Enticed By His Trap

VERONICA'S POV.

I took a deep breath before turning the page of the book I was currently reading. I was reading a law book while inside my office. Seven years had passed, and I already fulfilled my dream of becoming a licensed lawyer. But why? Why does something seem to be missing? I should be happy now, but it feels like I'm a puzzle with one piece missing from it. I felt incomplete for the past 7 years.

I don't understand the destiny either. When you're almost at the peak of happiness, it will suddenly pull you down. In just one incident, everything will be gone. It was like you were building a castle on a beach using the sand, and when the waves came, suddenly everything you worked for would disappear in an instant.

I shook my head because of those thoughts. It's funny because I was the one who pushed him away, but now, I'm longing for him. His care, his touch, his kisses, and the way we are both busy but still manage to make time for each other. I missed his love... I missed him so much.

But I knew it was impossible to happen again. It was way too complicated.

I glanced at my phone that was placed on my table when it rang. Someone is calling. I answered it before checking who the caller was. When I looked at the screen, my Mom's name was registered in the contact. I calmed myself before answering the call.

"Yes, Mom?"

"Are you going home early later? We need to talk," her voice was serious when she said it.

I closed the book in front of me before leaning back on the swivel chair I was sitting on.

"Uhm, yeah. I don't have much to do later. Why?"

"I'll discuss it with you later at home. Come home immediately before seven at night," she said before ending the call. My shoulders immediately dropped when I couldn't even hear the words she always used to say to me before hanging up the phone call.

The sin I committed years ago has really changed the way my loved ones treat me.

I finished my work immediately before six in the evening. I intend to go to a flower shop, I want to give Mom some flowers. It's been a long time since I last gave her one.

"Attorney Lopez, are you going home?" one of my fellow attorneys said when I entered the elevator. He's one of the longest-serving lawyers here while I'm just starting.

"Yeah," I nodded.

"Oh, I'm already here. I'll go first, be careful, Attorney!" He waved his right hand as a sign of goodbye as the elevator opened on the third floor.

"You too, Attorney Welner!"

When I got to the parking lot, I opened my bag to find my car key. When I got it, I opened my car. It was the same car I was using 7 years ago. It still worked so I didn't need to buy a new one.

I chuckled. Before, I didn't care if my things were new or old, as long as I could find something, I would buy it without hesitation.

Well, maybe that's part of growing up.

I stopped my car in front of a flower shop. I got out of my car before going inside the shop.

"Hi, miss! Do you have a bouquet of peace lilies?" I asked the woman at the cashier.

"Yes, we do, ma'am. What kind of peace lily do you want?" she asked with a smile plastered on her face.

"I want a white one,"

"Okay, ma'am. Just wait here, I'll take it first," she left then came back carrying a bouquet of flowers on her hands.

"Here it is, ma'am. I'm sure the person you give it to will surely like it."

"I hope so," I whispered.

"And oh, do you know that the peace lily symbolizes peace? That's why if you have an enemy or someone you have done wrong. You can give that person this peace lily, so you can fix your relationship with each other. But of course, you also have to go through it with a little patience. Some things take time to heal."

Is there any hope that they will forgive me after what I did? This lady in front of me said it takes time to heal. But until when? How long is that time? Seven years had already passed, but it was like nothing.

"But of course, you should buy it here in our shop, ma'am. Just kidding, but if you want to," she even giggled.

"How much is this?" I asked.

"The original price is 2500 pesos, ma'am. But since we have a 20% sale discount today, I'll just give it to you for 2000 pesos only. You also look kind."

I'm not kind. If you only knew what I did before, you'd see me as a demon.

I took a thousand from my wallet before giving it to her.

"Here's your change, ma'am. Have a nice day! I hope you'll come back here." She said energetically. I just smiled at her before accepting the money that was placed in her palm.

