Chapter 4

The loud scream that had sent students rushing through the halls belonged to none other than Professor Julia.

She was sprawled across the floor, her face twisted in discomfort, she clutched her ankle as whispers of concern spread around her. Some students, and professors rushed forward to help, while others simply stood back, murmuring. 

“Is she okay?” A freshman girl whispered in concern.

“I think she slipped…” another student mumbled, craning his neck to get a better view.

“Wasn’t she standing over there a minute ago?”a skeptical voice cut through the crowd, pointing o a spot several feet away from where Professor Julia now lay.

Julia didn’t care about the small crowd forming around her. The whole time her eyes were on him.

Luther, who stood at a distance, tucked his hands in his pockets, his expression was unreadable. His eyes landed on her briefly, but there was no concern… no reaction at all. He didn’t see the need to go there since she was surrounded by students and professors… she had enough help.

Unknown to him, she had been watching him earlier, observing the way his eyes darkened at the sight of Ariel with Ethan. She had seen the way his jaw clenched, the way his finger twitched as if trying to restrain himself.

And now, as she lay on the floor, waiting for him to show the smallest bit of concern…

He walked away.

Without a word, without a glance.

Julia’s heart sank as she watched him disappear down the hall, her fingers tightening into fists against the cold floor. 

“Professor Julia, should we call the nurse?” A concerned student knelt beside her, disrupting her thoughts.

Julia blinked, forcing herself to focus on the present moment. “It’s  fine, I’m okay. Thank you everyone.”

The students helped her to her feet and she winced dramatically, leaning on them for support. Her gaze remained fixed on the spot where had disappeared.

_____

Later that evening, Ariel stepped out of the library, adjusting the strap of her bag as she limped slightly. The campus was now quiet as most students had retreated to their dorms. It had been a long day and her ankle was still sore. She had considered resting in her dorm but she needed something to distract her. Studying was the only form of distraction she could find.

Unfortunately, her distraction didn’t last very long.

“Still limping?” 

The smooth deep voice sent an immediate shiver down her spine. 

She turned her head, and there he was… Luther Grayson, standing just a few feet away from her, leaning casually against the wall near the library entrance. His eyes studied her.

Ariel swallowed, standing up straight. Her pride made her ignore the throbbing pain in her ankle. “Incase you’ve forgotten, Professor Grayson, I sprained my ankle earlier.”

Luther frowned when she referred to him as Professor Grayson. “Then I suppose your helping hand is too busy to assist you right now.” 

It took her a second to catch his meaning.

He was talking about Ethan.

What right did he have to comment on who helped her, especially after his cold dismissal.

Ariel narrowed her eyes, her gaze challenging him to try harder. “I don’t see how that’s any of your business.”

Luther chuckled. “You’re right it's not, but it is quite interesting”

“And why is that?” She asked. She knew engaging him was a mistake but something about his arrogant demeanor made it impossible to walk away without a reply. 

Luther took a step closer. “I didn't realize you were so… acquainted.”

There was a hidden meaning to his words, an insinuation that made Ariel red with anger. “You don’t know anything about me or my acquaintances.” 

“I’d argue I know more than most.”

Ariel felt heat crawl up her neck, a mixture of embarrassment and anger.

“You said it yourself, that was a mistake,” she said without hesitation. “One that doesn’t give you any right to comment on my life now.”

“Don’t pretend like you didn’t also feel like it was.”

Ariel clenched her jaw, knowing that he was right. She also did see it as a mistake at first, but she wasn’t ready to talk about this, especially not here.

Thought another word, she stepped past him. And immediately stumbled.

Her injured ankle gave way, and she nearly hit the ground, but a firm hand caught her arm, gently steadying her.

Before she could even register what had happened, a familiar voice cut through the air.

“Ariel.’

She turned her head to see Daniel, her stepbrother standing just a few feet away. His eyes shifted from her to Luther, narrowing slightly. 

Ariel quickly pulled away from Luther’s grip, steadying herself as Daniel approached. 

“I heard you got hurt,” Daniel said, completely ignoring Luther’s presence. “You should’ve called me.”

Ariel let out a small sigh. “It’s just a sprain. I’m fine.”

“A sprain that has you stumbling in the hallway?” Daniel raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. His gaze flickered toward Luther again and this time, he didn’t try to hide his glare.

