All Chapters of Caught In Desire : Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

Nora Oscar had officially decided that love was a scam.Not the cute, butterflies-and-late-night-calls kind people posted online. No. The real version the one she kept experiencing was exhausting, disappointing, and honestly a complete waste of time.At this point, she wasn’t even asking for perfection. Just someone normal. Someone who didn’t act like a walking red flag with a nice smile.But apparently, even that was too much to ask.Her phone rang.Nora groaned, reaching for it without checking the caller ID.“Hello…”“Where are you?” Mary’s voice snapped through the speaker.Mary—her best friend and the only person who could talk to her like that without getting blocked.“I’m coming, babe. Relax, I’m almost there.”“Almost where? Don’t tell me you’re still on your bed.”“Mary, free me please. I’m on my way.”“You said that twenty minutes ago.”“Okay fine, I’m actually on my way now.”“You better be.”Nora ended the call and sighed.“God… even my best friend doesn’t believe in me an

One week later – Pacific Crest University, CaliforniaThe library was quiet. Too quiet.Nora walked in, hugging her books to her chest, scanning for an empty seat.“Finally… peace,” she muttered under her breath.She turned a cornerand collided straight into someone.Books scattered across the floor.“Oh! I’m so sorry!” Nora dropped to her knees immediately. “I didn’t see you—”She reached for a book.Paused.Her eyes lifted.Her heart skipped.“…You?”The coffee guy.He looked down at her, expression unreadable.“You?” she repeated, standing up quickly. “You school here?”He didn’t answer.Instead, he studied her for a second, then said flatly,“Why are you always seeking attention?”Nora blinked. “…Attention?”Then she laughed, short and sharp.“Excuse me? You bumped into me.”He sighed like she was exhausting.Bent down, picked up his books one by one, calm and unbothered.No rush. No emotion.Then he walked past her.Just like that.Nora turned. “Wait—are you leaving?”No respons

The classroom was almost empty.Too empty.Nora stood by her desk, gripping her bag tightly, watching the last student walk out. The door clicked shut.Silence.Mary leaned close to her ear.“Babe… if you don’t come out, just know I love you.”Nora glared at her. “Go away.”Mary grinned. “Enjoy your meeting with your man.”“He’s not my man!”“Sure,” Mary whispered, already backing away. “Call me if he expels you.”The door shut behind her.Now it was just Nora… and him.Edwin didn’t look up immediately. He was arranging his notes, calm as ever, like her heart wasn’t about to jump out of her chest.“Come forward,” he said.Nora swallowed and walked slowly toward his desk.Each step felt louder than it should.She stopped in front of him.“Yes, sir?”He looked up.Those same eyes.Sharp. Steady.“You seem to have a habit,” he said, voice low, “of creating scenes wherever you go.”Nora blinked. “…Excuse me?”“The coffee shop,” he continued. “The library. And now my class.”Nora felt heat

Saturday evening.The house was lively for once.Staff moved in and out, the sound of luggage rolling across the floor echoing through the hallway.Nora stood at the top of the stairs, peeking down like a child.“He’s back,” she whispered to herself, smiling.The front door opened.“Welcome, sir,” one of the staff greeted.Mr. Oscar walked in, tall, composed, presence filling the room effortlessly.“Nora!” he called.That was all she needed.She ran down the stairs.“Daddy!” she threw herself into his arms.He laughed, holding her tightly.“My baby! Look at you!”“I missed you,” Nora said, hugging him tighter.“I missed you more,” he replied, pulling back to look at her. “You look… happy.”Nora froze for a split second.“…I am.”Mrs. Oscar walked in, smiling.“Welcome back.”Mr. Oscar nodded, walking over to kiss her lightly.“How have things been?”“Peaceful,” she said, glancing at Nora. “Until your daughter found a new interest.”Nora blinked.“Mum!”Mr. Oscar raised a brow.“New in

Max had barely parked when Mary came running toward the car like her life depended on it.She didn’t even knock.She yanked the passenger door open.“Nora! We have a quiz this morning!”Nora froze mid-step as she was about to get down.“…Quiz?” she repeated slowly.“Yes, quiz!” Mary snapped. “Why are you calm??”Nora blinked. “Wait—how? Which course??”“Professor Nelson’s course! Clinical Practice!” Mary said, slightly out of breath.Nora’s face dropped instantly.“…You’re joking.”“Do I look like I’m joking??”Nora turned to Max slowly.“Max… she’s joking, right?”Max raised a brow. “I wish I could save you, but… no. She’s very serious.”Nora groaned loudly, dropping back into the seat.“No, no, no, no… not today. I just found love yesterday, I can’t fail a quiz today!”Mary stared at her.“Found… what??”“Not important!” Nora waved her off. “Focus! Quiz?? Mary, you didn’t tell me anything!”“I sent it to the group chat!” Mary fired back.“I don’t check the group chat!” Nora snapped.