While I was walking back to where my car was parked, I felt something strange. I felt like someone was looking at me not far away. I ignored it until I reached my car. I opened the backseat door before carefully placing the bouquet of flowers there.

When I felt that someone was still staring at me out of nowhere, I looked around. But I didn't notice anything unusual. I shook my head before closing the door and just entered the car. In the past 2 years, it's always been like this. I feel like someone is always following and watching me. And I found it creepy.

Especially when I was in law school. Not a day goes by that I don't feel like someone is following me on my way home. And sometimes a love letter with my favorite chocolates will suddenly arrive in front of our house. At first, it was a big deal to me, but when I got used to it, I just ignored it. Because I know, whoever that person is will eventually stop too. That person will also get bored with what he or she is doing.

"Are my parents inside already?" I asked our guard when I was in front of the house. I lowered my car window so he could hear what I was saying.

"Yes, ma'am. They have been waiting for you for a while," he said. I nodded at him. He opened the gate fully for me to enter. I parked my car in the garage before taking the flower I bought.

A quiet living room greeted me when I entered the house. Mom was sitting on the single couch while Dad was across from it.

"Good evening, Mom and Dad!" I greeted them. I sat next to Dad.

I handed the bouquet to Mom. She just stared at it. When she didn't seem to have any intention of taking it, I put it on the small round table in front of us.

"What shall we talk about?" I asked.

I heard my Dad take a deep sigh. "Your mom and I are going to live in America."

"That's really where you live temporarily, Dad. Stop kidding me," I forced a laugh.

"No, it's not like that…" he seemed to be struggling to continue what he had to say.

I was about to speak when Mom suddenly spoke.

"Not only are we living there for our business temporarily, but permanently."

"What?!" I hissed. I couldn't process what they were saying. Why did they have to leave the Philippines to live in America? I couldn't see any reason for them to leave this country.

"Veronica, we'll visit you here, or you can also visit me and your Mom." Dad interrupted.

"But—" I didn't finish my word when mom cut me off again.

"No buts. Our decision is final. You can come if you want. But if you don't, we won't force you either."

"Solace!" Dad called my mom's name emphatically.

"But my work is here. If I go with you, I won't be able to do my job. Also, I just started my job as a lawyer. You might change your mind, Mom, Dad." My voice almost sounds begging. I couldn't leave my job here just like that.

"Sweetie, it can't be canceled. We already settled everything. The only thing we are waiting for is our flight. I'm sorry," Dad said.

I stood up before looking them directly in their eyes. "Tell me the truth, are you really going to live in America because of our business or because of some other reason?" I said with no emotion that can be seen on my face.

Dad bowed his head while Mommy stared blankly at me.

"We didn't say anything," said Mom.

"Yeah, you didn't! But that's what you're conveying. I thought we already settled everything? I thought you had forgiven me already? But why are you still acting like this, Mom? You're not like this before. Where is my mom who loves me so much? The sweet, caring, and... the one who doesn't want me to get hurt. Where is she?" My voice weakened.

She also stood up from her seat. "Do you really want to know? Why don't you ask yourself instead? You are the one doing things that is why you are suffering now. So you should only blame yourself. Not me or your daddy!" She bitterly shouted then left. Dad stood up.

"Veronica, I'll follow your mom." Before he had gone far, he stopped immediately. "And also, I don't want to tell you this but maybe we made the right decision to live there in America. It's for the better also. If you think that you're nagging her, she'll forgive you right away. I'm sorry sweetie, but that doesn't seem to be helping. You are only driving your mom's heart away from you."

"But don't worry, I'm sure she will forgive you with all her heart. It may not be right now, but soon. Just give her time now." I was left stunned. I felt my heart crash into tiny pieces because of what I heard. To this day, I still get really soft when Mom yells at me. This is the third time she shouted at me in my whole life, and it hurts like hell. Seeing your mother telling you all the mistakes you've made.

