Diplomatic Affairs

Damage Control

We found our way to the table reserved for us in the restaurant, settling in comfortably. Just as we took our seats, a team of waiters approached with trays laden with mouthwatering dishes. The unexpected arrival of the food caught me off guard, prompting me to exclaim, "We haven't ordered anything yet" The waiter grinned and reassured us, "Compliments of the chef. He noticed your entrance and wanted to treat you to some of his specialties, free of charge, of course."

"Thank you," Sebastian responded warmly as the waiter withdrew. He then turned his gaze back to me and inquired with genuine concern, "Are you okay?" Pausing to collect my thoughts, I replied, "I don't think I've ever been to a fancy restaurant like this before. My mom usually sticks to local diners during her campaign tours, and when we're home, it's mostly takeout."

"Is this place a bit too fancy for your taste?" he inquired, his smile reassuring.

"I'll manage," I responded with a matching smile. "So, why did you agree to go out with me?" I asked, genuinely curious.

"Honestly? Your tabloid cover," he admitted, his tone playful.

"Really? I thought that would've been a downside," I remarked, slightly surprised.

"For my PR team, perhaps, but personally, I like it when there's more to an attractive guy than meets the eye," he said, a smirk playing on his lips. I felt a blush creep onto my cheeks, and before I could respond, he added, "Besides, you're not the only one in need of a change in image. Trust me, there are worse ways to go about it."

"You seem quite tamed though. What aspect of your image are you looking to change?" I inquired.

"Perhaps the part where it's not mine at all, but my mother's as a whole," he responded. "She's always telling me I need to represent our country better, be more driven and commanding, you know, the whole spiel."

"I can definitely relate to that, but how does dating me help ?" I asked, intrigued.

"As the eldest son, she's genuinely concerned about me tarnishing our family's reputation. I thought showing her I can generate positive publicity might get her to ease up a bit and let me have some breathing room," he explained.

"Managing the pressure can't be easy," I commented. "I try to find solace in certain places and people," he replied with a mischievous glint in his eyes, prompting a smile from me.

As the evening with Sebastian progressed, I struggled to keep my thoughts from drifting to Alex though Sebastian does a good enough job at keeping me focused and I found myself enjoying the date.

"You know, I had my doubts when Michael proposed this plan, but I have to admit that tonight has actually been quite enjoyable," I confessed. Sebastian responded with a grin, "Well, the night isn't over yet. Your team has arranged for us to grab some ice cream after this. Any room left for dessert?"

"I could definitely go for some ice cream," I replied with a smile.

After returning to the limo, we drove a short distance to a charming ice cream parlor. Sebastian went to order our ice creams, leaving me to take a seat. As I sat down, my phone buzzed, and I noticed a message from Alex: "Are you okay?" I quickly typed out a reply, "Yeah, are you?" His response came immediately, "Yeah, I heard about the date. Any idea when it'll be over?" Curious, I responded, "Not sure, why?" He texted back, "I miss you." Just as Sebastian returned with our ice creams, and I pocketed my phone quickly.

Sebastian handed me a cone of strawberry ice cream, and I took a lick, savoring the sweet, delicate flavor. He grinned and asked, "Were you texting him?" I looked surprised and asked, "Who?" He playfully responded, "The mystery lover." Feeling a bit sheepish, I explained, "I'm sorry, he was just worried about me." Sebastian reassured me, "It's okay, I understand."

Then, Sebastian changed the topic, saying, "I noticed you seemed a little disinterested during dinner. Was I not as entertaining as I'd hoped?" He smiled playfully. I chuckled and replied, "No, it wasn't that. I was just a bit distracted." He smirked and I remarked, "You're a really good actor by the way."

Sebastian's playful expression turned more mischievous as he continued, "I mean you're an attractive guy, and I genuinely enjoy our banter. Who's to say it's all an act?" His words caught me off guard, and I paused, feeling a mixture of flattery and confusion.

With that, Sebastian let out a chuckle and extended his hand, saying, "You've got a little something." His fingers gently wiped the ice cream off the side of my mouth, and in that moment, our eyes locked. His piercing blue gaze stirred up a whirlwind of emotions within me. Suddenly, a flurry of camera flashes intruded upon the tranquility of the ice cream parlor, and we both turned to witness the press swarming at the windows.

As the date eventually concluded, we made our way back to the academy. Upon returning to the suite, Michael and I exchanged glances. He looked down at his tablet with a contented smile. "The press is already going wild over you and Sebastian. Keep this up, and your scandal is as good as dead."

"That's good to hear," I responded with a warm smile. "Get some rest, kid. You did well today," Michael said, his words carrying a comforting weight. I returned his smile before heading to my room, where I collapsed onto the bed. Suddenly, a tapping sound on the window snapped me from my thoughts. Curiosity piqued, I hurriedly jumped up to peer out, finding Alex standing outside. Without hesitation, I opened the window, allowing him to climb through.

Shocked, I couldn't help but ask, "Alex, what are you doing here?" He met my gaze with a determined look and replied, "I had to see you." His arms wrapped around me, pulling me close and pressing our bodies together. I reciprocated by placing my arms around his neck, but concern lingered in my voice, "It's risky for you to be here."

"I know," he admitted, "but you weren't at class today, and I couldn't stop thinking about you." I let out a sigh, my heart melting at his words. "I couldn't stop thinking about you too," I confessed.

Leaning in, Alex dipped down, capturing my lips with his in a kiss filled with longing. His urgency was palpable, and he held me even tighter, emitting a low, primal growl that sent a shiver down my spine. With a reluctant pull, I broke the kiss and whispered, "You should go before someone sees you."

He groaned before saying, "You're right, I don't want to get you in any more trouble," and then placed one last kiss on my forehead before reluctantly pulling away and saying, "I'll see you tomorrow, Veridia," and winking at me before going back out through the window. I watched him go before laying back on my bed and my tiredness set in. I fell asleep.

The next day, I slumped into the seat beside Ari, feeling my cheeks heat up. It was evident from the snickering and stares that everyone was aware of the tabloid situation. I let out a sigh and turned to Ari.

"I guess everyone's caught wind of the tabloids," I said, attempting to sound nonchalant.

Ari shrugged. "Don't mind them. They're just jealous it's not them in the spotlight."

Just then, Alex entered the classroom, his gaze briefly scanning the room for me before he took his seat. I tried my best to ignore him, shifting my focus to the lesson. Taking out my notebook, I began jotting down notes, attempting to immerse myself in the lecture.

Just as I maintained my focus, the teacher's voice drew my attention.

"Good day students I have an important announcement to share," the teacher began, "In light of recent..issues the headmistress figured it would be best if we went on a short break starting next week."

"It's because of me, isn't it?" I turned to Ari, comfortingly she replied "We don't know that," but it was true, I could feel the eyes on me indicating that I was correct.

The minutes ticked away, and the last bell of the class finally rang, signaling the end of the session. Packing up my things, I left the classroom alongside Ari. As we walked together, heading back to the suite, she turned to me with a curious grin.

"What're you planning to do during the break?" she asked.

I shrugged, genuinely unsure. "I don't know yet."

When my phone buzzed in my pocket, and I pulled it out to see a text from my mother. "Emergency campaign fundraiser this Saturday," the message read.