Chapter Thirty One

“We're here ma'am.” Ethan announced as he pulled over in the parking lot of Zean School of Business.

Thea took a deep breath, it's just a class but why was she so nervous?

“Thanks.” She smiled as she picked up her bag, ready to start her day. Her hand touched the door and she hesitated, maybe she's not as ready as she thought she was.

“I…I need a minute.” Thea muttered, her fingers fidgeting with her things. She had no clue what else to pick up or..

“Ms Thea, I believe you'll do great.” Ethan offered, his eyes meeting hers from the rear view mirror with a smile.

She nodded. “Thank you. I'll let you know when my classes are over.”

Ethan nodded, she had promised to alert him if she was ever in any serious danger.

Thea walked onto the campus, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. It's finally happening!

The classroom was small and modern, students were already gathering and chatting in small groups. Thea found a seat near the back, pulling out her notebook, she wanted to focus.

She felt a few glances being sent her way and whispers seem to follow. Thea steadied herself, refusing to allow this get to her.

Her eyes met with a few of their curious glances and she sent a small smile their way with a slight bow of her head. Some of the students stare at her in surprise, wondering if they mistook her for Thea Balmero who got disowned for cheating on her fiancée.

A group of three girls walked toward Thea's table, eyes regarding her with suspicion. She glanced up at them, wondering what the problem was.

The girl leading the group, a tall brunette with a ponytail, scans her in silence. “You're Thea Balmero, aren't you?" She placed her hand on the table, leaning in closer to Thea. “I almost couldn't recognise you.”

"Hello, Chloe," Thea replied calmly.

She recognized Chloe from social events in the past. Chloe's friends, Sarah and Bella, hovered behind her, giggling nervously.

"My goodness. The rumours were true, you're taking your masters at our school after how many may I ask?” Chloe continued, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "It's so brave of you. Especially after... well, after everything with Rune."

Sarah stepped closer, her eyes wide with fake sympathy. "We were all so shocked when the engagement ended. It was all over the news. And then, poof! You vanished."

Bella glanced down at Thea's ring finger and gasped. “She got married!” She met her gaze in shock. “You vanished because you got married! Who is the unlucky loser?” She asked with genuine curiosity.

Chloe and Sarah glanced down at Thea's ring finger and gasped. “My goodness, you're right. The cheating golden child got married!” Chole muttered.

“Unbelievable. To whom? I'm certain it's not Runes cause he looks so much better with your sister..”

Thea chuckled, holding back her annoyance. “It's interesting, Chloe. I came here to study. I’m surprised you’re more interested in tabloid gossip than actual class. Shouldn't we be focusing on that instead of my personal life?"

Chloe’s smile faltered. "Oh, we just wanted to say hello," she mumbled.

"I appreciate the concern," Thea said, picking up a pen and tapping it lightly on her notebook. "But I assure you, my life is perfectly fine."

Chloe scoffed. “Perfectly fine is a…strong word after being disowned. And dragged for being a cheat. That's quite something, isn't it?”

Thea smiled. “What is this? Kindergarten? Why are you here making sly comments? We both know you're not curious.”

Chloe’s face flushed. Sarah and Bella exchanged uncomfortable glances. Thea wasn't giving them the reaction they expected.

"Well," Chloe stammered, "if you're going to be like that..."

"I'm going to be focused," Thea finished, looking down at her notebook. "And I believe the class is just about to start."

The three girls exchanged a frustrated look. They backed away from Thea's table, mumbling to each other.

A few students glanced their way, wondering what had transpired between the trio and Thea.

Just as the tension hung heavy in the air, the classroom door opened, and a figure walked in.

The room went completely silent. Every student immediately turned towards the front of the room. It was Ms Harmony.

Ms Harmony walked to the front of the class, her glasses hanging in the bridge of her nose. She stepped on the podium, registering all the faces in the classroom in silence until her eyes landed on Thea and lingered.

She looked away, directing her gaze to someone else.

“Good morning everyone. Welcome to Zean's School of business. Your classes will start very soon but I want to make sure to formally welcome you all…”

Chloe raises her hand, a sly look on her face. “I have a question for the dean?”

Ms Harmony regards Chole in silence, her irritation is quite evident. “I don't believe I have said anything that requires you to ask me questions just yet..”

Chloe smiled. “You're right but I just wanted to remind you of something I read in the school's code of conduct.”

Ms Harmony nods, “Continue.”

Chloe gets on her feet with the school's brochure in hand as she addresses th3 class. “It says here that the school will not admit students who have committed offences that would tarnish the image of the school..”

Thea’s heart sank as Chloe made eye contact with her, a smirk on her face. “We can't say the same for Thea Balmero now can we?”

Ms Harmony arched a questioning eyebrow. “What about Ms Thea?”

“She cheated on her fiancée and her father disowned her for that! That is in fact shameful and her name should not be attached to a prestigious school like this.”

Whispers erupted in the classroom as students glanced back at Thea in disgust.

“My thoughts exactly. Bold of her to show her face in public. “ a student whispered.

“I can't stand her! Pretending to be so innocent when she's a cheat!” Another said.

“Ms…” Ms Harmony started, staring at Chloe with lack of interest.

“Chloe, ma'am.” Chloe replied with a smile.

“Ms Theas' personal life has nothing to do with the school. The offences mentioned in the brochure refer to criminal offences and I don't believe Ms Thea committed any.”

Chloe's smile fell immediately. “But..”

“I believe I have answered your question. Please stay seated.”

Chloe sat back in her seat reluctantly. Thea sighed, her eyes shutting in relief. Ms Harmony continues to address the class, not sparing Thea a second glance.

Maybe Business School isn't going to be a smooth sail after all.