Tired, heavy, and thinking a lot of things, I entered my room. I lay my back on the soft mattress. My room was still the same, but the feel was different from before. The fun was gone whenever I entered this room. I closed my eyes while reliving the happy memories of the past. Everything was perfect at that time. I couldn't ask for anything more in my life. But now, I felt like I'd lost everything. Especially my mom's trust. She was different from before. A single tear escaped my eyes before sleep completely consumed my entire system.

The next day I woke up early because today is the schedule of the first case that I will handle as a licensed lawyer. I'm excited and a little nervous at the same time.

I gathered the files and documents I needed and put them in the briefcase. I couldn't even eat anymore because I'd lost my appetite. I'm still thinking about what my parents and I talked about yesterday. And I was hoping that it wouldn't affect my work later.

My client was a woman who wanted to divorce her husband, but it seemed that I would have a hard time because her husband did not agree. But I was still wishing the best of luck to me. This was my first case so I should be able to win.

I was wearing a white long-sleeved shirt with a collar that I layered with a black blazer. As for my skirt, I was wearing a knee-length black skirt paired with 1-inch black heels. I took the briefcase that was on top of my small couch here in my room before going downstairs. I didn't see Mom and Dad in the living room so I went straight to the garage.

I drove my car until I arrived at the court. I got out of the car and walked inside until I stopped at a large door.

"Are you Attorney Lopez?" a man asked me while still outside the courtroom. I nodded in answer.

"The court hearing is about to start, come in now,"

Two guards opened the huge door. I simply looked around the court as soon as I entered. I can't stop being amazed. I've been dreaming of this for a long time, and I can't believe it's already a dream come true.

I was exploring my eyes in the whole court until I felt a strange feeling again when someone was looking at me from a distance. I looked around to find out who that person was until I stopped looking at the man who was staring at me darkly. I almost lost my breath because of his dark gaze. I feel like I saw a ghost today, I'm sure my face went pale.

His captivating green eyes were still staring at me as if they were attracting me. I simply pinched myself to find out if what I was seeing was real or just my imagination.

"Ouch," I said weakly when I felt pain because of that. But if I'm hurt, does that mean what I'm seeing now is real? I'm not dreaming? I don't know how I should feel now that he is here in front of me. Should I be happy? Nervous? Or shocked? It seems like yesterday I was praying, hoping that I would see him again. But now, I just want to hide inside my mother's skirt.

I felt my heart beating so fast. After seven years, I just now experienced this feeling again.

But why was he here? Was he mad at me also like what my parents were?

He'd changed a lot. If he was handsome before, he was even more handsome now. He became more muscular. Even the way he looked at me was strange. I didn't read any emotion on his face. I smiled bitterly when I remembered everything in the past again.

I once again looked into his eyes.

No matter how captivating your green eyes are, I'm gonna make sure I won't be enticed by your trap again.

Because it will surely only cause pain to both of us.

I could hardly notice the people I passed by because of running rapidly. I could also feel my heart beating faster with every heavy breath I take. I almost bumped into a kid who was looking at a doll store. When I arrived at the parking lot, I placed my palm on the hood of my black La Ferrari car before taking a deep breath. This day is exhausting.

I looked at my feet. I was wearing 3-inch heels so I can see the redness a bit. After a few seconds, I got into my car and started driving it. Fortunately, there wasn't much traffic, so it didn't take thirty minutes for me to arrive right in front of our house. I parked my car in the garage before picking up my purchases in a shopping bag. Nanny Martha's voice greeted me as soon as I entered the house.

"It's good that you're here. You're such a stubborn lady! Where did you go? I told you that your parents would come home today yet you still left the house." Nanny Martha is our servant. Out of the many maids we had here, she was the only one who stayed longer. She is also the only one who has lasted and understood my attitude. That's why I treat her like my second mother. Mostly those who have been my nannies since I was a child resigned because they said they couldn't handle my stubbornness and mischievousness.

