Rejected: A love story-Chapter 23: Would you like to go back

Fiona’s POV

I tossed and turned, sleep evading me like a thief in the night. The clock mocked me with its steady tick-tock, a reminder that everyone else was lost in slumber. I threw off the covers and slipped out of my room, almost colliding with Nathan in the hallway.

"Where are you going?" he asked, his eyebrows raised in question.

I smirked, "I might as well ask you the same question."

He chuckled, "You’re so sharp-mouthed. So, where were you going?"

"I was gonna ask you the same thing," I replied, my tone dripping with sass.

He smiled, "I wanted to discuss something with you."

I raised an eyebrow, "At this ungholly hour? Couldn’t it wait? What if I was asleep?"

He gestured for me to follow him, "And you’re not. Come in, let’s talk."

I trailed behind him, taking in the stark black and grey interior of his room. "What a weirdo," I muttered under my breath.

Nathan’s head snapped around, "What?"

I flashed him an innocent smile, "Nothing."

He let it go, "So, what did you want to discuss?"

He seemed a bit nervous, "Back at dinner, you mentioned wanting to finish college..."

I leaned forward, intrigued, "What about it?"

"What college were you in?" he asked, his eyes locked on mine.

"Vanderhill," I replied, confusion etched on my face.

He looked surprised, "Seriously? Vanderhill?"

I nodded, "Yeah? Anything wrong?"

He laughed, "No... it’s just... never mind."

My curiosity was piqued, "Would you like to go back or somewhere else?"

I was taken aback, "Nathan, I can’t let you sponsor my schooling."

He smirked, "Don’t worry, you can pay me back. I’ll be paying you $2,000 every two weeks, remember? And if your acting skills improve, I’ll add tips."

I rolled my eyes, "So, I’m paying you back with your own money?"

He chuckled, "It’s your money, cupcake. You aren’t working for free, remember?"

I was torn, but the thought of returning to school and seeing Ella, my seatmate, won me over.

Nathan’s voice interrupted my daydream, "You can stop dreaming now, cupcake."

I blushed, "Oh, gosh, Nathan..."

I hugged him impulsively, "I’m so happy right now."

He laughed, "Easy, cupcake. It’s late, and if you wanna be ready for school, you gotta get a good night’s sleep."

I jumped up, excitement coursing through me, "Oh, my gosh! Tomorrow?"

He chuckled, "Sorry, cupcake. Not tomorrow, but soon."

I pouted, and he laughed, "It’s okay, I love seeing you this way."

I avoided eye contact, feeling a flutter in my chest, "I should get some sleep."

He nodded, "Goodnight, cupcake."

I shot him a look, "Cupcake?"

He grinned, "Get used to it already."

I shook my head, smiling, and slipped out of his room, feeling like I was walking on air.

I wasn’t sure I slept at all; I was awake till 2 a.m. in the morning. You can’t judge me; I was simply overexcited. Immediately it was 5:30 a.m., I rushed into the bathroom, brushed my teeth happily, and took my bath humming to a song. I stepped out of the bathroom, still dripping wet, cleaned up, and started applying lotion.

A knock came on the door. "Fiona! Are you awake?" I glared at the door, hearing his voice. "I’m awake, Nathan. I’m applying lotion," I yelled so he could hear. He didn’t say anything for a while. "Nathan? Are you there?" I called. "Um... Emily will bring your things then."

But I was already at the door; I opened it before he could turn back. "You were saying?" I asked, staring at his surprised face. He was trying so hard not to look down. I laughed, seeing his funny face. "It’s so obvious you’re trying not to check me out." He didn’t say a word, though; he just stared. "What did you bring?" I asked, looking at the bags in his hands. He handed them to me and just turned and left. "Weirdo," I teased, making sure he heard before shutting my door.

I emptied the bags on the bed, and clothes and books flooded out immediately, and of course, a backpack. "Wow," I searched the dresses and found six different skirts and shirts and, of course, some shoes. Comfy ones. The backpack was black with stone designs. He had such great taste for black. He wasn’t kidding when he said his favorite color was black.

I picked a black skirt and a white shirt from the clothes and matched it with black boots. I was going to wow everyone today at school. After dressing, I decided to put on the bracelet he bought for me and the earrings and necklace. It matched perfectly; I looked at the mirror and smiled. I carefully arranged my books in my bag, brushed my hair, and headed for Nathan’s room. I gently gave it a soft knock. "Nathan! Nathan, I’m ready!" "Go have breakfast; I’ll meet you downstairs," he replied from inside, and I turned excitedly.

I was having omelette with bread and tea, chewing happily. I didn’t even notice someone was behind me. "Looks like you weren’t kidding about being a college girl," a voice said. I opened my eyes to see Natasha, who had this problematic face and vibe. But I was ready for her; she couldn’t be another Valerie on my back, nope! "Are you surprised, honey? At least you’ve gotten it in your head that Nathan and I will get married, and I wasn’t kidding," she said.

"Hey, watch your mouth! Do you think because Nathan is caring for you now he really loves you?" I rolled my eyes. "Oh, please, not this again. Are you really delulu? I thought since you’re older, you should be sensible enough," I shot her a deadly look, and she was clearly pissed. "You little slut!" She raised her hand to hit me, but I held it. "Don’t you dare lay your hands on me, Natasha," I warned.

"Enough!" Nathan’s voice echoed through; he walked closer, and I threw her hand away. "Nathan, did you...?" "Enough!" Nathan cut her halfway. "Natasha, this should be the last time you try to hit my girlfriend! I wouldn’t be nice next time," his voice was so cold. She couldn’t even speak. "Cupcake, are you okay?" he asked, concern in his voice as he looked at me, holding my hands.

"I’m fine, Nathan," I pouted and hugged him, even smiling to make her jealous, and it worked. "Would you finish up first so we can go?" he asked, stroking my hand. I looked up at him. "I’ve lost my appetite; let’s just go," he nodded, and we walked right out together! Gosh, it felt good.

As soon as we came out, a black Lamborghini was parked outside, waiting. I cast a look at him. "Black? Seriously, Nathan, what’s your obsession with black?" He only smirked. "I wanted to give you a grand entrance," he chuckled, looking at my face. "We have to get going; I have to meet the Dean before heading to the office," he said, opening the door for me as usual, and I slipped in.