Chapter 4 HIS PRESENCE

I glanced at the brown-colored box on the dining table. It was a gift from Grey. Intrigued by its appealing cover, I finally decided to open it. My smile widened as I saw one of my favorite snacks inside.

Chocolate...

With sparkling eyes, I tasted each piece of chocolate in it. My mood instantly improved. Chocolate truly is the best mood lifter. Since I was a child, my mother always allowed me to eat chocolate every weekend. I miss home.

Because the chocolates in the box were so beautifully shaped, I couldn't bear to eat them all. So, I only had 2 out of many, intentionally saving them for the week. That's if I can resist not touching them.

As I was about to close the box, I noticed a small note card stuck under its lid. I furrowed my brow, then pulled out the little note to read it.

I hope u like it.

And, hopefully, we can become close neighbors.

From Grey!!

I smiled, my thoughts returning to a few hours ago when Grey knocked on my door. I don't know why his perfect figure keeps crossing my mind. My thoughts start to wander. No, no! I can't let this happen. I need to focus on my studies and avoid any romantic distractions before I successfully graduate!

***

The loud alarm sound made me grope the nightstand area for my phone and silence the disturbing noise. My eyes felt incredibly heavy as I opened them; it must be because I stayed awake last night working on Mrs. Nova's assignment at my study desk. I had no idea how far into the night or what time I fell asleep.

I slowly regained this almost-fading awareness. My eyes widened, staring at the ceiling of the room. I sat up, holding the blanket. As far as I remember from last night, I was still writing at the study desk next to the wardrobe. I didn't even realize that I slept on the bed.

I looked at the space on the side where I supposedly slept, and it appeared messy. I leaned down and sensed a familiar perfume scent in my nostrils. It was a very distinct masculine fragrance, and I didn't own this perfume.

Glancing at the window, it was tightly closed without any flaws, but not locked from the inside. Every night, I made sure all the windows were securely locked. However, this incident happened again. I wasn't too surprised because it had happened more than once or twice.

My feet touched the cold floor as I approached my study desk. I didn't find any books on the table; it looked neat as usual. Although it was clear that last night, I studied, taking out all my books.

The issue of waking up in bed might be a mistake on my part, and perhaps I did walk to the bed before sleeping. But, the study desk. I never leave my study desk tidy when I spend the whole night there. Surely all my books would be there, neatly arranged in the morning.

I looked around the room in a full circle. Feeling my body trembling with fear. Everything felt strange. What should I do after this?

In a neat outfit with a black shirt and cream-colored culottes, I carried my study bag and left the house. I made sure to lock the door from the outside and ensure that no one could enter.

"Morning, Nadia."

I turned when I felt called. It was Grey in a dark gray formal suit, about to open his car door but hesitated upon seeing me leaving the house. He smiled kindly, approaching me standing in front of the door.

"Hey Grey," I greeted back.

"Where are you heading this early?"

Even from a distance, Grey's dominant aura was palpable, especially the scent of his expensive cologne. I gripped my bag tightly as his steps got closer. His bright gray eyes were still attentively watching me from head to toe, making me feel intimidated.

"I have morning classes, and actually, it's usual for me to wake up at this hour," I said, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

Grey nodded in understanding, then put both of his hands in his pockets. Still with those eyes that always paid attention to me. His sturdy figure stood upright in front of my house, obstructed by the wooden fence surrounding it.

"Wanna go together?"

I squinted uncomfortably at his gaze, and I saw him slowly draw a reassuring smile. He offered to go together, but it didn't seem like a good choice. I couldn't possibly share a car with someone I just met last night.

"Thanks, Grey. But I'll take the bus; it'll be here shortly. I'll be going ahead."

I slightly lowered my head and smiled at him as a farewell gesture. As I was about to pass by, I felt his large fingers holding my wrist. That instantly made me forcefully pull away and step back.

"Sorry," Grey said, moving closer until our distance was just a few inches apart. "I didn't mean to hold you. Are you hurt?" He pointed at my hand.

Grey gently pulled my hand to examine the wrist he had grabbed earlier. I pulled my hand back and rubbed it myself. "Ah, it's okay, Grey."

"Again, I apologize."

I saw a guilty look on his face. His gray eyes gazed into mine as if to make sure I was okay. I felt a bit scared of him now. He seemed unpredictable.

"It's really okay, Grey."

After saying I was okay, I immediately left the house's yard. My bus would be here soon, and I didn't want to miss it. It wasn't possible for me to ride with Grey, whose presence felt suspicious to me.

But before fully leaving the complex, for some unknown reason, I glanced back and found Grey still standing in front of his car, watching me closely. Our eyes only broke contact when the bus I was waiting for arrived.

I don't know, I feel a flutter around Grey, but at the same time, I feel afraid. So far, he has been kind, even offering me a ride to campus earlier. But he's still too unfamiliar to me. I can't trust him immediately, right?

To be continued...