Chapter 2

Reaching the college, Emma headed straight to her locker. Opening it, she started arranging her books oblivious to the fact that a pair of hawk eyes were watching her every move.

It was none other than David Spade.

Emma’s reticent and cold personality though kept her alienated from the world, she had a fair share of enemies. Her classmates were jealous of her grades and her ice-cold behavior only fuelled their resentment towards her. Some initially tried to befriend her but Emma didn’t give them any response. Not because she wasn’t interested but she knew that they wanted to earn some perks. Dejected and incensed, they all form a notorious cliquish club that always keeps plotting against her.

The head of that club was David Spade, the captain of the college’s football team. David had a huge crush on Emma. Her dressing style was simple but her model-like figure, beautiful and cold blue eyes, and savage attitude enticed him. David tried hitting on her several times but Emma being Emma ignored him like a pest. He didn’t leave hope and kept trying to appease her but when it didn’t work, his one-sided love took a nasty turn. Now David not only craves attention but also wanted to punish her for showing him attitude.

“White and blue, a blend of calmness, purity, and innocence. Sadly, the owner of such colors is bereft of such sacred qualities. Isn’t it Eric?”, David rasped which was followed by a loud guffaw of his minions. Emma heard it but ignored it as usual. Snickering with his squad, David kept passing snide comments her way but when he earned no response from her, his anger exploded.

“That’s what you get for ignoring me, bitch.” David grated out as he snatched the football from Eric’s hands and threw it at Emma. His action even stunned his friends.

His jaw dropped to the ground when Emma swatted the football with her left hand without even looking at it. Before David could comprehend, the ball hit straight his face making him see stars. He went flying backward in slow motion like a movie and collided with a wall. An ear-piercing scream echoed in the hallway. David cried feeling his back on fire. The impact was so sudden and powerful that it might have broken his spine.  His friends instantly rushed to help him. Eric turned and looked at Emma who took her notebooks, closed her locker, and strolled to the classroom as if nothing happened.

“How did she even come to know that the ball was aimed at her?”

*****

Getting inside the classroom, Emma took her usual seat which was the front seat. She had no problem sitting at the front, unlike the other students who always preferred back benches Placing her books on the desk, she plopped on the chair and fished out her phone.

“Let’s see which new app Ecstatic Technologies had invented.”

Opening the chrome, she was reading about it when her phone was snatched roughly from her hands. Grinding her teeth, Emma looked up only to be confronted with a living plastic doll.

Veronica Aniston.

The hottest and most popular girl in the college. She was second on the list of her bullies.

“What’s up nerdy?”, Veronica smirked while swaying her phone in front of her face.

Emma crossed her arms over her chest and smiled back at her, “Good. What about you Annabelle?”

Her answer made Veronica blow her top. Her amber eyes glistened with tears as she seethed on her face.

“How dare you? I have my grooming done by New York’s finest makeup artists. I was even titled Miss Fresher and am invited to attend fashion weeks every year. My Mom was recently appointed as a member of the jury for the Paris Fashion Week. Not only that, she even owns a cosmetic brand and I use makeup products which you can’t even afford.” She blabbered in rage while poking her long manicured nails on her chest in an accusatory manner.

Emma stared at her with a boring expression. She didn’t even ask about her makeup sessions and the girl narrated her history.  

Letting out a dry scoff, Emma looked at her, “That’s a pity because your mother’s branded cosmetics aren’t good enough. See, you have applied tons of layers but still, I can see your black spots and dark circles. I think you should work on them, Annabelle.”

She said while making a tsk sound. Veronica paled in shock. She immediately checked her reflection on Emma’s phone.

“Your phone is crap just like you. Wait, I will quickly correct them,” Throwing her phone aside, she immediately dashed to the restroom. Emma caught her phone in mid-air. She looked at Veronica’s leaving figure and snorted.

“Brainless jerk.”

****

Knight Corporation, New York

“What the hell is wrong with these guys?”

Emma muttered under her breath watching the people running frantically inside the company. With the constant ringing of cell phones, the clanking of heels and shoes against the floorboards, and screams and blares coming from all directions, it looked as if she entered a fish market. 

“Looks like the CEO hasn’t arrived yet?” saying that, Emma settled her stuff on her table and slipped into her seat. She shot her head up when she heard fast footsteps approaching her. Turning to the left, Emma was greeted by a panting Claire who was holding a pile of files in her hands.

“Oh, Emma. Good to see that you’re on time. Here, get these files done as soon as possible”, she spoke hurriedly while handing her the large heap. They were around ten in number but Emma had no issues.

Working with Emma for two years, Claire also by now had a good idea about Emma’s extraordinary skills. Her eyes glittered with hope and a small smile adorned her face when Emma without throwing tantrums, took the bundle from her hand and started reading them.

Emma had her college till 5 p.m. but fortunately today she had no classes in the evening. After returning home, she changed her clothes which were a simple white full sleeves cotton shirt and black trousers. Usually, she wears sneakers cause they’re comfortable but for the grand event, she chose black heels. Her silver hair was tied with a black scrunchie and she was wearing a beautiful titan watch in her left hand.

Despite possessing such exquisite features, Emma never wore any makeup. Claire was also befuddled by this fact as to why that girl wore no makeup on such a big day when the entire female staff had first visited a salon before coming to the company. The CEO of Knight Corporation was rumored to be a young and hot guy so they didn’t want to let go of their chances of wooing the billionaire. But Emma was an exception. She didn’t even ask Claire about his arrival which was something shocking yet weird.

“You may leave now.”

Her curt reply brought Claire back to reality.

Claire had become habitual of Emma’s attitude. She can’t complain as she used to make her do half of her job. But Emma was no saint either. She did her work but made Claire add the overworking hours’ wages to her salary slip.

“Yeah sure,” speaking softly Claire passed Emma a smile and left. 

Emma then opened her laptop, checked the updates, and soon busied herself with the work.