good plan, but you’ll have to let me get out of the car sooner. I don’t think I should be inside after you enter the campus grounds,” I said.
I wasn’t the one they’d be greeting. I wouldn’t feel comfortable being there.
He chuckled quietly. “Let’s put a pin in it.”
“Yeah!” I nodded enthusiastically. I was starting to really look forward to the celebration!
“Hello, Ren? Are you going to get into her room and talk some more?” Soleil’s voice drifted from the car.
I snapped to attention. “Oh God, yes! You have to get back there. Don’t keep Madame Kenway waiting!”
I saw my car pulling up to the neighborhood–Michael had brought it here!
“Alright, I’m heading home. You should get into the car and tell him where to go next. And don’t stay out here for too long. The wind’s chilly,” Soren said.
“Right. See you.”
I waved goodbye, got into my car, and instructed Michael where to park.
I was still floating on cloud nine by the time I got home. I even hummed a song in the shower! I thought about us sticking close together in the car, and the delight only grew
God. I had to be insane. A man had just ruined my life, and now I was hopelessly drawn to another?!
1/2
+25 BONUS
Chapter 160
“Taylor Jones, you have to stop being such a romantic! Cut it out!”
But another voice inside me countered, “How many times in life does anyone truly meet someone they love? Not often, that’s for sure.”
As I drifted to sleep, rationality gave way to romantic sentiment.
This was Soren Kenway! Even if he deceived me, or didn’t reciprocate, or betrayed me and left me heartbroken- just the thought of the moments we shared tonight was enough to chase away any doubt. 1
The next morning, I went to my office for work.
Lola called while I was still on my way.
“Good morning, dear! You’re up already, huh?” she greeted her voice warm.
Oh, she must have decided to buy my shares–but I could tell she was hoping to lower the price even further.
I feigned innocence. “I’m on my way to the office. Got to work overtime.”
“Sounds tough,” Lola remarked.
I smiled and agreed.
Neither of us mentioned the elephant in the room. I wondered who would cave first.
After a brief silence, Lola finally got to the point. “So, about those shares you mentioned last night. I spoke with your uncle, and we decided it’s better to keep them within the family. That’s why we’re purchasing them. But…‘
