I recognized that look in his eyes immediately.
My whole body stiffened as I tried to jerk my wrist out of his hold.
“I’m an Elite too, you know,” he whispered softly while his friends laughed and jeered, calling me whatever imaginative names they could think of.
The look on the young man’s face sent a cold shiver through me. “Let go,” I said.
“Take a break,” I heard Jacob’s familiar voice beside me.
At once, my wrist came free from the jock’s hold.
“Go on,” said Jacob. “We’ll take care of it.”
Ahmad stood beside him and gave me a firm nod.
This time, I didn’t bother being brave. Jacob gave me an exit and I was taking it.
I hurried away from the dining area.
Reaching the lounge room, I untied my apron, shoved it into the locker, and grabbed my backpack. I donned my jacket, pulling the hood low over my face.
I exited the café without glancing at anyone.
A weird gasp escaped me as my lungs expanded to their full capacity, drawing in the cold, fresh air. My heart hammered in my chest as if I’d run at top speed.
I came to a halt beside an empty bench on the beautiful campus avenue and collapsed on it. The darkness helped hide the tears running down my cheeks.
I’d never felt such helplessness in my life. There were people who could help me but I waschoosingnot to say anything. “All for you, Mom,” I whispered through a choked throat.
My phone buzzed in the pocket of my jeans, distracting me momentarily.
Taking my phone out, I stared at the unknown number. Part of me wanted to ignore it. What if it was someone who got hold of my number and decided to torment me further?
Cautiously, I swiped the screen and held the phone to my ear.
“Hello?” An elderly male voice spoke on the phone.
I didn’t reply, waiting to see what the man would say next.
“Hello? Camilla? Miss Brown? Can you hear me? Hello?”
The mention of my name made me speak up. “You’ve reached me. Who is this?”
“I’m Jeremiah Jenkins,” said the man. “We met at Mr. Amhurst’s home office yesterday.”
Had it only been a day since that horrible party?
“I remember,” I said. “How can I help you?”
“I need some more signatures urgently, Miss Brown. Please, let me have ten minutes of your time tonight.”
“Does it have to be tonight?” I asked.
“I’ll meet you at your home,” said the elderly lawyer. “Actually, I’m on my way right now. Please wait for me in Mr. Amhurst’s study. I’ll be there soon.”
“But—”
“These are quite urgent, Miss Brown,” he said. “It’ll take only five minutes. I promise.”