CHAPTER ONE

LENA

“This is going to be a great semester.”

Those were the words that came out of my mouth and I meant it. My experience last semester wasn't what you'd call the best, I got into the wrong crowd who created false rumors about me, trying to ruin my reputation.

All because of what? Jealousy.

It's not my fault they're some stupid bitch or their boyfriends just liked me better. It's not like I got into an affair with any of them, but when it comes to girls who are male centered, destroying their fellow woman is all they can think about.

“Lena!” I heard someone calling.

I turned to look at my best friend— Mike. We've been friends since diapers and ended up attending the same college. 

“OMG!” I gasped, realizing that he's changed his hair color from dark to dirty blonde and he had a wolf cut now. It's almost like he had a major glow up over the summer.

“You look so good. Girls are going to be swooning over you,” I laughed. “And boys too. They sure won't be able to resist.”

He's bi sexual. He laughed and wrapped his hands around my shoulder as the both of us walked down the hallway together.

“How's my sophomore doing? Ready for a new chapter?” He asked, making me roll my eyes at him.

“Can you stop it? You're acting like some tacky Disney character,” I laughed. “So cliche.”

“But for real, Lena,” his voice became so serious. “Don't let last semester get to you. Those girls were just a bunch of jealous bitches. Their chapter is done and over with, you're in for a fresh start.”

My brows furrowed. “Since when did you become a pep talker?” 

He was about to respond but the alarm I set up for my class started ringing. “Oh shoot! I have to go to class otherwise I'd be late.”

A grin grew on his face. “The advanced literature student.”

I scoffed, annoyed that he was taking everything so literal but I also knew that he was doing it out of love. “Take a hike. Bye!”

I waved at him and started making my way to class. I used to be in the same class with Mike— We offered the same course. But after my last semester result, I got moved up to a higher advanced class. 

To be honest, it made me relieved. I wouldn't have to look at those bitches faces every now and then.

“Um…Hello,” I knocked on the door softly.

A tall handsome man turned to look at me and my breath hitched. I've seen handsome professors before, but he's different, with the dark brown hair, chiseled jawline, and his grey colored eyes, he was wearing a suit but I could tell that he had a well built body.

“You're late,” his voice snapped me back to reality. He had a stern expression on his face and judging by the way he looked at me, he wasn't impressed.

“Sorry sir, I was trying to find my way—”

“I don't have time to hear your excuses,” he cut in. “Take a seat. You've already interrupted my lecture long enough, I want to get back to it.”

My brows furrowed, feeling a little bit embarrassed that he dismissed me like that. I nodded and made my way to an empty chair beside a pretty red-haired girl.

He started speaking about a particular literature book that's my favorite. He was talking about the themes, but I noticed that there were some mistakes.

“Um…sorry,” I stood up. “Professor Knight?”

He turned to look at me, raising his brows. “What do you want?” He asked, a little bit of irritation laced in his tone.

“I think you made a mistake in one of the themes. You missed a point and I feel like as our professor, you should get your facts right before coming to class.”

The entire class gasped. “Sit down,” the red haired girl tugged on my dress. But I didn't know why they were making such a big deal, if anything I'm helping them.

The professor crossed his arms, just staring at me like I’d ruined his whole day.

“Alright then,” he said, voice low but sharp. “Since you seem to know better, Miss…”

“Lena Hart,” I replied quickly, my heart already beating fast.

“Miss Hart,” he repeated, slowly, like my name tasted bitter in his mouth. “Tell me, what’s the deeper meaning behind the green light in The Great Gatsby?”

I froze.

Shit.

I knew what most people said it meant—hope, dreams, blah blah—but the way he was staring at me told me that wouldn’t be enough. He wanted something deeper. Something more.

“Well… it’s Gatsby’s dream. Like, it stands for hope, and what he wants but can’t reach,” I said, trying my best.

He raised one brow. “That's a textbook. Try again.”

I blinked. “I mean, it’s—”

“Wrong,” he cut in coldly. “You stood up to correct me, but you can’t even back up your own point. If you’re going to interrupt my class, you better come prepared.”

I could feel every single eye in that room on me. My cheeks burned. The redhead beside me was probably wishing she could sink into the floor too.

The professor took a step forward, arms still crossed. “Here’s what you’re going to do. Write to me a detailed analysis of the green light’s symbolism. I don’t want some crap you pulled off the internet. I want your thoughts. Real ones.”

I nodded slowly, trying not to show how shaken I was.

“And if you can’t do that,” he added, his tone turning even colder, “don’t come back to this class.”

My head snapped up. “Wait, what?”

“You heard me. This is an advanced class. If you can’t think for yourself, you don’t belong here.”

I stood there, frozen. Was this guy actually serious?

I’d worked my ass off to get into this class. I wanted to be here. I deserved to be here. And now he was threatening to kick me out over one answer?

My throat felt tight, but I forced myself to nod. “Fine,” I said, my voice low. “I’ll bring it.”

His lips twitched like he was holding back a smirk. “Good. Now take a seat and let’s try not to waste more time.”

I sat down slowly, heart still pounding in my chest. The redhead beside me didn’t say a word, but I could feel her watching me.

What a first day. And what a freaking jerk. But he wanted a challenge?

Fine.

I was going to give him one.