When I drop off Alinn at her house, we see Lukas sitting on the couch in the living room and talking to Mrs. Avery. Alinn retreats and is about to return to my car when I hold her arms.
“Where are you going, little lady?” I ask, almost gagging at my own laughter. “This is your house.”
“Alinn, welcome back!” Mrs. Avery greets. “You have a visitor.”
Lukas’ gaze turns toward Alinn, and his lips curl into an embarrassed smile.
“Congratulations,” he says.
Alinn grimaces. “What are you doing here?!”
“Alinn! Learn to treat your guest better.”
She turns to her parents and purses her lips. “Sorry,” she apologizes, and Lukas grins.
Alinn turns to look at me to ask for help. However, this time, I can’t. Lukas is a guest like me at her house. And so, I pat her shoulders and walk toward her parents.
“Teacher Cassie, welcome to our house.”
“Good day, Mrs. Avery.” I glance at Mr. Avery and bow my head at him. “I just dropped Alinn off, but I will leave soon.”
“Stay for dinner,” Mrs. Avery says. She leans toward me and whispers, “Ain’t he a handsome young man?” she asks, referring to Lukas.
I only smile. Besides, Alinn’s parents will soon learn that Lukas is more than that.
“The young man brought some cupcakes for us and my daughter. He learned that our Alinn won first place on the science quiz.”
I nod. “All her classmates and friends from school were notified of her win.”
“Ain’t it great?” she says. She turns towards her daughter and orders, “Alinn, prepare the table. Let your teacher and classmate have dinner first.”
Lukas and I thank Mrs. Avery while Alinn walks away to prepare the table. When we enter the dining room, we find a table ready with two extra places.
“My daughter always wanted to invite you for dinner,” Mrs. Avery divulges.
She sits and gestures for us to do the same. I sit beside her while Lukas takes the seat next to Alinn—something that Alinn grimaces about.
“Thank you for inviting us to dinner,” Lukas says politely, while Alinn rolls her eyes.
“Of course! We are happy that our Alinn has new friends.”
Alinn shoots a look at me, then quickly looks away. This time, Lukas catches it and grins at her. I cough to hide a laugh again. She really is getting restless.
“Your daughter is a nice friend. I would like to be her friend for a very long time,” he answers.
Alinn’s face pales, and she looks at me again as if begging for help. I shake my head in exasperation. He is not wrong about Alinn being a nice friend. Alinn is normally an amiable person and a good friend to those she likes. However, Lukas has been acting creepy toward her, which makes her feel disgusted at him.
“Alinn is one of our best students,” I continue. “She will soon graduate with top honors.”
Lukas looks at me. “What?”
“Alinn is a senior student,” I inform him.
“She’s not younger than me?” he asks.
“She is. But she studied early. Right, Mrs. Avery?”
“She did. Our Alinn liked books even before she started school. Wouldn’t you believe it? She learned her numbers at the age of three!” she exclaims proudly.
Lukas looks at Alinn. “Mrs. Avery, are you allowing Alinn to have a boyfriend now?” he asks, changing the topic. “I would like to apply.”
Alinn spurts out her food, and I chuckle. I shift my attention to Mr. and Mrs. Avery. Their mouths are agape. I move towards him and hit the back of his head. I pull him up and say, “I am sorry about this little man, Mr. and Mrs. Avery. You know how teenagers are.”
Mr. Avery rubs his head and chuckles softly. On the other hand, Mrs. Avery looks at Lukas and then at Alinn. “My daughter can decide about that. We don’t mind if she has a boyfriend. As long as she is happy.”
Lukas beams and looks at me. “You heard that? I am allowed!”
I sigh. “I am happy for you. But you need Alinn to like you.”
He turns to Alinn and gives her a warm smile. “I will wait for you,” he says with a wink at her. “I’m sure you will like me once you get to know me more.”
Alinn grimaces. “Ma, I lost my appetite. Can I go?”
“Okay, dear,” Mrs. Avery says reluctantly.
Alinn pushes her chair back and leaves the room. Lukas follows her with his eyes. But when she disappeared, Lukas continues to talk with Alinn’s parents, his happiness obvious throughout the dinner.
