Chapter 4 Encounter with Jason

Serena and her friends, Louella and Rowan, spent the remaining day exploring the city, laughing, and creating beautiful memories. The trio ate delicious food, visited art galleries, and shared countless laughter-filled moments. As the sun began to set, they bid each other farewell, promising to meet again soon.

With a cheerful smile, Serena walked towards her house, feeling slightly exhausted but content. However, as she approached the front porch, she noticed a strange car parked outside - an unusual sight for this time of the day. Curiosity filled her mind as she hurriedly made her way inside.

Closing the door behind her, Serena could hear the faint murmur of voices coming from the living room. she tiptoed closer, realizing her father was engaged in an intense conversation with Mr. Holloway, the father of her groom-to-be. Her heart sank a little, knowing the final arrangements for the contract wedding were being discussed in her absence.

Serena had always been a free-spirited soul, But due to her father's wishes and the wedlock contract her family had agreed upon, she knew that her fate had already been decided. Resigned to her circumstances, she took a deep breath, preparing herself to face the reality she could not change.

Quietly, Serena pushed open the door to the living room. Her father and Mr. Holloway paused their conversation momentarily, acknowledging her presence with a fleeting smile. She greeted them with a polite nod, not daring to interrupt their crucial discussion.

Engrossed in the wedding preparations, her father discussed every detail. Serena couldn't help but notice Mr. Holloway's enthusiastic nature, his gestures mirroring her father's seriousness. As they planned each aspect of the impending wedding, Serena glanced towards her father, his face a mix of determination and pride. Deep down, she knew he wanted what he believed was best for her.

Deep inside, she understood that he was only looking out for her happiness in his own way.

Unable to bear the weight of their conversation any longer, Serena excused herself softly, promising to be back soon. With slumped shoulders and a heavy heart, she went to her room, She couldn't help but feel a sting of sadness for losing control over the direction of her own life, but she also understood that love sometimes requires sacrifices, not quite long, she slept off.

SERENA'S BEDROOM - MORNING

Sunlight rays through the curtains as Serena opens her eyes. She glances at the clock on her bedside table and sits upright.

"Oh no, it's Monday already!" She said whispering to herself

Serena jumps out of bed, her messy hair falling over her face. She quickly brushes it aside and heads towards her closet. She pulls out a casual outfit - a pair of distressed jeans and a fitted white t-shirt. Grabbing her backpack, she rushes downstairs.

Serena's mom, is preparing breakfast. She looks up and smiles as Serena enters.

"Good morning, sunshine! Hurry up, you don't want to be late for school." Her mum said smiling,

"Morning , Mom! I know, I'm running late already." she replied,

Serena grabs an apple from the fruit bowl, takes a quick bite, and heads towards the front door. As she steps outside, she meets her best friends, who are waiting for her with backpacks slung over their shoulders.

"Finally, you're here! We were about to leave without you." Louella said hugging Serena,

"Yeah, can't have our favorite girl miss the Monday morning madness." Rowan said grinning,

The trio starts walking briskly towards their university, sharing laughs and exchanging stories.

UNIVERSITY HALLWAY

Serena, Louella, and Rowan enter the crowded hallway and maneuver their way through crowd. Serena quickly checks her class schedule.

"Our first lecture... I hope we're not late." she said worriedly,

'We'll make it in time, don't worry." Louella said

They speed up their pace and finally arrive at their classroom. They find three empty seats together in the back row.

UNIVERSITY CLASSROOM - MOMENTS LATER

The class is in full swing with students taking notes and the professor lecturing at the front. Serena, Louella, and Rowan settle into their seats.

After what feels like an eternity, the lecture finally ends. Serena gathers her belongings, ready to head out.

UNIVERSITY CAMPUS

As Serena walks through the campus, lost in her own thoughts, she accidentally bumps into an attractive guy, instantly dropping her books.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" she quickly apologized,

She hurries to pick up the fallen books, panic written all over her face. The guy, Jason, just stands there, arms crossed, and an arrogant smirk playing on his lips.

"Watch where you're going next time. Klutz." Jason said,

Serena's face flushes with embarrassment, but she refuses to back down.

"I said I'm sorry. No need to be so rude about it." Serena said harshly.

Without waiting for a response, Serena gathers her things, leaving Jason speechless. She takes a deep breath and walks away, leaving him with an unexpected sting in his eyes.

STARNESS LIBRARY

Serena sits at a table in the quiet library, seething with anger. She taps her pen on the table, her eyes fixed on her notebook, but her mind preoccupied by the rude encounter with Jason earlier.

Louella and Rowan, approach her cautiously, sensing her frustration.

"Hey, Serena, are you okay? You seem really upset about what happened earlier." Louella whispered so as not to disturb other students in the library,

Serena looks up, her eyes still filled with irritation.

"I can't believe how rude Jason was! I accidentally bumped into him, and he acted like I had committed some serious crime. Who does he think he is?" she said angrily,

"Don't let his attitude get to you, Serena. He's always been like that - arrogant and full of himself. It's not worth ruining your day." Rowan said

Louella places her hand on Serena's shoulder, offering comfort.

"Yeah, Rowan's right. Jason's behavior says more about him than it does about you. You don't need to waste your energy on someone like him." Louella added,

Serena takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. She appreciates her friends' perspective and leans back in her chair, slowly letting go of her anger.

"You're right. I shouldn't let his rudeness affect me. I have better things to focus on, like preparing for that English test tomorrow." She said softly,

"That's the spirit! Nothing can bring you down. Now, let's make the most of this library and concentrate on acing that test." Rowan said smiling.