CHAPTER SIX:

Saphielle's POV:

The Grandmaster's office was more like a luxurious bungalow than an office, hell, it was way bigger than my home. It had a better exterior and interior and it was only just an office.

Sucking in a breath, I lifted my hand and knocked gently.

“Come in,” a familiar voice called absent-mindedly.

I pushed open the door and stepped in, clicking it shut behind me.

My eyes landed on the Grandmaster's secretary, Rina.

Rina was my mom's childhood friend which automatically made her my guardian here at Velmorne. She was kind to me and was always ready to help me out.

I always came to her office when things got ‘too much.’

Her head snapped up as soon as I walked in, “Hi, Rina.”

A bright smile lit her eyes. “Oh, hey Saphielle! I wasn't expecting you!”

I returned her smile, walking into her outstretched arms for a hug. She smelled like a bakery and her warmth seeped into me, relaxing me.

We pulled apart. “Do you need to speak to your parents?” She asked quietly and I nodded.

“Alright.” She smiled warmly, picking up her phone from her desk. “Here you go. My boss is in, so do make sure to keep it down, okay?”

I took the phone, “I will, thank you so much!”

I didn't wait for her reply as I dashed to the toilet, dialing mom's number because I knew dad would only be available at night.

Phones were prohibited in Velmorne Academy. We were only allowed to use school-issued laptops and tablets but no phones.

I honestly don't know why such a rule existed, really, drop the fancy name, the fancy buildings, classrooms, luxurious lecture halls, etc… We were still college students.

But I did sneak in a tiny flip phone I use for emergency cases but I couldn't use it right now with Becca and her friends around.

Ugh! That annoying brat.

Just the thought of her makes me mad!

Mom's line kept ringing for an eternity. I was getting impatient.

I tried eleven more times and I was really starting to get worried.

Maybe she'd left her phone at home?

But I really, really needed to speak to her or dad.

I can't handle this on my own.

Worrying my bottom lip between my teeth, I began typing out a text message instead. I debated telling her all that transpired between me and Azrael but I decided against it, going with, ‘I need to speak to you, mom, it's urgent! Just tell Rina to come get me whenever you're ready to call back or something. Love you!’

After I hit send, I exited the restroom.

Rina's curious, brown eyes scanned my face, “How did it go?”

I guess she could read the disappointment on my face. “She didn't pick up, but I did leave a message,” I mumbled, handing her back the phone. “Just… please let me know when she calls back?”

She sighed. “Depends on where you are, Saphielle. Velmorne is quite vast.”

True.

Maybe I'll have to try later with my flip phone. “Thank you, Rina. I'll be off now.”

“Alright, hun.” Her eyes were filled with warmth, “Just know I'm always here if you need me.”

And I knew she'd meant that. Waving her goodbye, I slipped out of the office.

I hadn't even taken three steps away from the door when a strong hand grabbed my arm, pulling me away from the Grandmaster's office.

“Hey!” I protested, whirling around. “What—”

Words died on my tongue as Kasper's eyes met mine.

The world stopped.

I think my breathing stopped too. My chest felt too tight for comfort.

It felt like hours as I stood there staring at his too handsome face while he also just stared back. It's been two days since our public breakup, 49 hours and 24 minutes.

Yes, I counted while pretending it no longer hurt. While acting like I didn't miss him, like I hadn't been tempted to run back to him and promise to make it all better.

I had Leanne to thank for talking me out of it.

I snapped out of whatever trance I was in. “Take your hand off me,” I said stiffly, trying to mask my true feelings.

I did not want him to let go.

He dropped my arm, reluctantly. “How are you? Have you been eating well?”

I blinked, confused. He did not just ask me that.

Naaa he can't be serious.

His brows furrowed. “Saphielle? I asked—”

“What do you want?” I snapped, cutting him off.

He raised both hands in mock surrender. “Whoa, chill out. I'm not here to cause trouble.”

