Chapter 11: Chapter 11

Even before the sun rose, I left the mansion and went to my boutique. The head manager of the shop, who was waiting for me, appeared to assist me. She gave me a sweet smile before bowing slightly in respect.

"Good morning, ma'am," she greeted me.

I don't normally smile at my workers, but since the start of my day was happy today, I smiled back. I could clearly see her shock based on the masculinity of her eyes.

"How's the sale?" I casually asked as I went inside the store.

A clean, fragrant, and presentable boutique greeted me upon entering. I walked straight as I looked around at the clothes. I can feel her following me.

"Our sales are good this quarter. According to our finances, our market is up 6% now, especially since the summer edition release was successful," she detailed.

I just nodded and continued looking for something to wear. "What do you think I should wear today?" I looked at her for a moment. "Something that will make me look nice, the kind who can't break anything," I added.

Nervousness and shock quickly spread across her face. Obviously, my question puts her under pressure. I laughed lightly and then patted her on the shoulder.

"Go on. Market our product to me. Let's see if you can get me to buy," I said as I stood up, waiting for whatever she would refer to.

I saw her swallow hard before letting out a deep breath. She looked at me for a moment, then her eyes wandered around the entire store. She walked ahead of me, and I followed.

"Based on your looks, ma'am, it's inevitable to be intimidated since you're so beautiful." "No kidding," she said, making me smile.

I didn't say a word; I just let her feel comfortable and listened to her criticisms.

"So, if you wear dark-colored clothes, you will become even more domineering, so I will remove it from the choices." After that, she took a white button-up long-sleeved shirt.

"Since your target aura right now is to be kind, it's better to wear simple clothes. This shirt will do, ma'am. It's thin, so it's not too hot on the body even if it has long sleeves. Just dress it up in fitted jeans to still look presentable," she concluded.

I nodded and took the clothes she chose. Her fashion sense is on point with what I'm looking for. I said my thanks and went shopping for jeans before entering one of the fitting rooms.

I smiled when I saw myself in the full-body mirror. I laughed for a moment because I really look like I can't break anything right now. I'm like a smart student slash employee.

When I was satisfied with my own appearance, I went out and thanked my staff. Of course, I also paid for the clothes I wore before renting a car outside. While waiting, I heard my phone buzzing in the bag, so I picked it up and answered when I saw Aireen's name on the screen.

"Do you know I waited all night because I thought you were coming home?" she openly complained.

I laughed a little, then stopped the taxi in front of me. "Sorry. I had too much fun teasing at the mansion," I said.

I got into the car and then told Manong the address I was going to.

"Tsk!  Maybe your ex made you feel good," she teased.

I rolled my eyes even though she couldn't see my face. "Just please don't remind me. I feel nauseous when I remember the two dogs howling last night."

She chuckled on the line. "Traumatized?" she asked again. "In fairness to your ex-boyfriend as well. His stamina is strong; he can handle even two of you."

I couldn't help but cringe at her lines. "Come on, Aireen. I might lose my appetite to eat later. For God's sake! My stomach is turning."

She just laughed at me again. "Anyway, your request is over. Have a very great day ahead," she informed, and then the line ended.

I just smiled and put my cellphone back in my bag. I glanced at my wristwatch for a moment to check the time. It's already past seven in the morning. Just right for my later arrival in my first class.

I turned my attention outside the window. Different scenes came to my mind while looking out into the void. I couldn't help but get excited at the same time as anger welled up in my chest. I heaved a deep breath and leaned against my seat. I closed my eyes and tried to calm my failing system.

Brace yourself, Zachary. I'm just getting started.

***

I was not surprised when I got everyone's attention when I walked into the room. All I heard were their whispers while I was sitting in my chair. Their disgusted eyes did not escape me either; the others kept staring at me. I tried not to laugh at their reactions and continued to pretend I didn't know.

"She came even after what she did."

"She's very flirty."

"Is it them? Legit? Isn't this edited?"

A slight touch on my side caught my attention. It was Kiyel. There was concern and questioning on his face when I looked back at him

.

"Yes?"  I asked innocently.

He is holding his cellphone. He hesitantly scratched the back of his neck, apparently not knowing how to start talking to me. In the end, he let out a deep breath before gently handing me his phone.

"We found this in the school's blog this morning. It's popular now," he carefully stated.

I looked at what he was referring to. I secretly smiled when I saw the pictures of me and Zachary. It's not just a simple photo. There were shots of us kissing; there was also one of us in bed next to each other, and some videos like how he took me to the bathroom before. I almost laughed when I saw the tagline of the post.

Zachary Villarreal, a university professor, made his student a f*ck buddy.

I should remind myself later to send Aireen a lot of food. She did a great job! My breakfast was very good.

I acted shocked at what I saw before returning the phone to Kiyel. His concern for me doubled when he saw my tears building up. I kept my cool in front of him.

"I... I was forced to do it," I explained. "I didn't like that." And my fake tears fell completely.

The door slammed open, catching everyone's attention. Zachary, whose face and eyes were crimson with rage, came out of it. His jaw set as his expression hardened even more when his eyes found me.

He quickly walked towards me and then violently pulled me by my arm. "What the hell are you doing, Atasha?" His veins pooped from his neck; I could feel that he's losing his control.

I smirked secretly, just enough for him to see before I acted scared. "S-sir, please... that's enough. I can't do what you want anymore. I just want to study," I rasped.

He slightly loosened his grip on me as he raised an eyebrow. He even cocked his head to watch how I behaved. Gradually, an idea dawned on his face.

"Stop this fvcking bullshit, Atasha," he warned and tightened his hold on my arm.

"H-Have mercy on me, professor. Let me study properly. I-I can't let you use me anymore. My sister and you are engaged. D-don't use my grades as threats anymore to use my body."

I could hear the gasp of the students watching us. Like bees, they were whispering about the professor in front of me. For the countless times I smirked again. Zachary's eyes glared at me before briefly looking around to everyone. He closed his eyes tightly and carelessly pulled me out of the room.

I continued my fake crying as we walked out of the school. Even if the arm he was holding hurts, I don't care. My chest was full of joy while I felt his frustration.

That's right, Zachary. Be crazy.

He mercilessly put me in his car before quickly depositing himself in the driver's seat. He immediately started his car and drove away. I, on the other hand, stopped crying and dramatically wiped my tears from my cheeks. I even checked my reflection in the side mirror of his car. I heard him cursing, and he tightened his grip on the steering wheel.

"You're going to pay for this," he promised emphatically, then glanced at me.

I just lazily rolled my eyes before leaning back on the chair. "Ahuh? Save your license first, Zachary." I let out a soft chuckle and then looked at him coldly. "Let's see who will pay first."