I placed the things I bought on the couch before sitting down.

"Nanny, I just left to get some fresh air. I just need to take a break for a while." My excuse.

"Fine. But now, change yourself first. Your parents will be here later. I'm just going to cook meals. I will also cook your favorite chicken adobo."

My ears perked up because of what I heard. I immediately looked at Nanny who was about to go to the kitchen. I love chicken adobo that much. Especially if she is the one who cooks it.

"Really, Nanny?" She laughed softly. She knows my weakness.

"Yes, but change yourself first. Look at yourself, you're almost bathed in sweat. You might get sick because of that. What did you do to make you sweat that much?"

I didn't answer her question because I remembered why my day was ruined this morning. I went shopping earlier at the mall because I heard that today, the limited-edition design of my favorite clothing brand will be released. But guess what? Before I arrived at the mall, it was already out of stock. Then I hurried to get home because I thought my parents were already there.

My parents will be back here in the Philippines for almost ten months staying in America. They are temporarily staying there to manage our business. But since Mom's birthday is next month, we decided that she will celebrate her birthday here in the Philippines.

I came back to my senses when my phone rang. Daddy's name was registered on my phone so I answered it immediately.

"Dad? Where are you and mom? Do you know that it's already three in the afternoon?" I said irritably after answering the call. They said that they would be here before noon, but almost three hours have passed, and still nothing.

"Here comes my impatient daughter," the teasing in his voice is melodious.

"Dad!" My parents are used to this behavior of mine, that's why they just laugh whenever I'm in this mood.

"I'm sorry, sweetie. But it looks like we're going to be a bit late because your mom and I went through something. But don't worry, we will also arrive at the house before five in the afternoon." He said on the other line. I sighed before nodding even though he wouldn't see it.

"Okay. Have a safe and comfortable flight! Get here safe and sound."

"We will, sweetie." He softly said.

I hung up the call when I could no longer hear Dad's voice on the other line. I took the things I bought earlier from the couch and brought them to my room. I carefully placed it on my queen-sized bed before going to my closet.

I picked a plain white shirt, black shorts, and my undergarments. I went straight to the CR. I took a quick shower to somehow freshen up myself because my body was almost covered in sweat from running earlier. But of course, I still smell good even though I'm full of sweat.

I was in front of my vanity mirror, combing my hair when my phone vibrated. I stopped what I was doing for a moment before picking up my phone. My day was ruined even more when Kena's face appeared on the screen. She was holding a bouquet of flowers and a human-sized teddy bear while smiling widely. I read the caption of her post.

'Thanks for this, I really appreciate it.'

She has a lover, huh? Kena and I have been enemies ever since. Aside from the fact that we are enemies because we always compete in school, there's also one more reason. I felt something strange about her that I couldn't explain. But I'm wondering, who gave her those flowers and teddy bear?

"Veronica?" It was Nanny Martha's voice.

"Why?" I asked while still not leaving my seat.

"Your parents have already arrived. They are looking for you. Come down now," she said outside my room. Just right for me to hear.

"I will!" I replied.

I fixed myself before going downstairs. I was on the stairs when I heard the voices of my mom and the other maids.

"Madame, thank you so much for this. It suits me well. You're so kind." I rolled my eyes in the air because of what one of the maids said.

"That's just a small thing, Janice. By the way, there are a lot of chocolates in that luggage. That's for all of you," it was my mom's voice.

"Hey, mom. I missed you." I interrupted their conversation.

Mommy's attention immediately went to me. She raised her two arms in the air as if she was waiting for me to hug her. I chuckled as I ate the distance between us and hugged her.

"I missed you too, sweetie," she muttered and hugged me back.

Janice's eyes and mine met so I raised a brow at her. She immediately bowed herself before turning around and started to walk away. I could even see how she rolled her eyes before she disappeared from my sight.

Bitch!

"Come on, sweetie. Look at the presents me and your dad have brought for you." She said in childlike excitement.

