A Noble Man

Ava continued to stare at Layla intently. How could she forget that face so easily? Layla was the same person who had slapped her back at the coffee shop, just because she had accidentally sprinkled water on Zac’s poster. Recalling the incident, Ava shook her head helplessly and quickly shifted her gaze away from Layla and her friends, turning her full attention back to Freya and Caleb.

“Is there really anything so special about Zachary Gonzalez?” Ava asked, glancing from Freya to Caleb.

Crossing his arms over his chest, Caleb responded dryly, a flicker of envy flashing through his sharp eyes. “Apart from being the youngest billionaire in the country? No, not really.”

Freya shot Caleb a look before flashing a glossy smile at Ava. “Aside from being incredibly rich, Zachary has a face that could doom anyone he looks at. Honestly, I think he might be the only man God created with that level of beauty.”

Ava raised an incredulous brow. “You’re a fan too?”

Tossing her hair back, Freya clasped her hands over her chest and looked up dreamily. “I’m one of his crazy fans,” she said, then quickly turned serious. “Besides, I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t like Zachary Gonzalez. Well, except…” Her eyes flicked toward Caleb.

“I don’t hate him,” Caleb muttered defensively, his face flushing with irritation. “I just don’t like how girls obsess over him.”

“Point of correction,” Freya smirked, “you don’t like me obsessing over him.”

Caleb was instantly silenced, glaring at Freya as if trying to freeze her with his stare. Ava observed the exchange thoughtfully, and it became clear to her: Caleb liked Freya but was too afraid to admit it.

Arm in arm, Ava and Freya descended the small stairs leading out of the cafeteria, with a miserable-looking Caleb trailing behind them.

“We should hang out tomorrow, Ava!” Freya chirped, clinging to Ava’s hand like she never wanted to let go.

Ava smiled warmly, about to respond but the sight behind Freya snatched her attention.

Across the way, Hazel stood arguing with a tall man.

“How many times do I have to explain myself?” Hazel snapped, her voice sharp with frustration. “I don’t like you! I don’t want anything to do with you, is that so hard to understand?”

“But Hazel, I love you,” the man pleaded, stepping closer.

“Get out of my sight!” Hazel shouted before he could say anything more. Though he looked heartbroken, Hazel turned her back on him without hesitation.

As she turned, her gaze landed on Ava, and her expression immediately softened. She opened her arms, welcoming Ava into a tight embrace.

“I’m so glad you’re finally here, baby,” Hazel whispered.

Ava beamed, her dazzling white teeth flashing. “But why were you so harsh with him?” she asked quietly, glancing after the rejected man.

Hazel simply scoffed, unwilling to discuss it. “How was your first day? Did you enjoy your classes?”

Nodding eagerly, Ava grinned and tugged Hazel’s hand. “Come meet my new friends — Freya and Caleb!”

Hazel smiled warmly, clearly pleased. Stretching out her hand, she greeted, “Hello! I’m Hazel. It’s nice to meet you both.”

But instead of a normal response, Freya and Caleb stood frozen in shock, neither moving to shake her hand.

Ava and Hazel exchanged a confused look.

“Ava,” Freya gasped, blinking rapidly, “are you really familiar with Hazel Scott?”

“We’re sisters,” Hazel said smoothly, a hint of impatience in her tone. “Is there a problem?”

“AHH!” Freya screamed in excitement, launching herself at Ava in a tight hug. “You’re a lucky charm, Ava! Just today and I already met my role model!”

Ava furrowed her brows in confusion. “What are you talking about, Freya?”

Covering her mouth with one hand and pointing dramatically at Hazel with the other, Freya said breathlessly, “Hazel is my idol! I love everything about you — your style, your confidence — everything!”

Hazel simply smiled, pulling Freya into a hug, clearly used to the attention. Ava shook her head, laughing along with Caleb. Even Hazel, she thought, was some kind of celebrity in her own world.

–:—:—:—

Walking alone down the quiet road later that evening, Ava clutched her shoulder bag tightly. She had stayed too long studying in the library, not realizing how late it had gotten. Though the streetlights glowed brightly, a nervous feeling prickled at her skin.

Suddenly, a heavy sound behind her made her stop in her tracks. She didn’t turn immediately. Swallowing thickly, she slowly glanced over her shoulder — and froze. A tall, broad-shouldered figure loomed behind her.

Spinning around, Ava stumbled backward, her heart hammering violently.

“Who are you?” she stammered, her voice trembling.

The disheveled man grinned, showing a row of brown teeth. “I’m a pickpocket,” he said gruffly. “But seeing your pretty face… maybe I want more than just your wallet.”

He lunged, grabbing her shoulders roughly. Disgusted, Ava shoved him away, glaring fiercely despite her fear.

“Stay away from me!” she shouted, trying to muster bravery.

But before she could flee, he grabbed her wrist and yanked her toward him, trapping her arms so she couldn’t move. Ava screamed, thrashing wildly.

At that exact moment, a sleek black car screeched to a halt beside them. The design was bold, unmistakably masculine. Ava’s heart raced as she silently prayed for rescue.

The driver’s door swung open, and a tall man stepped out. He shut the door lazily, leaning against it with an imposing air.

Ava’s jaw dropped when she recognized him.

Dressed in an all-black suit, he was breathtaking under the streetlight — Zachary Gonzalez, looking like something from another world.

His indifferent expression was frightening, yet mesmerizing.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Zac asked, his voice calm yet deadly.

The hoodlum stammered, speechless. He didn’t know who Zac was, but the man’s powerful aura was undeniable. Quickly, he released Ava, backing away.

Before he could run, he smacked straight into another large man — Lee, Zac’s right-hand.

“I’ll take care of him, boss,” Lee said hoarsely. Without waiting for permission, he effortlessly lifted the man off the ground, making Ava gasp silently in shock.

Meanwhile, Zac grabbed Ava by the wrist, guiding her swiftly to the passenger seat. He opened the door for her without a word.

Ava hesitated, staring up at him. “No, sir. Thank you for saving me, but… I’d rather not trouble you,” she said nervously, remembering the night he’d taken her to his penthouse.

Zac didn’t respond. Instead, he stared at her with an unreadable look that made her lower her gaze instantly. Then, without warning, he gently pushed her into the seat and shut the door.

Sliding into the driver’s seat himself, Zac started the car and pulled smoothly into the road.

“Why were you walking home this late?” he asked, his voice low.

“I was studying… I lost track of time,” Ava muttered, twisting her fingers in her lap.

Silence fell between them, tense and heavy.

Then, Zac spoke again, almost casually. “Who’s Cole?”

The question hit Ava like a blow. Her throat tightened painfully.

How much did I say that night? she thought, panicking.

“I just asked a question, Snow White,” Zac said, his voice softer now, briefly glancing at her.

She parted her lips to answer but the shrill ring of her phone cut her off.

“Excuse me,” she mumbled, fumbling for the phone.

It was Charlotte.

She answered hesitantly.

“You lowlife bitch! Where the hell are you? Do you even know what time it is?” Charlotte’s voice screamed into her ear.

Ava winced, pulling the phone away slightly. “Charlotte, I was—”

“Shut up! Get your lazy ass back here, you bastard!” Charlotte barked, then hung up.

Ava closed her eyes tightly, feeling a wave of shame and exhaustion crash over her.

Meanwhile, Zac stared ahead, jaw tight, but his eyes flickered briefly to her exposed collarbone, then quickly away. Adam's apple bobbed.

Ava turned to the window, her heart aching as she wondered miserably: Will there ever be a day when Charlotte and I can be real sisters?