Chapter 6: Chapter 6

"Kean? What are you doing in this place?" I inquired, perplexed. I was still a little embarrassed since my classmates were staring at us as if we were celebrities.

"Well, I simply wanted to hand it on to you." He gave me something after scratching the back of his head. "Mom told me to give this to you personally."

"What is this?"

"An invitation. Mom and Dad are celebrating their wedding anniversary, and they wanted to include you and Don Stan, of course." He replied in the affirmative, alluding to my grandpa.

"I see... I'll inform Papa. Thank you for stopping by."

"Ade, no worries. I sincerely hope you will be able to join us.” he added with a bright smile on his face.

Keanno Fiowel was the son of my grandfather's business partner. He was a year older than me and the only guy my grandfather would let near me. I can't tell how many times I've urged Papa to stop matching me with him because it makes me feel uneasy everytime they talk about me marrying Zoren in the future.

Don't get me wrong, Kean was a great man. He exudes positivity because of his bright smile and pleasant demeanor. He was a handsome young man, which is why many of the females at our school tried to flirt with him. But that's all; we're friends, and our relationship will continue to be just like that. I am absolutely opposed to my grandpa arranging my marriage just for financial gain.

"That's our guy!"

"Yes, Kean, make a move!"

"What are you saying? That girl isn't Kean's cup of tea!"

"Miss, he's not coming here for no reason."

I overheard a few more voices attempting to match me with Kean, as well as several girls objecting. I simply ignore them because I don't feel compelled to defend myself because there was nothing going between me and Kean.

"I believe I should keep going, I'm making a disturbance here." he remarked, surveying the crowd.

"Thank you, Kean," I said.

He simply smiled at me and then turned away. I observed how the boys tapped him on the back as if he had done something noble.

“Wow, Ade! I'm sure you'll be the talk of the school for the next few days. Keanno Fiowel, the school's heartthrob, came specifically for you. Just for you!"  Sancha said, exaggerating the word ‘you’.

"Shut up, Sancha, he just came here to give me the invitation to his parents' wedding anniversary."

"What? Do you really believe that? Seriously, you're so dense. Of course, he'd like to see you as well. He may simply order someone to hand it over to you, since his parents will be unaware but he still came. Keep in mind that he was occupied due to the basketball team's rigorous preparation. I’m starting to like that guy for you, huh." She said while laughing.

"Sancha." I said sternly. Sancha was aware of what was going on between our families, ofcourse their family was no doubt influential too. She was well aware of my grandfather's desire for me to marry someone in order to strengthen our company's position. She is fortunate because her family do not interfere with her personal affairs.

"Alright, I’m sorry! I'm simply stunned, do you believe Kean's family supports him marrying for business reasons?"

"Yeah, his father was really vociferous about it, but his mother just let him make the decision."

She simply nodded and continued to think intensely.

"Let's go," I remarked, pertaining that we should go inside our classroom to get our bags.

Sancha was still engrossed in her thoughts. I wondered as I stared at her, was she thinking about what I said about Kean? I shrugged and continued on my way inside.

I was about to get my bag when I heard few giggles and shrieks again outside. My gaze was drawn to our doorway, but all I saw were those girls. I looked at Sancha with curiosity, but she simply shrugged to tell me that  she also had no idea what was going on.

Sancha went outside. I assumed that Kean had forgotten something, so he returned. I mean, wasn't that how the girls reacted when he first came here?

Before going outside, I slung my bag on my back. Sancha was murmuring something, and she was most likely conversing with someone.

"Adeline? You are looking for Adeline?" Sancha gave an uneasy laugh. My heart thuds insanely, someone came here for me…again? Sancha wouldn't be talking like this if it was Kean, so I assumed it wasn't him.

Sancha caught my eyes and dashed over to where I was, clutching my wrist tightly.

"Adeline, what the hell is going on? What's the matter with you and the boys who are coming here?"

"What? Sancha, who is that?"

"Check it out for yourself. Adeline, I can now attest to the fact that you are quite attractive."

While still looking bewildered, she dragged me to the doorway.

When we got outside, I spotted a man I hadn't expected to see. My mouth gaped open in surprise and astonishment, and my heart pounded loudly inside my chest. I caught a glimpse of a smirk in his lips as her dark eyes glanced at me.

"What..." I mumbled, still unable to express myself. Sancha told the people who were staring at us to go, but I didn't pay attention because I was still bewildered.

"What are you doing here, Zeeve?" I asked now that I had recovered from my shock.

"Well, I just realized that ordering someone into the library without providing any details was disrespectful, right?"

"What? I figured you were joking when you said that..."

"I'm not sure why I'd make a comedy out of it. I was hoping to be of assistance."

"I'm not looking for assistance."

"Isn't Ms. Manalo your lecturer for a certain subject?"

I nodded, perplexed as to why he knows that.

"She had also told me to assist you before. She stated that she had noticed some improvements in you and also expressed her desire for you to continue to progress."

“I don’t wa—”

"You're going to disobey your professor?" he asked, as if he was trying to scare me.

"You can also help me by doing so. I'm a member of a tutoring club, but I can't seem to find a tutee."

Clubs are something I am familiar with. There are many groups at our school, but a tutoring club? It's something I've never heard before. Or maybe I don't want to pay attention because I'm not very interested?