I held her wrist to stop her. "Later, Mom. Let's eat first. I'm sure the foods were already served."

She smiled at me before she pulled me to the dining room. There, I saw my dad preparing some utensils on the long table. He was still wearing his business attire.

"Hey, Dad!" I shouted as I got his attention. He immediately looked in our direction and then smiled.

"You two are already here. I thought you two would have some more 'mother-and-daughter' quality time." He chuckled. We just ended up laughing while listening to Dad's corny jokes.

While eating they also asked about my studies. I almost got caught up in the silly things I did. But luckily, Nanny and I are partners-in-crime so she covered me up. I'm damn safe.

After eating, I went straight to my room before looking at the presents mom was referring to. I only saw typical ones brought home by people from abroad. Chocolates, perfume, a key chain, and... a Louis Vuitton cocktail dress caught my attention. It was an above-the-knee cocktail dress with polka dots in its see-through ends. It also has something like a furry ducktail behind it.

It was not that classy, but… it was kinda cute.

I put everything aside when I saw almost everything inside that luggage and went to the balcony in my room to get some air. I look at my wristwatch. It was already 9:33 in the evening.

I raised my eyebrows when I saw a light in the distance. I waited for that light to come closer. I caught my breath when I saw something like a meteor.

But shouldn't you make a wish when you see a shooting star? I don't believe in things like this but why not give it a try, right? Nothing will be lost. I closed my eyes before thinking about what I should wish for. But, what do I wish for if I already have almost everything? I already have a perfect family. I'm pretty, sexy, talented, and I'm rich. I always get what I want. The only thing I don't have is a person who can overcome everything I have. And I'm sure that person hasn't even been born yet. And I won't let that happen.

I opened my eyes to see where the shooting star was, but suddenly I couldn't see it anymore. I sighed in disappointment because of this. Maybe I was just hallucinating earlier. It's way too impossible to have a shooting star here in the city. I'm not in a movie so it's vague.

I once again looked up at the sky and saw only one star. "Yeah, right. You're just hallucinating, Veronica." I talked to myself. I even patted both my cheeks.

The next day I woke up early to go jogging. It was Sunday today so I'd just enjoy it before getting into a bloody battle tomorrow because I had school to attend. I just wore my simple yoga pants and a sports bra paired with dirty white rubber shoes. I also bring my earbuds so I don't get distracted while jogging.

I jog and jog, not minding the people I meet on the way. When I got tired, I sat down on a bench. I was breathing heavily when I felt someone's presence in front of me. I looked up to see who it was.

And there I saw a woman in her mid-40s, I guessed. Her skin was a bit wrinkled and it was like she was only up to my shoulders. You can tell that she is a bit old but her beauty cannot be denied.

"What?" I asked. I tried to look sophisticated in front of her.

"You are such a beautiful lady," she said. Amusement was very visible in her eyes.

My face remained the same. "I know," I proudly said.

I heard her chuckle because of what I said. She also stopped when she noticed that I was looking at her badly.

"I think I like you already. You're funny and courageous." My face crumpled in disgust because of what she said.

"Our feelings are not mutual, miss. And besides, I have no intention of finding a sugar mommy." I said in my serious voice and then the next thing that happened was that I saw how she burst into laughter.

"I-Its… It's not what I mean—" she said, laughing.

Because of annoyance, I stood up and was about to leave when she took my hand. "Hey! Wait. I didn't mean to offend you. I mean—I like you as a person. That's it."

I removed her grip on my hand before raising a brow at her. "Then? I don't give a damn. So if I were you, can you please excuse me? I have something to do right now." I seriously said.

She immediately smiled before quickly nodding a few times. I don't know why I have this attitude but I get easily annoyed when people smile in front of me especially when I'm not in a good mood.

"But on one condition,"

My forehead creased. "What is it?" I said even though I was not interested in what she had to say.

