Jessica’s POV
I giggled softly, feeling a flutter in my chest. "Okay," I agreed, trying to sound casual despite my racing heart. I recited my number, watching as Max’s fingers flew across his phone’s screen.
I don’t understand why I was blushing and acting weird around this stranger. Although he made feel comfortable, I know I shouldn’t be this open with him as a married woman, but his aura... I just couldn’t stop it.
I have a thing for bad boys I see on TV and read on novels. I like them, I root for them even if they’re the villains. And when they’re the male leads, they fascinate even more.
Maybe that was why I like Max too...Maybe we could be good friends, even though I doubted we would.
My phone buzzed, snatching from my weird thoughts. I took it out and glanced at the screen. It was a text from Max: "Hey, cutie. Looking forward to tomorrow’s eting."
I rolled my eyes good-naturedly, smiling at the screen. "What should I expect from this club?" I asked, peeling my eyes from the screen and focusing on his face.
Unlike how I was with Liam in our early marriage, where I couldn’t summon courage to look him in the eyes, because I always ended up with cheeks as red as tomatoes, what I felt when I stared at Max in the face was different. I couldn’t out it in words, but I wasn’t shy around him.
"We discuss upcoming projects, share techniques, and get feedback from each other. We also assist our mbers to overco unnecessarily difficult professors," Max explained. "It’s a supportive environnt where we grow together."
"Sounds like a place anyone would love to be," I said, smiling. "See you there tomorrow."
Max’s eyes crinkled at the corners, as he smiled like that. "Do you know your way around campus?"
I shook my head, feeling a bit lost.
His smile grew wider. "Then, allow the honor of showing you around, inclusive of your lecture hall."
I agreed, grateful for the offer. As we strolled across campus, Max pointed out various landmarks.
"That’s the library, and over there is the student union," he explained.
His knowledge of the campus was impressive.
"You’re quite the tour guide," I teased.
Max chuckled. "I’ve had my fair share of getting lost in my freshman year."
As we walked, all eyes were on us, and I could feel every kind of gaze on – curious, angry, and even envious. Max seed oblivious to the attention, but I felt like we were on display.
A group of girls whispered among themselves, their eyes darting toward Max and then back to . I sensed a mix of fascination and resentnt.
One girl, with piercing green eyes, glared at , her expression screaming, ’Who is she?’
Max, however, remained unfazed, continuing to point out campus landmarks and share stories.
"Looks like you’re already making waves," he whispered, noticing my discomfort.
I raised an eyebrow. "Waves?"
Max smiled mischievously. "You’re with , and people tend to notice."
"You must be a sensation on campus," I teased. As I spoke, we approached a beautiful building with sprawling gardens.
"I’m not sure about that, but I’d say you’re worth the attention. You’re prettier than our departnt’s belle," he pointed at a building.
"And this is our design building," Max said.
My eyes widened. "It’s stunning."
Max smiled. "Wait until you see the studios inside."
As we strolled toward my lecture hall, I felt increasingly comfortable with Max. He effortlessly eliminated any awkwardness, engaging in conversation as if we’d been friends for years.
The bustling hallway swirled around us, filled with students either huddled in hushed conversations or lingering idly. Yet, amidst the chaos, one thing united them: their gaze. Every pair of eyes seed fixed on .
Max gestured ahead, breaking the spell. "That’s your lecture hall," he said, pointing to a nearby classroom.
"And you’ll find your locker just around that corner," he added, directing my attention to the intersecting corridor.
I nodded, grateful for his guidance. "Thanks, Max. You’re a lifesaver."
Max smiled warmly. "No problem. I’m happy to help. Want to grab a coffee after class?"
His invitation caught off guard, but I welcod the prospect of extending our easygoing conversation. "I’d love to," I replied.
He clapped, "Settled. I’ll see you after class." With that, he turned and walked away.
I watched his disappearing back for a while, a gentle smile on my face. Then, I turned and walked around the corner to the lockers.
The space was crowded, rows of tal doors lined the walls, and students bustled about, swapping books and chatting. No one cared about , maybe a few glanced my way but I didn’t feel malicious gazes on . A nice break from the scorching glares that made my skin tingle on my way here with Max.
Taking out the keycard from the box, I weaved through the mini crowd, searching for my assigned locker, whose number was engraved on my keycard.
Locating it, a soft sigh escaped my lips and I unlocked the door, revealing a narrow, empty space. Suddenly, the noises died down. I wondered why, but didn’t care enough to find out.
As I arranged my school supplies into my locker, my mind began to wander. Yesterday’s confrontation at the hotel invaded my mind again. The threat that was exchanged between Liam and Kristen made my hair stand on end.
My sense of unease intensified, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that sothing terrible was looming over one of them. I clenched my jaw, hoping it was just paranoia.
But the nagging thought persisted: what if my adopted family was right? What if I was indeed a jinx, drawing misfortune to those around ?
The possibility sent a shiver down my spine. I slamd my locker shut, the loud clang jolting back to reality.
Shaking off the dark thoughts, I took a deep breath and turned to leave. But my movent halted abruptly.
A group of students stood beside my locker, their eyes fixed on with an unnerving intensity. I jolted in shock, my heart skipping a beat.
Their silence was deafening, and I felt a creeping sense of dread. What did they want? Why were they staring at like that?
Suddenly, one of them stepped forward, a hesitant smile on their face. "Hey, are you okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost."
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