“It’s dark already. I will bring you to your house, Lukas,” I offer.
“Okay,” Lukas says with a nod. He’s being easy to handle today.
Lukas and I say goodbye to the Avery’s. Afterward, I walk to my car and slide into the seat before turning the ignition key. Once Lukas is safely in the passenger seat, we drive away in silence.
When we arrive at his house, I glance at the clock. It only takes twenty minutes to reach our destination, since traffic is not an issue in this town. After Lukas enters his house, I say my goodbye. I am halfway towards my car when he calls, “Teacher Cassie!”
“Hmmm?” I ask, turning back to him.
“My father is here. Do you want to meet him?”
I glance at my wristwatch. It’s already pretty late.
“It will be quick since my father is a busy man,” he adds.
“Okay then.”
Lukas grins. He opens the door wide, and I enter. He ushers me into the living room, which is spacious and inviting. I sit in one of the soft leather chairs. There is an elegant wooden table and a cozy rug, which gives the room a sense of luxury.
Lukas disappears from my sight to get his father. While waiting, I think of everything I can discuss with his father. His academics. His behavior. His life at school.
Five minutes later, Lukas is back. This time, he is accompanied by his father, who is wearing a white shirt that appears impossibly attractive on him. A smile spreads across his face while his eyes linger on me… a bit too long for my liking.
My eyes widen. This is the same man that I thought is Mr. Ellis!
“Teacher Cassie, this is my father, Liam Chapman,” Lukas says with pride. “Father, this is Teacher Cassie.” When Liam Chapman approaches, I stand up and step back, hitting the back of my knee on the couch. His dark eyes are trained on me. He stretches his hand, and I retreat from him. “Nice to meet you,” he says. He takes my hand and shakes it. His grip is solid and warm. “I have heard so much about you. My son has been raving about you.” “Dad!” Lukas complains. “That’s not true!” Liam grins at his son and steps closer to me again. This time, his smile is on me as if we are old friends and he has known me forever. Well, he knows me, but on... only on a more physical level. His fingers brush my hand as he says, “I have wanted to meet you for a while, but you might reject the invitation.” Of course, I will! My mind screams. He is a picture of a dumb, but very sensuous mistake! Or rather, he looks as good as the day I thought he was Mr. Ellis. “It’s okay,” I say quickly, though I am
After my first class ends, I go back to the library to teach a class on literature and search for any coaching techniques for my new handles—the journalism team. I try not to think about Mark or Liam while I teach the class. I need to concentrate on the students who come to ask questions. However, the school is abuzz with hushed voices by the time lunchtime arrives. One of my co-teachers comes and says, “The principal is calling for us.” I wonder, what is it this time? When I reach the staff room, Mark is already talking to one of the senior teachers. They look at me with disdain, as if I should not be called here. They speak in low voices while glancing at me, their eyes full of contempt. “What is happening?” My co-teacher cannot answer because Principal Abra is coming out of his office. “I am sure you have heard the rumor.” He clears his throat before saying, “but none of it is true.” He glances at me and then at the teachers. “Teacher Cassie is not my mistress. I also don’t hav
“Alinn!” I admonish. This girl! Does she want to get expelled!? “Teacher Cassie,” she whispers, her voice trembling, and she is so close to crying. I grab Alinn’s arm and pull her away from Lukas while shouting for Jason to prepare so we can bring him to the hospital. I look at Lukas. Instead of laughing at him, I feel pity. He is crying and bruised. I doubt he ever fought back against Alinn. No one must have hit him like this before. Nevertheless, it is also apparent that it’s his heart that’s beaten up. Alinn never tried to escape my hold. She might be waiting for someone to stop her. However, the others look afraid of her, and Lukas is doing nothing to fight back. I move to Lukas and tap his cheeks. “Lukas?” I ask. “Teacher Cassie...” There is a pleading look on his face. “Good, you can still recognize me. I will bring you to the hospital, okay?” He mumbles a yes in between his pain. I help him up. He moves his legs slowly and awkwardly while his body shakes. He uses his fre
