Chapter 2

My academic performance has always been top-notch, earning scholarships every year. This year was supposed to be the same, but at the final hurdle, the advisor informed me that the approval didn't go through. When I asked for the reason, she didn't elaborate, only saying that someone had accused me.

Accused me? For what?

Later, I saw a post causing quite a stir on the school's forum, "Has Emily, the campus queen, got a sugar daddy too?"

The accompanying picture was from the day Asher took me out, showing me getting into his car.

Everyone in the department knew I was working part-time jobs to pay for my expenses, but that photo showed me getting into a Bentley.

My first reaction was to think it was Asher getting back at me, so I rushed to the school leaders to clarify. However, they considered the matter settled, with no room for re-evaluation. As the argument continued, Asher arrived.

Until then, I hadn't realized the extent of Asher's influence. I watched as the school leaders bowed to him, while simultaneously contacting the forum administrator to delete the post and re-approving my scholarship.

Once everything was settled, Asher looked at me with a smile. "Emily, aren't you going to treat me to a meal?"

The anger I felt earlier suddenly melted away under his gentle gaze, and somehow, I nodded instinctively, thinking, how could someone be so charmingly audacious in broad daylight?

In the car, Asher asked me, "Any plans for the summer?"

I shook my head, "Haven't thought about it yet, probably staying on campus."

Asher pulled out a tablet, his fingers sliding across the screen as he spoke. "I've received a reply from Professor Green. She mentioned there will be an opening this summer, and if you need it, I can..."

An email was shown to me, and I stared at it in disbelief. Professor Green, a renowned piano virtuoso-if I could receive her guidance!

I swear, at that moment, Asher seemed like a deity to me.

"Emily, do you have time this summer vacation?"

I was almost in tears, nodding fervently at Asher.

"Then Emily, as a return favor, could you give me a kiss?"

I stared at Asher, hesitantly asking, "Just a kiss?"

But Asher shook his head. "Emily, what if I said it's not just a kiss?"

Asher didn't force me. I spent two months in Elandria alone. Professor Green wasn't nosy, but at the end of the summer, she jokingly asked me once, "Are you Asher's lover?"

She used the term "lover," , but clearly, I wasn't.

So I shook my head, seeing her puzzled expression. "But Asher speaks highly of you. He said you're a very talented girl, and he admires you.

That's strange. In your country, doesn't admiration imply affection?" Professor Green muttered a few words to herself.

I stood there, suddenly at a loss for words.

As the start of the school year approached, I was reluctant to leave. Asher came to pick me up, and his first words were, "If you don't return soon, you'll miss your school's opening ceremony."

I had to bid farewell to Professor Green. Seeing my reluctance, Asher mumbled, "It's not like you won't see her again."

I looked at him in confusion, and Professor Green smiled.

Asher continued, "In the future, during winter and summer breaks, every year, you can come back."

I trimmed my nails that I had just done less than three hours ago, and Asher patiently waited, as always, until my fingers were bare again.

On the music stand was Mozart's Concerto in D Minor, K466. I took a deep breath and slowly immersed myself in the mood.

When the piece ended, Asher gently applauded me. "My dear Emily is truly wasted as a movie star."

He spoke flattering words with such tenderness, yet he never lowered his status. Perhaps, in his eyes, we were never equal.

"Asher, this piece is difficult."

"But you played it."

"Yes, Asher, I played it."

I looked at him steadily. Asher was so perceptive. With just a glance, he understood what I wanted to say.

"Emily, about this relationship, I'm the only one who decides when it ends."

"So, Asher, you're not planning to end it yet?"