Mr.Darcy?

Chapter 6

The plan lasts for exactly seventeen hours.

The next day, when I reach the cafeteria after attending my first two lectures, Julia spots me and waves me over to their table. Julia and Marcus are sitting with the same group they were hanging out with yesterday.

My eyes immediately land on Marcus. He looks good, as always, in his grey blazer, white undershirt, and black pants.

"Alaia!" Julia's voice forces my eyes away from Marcus and onto her frantic wave.

I hesitate before making my way over their table, forcing a smile. I really need to learn how to say no.

Julia pulls me an empty chair from another table, and I thank her before sitting down.

"Alaia, this is Nash and Rhett," Julia points towards the twin brothers. "Nash and Rhett, this is Alaia, Mark's friend."

"We were not friends. We just lived in the same neighbourhood," Marcus says nonchalantly.

"Mark, don't be rude," Julia scolds him.

"No, he is telling the truth. We never even had a proper interaction," I justify.

He never cared, and I was too much of an introvert to start a conversation with my crush, who didn't care.

"Well, you are part of our friend group now," Julia says with a shrug. I pass her a grateful smile.

"So, Lia, you a fresher?" Nash asks.

"Lia?" Marcus raises his eyebrow at him.

"She's our friend now. You're okay with us calling you Lia, right?" Rhett asks for Nash.

"Yeah, it's no problem," I answer.

"Thank you. So, you a fresher?" Nash asks again.

"Yes."

"What are your majors?"

"I'm majoring in English Literature and Business Administration with a minor in Philosophy. "

"Interesting subject combination. Jules and Mark are also doing BBA."
Rhett points out.

"Yeah, we are. We can help you with the subject if you want," Julia suggests.

"You don't have to," I say with a nervous smile. I was never good at asking for help and always felt awkward if someone offered.

"No, no, Jules' right. BA can be very tricky at times. I was struggling during the first semester," Marcus exclaims after gulping down a bite of his bagel.

I thank them, and the conversation continues with Nash, Rhett, and Julia offering advice on how to survive uni while Marcus continues eating his food.

My eyes catch up with Elias as he is passing by the cafeteria. He smiles at me and waves his hand. I mirror him, and he continues on his way.

"Who is he?" Marcus inquires beside me.

"He is Elias. We share a few classes together."

"So, he's a friend. Why didn't you call him over?"

"It's too early to call him a friend. We literally just met yesterday. And he looked like he was already on his way to somewhere else."

Marcus seemed convinced and finished his food.

"I need to use the washroom, excuse me," I announce after a while, getting up from the chair.

"Will you be coming back?" Julia asks when she sees me taking my bagpack.

"I actually have another lecture after fifteen minutes, so I will probably directly head there."

"Ok, then, see you later."

All four wave at me, and I wave back before making my exit from the cafeteria.

I finish up in the washroom and start washing my hands in the sink. I hear the door opens and then closes and the ticking of heels.

"Are you hurt?" I look up in the mirror to see Ria standing behind me and meeting my eyes in the mirror.

"You are talking to me?" I ask her, which seems like a stupid question, considering there are only two of us in here.

She nods.

"What makes you think I am hurt?" I ask again, looking down at myself searching for any injuries.

"I assumed since Elias came back to me and did not fall for your trap," she says in a condescending tone.

"Fall for my trap? What are you on about?"

"You aren't as innocent as you look. Elias might be outsmarted, but I won't. Not by a bitch like you."

"First of all, stop calling me names. Secondly, get to the point. Say clearly what you want to say," I try to keep my voice as calm as possible.

"Fine. You guys were talking about me yesterday after I entered the class, weren't you?"

"Yeah, so, what about it?"

"So, you were trying to win over him with your overly sweet words. I know it."

"Are you out of your mind? I wasn't trying to win over him. Instead, I was trying to save your relationship," I take one slow step towards her, fisting my hands at my sides.

"That’s perfect. Elias complained to you about our failing relationship, you saw the opportunity and advised him about our problem, indirectly showing that you are better than me at maintaining a relationship," she explains, throwing her hands around in a weird way.

I stare at her incredulously. Is this girl serious?

"I'm sorry, what language are you speaking? It sounds like bullshit," I deadpan.

"Just fucking admit what you did," she barks angrily.

I take a deep breath to try and calm myself down.

"I'll tell this once and get it through your thick skull right away, alright. I wasn't trying to prove that I am better than anyone. I was just really trying to help because he genuinely sounded like he was struggling to manage between his academic priorities and you. And my advice wasn't unsolicited. I asked if he needed it, and I gave him. If he had denied, I would've kept my mouth shut. I am not the one to interfere in other's business without their permission," I conclude.

"You're a great liar. I was almost convinced," she retorts with a cunning smile.

I close my eyes, silently count backwards from five and open them again.

"It's very tempting to stand here and argue with you because I love debates. But, unfortunately, I have way more important things to do. So, I am going to take my leave," I take my bag and start walking towards the exit.

Ria grabs my hand and stops me.

"If I see you with him again, you're going to regret it."

If this happened in the past, I would've left after her warning. But I am trying to stand up for myself more, so I meet her eyes with the same vigor.

"I know I said that I don't interfere in other's business, but if you are that insecure about Elias' loyalty towards you, then maybe you both should just part ways. Insecurity never works in a relationship," I snatch my hand away from her grab and exit the washroom.

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