After a while, she took out something from the big bag she was carrying. My jaw almost dropped when I saw what was inside of it. "Buy my goods first, lady."

"What?! No way!" I immediately objected.

A fucking vegetable? What will I do with that? What am I gonna do with those carrots? Do I look like a rabbit? Heck no!

"Come on, ma'am. I just really need to sell this because if not, my suppliers will surely scold me. I also don't have the money to pay for it if no one buys this," her voice suddenly became mournful.

"Are you trying to make me feel guilty? Okay, I'mma tell you this, I have no conscience so it's not working." I said.

I was surprised when she suddenly knelt in front of me and hugged my legs. "H-Hey! What the hell are you doing?" I said, annoyed.

"Come on, ma'am, buy at least one of these. I promise my vegetables are still fresh, fresher than the faces of our gossipy neighbors."

And she actually managed to make a joke.

I tried to release her grip on my legs but it was too tight. I was mildly insulted by people passing by and looking in our direction. They might be wondering what's going on. I can also see the judgment in their eyes. My god! Do they think I'm bullying this old lady? I muttered a curse because of that.

"Okay, okay, fine. I'm gonna buy all of your vegetables as long as you get off my legs and don't bother me anymore." I give up.

She immediately separated from my legs because of what I said. She fixed a few strands of her hair and pinned them behind her ears. She's smiling as if she won the lottery.

"Thank you very much, lady. You look grumpy but my suspicions were right. You also have a good heart. I hope you and my son will meet next time." She said happily but I didn't pay attention to it. And whoever her son is, I had no intention of meeting him.

***

I woke up because of the sound of my alarm. I took it from where it was placed while my eyes were still closed before throwing it somewhere. I heard the crack as if it was broken. I got up from my bed. Although I wanted to sleep, I couldn't because I had a class today. Monday is really the weakness of every student.

I went to the bathroom and took a shower. I just wore casual clothes. I was wearing high-waist jeans, a plain white t-shirt, and rubber shoes designed by my favorite shoe designer. I put on some light makeup before going straight to the garage. I even took a picture of myself inside my car before I started driving. The school is quite far from our house so I often leave the house early. Especially if there was heavy traffic on the road.

I parked my car as soon as I reached the University. The design of the school was modern so it was not too painful for the eyes. The HEU University logo was also prominently posted outside. There was even a tiny penmanship of the school owner at the end of it.

"Weird," I whispered.

I continued walking until I reached the building where my room was. I heard my fellow students murmuring but I didn't pay attention to it. Not worth my time, though. I just walked straight until I got to our room. It's good that our professor for our first subject is not here yet.

"Yes. I heard he's handsome."

"For real? Omg, I can't wait to see him. I hope he ends up in our department."

Because of the conversation behind me, I was intrigued. Who are they talking about? They also look like worms sprinkled with salt, restless ones.

It wasn't long before our professor arrived. He discussed our new lessons until the bell rang so I got up. I carried my small bag and made my way to the cafeteria. There weren't many students when I got to the cafeteria. Some of the freshmen students were there. Maybe the seniors' break time will be later. I had a long break now because I only had three subjects for today. One this morning and two this afternoon.

"One spaghetti, salad, and one orange juice." I handed her my 1000 pesos. The cafeteria doesn't accept dollars.

"Here's your change, miss," she said.

After I got what I ordered, I went straight to my usual spot here. The round table in the corner is good for two people. I don't know, I just prefer the one at the end. You won't see much of the person sitting here when you enter the cafeteria.

I was peacefully eating my food when I felt something sticky poured into my head. I put my hand on the top of my hair before looking at my hand. A fucking spaghetti sauce! A few more pieces of pasta were included in my hand. I closed my eyes before standing up. I grabbed the end of the table to stop the irritation that wanted to explode.

And there I saw. The girl I hated the most. She was smiling while looking at me which made my head boil even more. I fucking hated to see her fucking face.

