Chapter Five

“Miss Holloway, thank you for coming. Please have a seat.”

Audrey stepped into the office and closed the door behind her. Her brother was already sitting on one side of the room, looking uncomfortable and embarrassed. Across from him sat another boy around the same age, with what looked like his parents beside him. The mother had her arms crossed, while the father sat stiffly, clearly not pleased.

The Head of Student Affairs gestured toward the empty chair next to her brother.

Audrey sat down without saying anything at first, her eyes briefly meeting her brother’s before looking back at the man behind the desk.

“We’ve asked everyone here so we can resolve this matter properly,” he began. “As you’re aware, there was a fracas between the two students that resulted in damaged property and minor injuries.”

The other boy’s mother scoffed quietly under her breath.

Audrey kept her expression calm, but her fingers tightened slightly around the strap of her bag.

The Head of Student Affairs continued speaking, “Both students have given their statements. While there are differing accounts of who started it, the fact remains that university property was damaged, and physical violence took place. This is a serious matter.”

The other boy’s father leaned forward. “My son was just defending himself. Your brother threw the first punch.”

Audrey’s brother shifted in his seat but didn’t say anything.

Audrey glanced at him, then looked back at the parents. “I’m not here to argue about who started what,” she said evenly. “I’m here to take responsibility for my brother’s side and sort this out.”

The mother raised an eyebrow. “Responsibility? That’s easy to say.”

Audrey didn’t rise to the tone. “What’s the damage cost?”

The Head of Student Affairs opened a folder and slid a paper across the desk. “The estimated cost for repairs is listed here. In addition, both students are currently on temporary suspension pending the final decision.”

Audrey looked at the number, then nodded. “I’ll cover my brother’s share.”

That made the room go quieter for a moment.

The other boy’s father studied her. “Just like that?”

“Just like that,” Audrey replied. “I want this handled so he can focus on school instead of dragging this whole silly thing out.”

Her brother looked at her, surprised, but still stayed quiet.

The Head of Student Affairs nodded slowly. “If the damages are paid and both parties agree to a formal warning, we can consider lifting the suspension sooner rather than later.”

Audrey turned slightly toward the other parents. “Are you willing to settle it this way?”

There was a short silence before the father gave a small nod. “As long as it’s paid and this doesn’t happen again.”

“It won’t,” Audrey said, her voice firm as she glanced at her brother.

He lowered his gaze. “It won’t.” He repeated after his sister.

The Head of Student Affairs made a few notes, then looked between both families. “In that case, once the payment is made, both students will receive a formal warning on their records. The temporary suspension will be lifted, and they will be allowed to return to classes. However, any further incidents will result in more serious consequences.”

Audrey nodded. “Understood.”

The other boy’s parents exchanged a look before the father spoke again. “We’ll cover our son’s share as well.”

“Good,” the Head replied. “Then we can consider this matter resolved for now.”

He slid the necessary papers across the desk for signatures. Audrey signed where she needed to, then handed the pen to her brother so he could do the same. The other family followed shortly after.

Once everything was completed, the Head stood up. “Thank you all for coming in. You’re free to go.”

The other boy and his parents left first, the mother still looking displeased as they walked out. Audrey waited a moment before standing as well.

Her brother followed her quietly out of the office. The hallway felt cooler after the tense atmosphere inside.

They walked a few steps in silence before he finally spoke.

“You didn’t have to do that,” he said.

Audrey glanced at him. “Yes, I did.”

He looked down. “I’ll pay you back.”

“Don’t worry about that right now,” she replied. “Just don’t do that again..” She sighed. 

“But it wasn't my fault, I swear Audrey.” Her brother, Ethan, tried to convince his sister. “He started the whole thing by saying disrespectful things about you—about us and I wasn't having it.”

Audrey looked at his brother, she understood what he meant. Her eyes softened. “I know you were trying to defend me.” She said quietly. “But getting into a fight won't help. You could've gotten hurt…or worse, kicked out of school.”

Ethan looked down, still frustrated. “I Just couldn't let him talk about you like that.”

“It's fine but next time, walk away. Don't throw punches.”

He nodded. “Okay.”

They stood there for a moment in silence before Audrey spoke again.

“Now, don't let this spoil the mood. I'm starving, and you look like you haven't eaten good food since forever.”

Ethan gave a smile. “School's food is very…. manageable.”

Audrey raised an eyebrow. “That bad?”

“It’s not terrible,” he said, shoving his hands into his pockets as they walked. “Just the same things over and over. You start missing real food after a while.”

“Well, today’s your lucky day then.” Audrey adjusted her bag on her shoulder. “I’m buying. No arguments.”

Ethan glanced at her. “You sure?”

“I’m sure. Just pick somewhere that doesn’t look too expensive.”

And they laughed.

They ended up at a small café just off the main campus path. It wasn’t fancy, but it smelled good and had enough space for them to sit without feeling crowded. Audrey ordered for both of them, and once the food came, Ethan didn’t waste any time.

For a few minutes, they just ate in comfortable silence. It felt normal. The stress began to fade away slowly.

Eventually, Ethan spoke again, his voice quiet. “Thanks for coming all the way here.”

Audrey looked up from her plate. “You’re my brother. Of course I came.”

He nodded, poking at the last bit of food on his plate. “Still… I know things haven’t been easy for you.”

Audrey didn’t answer right away. She just took a sip of her drink and leaned back in her chair.

“We’ll manage,” she said simply. “We always do.”

Ethan gave a small smile at that.

Outside, the sky was starting to shift toward evening. Audrey still had to get to her hotel and rest before the train the next morning, but for now, sitting across from her brother with a proper meal between them felt like enough.

Back at the hotel, soft moans filled the room. The sheets were a mess. Clothes were scattered everywhere. Her fingers dug into the man's back as he continued to thrust harder into her.

His phone rang on the nightstand.

He ignored it.

It rang again. 

And again.

With a low curse, he reached over and answered, voice ragged. “What?”

On the other end, his assistant spoke. “Sir…he said it's urgent.’ 

The man slowed for a second, jaw tightening. 

“Tell him I'll be there.”