I wait outside the company director’s office. He said he would meet some important people for a new advertising project. But after that meeting, he needs to discuss something with me. I glance at my wristwatch. It’s already fifteen minutes over my shift. I guess I will file for another overtime. It’s been three months since I resigned as a teacher. It’s been good. None of the chaos that a school setting offers — no students whining about the teacher being unfair or why they are not getting an A for a subject. However, I am surprised that I miss the interaction with students and the teaching part of the job. The door to the Director’s office opens, and the director comes out with a beaming smile on his face. Two men and another woman accompany him. All four of them are dressed in suit and ties. But my gaze settles on one man. The familiar figure is unmistakably Liam Chapman! My heart skips a beat at the same time that my jaw drops in disbelief. What the hell is he doing here?! My eye
I choke on my wine. I cough as I try to maintain a sense of dignity. But I just can’t quite contain my surprise at the question. I grab a napkin and quickly wipe my mouth. I look up with shock in my eyes. “What did you just say?” I ask again. What had I just heard? “I need help with my son’s education.” He leans forward. “If you marry me, I will provide all your needs.” “You can just get a private tutor!” I exclaim. “Having a mother at home and focused on his education is essential and more effective. Besides…” He takes my hand, which trembles in his touch, and he adds, “... we already know each other, especially the physical and sexual aspect of marriage. We will have no problem in the bedroom.” I withdraw my hand as if scalded by his touch. “Do you even know what you are saying, Mr. Chapman?!” “During your interview, I heard you would like to travel more. That’s why you are working in your company. However, being my wife, you can focus on Lukas, and I will provide for your trips
I wait outside the church. I am facing the vast, wooden double doors, which are closed as I wait for my entourage. All the bridesmaids and sponsors are already inside. I am wearing the wedding dress that Liam bought for me, which is white with silver trimming at the edges and flowers snaking all around the dress. They have styled my hair to match it. I am wearing white high heels even if it’s not visible under my dress. Thankfully, no butterflies and no jitters. However, my mouth dries up as I wonder about the events that will follow this. The ceremony is easy; the reception will be awkward; but the honeymoon phase will be nerve-racking. My bridesmaids had been joking about it, especially my co-teachers. They say I caught the big fish after my awful experience with Mark. I snort. If only they knew. “You look nervous.” A familiar voice speaks beside me. I turn to face the direction of the sound and see Mark climbing up the stairs. The coordinators and the surrounding stylists are ign
The moment Liam and I step out onto the floor for our first dance as husband and wife, the room erupts in applause. All our family and friends are here to witness and celebrate our fake love. Even my parents, who are standing like silent sentries in the corner, applaud my supposed-to-be joyful day, including the man I had chosen. Liam and I move gracefully around the room to the lilting music. Our movement is in perfect harmony with one another. Looking into Liam’s eyes, I am reminded of the first time I had seen him in the police station. He enters the room angry back then, but I am more furious about my cheater ex-boyfriend. And yet, even then, I find him handsome. We move together to the center of the hall. He places his hands on my waist and pulls me closer to his body. I take a deep breath as I feel the desire welling inside me. I know that I’ve become oblivious to the eyes of those watching from the fringes. I am already lost at the moment in this faux wedding. When I told my
When the wedding ceremony is done, we leave the reception area. We left the coordinators to take care of all the gifts, do an inventory, and bring everything to the Chapman house the next day. It’s what Liam, and I decided. Besides, if the coordinators also came to the house tonight, we won’t have a private time. I blush at the thought. I turn to look at Liam, who is sitting beside me. We are in the backseat, and his hand envelops mine. I watch as we turn the corner and I see Liam’s house in the distance. My chest thumps in anticipation, especially when we stop in the garage. “Mr. Chapman, I will return tomorrow,” the driver informs. “Go on,” he answers. I look at the house. We will be alone tonight based on the silence and the number of lights opened. I blush at the thought again. I appreciate that he ensured that we would be the only people in the house on the night of our wedding. Even so, it still makes me embarrassed whenever my mind goes to what we are about to do. Liam tur