"Is it delicious? Does the spaghetti taste good, Veronica?" she said teasingly.

I immediately winced because of that.

"Don't call me by my name. We aren't close, besides, I don't want a dog barking my name." I saw how her face turned red. That's it, just be angry. You started this, I'll finish it. "And yes, the spaghetti is delicious. Wanna taste?" Then I grabbed the spaghetti that I ordered earlier and suddenly slapped it in her face. Her face almost tilted because of it. I also heard the loud breathing of the crowd watching us.

She looked at me in shock. I could also see the burning anger in her eyes.

"You bitch! How dare you!" Just as she was about to attack me, I was ahead of her. I reached for her hair before pulling it. I could hear her groans coming at first, gradually getting stronger. I was about to push her when suddenly the whole area became silent. The last thing I saw was Kena sitting on the floor.

"What's happening?" a baritone voice spoke from behind. His voice sent shivers to my entire body. His voice was full, so manly.

"O-Ouch. My legs, i-it hurts." Kena said dramatically.

I heard the footsteps of the man behind me coming closer in my direction. For the first time, I don't know why but I feel like a cow is chasing me because my heart is beating so fast. What the heck is this? Am I sick? Damn it!

"Camille! What happened? Where does it hurt?" It was still the same voice that I heard from behind earlier, but his voice now was calm. His voice is so soft. It's nice to hear.

'Wait! No. No! I didn't say that. I can't adore him. No way!' I countered what my mind was saying.

Kena held the arm of the man whose face I still couldn't see because his back was turned to me. Kena pointed at me. "She! It's her fault! She pushed me. She attacked me." She pretended to cry before falling into the man's chest.

My mouth hung in the air due to shock. Then I burst out laughing.

"Wow, just wow. What good acting of yours, Kena." I laughed. I was about to leave and go to the comfort room to change myself because my body was already getting sticky because of that spaghetti sauce. I have so many problems to endure, shall I add them?

But before I could take another step, I felt a rough and big hand wrap around my wrist causing me to stop where I intended to go. I immediately pulled my hand back when I felt like I was getting burned because of the electricity flowing through our hands. I turned around to see who the heck tried to touch me but then, I was just stunned to see a god in front of me. His captivating green eyes were staring at me, thick eyebrows, a perfect high bridge pointed nose, natural thin kissable lips, and a well-shaped jawline.

"Say sorry," two words that brought me back to my senses.

"What?" I said in disbelief.

"Say sorry for what you have done, miss. You hurt her," he said.

I'm taking back all the admiration I gave him earlier. How dare he? How dare he order me something? Didn't he know me? I immediately covered the space between the two of us before bringing my mouth to his left ear.

"No. That's the biggest thing I won't ever do, Mr. Green Eyes." I whispered into his ears. Even though Kena was next to him, I made sure that only he and I could hear what I whispered. We were still in that position when the Dean entered the cafeteria. Oh god, here comes the trouble again.

"MS. LOPEZ AND MS. YNARIZ GO TO THE DETENTION OFFICE!" His face is reddened by its anger.

I straightened my posture and took my bag that didn't escape from the cruelty of spaghetti sauce because the color was almost red-orange instead of khaki. Oh my god, my Chanel bag.

"YOU ALSO, COME TOO." I looked behind me to see who Dean was pointing at, and I wasn't mistaken, it was Mr. Green Eyes.

"What trouble did you cause again, huh?" Dean asked an opening question when we arrived at the Detention Office.

"Ms. Lopez, care to explain?" He asked me.

My forehead wrinkled because of that. "Why bother asking me? I'm not the one who started it. Why don't you ask her instead?" I pointed at Kena before grinning.

"No. It's her fault, Dean. She's the one to blame. Nothing new, that girl always gets into trouble."

"Well, at least me, I'm not playing victim just for a man," I glanced at the man next to her. He was silent while looking at us. Just observing what's going to happen next.

