The Billornaire's Secret

Pairing Up

**The following day in psychology class**, Olivia walked in with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. She couldn’t shake the feeling of intrigue surrounding Alexander, even after their brief but intense conversation. Taking a seat near the back, she tried to focus on the lecture, but her mind kept wandering back to him.

As the class settled down, their professor stood at the front with a stack of papers in hand, a serious expression on his face. **"Alright, everyone, I have some important announcements,"** he began. **"For your upcoming group project, I will be pairing you up."**

Olivia's heart raced. She had hoped to be paired with someone easygoing, someone who could help her shine in the project.

The professor continued, **"And finally, for your group project, I have paired you up with... Olivia Thompson and Alexander Grey!"**

The words hung in the air, and Olivia felt her stomach drop. She turned to look at Alexander, who was already looking away, his expression unreadable.

**"Great,"** he muttered, his tone flat.

Determined to break the ice, Olivia leaned toward him. **"Hey, I guess we’re stuck together."**

Alexander raised an eyebrow, the corners of his mouth twitching slightly, but he didn’t respond.

The professor handed them a project outline, and Olivia tried to muster her enthusiasm. **"So, uh, do you have any ideas about what we should focus on?"**

Alexander’s gaze flicked to the outline, his fingers tapping against the desk. **"I don’t know. Maybe we could study something related to behavioral psychology?"** His voice was low and measured, hinting at the thoughtful mind behind his quiet exterior.

**"That sounds good,"** Olivia said, relieved to have a direction. **"How about we meet up to discuss it further?"**

He hesitated for a moment, his eyes narrowing as he considered her request. **"I guess we could,"** he replied, but his tone suggested he was only mildly interested.

**"How about the library later?"** Olivia suggested, hoping to keep the momentum going. **"I can grab us a study room."**

Alexander shifted in his seat, a flicker of reluctance passing over his face. **"Sure,"** he said after a pause, though the lack of enthusiasm in his voice made her wonder if he was truly on board.

As the class ended and students filed out, Olivia walked alongside him. **"So, what time works for you?"** she asked, glancing at him.

**"I don’t know. I’ll have to check my schedule,"** he replied, his eyes fixed straight ahead.

**"Okay, just let me know,"** she said, trying to keep her tone light.

As they exchanged numbers, Olivia felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. She was eager to work with him, but she sensed the walls he had built around himself.

**Later that afternoon**, as she prepared for their meeting, Olivia couldn't help but feel a flutter of nerves. She wanted to break through Alexander's tough exterior, to understand the depths hidden beneath his calm surface.

When the time came, she arrived at the library, her heart pounding with anticipation. After finding a quiet study room, she set up her materials and waited.

A few minutes later, the door opened, and Alexander stepped inside, his expression carefully neutral.

**"Hey,"** she greeted, attempting to keep the atmosphere casual.

**"Hey."** He closed the door behind him and moved to the table, setting his backpack down with a thud.

**"So, I thought we could start by brainstorming some ideas,"** Olivia suggested, her excitement bubbling beneath the surface.

He nodded, but the lack of enthusiasm in his demeanor gave her pause. **"Sure. What do you have in mind?"**

As they began discussing their project, Olivia couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to Alexander than met the eye. She was determined to uncover it, even if it took time.

**But she also knew** that for now, they had a project to complete—and maybe, just maybe, she could draw him out of his shell along the way.