Chapter 4 Bound by Assignment

The lecture hall buzzed with restless energy that morning. Everyone knew this was no ordinary class; it was the day the final year project groups would be announced. The project wasn't just another assignment-it was the last hurdle before graduation, the one that would carry their names into the university archives and, for some, even into the hands of potential employers.

Professor Wallace strolled in, his glasses perched low on his nose, a thick stack of papers under his arm. He set them down with a thud on the desk and surveyed the hall with a measured gaze.

"I trust you've all prepared yourselves," he said, his deep voice cutting through the chatter. "This project will require discipline, commitment, and teamwork. Some of you will thrive. Some of you will struggle. But all of you will learn."

The room hushed instantly. Sharon clutched her pen tighter, trying to focus on the professor's words instead of the knot twisting in her stomach. She had prayed she'd be grouped with Tessa, her anchor in this sea of academic chaos. They'd been study partners since their first year, balancing each other perfectly-Sharon's diligence with Tessa's creative spark.

But life never seemed to give Sharon what she wanted.

Professor Daniels began reading names from his list, pairing and grouping students in twos and threes. Laughter and groans followed each announcement as friends celebrated or complained. Sharon held her breath when he paused halfway through the list.

"Lawson... Jake Lawson."

Heads turned instantly. Whispers rippled across the room. Sharon didn't even need to glance around to know everyone was looking at him. Jake leaned back casually in his seat near the center, his expression unreadable, as if he'd expected the entire hall to react.

Professor Daniels continued. "...and Walker Sharon."

Sharon's pen slipped from her fingers, clattering loudly against the desk. A flush crept up her neck.

No. Not him. Anyone but him.

The professor didn't seem to notice her dismay.

"The two of you will work together on the research project. You may select your focus area from the approved topics. Details are in your emails."

Tessa's jaw dropped as she twisted in her seat to face Sharon. "You're kidding. You're paired with him?" she whispered.

Sharon buried her face in her hands. "This is a nightmare."

Up front, Jake finally moved, glancing over his shoulder until his eyes found hers. His lips curved into the faintest smirk, as though fate had just handed him exactly what he wanted.

The lecture ended in a blur of shuffling feet and scraping chairs. Students crowded around one another, buzzing about their groups. Sharon remained seated, hoping Jake would leave first. But of course, that was wishful thinking.

He approached, hands in his pockets, his pace unhurried.

"Well," Jake said, stopping at their row. "Looks like we're stuck together, Walker."

"Unfortunately," Sharon muttered, though loud enough for him to hear.

Tessa shifted in her chair, narrowing her eyes at him. "You sound almost happy about it."

Jake raised a brow. "Shouldn't I be? She's one of the top students. I think I got lucky."

Tessa crossed her arms. "Don't play nice. Everyone knows you don't exactly have a reputation for... effort." He gave a low chuckle.

"Reputation is overrated. Maybe you should give me a chance to prove it wrong."

Tessa leaned back, unimpressed. "Or maybe Sharon should keep her guard up."

Jake's smirk widened, but his eyes flicked back to Sharon. "Relax, best friend. I'm not planning on ruining her. We're just doing a project."

"Good," Tessa shot back. "Because she doesn't have time for distractions."

Sharon groaned softly, slinging her bag over her shoulder. "Okay, enough. Let's just exchange numbers and be done with it."

Jake grinned. "See? She's practical. I like that."

Sharon glared at him but took his phone anyway, quickly entering her number. "Strictly for project updates."

"Of course," Jake said smoothly, sliding the phone back into his pocket. "Strictly business."

Later that evening, back in their dorm, Sharon slumped on her bed, recounting the disaster to Tessa.

"I can't believe it," she groaned, pressing a pillow to her face. "Of all the people in this school, why him?"

"Because life likes to mess with you," Tessa said matter-of-factly, flipping through her notebook. "But hey, maybe it's not the end of the world. He is smart. And if he actually shows up to work, maybe you'll both get a good grade out of this."

Sharon peeked out from behind the pillow. "That's if he takes it seriously. Guys like him don't have to work hard. They're rich. Connections do everything for them."

Tessa sighed. "Sharon... don't let your pride trip you up. Whether you like him or not, you're in this together. Just keep your guard up, okay?"

As if on cue, Sharon's phone buzzed. Her heart sank when she saw the name on the screen.

Jake Lawson: Library tomorrow. 5 PM. Don't be late.

Sharon rolled her eyes. "He's already giving orders."

Tessa smirked. "And you're already replying, aren't you?"

"I'm not-" Sharon started, then stopped when she realized she was typing back.

Sharon: Fine. But we're starting with the outline, nothing else.

His reply came instantly.

Jake Lawson: Outline, research, draft-whatever you want. Just show up, Walker.

Sharon tossed the phone aside, muttering, "He's insufferable."

But deep down, she knew she'd go.

The next day, the campus library loomed tall and silent, its glass doors reflecting the orange of the late afternoon sun. Inside, rows of shelves stretched endlessly, broken only by scattered study tables and the low hum of students flipping through books.

Jake was already there.

He had come earlier than five, though he'd never admit that to anyone. At first, he leaned against a shelf with his phone in hand, scrolling aimlessly. Ten minutes passed. Then twenty. Then forty.

By six, irritation crept into his jaw. He wasn't used to waiting for people-people usually waited for him. Still, he didn't leave. Something about Sharon Walker made him stay put. Maybe it was stubbornness. Maybe curiosity. Maybe both.

He sat at a table near the back, textbooks stacked neatly though unopened, his long fingers drumming against the wood. Every time the door creaked, his eyes lifted in hope, only to drop back down when it wasn't her.

By the time the library clock ticked close to seven, Jake leaned back, exhaling through his nose. "Figures," he muttered under his breath. "Too proud to show up." He gathered his books, half-ready to leave.