God of Temptation

Chapter 5

~Ariella~

Ah, the art of stalking, a well-honed skill! Ruining sweet Lyla and charming baby Remi's date plans, check.
Seeing through Remi's theatrics, parading his girlfriend to bid me farewell? Well, that's just a part of my finely tuned expertise in the stalking game.

Sneaking my burner phone into my bag, I enter English Literature class, fully aware I would not be able to focus during the session, when those two who have refused to let me enjoy my first day of college are left unaddressed.

Ah, the pivotal English Literature class, and fashionably late by ten minutes - this particular class, vital for my course in linguistic arts, mandates English literature.

My English professor, a young man likely in his early thirties, surprisingly exudes good looks. As I step in and survey the room, his attention turns toward me, offering a welcoming smile and a smooth, deep voice to guide me, "Please take a seat, Ms. Nash."

Dressed sharp in a white button-down, sleeves rolled up, paired with black slacks and loafers, he exudes an effortless charm. Blond hair neatly combed, he's quite the handsome sight, I must admit. A detail I hadn't noticed before.

"Ms. Nash?" I'm pulled out of my reverie of admiring his beauty, embarrassment flushing my cheeks as I realize he sensed me watching him.

"Sorry, Mr. Adler" I mutter, my head lowered as I hastily navigate to the furthest seat in the class, trying to bury my botched first impression. As I near the end of the aisle, I spot a redhead seated and promptly join her. She glances at me briefly before returning her focus to the professor.

The girl is pretty, like girl next door pretty, she has a button nose, and full lips. Her hair is tied in a neat ponytail. She is wearing a yellow colour tennis dress, that looks good against her red hair that falls down her back. She looks back at me again, raising her eyebrow at me. So I shake my head and settle down beside her. 

Mr. Adler proceeds with the introductions and semester outline, but my thoughts stubbornly tether themselves to Remi. He's the perpetual guest in my mind, shamelessly occupying every corner of my thoughts. My unwavering obsession with the guy is embarrassingly transparent. My love for Remington knows no bounds, and I've never hidden my feelings for that bastard.

Suddenly I feel someone's leg nudge me, bringing me back to reality

"Ms. Nash?" I see Mr. Adler standing in the middle of the aisle. "Oh, I'm so sorry, I didn't catch what you said," I stumbled through the apology, cheeks blazing with embarrassment. This day isn't exactly going as planned.

"You seem lost, Ms. Nash," Mr. Adler remarks with a friendly tone, yet an undertone that screams 'no-nonsense'. I get it; I have a similar intolerance for inadequacy, and it seems Mr. Adler might share that sentiment. Damn it, Remington Astor and his antics are going to be the death of me, and I'd willingly meet my end at his hands.

I slip back into my good girl persona, taking a deep breath. "Apologies, Mr. Adler. I haven't been on my best behavior. It's the first day of college, and nerves seem to have gotten the best of me," Time to rebuild your image. A rare smile emerges, and I pledge, "It won't happen again." Mr. Adler responds affirmatively as he returns down the aisle, indicating he is impressed by my prompt apology.

I pivot slightly to face the girl who bores her gaze into me, noticing her giving me a peculiar look. "What?" I inquire, but she just shakes her head slightly before redirecting her attention. What?

Despite the cafeteria drama, an air of enthusiasm surrounds the year ahead. It's time to rebuild that image and set sail for what promises to be an eventful journey through college.

The students trickle out of the class, and redhead and I rise from our seats, making our way to my next class, Sociology. Suddenly, I'm halted by Mr. Adler.

"Ms. Nash, can I have a minute of your time?" I'm already running late for my next class, but I'm curious about what he has to say, so I nod in agreement.

Turning to Mr. Adler, I ask him what he wanted to discuss.

"First, you can drop the formalities now. Call me Jayden like you always do." My cheeks heat. Jayden is Aunt Nicole's brother and we have met each other a few times.

"Your father had sent me some sample essays that I found quite intriguing. I wanted to inquire if you'd be interested in interning as a content writer for a reputable newspaper platform," he explains. "It's a well-known outlet, and the pay is good. You won't have to work overtime; the director there is a friend of mine. I haven't pulled any strings, but upon showing him your work, he immediately wanted you to join. I hope that's acceptable."

Before I arrived here, my father had asked for some of my best work. I didn't realize he intended to share it with my university professor. Not that I mind, because now I've secured an internship at a renowned newspaper platform. Dad, with his knack of knowing what I want, and I want it, proves yet again why he is the best father in the world.

"Thank you, Jayden. This means a lot." Being selected as an intern at a reputable news platform at eighteen is a huge achievement. It's reassuring that there were no strings pulled, just genuine admiration for my work. But then again, I'm Ariella Nash. I don't do things halfheartedly. I invest time and effort to produce remarkable work. I excel with words, yet I struggle to say a single one when it comes to Remi. Where did he come from now? You're forgetting, Ariella, Remi is always with you. Remember, he himself told you that.

Jayden hands me a paper-it's my appointment letter. Extreme excitement overwhelms me, but before I can express my gratitude, a siren starts blaring, setting off alarms. That's odd. As I'm about to head outside to inquire, Jayden stops me, holding my wrist.

"No, Ariella, you stay here. I'll go outside," he insists. However, the door slams open, and Remi is sprinting toward us. My heart leaps at the sight of him, reminding me it's still beating. He notices Jayden holding my hand, and his jaw twitches-Remington Astor's jaw twitches because another guy is holding my wrist. A minuscule yet noticeable movement that speaks volumes. He swiftly snatches my wrist from Jayden and drags me out of the class. My wrist catches fire and words run in my mind at a lightening speed. I want to write them down however I'm out of a page and pen and I'm unsure if Remi will let me.

"Remi, slow down," I gasp, struggling to keep up with his gazelle-like strides, yes giddy excitement courses through me. My heart races, soaring, and singing at a mile per hour.

I've never been happier in my entire life- this moment, with Remi dragging me out, outshines even the joy of receiving the appointment letter.

Today, I'll go to the church and pray for daily sirens so that Remi would drag me out of class like this every day. Did I mention this is the best day of my life? It somewhat compensates for all the hurt he's put me through. A single touch from Remi, and I'm flattened. Such is the power he holds over me.