Daniel has always been jealous of Luther because he’s the only one that knows about Ariel’s crush on him.

Luther, on the other hand, merely smirked, clearly unfazed by Daniel’s presence. If anything, he appeared amused by the protective display.

“It’s nothing, Daniel. You don’t have to get all big bro on me.”

“I see,” Daniel muttered, then turned back to Ariel. “Let’s go. You’re not staying in the dorm tonight.”

“What?” Ariel blinked, caught off guard.

Daniel crossed his arms, making it clear this wasn’t up for debate. “I already spoke to Susan. She wants you home.”

“You called my mom? Why?”

“It’s your fault for not calling sooner, I heard you fell during practice so I panicked and told her I was taking you home.”

Ariel opened her mouth to protest but the look on Daniel’s face led her there was no room for argument. Besides, the thought of retreating to the comfort of home didn’t sound like a bad idea.

“Fine.” She sighed.

As Daniel led her away, she took one last glance at Luther, only to find him watching her with an unreadable expression. She quickly looked away, following Daniel out of campus. She could feel Luther’s gaze following her as she left.

________

The moment they stepped into the house, I felt the familiar tension in the air.

Her mothers voice echoed from the kitchen.

“I told you Richard, I don’t need your help!”

Ariel and Daniel exchanged a knowing glance before stepping inside.

“Same old story,” Daniel muttered under his breath, just loud enough for only Ariel to hear.

Ariel nudged his stomach lightly. “Don’t say that.”

Their parents' arguments weren’t violent, its always about how Susan doesn’t let Richard help her when she’s having problems. The only reason she remarried was because she couldn’t afford to send Ariel to school. And since they got married, she’s done everything else on her own without asking for his help. The only thing she lets him do is take care of Ariel’s schooling.

Richard, on the other hand, was not particularly fond of Ariel. But he takes care of her because he cares for Susan.

“Susan, for God’s sake, I’m just trying to help! You can’t do everything by yourself.” Richard’s voice followed.

“I managed just fine for years without you, didn’t i? I raised a child on my own while also running that bakery…”

“That was then,” Richard interrupted, his voice softening slightly. “You don’t have to do everything alone anymore. That’s what marriage is supposed to mean.”

“I can handle it,” Evelyn snapped. “I don’t need…”

“Why?” Richard asked.

“Because I know you!” Susan snapped. “I know how you are with business, once I let you help, you’ll begin to dictate how I run the shop.”

Ariel observed the look on her mothers face. She knew that look too well. His wasn’t about pride. It was about her dad. The bakery is the only thing that helps her mom feel closer to him.

Daniel cleared his throat loudly as they walked towards them, making their presence known.

“My baby!” Elizabeth rushed forward, her hands already reaching out to examine her daughter. “Daniel told me you hurt yourself. What happened? Is it serious?”

Before Ariel could answer, Susan was already guiding her to the living room couch.

“It’s just a sprain, mom,” Ariel said as she sat down. “I twisted my ankle during practice. It’s nothing serious.”

Susan examined her ankle. “It’s swollen. Get some ice, Daniel.”

“Should we take her to the ER?” Richard asked directing his question to Susan rather than Ariel.

Susan shook her head, still focused on the ankle. “No, it’s definitely just a sprain.she just needs to rest for a few days.” She looked up at Ariel. “No practice, no running around campus. Rest, ice, compression, elevation.”

“RICE,” Ariel recited. “I know, mom. I’ve had sprains before.”

“Good luck keeping her still. She was limping in the hallway, and I know she’s been limping all day instead of resting.” Daniel said, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed as he smirked slightly.”

Ariel shot him a glare. “Traitor,” she mouthed silently. 

“All the more reason for you to stay home for a few days. I can monitor you better here.” Susan’s expression grew sterner.

“Mom, I have classes.” Ariel protested.

“Only if you agree to ride with your brother.”

Daniel doesn’t live on campus. He doesn’t see the need to, since it's not too far from home. Plus, he has a car. Ariel on the other hand, didn’t want to stay home, she doesn’t feel comfortable, especially when it's obvious Richard doesn’t like her very much.

“But mom…”

“Then I'll drive you to your classes by myself. But you’re staying here until that ankle improves.” Her tone left no room for argument.

Ariel slumped back against the couch cushion in defeat. “Fine, I’ll ride with Daniel.”