"STOP!" Dean hit the table. "You two are old enough. But your minds seem to have been left behind in elementary school. Hardly a day goes by that you two don't fight. Do you think you are cool with that? Just two years, two years and you're gonna graduate. And what do you think? Is what you are doing now a good influence for the next students in this university?"

"I'm not studying to influence others," I whispered.

"MS. VERONICA LOPEZ! WATCH YOUR WORDS. I AM STILL OLDER THAN YOU AND THE DEAN OF THIS UNIVERSITY. SHOW SOME RESPECT!" He angrily said.

"Tss, a woman with no respect." I heard the man in front of me whisper. I raised him a brow before rolling my eyes.

For a few minutes, there was silence in the whole room. No one tried to break it. All you can hear is each other's breathing.

"Kena, say sorry to Veronica." Dean suddenly said.

"What?! No, sir. No way!" Kena immediately countered. Dean turned his gaze to me.

"Neither do I, Dean. You must be joking. I would never do that." I said when I got what he wanted to say. I would never say sorry. Even if it was already my last breath. There's no fucking way.

"Okay, fine. Since both of you don't want to lower your pride. Then, I think both of you already agreed to the punishment I made," Dean said meaningfully.

"What do you mean, sir?" Kena asked.

"I have thought about the punishment for the three of you. Because you've been doing that almost every day. Both of you just get worse every day. So while it's still early, I will cut off your horns."

"Three?" Mr. Green Eyes asked.

Dean nodded. "Yes. What you heard is right. You are involved in the punishment. Because you were also involved in the trouble earlier. Isn't that fair?"

"O-Okay."

"Now, are you guys excited to know what your punishment is?" He asked teasingly.

I rolled my eyes once again. "And who's a dumb person would be excited to know what their punishment is?"

He just laughed it off.

"For Ms. Ynariz's punishment, she will clean the whole cafeteria for the whole 3 months," Dean said.

I smirked when I saw how Kena's shoulder fell, her irritation was also obvious.

"And for the gymnasium, I will assign you two, Ms. Lopez and Mr. Hayes to clean it for also the same months I gave with Ms. Ynariz."

"What?! No!" I disagree. I also stood up from my seat.

"You can't disagree, Ms. Lopez."

"I can," I insisted.

"Excuse me, sir. I also disagree with that." Mr. Green Eyes suddenly interrupted our conversation.

Cleaning that almost huge area is almost impossible for me to deal with especially if I'm with this man in front of me. Maybe I have a bigger chance of dying when I'm with this man than dying because of the exhaustion of cleaning the gymnasium.

"But don't worry, sir. I will not escape my punishment. If you want, Camille and I will be partners to clean the gymnasium. After all, we've been friends for a long time. And you'll assign her to the cafeteria instead." He added.

"I'm sorry but it's a no. My decision is final. And if you ever don't want to do the punishment, there is another choice…"

The three of us waited for what he had to say next. I will do everything just to not be with this man.

"It's either, you won't do it or you will be expelled from the university. You choose."

Annoyed that I returned to the chair because of what he said. This man really knows every student's weaknesses here. To be expelled. And I'm one of them. Even if I can transfer to the most prestigious university, and even to another country. I can't. Since I was a child, I dreamed of studying and graduating here. And I'm not going to let that dream go just because of these two people in front of me.

But the exchange is that I will always see the annoying face and eyes of my mortal enemy's best friend. Guess my enemies will increase by one more.

"So, is it a deal?" Dean asked.

"Deal," Kena said.

"I guess I left no choice, so it's a deal," Hayes said next.

Hayes? Am I right? Whatever. What an ugly surname.

"I'm waiting for you, Ms. Lopez. I need your decision right now," Dean said before looking at his wristwatch.

I took a deep breath and blew. "Fine. Deal. Are you happy now?" I asked, annoyed.

He smiled. "Yes, I am."