"So you're going to make me your.. tutee?" I came up with the question.

"I know you don't need my help because you can do it on your own, but can you help me now when I need it? I'll never obtain extracurricular points if I can't find someone to tutor before the month finishes.” "

“Why me?”

"I'm doing it because I want to."

I wanted to agree since I remembered how he helped me the last time without hesitating. Isn't it also for my personal benefit? Since then, Sancha has been pressing me to hire a tutor, so it could be a sign. I let out a sigh before responding.

"Okay. However, because I did not inform my grandfather of this, he will not allow me to do so today. Isn't it possible to rearrange it?"

"Don't worry; I've only come to inform you. I also wanted to inquire as to when you are available."

"I have an early dismissal on Tuesdays and Thursdays."

"Alright, then, see you tomorrow?" he added, flashing a smile that revealed his pearly white teeth.

"S-See you.” I stumbled over my words.

He chuckled sweetly before moving away from me, allowing me to have full view of his broad shoulder and back. I clench my eyes hard, why am I stuttering in front of him?

"Never in my wildest dreams did I anticipate to be able to speak with one of Millenium Dreams' members. Goodness, how did I look earlier? I'm weary as hell!" Sancha exclaimed as we walked down the corridor.

"Can you get over it, Sancha?" I irritatedly said. That is true, but is it necessary to repeat it every second?

"What? I'm a fan, and his appearance pleases me. Don't tell me you don't agree with me?"

I merely gave her a sidelong glance and rolled my eyes. I suddenly remembered how, when I saw him earlier, my heart pounded furiously. Well, I'm a lover of their music, so I guess I'm a fan as well? That is a typical fan reaction.

"See? Ade, let your feelings be known. Who wouldn't admire him, right? Or do you just want to shout and giggle when you get home? You're aware of the need for privacy." She mocked me with a chuckle. I locked my firm gaze on her.

"I'm not as enamored as you are. You don't have to say it every second."

"Should I flunk all of our classes so he can teach me as well? Alternatively, you can help me in becoming closer to his friend, Carter Villaraza."

I cringed as I stared at her; this girl is incredibly charmed with Zeeve’s band, especially that Villaraza guy who looks intimidating. Well, Carter, the badboy-looking snobbish icy man, seems to be her type.

"He won't introduce me to his bandmate, he'll just tutor me."

"Whatever the case may be, Ade, is Zeeve not your type?"

I was unable to respond to her query because I noticed Cielo coming out of our vehicle. I turn my head to look at Sancha, who had also noticed Cielo.

"Hmm, your driver is quite attractive." She said in a flirtatious manner.

"You were just gawking at Millenium Dreams earlier, and now at my driver? I had no idea you were also a fan of the elderly."

"What? Ade, he isn't so old. He is twenty five years old."

"Yeah, 25 and off-limits." I answered.

"What? Is he dating someone?"

"Secret!" I gave her a funny wink and went to where Cielo is. She also proceeded to the location of her driver, still looking annoyed because I didn’t answer her question.

"Good afternoon, young lady," Cielo greeted me. I gave him a warm grin.

"Hello and good afternoon. Is Papa in the house?"

"Yes, he went home early today," he replied, "but he is at the library, presumably doing some paperworks."

Papa was always like that, so I shook my head in disdain. He enjoys dragging himself to work, but I can't stop him because he won't listen to me.

"Why can't he just take a nap? It's not like the company would suffer if he took a day off." Cielo, who was now seated in the driver's seat, looked to me and gave me a sad smile as I spoke quietly.

"Your grandfather, you know, doesn't pay attention to anyone. He's doing it for you, so you may look forward to a good future."

"Cielo, I don't want to be in charge of a large corporation like that. What happens if I don't succeed? It was Papa's years of effort, hardwork and dedication.”

"That is not how you should think, young woman. You'll be trained soon and will learn more about it. You will have a better understanding of the company. Your Papa has a lot of faith in you."

I laughed without a sense of humour.

"He won't even allow me hang out with my other friends besides Sancha."

"He doesn't think your friends are trustworthy, young woman."

He didn't talk to me since I didn't answer. I chose to remain silent throughout the whole duration of the ride, thinking on how Papa would react. Will he allow me to have more time at school because I would be tutored? I'm confident he will, right? This is solely for academic purposes.

Nina opened the gate as we arrived at the house. When Cielo saw Nina, his face lit up. It must be wonderful to be in love, huh? Cielo kept maneuvering until he was able to park the car.

"Good morning, lovely lady! Is school going well for you?" Nina smiled, but her gaze was fixed on Cielo. They were staring at each other as if they were speaking with their eyes.

"It's afternoon, Nina," I murmured, my eyes gleefully fixed on them.

"Huh? Ade, did I say morning? I wished you a pleasant afternoon!"

"Nina, whatever."

I remarked as I walked my way towards our grand entrance. They were too engaged with each other, so I left them alone. As soon as I came in, I was greeted by the silence of the large living room. The maids and other drivers are presumably in their respective rooms, which is why it's so quiet, It’s fine, because they won't have any tasks to do.

I went directly to my room to get rest. I didn't go to the library because I knew Papa was probably busy with business and didn't want to be bothered.