Arrogant Billionaire: Love vs Hate

Chap 10

"Nothing can be loved or hated unless it is first understood."
-Leonardo da Vinci
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I felt hot molten rage build within me with tears falling uncontrollably from my eyes. Remembrance of my first kiss stolen by a guy I despised most and all of above the fact that I wasn't able to prevent that nasty act, was making me queasy. I was always a bold girl despite any situation, so even my conscience was blaming me for the act of helplessness. I was walking numbly in the hallway without realising where I was going.

"Hey are you Okay? Where have you been? I was worried about- Wait are you crying! Seriously Andy what happened? This is all due to that evil Stephenie, isn't it?" Clara asked with concern breaking me out of my trance.

I realised then I had reached outside my class. Students were coming out since class was over.

"Dammit for how long I've been like this" I muttered under my breath.

"You silly girl are you ignoring me? Would you stop zoning out for once and answer me properly'' Clara said shaking my shoulders, breaking me out of my momentary daze once again. "Please tell me if Stephenie did something to you. I know it's all due to me." She looked gloomy.

"No girl, please don't blame yourself. She did nothing. Instead I put her in her place" I said putting up a brave front, while in reality my heart was breaking. I didn't wanted her to be drown in self guilt, so I decided not to tell her about Mark.

"Then why are you crying?" she asked wiping my tears. Oh shit. I hurriedly wiped my tears.

"I'm not crying! Something just got in my eye." I rubbed my eyes dramatically, hoping she'd buy it. "And I got caught up in some important work, so I missed the first class. You know how it is when you're new." I tried to sound casual, but I knew I wasn't fooling anyone. Clara gave me a skeptical look.

I sighed, defeated. "Okay, fine, you got me. But listen, I've already missed one lecture, and I really don't want to be late for the next. You know Mr. Hopkins will practically curse me to hell this time. Can I go now? Please?"

My attempt to plead was in vain; her skeptical expression remained unchanged. "Pleaseee?" I said, giving her my best puppy dog eyes, silently praying it would work like always. And as expected it worked. Her expressions softened.

"Hey don't give me that look, you drama queen," she muttered, shaking her head. "Fine, go. But if you won't tell me later, I will curse you myself."

"Aww, you know I love you!" I gave her a quick hug.

"Go, before I change my mind and tie you up for interrogation." She laughed, though her eyes still held a trace of concern.

"I'm sure you wouldn't do that. You're way too sweet for it, Clar. See you at lunch!" I called, ruffling her hair before dashing down the hallway.

~•~

"Miss Andy Davis, late again, I see. Care to explain how you manage to do this every single time?" Mr. Hopkins' voice was sweet—too sweet, laced with unmistakable sarcasm.

Great, just what I needed. To add to my list of humiliations today, I'd accidentally wandered into the wrong class earlier, becoming the laughingstock of the room. Now, I was ten minutes late for Mr. Hopkins' lecture. Again.

"Umm... I was caught up in some urgent work and—"

"Save it. I'll let it slide for today, but don't make a habit of it," he interrupted with a dismissive wave. "Now take your seat."

I could feel eyes on me as I searched for a spot. Whispers followed me: "That's her from the café..." "How is she still alive?" "She's not going to last here." I ignored them, keeping my head high until I found a seat next to Liam.

"Hey, Andy! Good to see you," Liam greeted with a warm smile.

"Hey," I smiled back, though it faltered when I noticed who was seated right behind him. Mark. His smug, mocking gaze was locked on me. My stomach twisted in rage. I forced myself to take a deep breath and sat down, trying to focus on anything but him.

"You mean good to see me like, 'nice to see you,' or 'wow, I thought you'd be dead by now'?" I asked, pouting a little.

Liam chuckled, ruffling my hair. "The first one, of course. And I just wanted to say—you're brave for what you did back at the cafeteria. Not many people would stand up for a friend, like that. I'm proud of you."

"Thanks. I'm glad you think that." I smiled.

"Would it be too much to ask you all to be quiet for another twenty minutes?" Mr. Hopkins' sarcastic voice cut through the moment, his eyes boring into us. I wondered why he didn't teach sarcasm instead of economics.

Poke, poke, poke. Something sharp jabbed into my back. I spun around to find Mark holding a pen, a smug smile on his face. I ignored him, but then it started again. Poke, poke, poke.

Fifteen minutes of this. I was losing it. The poking stopped briefly, giving me a shred of hope, but then it started again, more insistent. Finally, I snapped.

"If you don't stop that right now, I swear to God I'll—"

The entire class went silent. I froze, realizing I'd just shouted. Mr. Hopkins stared at me, unamused.

"Miss Andy, care to explain why you've decided to disrupt my class?" His tone was sharp.

"Sir, I—" The bell rang. Saved by the bell. I mentally did a victory dance, but Mr. Hopkins wasn't done.

"Miss Andy, meet me in my office," he said before leaving the room.

Relief washed over me. At least I wouldn't have to explain myself in front of everyone. As I stood to leave, Mark bumped into me, his shoulder deliberately colliding with mine. His evil grin promised more trouble. I bit back a retort and watched as he gave Liam a brief, hostile look before walking away.

"That jerk—"

"Don't worry," Liam interrupted. "Mr. Hopkins is fair. He won't punish you without hearing your side."

"Thanks, that's a relief," I said, smiling gratefully. Liam really was a good guy.

"Actually, I was wondering..." Liam hesitated, his expression shifting to something more serious.

I wondered why he was acting a bit hesitant.

"You can tell me anything you want. We are friends now" I said reassuring him.

A relieved look crossed his features and he asked- "Would you like to go out with me sometimes?"