CHAPTER 2

Daniella’s POV

My legs were sore from having stood all day in the lecture hall, so when I relaxed against the wall, it felt like my body was numb. But I endured it because my boyfriend was in the teacher's lounge and I had to wait for him.

While waiting, I heard voices coming from in there and I couldn't help but try to listen. The noise from other students made it hard but I could pick up a few lines.

“...just this once dude…”

“... I'm a fucking…, man…”

What are they talking about? Fucking?

With a roll of my eyes, I gave up trying to listen and just stayed still until the door pushed open and Gareth walked out with a smile on his face.

“God, you took so long.” I groaned, wondering what had him smiling like that and to my surprise, he placed a soft kiss on my lips.

Gareth was never affectionate in public so I was caught off guard.

“Why are you so fucking perfect?” He asked with twinkling eyes, and all I could do was laugh softly as his actions were so unusual.

“What are you talking about?” I asked as he took my hand and together, we walked out of the school premises.

“Nothing, I'm just adoring my girlfriend.” He muttered, kissing my knuckles gently and I blushed so hard that my cheeks were pink.

We returned home in his car and by the time we walked in, he pinned me against the door, kissing me like he had been wanting to do this for so long.

“Gareth…” I whispered, as his lips latched onto my neck and I gently pushed him away from me. “You know I'm not ready… I'm all yours but we can't do this now.”

“But…” He hissed, gripping my ass firmly and I jolted, feeling slightly uncomfortable. “I've been so patient. Don't you think so?”

“It's only been three months, Gareth. You promised you'd wait for me.” I pleaded, making him look at me as I kissed his lips gently and he finally grunted in agreement.

“Fine. But once that time comes, I'm losing every bit of self-control I have.” He whispered, booping my nose as he slapped my ass, making me yelp in laughter.

I couldn't help but marvel at the sight in front of me when he took off his shirt and I just knew how lucky I was to have a man like Gareth. He was perfection and he loved me just as much as I loved him.

“Should we order something to eat?” I asked, noticing how his face fell as he stared at his phone. “Is something wrong?”

“Not really. I can handle it—”

“Hey,” I interrupted him, making him look at me. “What's the matter? We promised not to keep any secrets from each other, right?”

“It's just… I don't know how to…” He paused and rubbed his forehead. “I shouldn't bother you about it, baby. I'll figure a way out.”

“Is it something I can do?” I asked gently, taking his hands in mine and he looked troubled, making my heart ache.

“I love you so much and I trust you a lot. And yes, I need help. I don't know who else I can talk to about this except you but I don't want to bother you.” He said softly and my heart pounded in my chest.

“Tell me. Whatever it is, as long as I can do it, then I will.” I muttered and he looked at me with hope in his eyes.

“So, there's this wealthy donor, he's a very important figure in the university. And he needs someone to temporarily accompany him to a private event.” He explained and my brows furrowed. “But I can't go with him and I'm the one in charge of finding someone to go with him.”

“And you haven't found anyone yet?” I questioned and he nodded, heaving out a sigh.

“This could change our lives financially. But if I don't find someone by tonight, I could lose my scholarship.” He continued and my heart sank into my stomach.

“That can't happen.” I said immediately, weighing my options. “If I go with this donor, will you be okay?” I asked and his face lit up almost immediately as he nodded, scooping me into his arms.

“I fucking love you so much, you're a lifesaver!” He exclaimed, hugging me right and I couldn't help but giggle.

Seeing him happy was my happiness.

Even though I was reluctant to do this because I didn't even know who this donor was. But I trusted Gareth. I knew he wouldn't hurt me.

I spent the next few hours choosing a dress suitable for the private event and by the time I was done, I knew I looked stunning. Hopefully, this “donor” wasn't a pervert or I'd be hitting him with my heels and taking off.

“Thank you for doing this for me, baby.” Gareth said and I smiled. “I'll drive you there myself if you want.”

“No need, you should rest. You've been through so much.” I whispered and he kissed me softly before handing me a paper containing the address.

I left the apartment, my heart pounding loudly in my chest but I forced it to stay still as I boarded a cab to the address in my hands.

The cab slowed to a stop and I swallowed, feeling a bit uncomfortable as I walked in through the gates. The security let me in without question, and it bothered me a bit because I didn't know how he knew I wasn't an intruder.

Regardless, I made my way into what looked like a penthouse and the moment I pushed the door open, I froze. It was empty.

Where was the private event?

I should have listened to my head and turned around to leave. But I chose to walk in anyway, looking around at the magnificent decorations.

The air smelled weird but I ignored it and called out to someone. Anyone at this point. What if I just walked into a kidnapper's den? Was I at the wrong address?

“Hello?”

My breathing began to feel heavy and for some reason, it was too hot in here.

Oh, it was definitely time to leave. But the moment I turned to leave, I felt someone staring at me and I froze.

That was when I noticed the figure standing by the stairs and by the time I looked closely, I realized…

I knew him! Why was he the one here?