Chapter 168: Chapter 168

(Vivienne)

"Ahh...now I feel worthless," Leo said with a cute pout while holding out a spoonful of ice cream. I laughed hard seeing how ridiculous he looked with such a face. For a 32 years old man. He was supposed to be better than this but the man was still the same. Playful like a child

"I saw it...I mean is it real?"I asked again, I had a chance to watch one of the movie scenes he was shooting here. I didn't know the man was such a sweetie sexy seductor

"It's called acting...it's fiction... whatever I do has nothing to do with my real self," he said defensively and I gave him the eye. No one would believe it when I saw how he was touching and kissing his co-star. It was so real, especially when they kissed. I felt shy watching him

"I don't believe you okay...I saw and believed it"I simply said and ate my ice cream. Leo just looked at me with a blank expression. There was amusement and delight as if he was trying to understand me and I stopped not sure why his gaze made me feel uncomfortable. I tucked a few locs of hair behind my ears and cleared my throat

"You get even more beautiful...I can't believe it's been three years already" he muttered and reached out for my hand which was on the table. I flinched at his touch but didn't believe his words. Was I that beautiful if I was then my beauty was supposed to keep Victor in my life

"Someone doesn't have to fall for your beauty...looks don't matter... because just one look at you and any man would fall for your soul" he added as if he read my thoughts. It wasn't new that Leo always reminded me about this. The last time I asked he said he wanted me to get used to the fact that I was beautiful no matter what but beauty was the last thing I cared about

"Very soon I'll start my internship," I said changing the topic, I knew where his conversation was heading and I don't think I was ready to hear more about Victor so I decided to tell him what was important

"So you still don't want my help... sweetie, if you consider me as a friend then let me recommend you to a few good companies...I know some powerful men who would love to have an intelligent woman with them"again he suggested, for the past three years he made out plans for my life. Sometimes I failed to understand Leo. At first, I thought he had some sort of intentions for the care he showed me but with time I came to know he was exceptionally kind-hearted

"I think that's not needed because the university will be choosing for us...next week we'll get to know where to go and I'm so scared," I said and shoved some snacks to him. We were having a good time at well-known ice cream, it was a beautiful day and Leo wasn't in a hurry

"Then I hope they do a good job...maybe...send you back to London...hahaha that would be nice," he remarked in between laughter as he ate his snacks and I frowned at him. Leo didn't give up, did he? He never missed a chance to remind me of London. I left it behind and was fine here

"You won't ever understand, "I simply said, shaking my head at him. He was such a child, I wondered what happened to his blonde hair. It was now brown and short. He was more handsome and manly than the last time. Well built and looked hot in his white muscle shirt which stuck to his abs and light blue ripped jeans with sneakers. He was a whole package. The celebrity kind wearing a black cap to hide from goofy girls who wanted a glimpse of him

"Fine I won't say anything but it's been three years now...Victor misses you...I know he doesn't say it but deep down I know he does"he remarked throwing his hands in the air in surrender form while laughing. Any topic about Victor made me weak in the knees. Maybe I wasn't so good at hiding my emotions because I was anxiety to see him but again I didn't want that

"I'm sure he's happy with the little one...it's best this way"I simply said and shoved the empty bowl of ice cream aside and stretched myself. He stared at me then smiled.

"If you didn't move on...no man around you despite how they try to get close to you...no developed love interest," he said as he wiped his hands and leaned back to the chair. I watched him and knew he was at it again "if you can't convince yourself you have moved on how will you convince others" he added while smirking at me. It was best he left rather than saying nonsense all the time. I didn't get into any relationships because I was focusing on my studies. I always did this even before I became Victor's Surrogate

"That's not a valid fact...the fact is that I prefer to concentrate on my studies rather than chase boys or men," I said sarcastically and Leo pouted making an O with his mouth

"True, true but you are now 22 right...girls your age have some hot man beside them but you my dear seems like...you are staying loyal to someone, "the man said shrewdly while blinking mischievously at me. I was lost on words. I was tongue-tied that I didn't have a reply to his shenanigans

"You need a break...you watch too many soaps, "I remarked, averting my eyes from him and I heard him chuckle. Was he right, for three years I stayed single not like there were no attempts from men but I didn't want any man to touch me? Especially the way Victor did. I couldn't bring myself to let just any man have his way with me.

My body wasn't just for anyone. I hated how he had full control over me even when we were oceans apart. I felt guilty just thinking about another man hence Leo was probably right but I wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of admitting the truth

"Okay see you baby girl...call me once you start your internship...we need to celebrate'' Leo said as he hugged me and I hugged him back. Both of us were in the parking lot saying goodbye after having a wonderful time together

"Okay sweet prince...I'll let you know," I said when I moved away and pecked him on the cheek. He chuckled and returned the kiss and we ended up laughing

"Alright see you and take care," he said and I stepped back as he got in his car. His flight was in a few minutes. I didn't want him to be late hence I watched as he drove away from there and sighed once his car was outta sight.

"I should call Alex," I said as I walked away from there heading to the subway. On the way, I called Alex and she said she'll be a little late. I guessed her mom wanted to spend some time with her.

***

"So relax sweetheart it's nothing, "Alexis said, holding my hand. I was so nervous I wouldn't lie. This was like me waiting for my first exam results to know if I cleared all my courses. But I watched as other students lined up to see if their names had been put on the board.

"It's not you okay...I'm so nervous that I haven't eaten anything since morning" even if I was hungry I didn't feel it because I was so impatient. So agitated that Alexis holding my sweaty hand didn't seem to be helping

"Well your name isn't even there," she said and I was stunned as I turned to look at her. To prevent further commotions the school has to stick our names and the company we had to go to. I thought they would just send emails or something but they had to stick

"What?"I exclaimed as rushed to the crowd bustling around and I pushed my way to the front shoving others away and ignoring their sarcastic remarks

"Please let it be here...please, "I said, running my index finger on the countless names Hoping my name was there but I searched on both sheets and found nothing. I rechecked again and so far nothing

"No no...does this mean I'm not going...but I didn't fail any exams...I came first" I said as tears built in my eyes. I certainly didn't fail and they can't leave out my name because I was top of the class. I walked back to Alexis feeling soaked. She was smiling at me because hers was already given by her dad

"Relax...it's okay...well I'm going to London...finally I'm getting out of here and going away from my family, "Alexis said with squeals as she hugged me and twirled around forcing me to dance. I was happy for her but I felt bad that I had to start this again

"I told you to relax because…

"Ms. Payton"Alexis was cut off when the registrar lady called my name and I turned to look at her

"Yes," I said not sure what was happening

"You are wanted in the VC's office," she said with a straight face and walked away. I got goosebumps all over me. I was so nervous that I turned to Alexis and she was smiling like some constipated cat. Here I was troubled and she was foolishly acting like a total jerk

"Come let's go...don't keep Mr dad waiting,'' she said and unexpectedly started dragging me away. I was so angry at her. She was taking me to my room and I just let her and after we climbed a few stairs to get to Mr. Crawley's office. She stopped

"Okay breathe in and out baby...you look too nervous dad will get scared," she said as she motioned with her hand as if helping me to calm down. The area was isolated and well kept. So beautiful with niece painting

"Do I look fine...do you think he'll...he won't let me do my interns this year"I blurted out for any possibility of my name missing from the least and Alexis just rested her hand on my shoulder

"Stop being overly dramatic and get in there" she made a low yell while shaking me like some sack and I felt dizzy when she let go of me

"You little bitchy" I made a low curse while holding my spinning head and the door opened

"Good luck" she muttered as I turned to walk inside the office. I hoped for the best.