Chapter 6: That's Cheating Ms. Montessori

*Gaea*

After eating, I went back to my room and grabbed my laptop. I lay flat on my stomach across the bed and started typing, determined to finish as fast as possible so I could finally rest.

For a while, everything felt easy. Words came naturally—I was even humming under my breath as my fingers danced across the keyboard.

But the moment I stopped and reread what I had written, irritation surged through me.

Of all things…

I was writing about what Clyden did to me earlier.

A chill ran down my spine. I sat up abruptly, gripping the edge of my laptop.

Why was I even thinking about that man?

He was a stranger.

And worse… a complete pervert.

“Pretty Gaea?”

I snapped my head toward the door at the sound of Samantha’s voice. Before I could answer, she had already stepped inside. Her brows furrowed as she looked at me.

“Why are you blushing?”

“Huh?” I touched my cheeks. They were warm. Too warm. I glanced at my screen before quickly looking back at her. “It’s nothing. You know how I get when I’m writing.”

She nodded and walked over, peeking at my laptop before flopping onto my bed. “That was fast. Just yesterday, you couldn’t even write a sentence.”

I let out a small laugh.

She wasn’t wrong.

Just a few days ago, I couldn’t even form a single line.

Maybe… Clyden really was helping me.

I’d always been like this—once inspiration struck, it consumed me completely.

I just never expected to find it in someone like him.

“Why are you packing? Are you going somewhere?” Samantha asked, raising a brow.

I forced a smile and hugged her arm, resting my head on her shoulder. “What’s with the attitude, Gaea?” she teased.

I laughed softly and held on tighter.

She placed two fingers on my forehead and pushed my head away, but I only giggled and leaned back against her again.

“Don’t kick me out, bestie. I’ll only be gone for a week—I’ll come back right away.”

Her brows lifted in amusement. “I just need to finish this manuscript. Don’t get any weird ideas!”

I wasn’t even sure who I was trying to convince—her…

or myself.

Because deep down, I knew something would happen between me and Clyden after that week.

It was written in the contract I signed.

The price for the favor I asked from him.

“Hey… Virgin Gaea,” Samantha said more softly this time. “Are you really sure about this?”

I shrugged, unable to answer.

Before I could think of something to say, my phone rang.

I glanced at the screen—Mom.

“I’ll take this, Sam,” I said, quickly stepping out of the room. “Ma? Why did you call?”

“Your sister has a school project,” she said gently. “And your father couldn’t go out today. He has a fever.”

My chest tightened.

The money in my account was barely enough for my own expenses.

“Gaea? Are you upset?”

I shook my head even though she couldn’t see me and forced myself to think clearly.

“How much do you need, Ma? Include Dad’s check-up.”

“Can I ask for five thousand?”

My mind went blank.

For others, it might be small.

But for us… it was already a lot.

“Don’t worry, I’ll pay you back,” she added quickly. “Your father doesn’t have work right now, and I feel embarrassed borrowing from others—”

“Ma,” I cut in gently, “I’ll send it tomorrow. Don’t worry about it.”

There was a pause.

“And please sleep early, okay? You’re not as strong as before. I love you.”

“I love you too, child. Take care.”

When the call ended, I stood there for a moment before returning to my room.

Samantha was still on my bed—reading my work.

I sighed and lay down, resting my head on her lap.

“Sammy… can I borrow some money?” I asked quietly.

“Is something wrong at home?” she asked, her voice softer now.

I nodded.

“My sister needs money for a project… and Dad needs a check-up.”

She finally looked at me.

“How much do you need, Pretty Gaea?”

“Five thousand… if you have it,” I said hesitantly. “But it’s okay if it’s less.”

“I only have three thousand,” she admitted. “Dad took my cards. He says I go out too much.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at her pout.

“He’s just looking out for you,” I said. “But if you lend it to me… will you still have enough?”

She didn’t answer.

Instead, she looked away.

I smiled faintly. “It’s okay. You don’t have to. I’ll find another way.”

“But I’m your friend and I can’t even—Gaea!”

She shrieked when I suddenly tickled her.

I stopped when her cheeks turned red and she collapsed onto the bed, breathless.

“Where are you going to get the money?” she asked.

I shrugged.

I was already thinking of someone.

“Let’s sleep. I’ll figure it out tomorrow.”

She nodded and left soon after, saying she needed to call the hot guy she met at the bar.

I waved her off before staring at the ceiling.

My mind was a mess.

I just didn’t want her to worry.

I grabbed my phone and called Cybell. He answered almost instantly.

“Are you finally submitting?” he asked.

I frowned. “I don’t think that’s why I called.”

“So what is it, Pretty Gaea?”

I shook my head. I still wasn’t used to that nickname.

“I’ll get straight to the point. Can I borrow some money?”

“I haven’t been paid yet,” he said. “But I know someone who can lend you.”

Relief washed over me.

“Really? Can I talk to them?”

“I’ll call them now. Just meet them at a coffee shop near you. How much do you need?”

I hesitated.

Borrowing from a stranger felt humiliating…

but I had no choice.

“I need five thousand.”

There was a pause.

“Alright. I’ll text you the details. Bye.”

The line went dead.

Still… it was enough.

At least I had something to send home.

The next morning, I woke up early.

Cybell said the meeting would be at 8 AM.

“You’re up early,” Samantha said when she saw me. “Where are you going?”

“I’m meeting Cybell’s friend. The one lending me money.”

She nodded, unconcerned.

After breakfast, I left immediately.

Once I got the money, I’d send it home right away.

Cybell said the person would be wearing black… seated at table five.

I scanned the café.

And then—

My breath caught.

Russu.

He was sitting there.

Smiling at me.

I froze.

What face was I supposed to show him?

For a moment, I couldn’t move.

Then instinct kicked in.

Leave.

I turned around—

—and collided with someone.

Strong arms steadied me before I could fall.

I looked up.

Clyden.

My heart slammed against my chest.

What were they both doing here?

His gaze darkened as it flicked past me—toward Russu.

Then back to me.

A slow, dangerous smirk formed on his lips.

“That’s cheating, Miss Montessori.”