chapter 1

Eliana's POV

“We're here, miss," the driver said as the cab rolled to a stop.

His voice broke into my thoughts and I looked out the window to see a collection of exquisite buildings laid out before me. From where I was, I could only see a handful of buildings, but I knew there were numerous more. I'd taken my time to survey the map of the campus.

Grabbing my bag, I produced a handful of dollar notes and handed it to the expectant driver. A smile appeared on his face as the notes entered his palm and he even waved at me after I climbed out of the car and shut the door.

Emerald University. A fresh start. Hopefully.

Glancing at the watch on my wrist, I realized I was already running late. As fast as I could, I made my way over to the only class I had for the day. I got a lot of stares as I breezed down the corridor but I couldn't be bothered to pay attention to any of them.

When I got to the door of the auditorium, I paused to take a deep breath then I pushed the door open.

Stares. More stares.

My mind went blank as I stared back at the sea of faces before me. I hadn't been expecting to be in a class with this many people.

“Can I help you?” A voice asked and I glanced sideways to see a handsome man with partially grey looking at me.

His bright blue eyes were curious and staring at them was strangely comforting. He had on a black shirt and the folded arms afforded me a clear view of his muscular forearms. Everything about him seemed so perfect. His cheekbones, his jaw, his face… everything was perfect.

He raised an eyebrow at me and I felt something flutter in my stomach.

“I– I'm taking this class," I replied, finally getting my thoughts in order.

He took one muscular arm away from the podium and gestured towards an unoccupied row of seats. “Then take a seat. You're late."

“Thank you," I said, admiring his face one last time before I made my way to the seats. I almost smiled at him but I caught myself before I could do that.

“As I was saying, before I was interrupted," the man started, staring directly at me, “my ways of teaching are quite different from anything you're used to. I tend to get.. intense, at times. For those who just joined us, my name is Professor Matthews and I would be taking you Advanced Literature. Brace yourselves, guys, because there is no room for slackers in any class of mine.”

All through his teaching, I was unable to take my eyes off of him. He had a way of capturing people's attention and he could have had mine all day without any interruption.

"And that is the end of today's class," he said several minutes later. “For our next class, I want you all to read James Joyce’s Araby and come prepared with your arguments.”

As he packed his books, his eyes traveled in my direction and he held my gaze briefly before smirking and turning to go.

“Hi," a voice said behind me and a tall, slender figure appeared by my side shortly after.

“Hi," I replied dryly. The owner of the voice was a blond haired boy with his hair perfectly styled to one side.

“You're new to this school, aren't you? I'm Oliver. Oliver Newton.” He held out his hand and I considered it for a moment before taking it and releasing it almost immediately.

I already had a good guess on the reason for his approach and that was the last thing I needed in my life. Not after everything that happened with Patrick.

"Yeah, I am.” Slinging my back over one arm, I rose to my feet and started walking towards the aisle.

As I made my way to the front of the auditorium, I could hear him walking behind me. Hoping it would deter him, I pulled out my earphones and plugged them into my ears.

I walked as fast as I could and when I walked into the crowded hallway, I looked back to see that he had kept his distance. Sighing in relief, I turned my gaze forward.

“Oww!" I groaned as I collided with something almost immediately.

“Jeez. Watch where you're going," the person in front of me said, her arms widespread.

“Oh shit. I'm sorry," I said in horror when I realized the collision had resulted in her spilling coffee on her clothes.

“It's fine," she said in resignation. She pulled out a handkerchief from nowhere and started wiping the front of her clothes.

“I'm so sorry. Let me help you with that." I snatched the handkerchief from her and continued the wiping.

Our eyes met then and she frowned. “Wait. I think we took the same class together earlier. Advanced Literature."

After doing the best I could, I handed the soiled handkerchief back to her. “Yeah. I'm Eliana.”

"Annabelle." She handed her hand to me and I shook it. “Gosh, you're so pretty. Do you have a boyfriend?"

“Yes. Sorry, no," I replied, shocked by the question.

“Which one is it?" She asked with a smile. I fell into place beside her as she started walking.

“No. I've had enough of that. Why do you ask?”

She half turned to me and winked. "So I can keep you for myself. Can't let this amount of beauty be wasted on the undeserving boys of Emerald University.”

“Oh," I said, chuckling lightly.

We got to the double doors at the end of the hall and after opening it, she held it for me to pass through before letting it go.

“Thank you," I said, adjusting my bag on my shoulder. It was just barely noon and the sun was burning brightly in the sky.

Nodding, she said, “So what's your story?”

“My story?" I was puzzled.

“Everyone at Emerald has got a story, Eliana. How did you end up here? Are you a runaway? Did you just conclude a messy breakup? Or did you come here because of someone? Which one is it?” She turned fully to me, her green eyes gazing directly into my hazel brown ones.

Just as I was about to answer, my phone rang. Without glancing at the screen I already knew who it was.