Chapter Twenty One

Mrs Harmony's gaze flickered up at Thea from the edge of her glasses and back to her screen where Thea's educational background is on full display.

Thea is disgustingly educated, studied in the most prestigious university in the country and finished at the top of her class.

No wonder everyone called her the golden child.

Thea was sitting in a soft chair, across from Mrs. Harmony, a middle-aged woman with her grey hair neatly tied back, the dean of Zean School of Business. The office was quiet as she went through her application

Thea felt a knot in her stomach. She knew her name, Thea Balmero, still had a bad mark on it because of all the public drama.

She clenched her fist nervously under the table, she wouldn't be shocked if her application gets turned down due to the negative press she's been having.

Mrs. Harmony finally looked up. "Ms. Thea? This is good enough. May I know why you chose us?”

“I know that the best in the business world studied here. There has to be something you're doing right and I want to be a part of that.”

Mrs. Harmony didn't look impressed, her eyes scanned Thea in suspicion. “I have heard that a dozen times, Ms Thea. But I'll give you a theory. You're here not because your statement is true but because we are one of the many options you have.”

Thea chuckled. “I'm sorry but that's not true..”

“I watch the news, Thea. I know I'm old and this school takes the most of my time but I do spare a few minutes of my day on the news. I saw what happened to you..”

Thea's heart pounded against her ribcage, threatening to burst out of her chest! Of course, everyone has seen the news and it wasn't going to die down soon.

“I don't know the full story but I know Runes isn't what he seems.” Ms Harmony said simply, her voice firm.

Thea's gaze flickered to hers, her eyes etched with confusion. Did she know Runes?

“You got disowned and now you're trying to get back on your feet. It's a long way back, I hope you realise that.”

Thea swallowed, she wasn't used to being so easy to read.

“Now tell me the truth, Thea. Why are you here?”

“To get better. To get back on my feet and tell everyone the truth, to prove my innocence. If I want to do that, I can't stay down and let this break me..”

Ms Harmony leaned back on her seat, eyes as stern as ever. “You know why everyone who graduates from here goes on to be business giants? They all had something they desperately wanted to prove. I believe you have that.”

Harmony grabs a piece of paper, flipping through it while her other hand hovers over a seal.

“I don't know the entire story and quite frankly, I couldn't care less, it's none of my business but..” She stamps the page and hands it over to Thea. “You're accepted. Welcome to the Zean School of Business, Mrs. Thea."

Thea felt a huge wave of relief. "Thank you, Mrs. Harmony. Really. I won't let you down."

Ms Harmony adjusts her glasses, “Not for me, Thea. I might not be here tomorrow.” She grinned."Your first classes start next Monday. We'll send you your student ID and class schedule soon."

Thea thanked her many times, grabbed her bag, and left the office. She still couldn't believe it! An acceptance letter in her hand? It felt surreal.

Thea hurried towards the bathroom, she needed a moment to gather her thoughts and let it all sink in.

She chose a toilet stall at the back, turned the locks and settled down to do her business.

“Rune Sterling! You're so naughty!" A female voice giggled, clearly flirting. "I like that about you.”

Thea froze, her hand above the toilet flush. Rune? Rune Sterling? And why does that voice sound familiar? Her ears immediately perked up.

"Is there anything not to like?" Rune's voice, sounding a bit distant through the phone, but still easy to recognise, answered.

“Nothing. I like that dick the most.” Yumi said, her voice slurry.

Thea turned the locks quietly and peeped out of the stall slowly, it was Yumi. Yolanda’s best friend!

“And I like that little cunt even better,” Runes replied.

Thea covered her mouth, It was Runes! She couldn't mistake that voice for anyone else!

“You know where to find me,” Yumi replied with a playful smile.

"I know but you're so far away. Wish you were here, really here. I could show you what this dick can do to that pretty cunt."

Thea's eyes grew wide in her stall. Rune and Yumi? Cheating on Posy? It had to be a dream..

"Is that a promise? And your..little fiance isn't going to ruin it for us again?” Yumi asked, a hint of irritation in her voice.

“Forget about Posy. I'm talking about us right now. I want you, Yumi.”

“I know. I have to go. I have one more class and I'll be on my way to…you know where.”

"I know. I'll be waiting," Rune's voice promised.

The video call seemed to end. Thea heard the clear click of a phone being put away. Then the sound of running water, followed by footsteps. The main restroom door opened and closed.

Yumi was gone.

Thea slowly, carefully, stepped out of the stall. She looked at herself in the mirror, and a laugh started deep inside her.

It began as a chuckle, then burst out into full, loud laughter that she couldn't hold back. The irony was so huge that she just had to laugh.

Rune Sterling, the Mr perfect, the most eligible bachelor, the man who had publicly shamed her, was a cheating liar.

And Posy, who had planned and tricked Rune, was now engaged to a man who didn't even try to hide his affairs.

Her laughter died down, replaced by a cold gleam in her eyes. A playful idea sparked in her mind. She took out her phone from her bag.

She opened her messaging app and typed quickly, her fingers flying across the screen.

Message: I reconsidered your offer and you're right. I should honour mum and dad's wishes. I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm ready to forget everything bad that happened. I would be super honoured to be by your side on your big day as your maid of honour. I'd be happy to help.

She pressed send, a winning smile on her face. This should be interesting.