He stepped closer and I eyed him warily while my heart pounded in my throat.

“I'm so sorry, my love,” he whispered. “I shouldn't have done that to you. I regret it.”

I gaped.

Wait, what?

My stomach twisted uncomfortably as I noticed the tears welling in his eyes.

“... I felt like shit for what I did, babe. I tried texting you on VelChat but I think you blocked me or something.”

Leanne blocked him.

I was still too stunned to speak as he took my hands in his and I let him because I was weak, still pathetically in love with him.

He hurt me.

Humiliated me.

I should push him away.

‘Tell him to fuck off, Saphielle!’ A voice in my head screamed.

But I didn't. I couldn't.

Instead, I asked, “Why did you do it?” My voice was hoarse as I furiously blinked back tears. “We were so good together, why?”

Tears rolled down his face. “They made me do it, babe.”

My heart cracked.

“They?”

“My friends. The seniors around me. They wouldn't stop talking about it, they wouldn't stop mocking me. Seniors began threatening me, they said I was bringing shame to men,” he confessed, sniffling. “They nicknamed me a ‘cuckold,’ babe.”

A bitter laugh escaped me as I lost the battle and let the tears flow freely. “That… that still doesn't justify what you did to me, Kasper. You knew they were lying against me and yet…”

“I know and I'm sorry,” he rushed out, desperation clouding his features. “I'll make everything right. I swear to you. Please forgive me, my love, I just can't lose you, please, babe. I had to act that way in public so they could see that I'd really broken up with you. Please take me back.”

The sincerity in his eyes stole air from my lungs, a ball of emotion lodged firmly in my throat.

Why do I want to rush into his arms and say, ‘Hey, babe, I forgive you?’

Why do I want to kiss those lips like I used to?

I'm so stupid.

I snatched my hands away, sniffling, “This is ridiculous. You already broke up with me, you humiliated me. We can't work and like you said, they'll come after you. Again.”

He shook his head earnestly, “No, please, just listen.” He grabbed my shoulders. “We don't have to date openly. We'll avoid each other in public but only we will be aware of our relationship. I love you too much to let you go, babe. When I couldn't reach you, I was restless, I couldn't sleep. I hurt you, there's no excuse for that and I'll spend the rest of our lives making it up to you, please. Please, I beg you.”

“I—”

“Yo, Kasper!” A voice hollered.

He immediately went still and his eyes grew wide as I watched color leave his face.

Before I could blink, he shoved me. Hard.

I landed hard on the concrete ground, a sharp pain jolting up my tailbone, forcing a whimper from my lips.

“We are done!” Kasper yelled, gone was the boy from moments earlier, he looked furious and disgusted. “Why don't you go meet those guys you spread your legs for, why the hell do you keep bothering me, slut?!”

His words hit like a punch to the gut. Angry tears blurred my vision.

Don't cry.

Don't cry.

Don't you fucking cry, Saphielle.

So much for wanting me back.

I clenched my teeth, “Fuck you—”

“Shut it!” He snarled just as the person who had called him stepped up beside him.

It was one of his friends, Ian. Blond, tall, and burly.

“Is she bothering you?” Ian asked with a mocking laugh.

Kasper's eyes didn't leave mine as he replied, “This bitch thinks I'm desperate for some whore. Begging me to come back to her and shit. As if I need that loose pussy anywhere near me.”

My face flamed. My nails dug into the concrete so hard, I was sure they were bleeding but I couldn't feel the pain.

“Loose pussy?” Ian arched his brow, surprised. “I heard she's tight as fuck, bro. Or maybe they meant her butthole? You think anyone's been there?”

Kasper turned to him, glaring hard. “I don't fucking care, she's not my problem anymore. I should have known better than to date the school's charity case.”

I can't believe I was still aching for him moments ago. That I still wanted him badly and almost fell for his act.

Ian barked out a laugh as if it were the funniest thing ever. “These fucking scholarship students though, too fucking disgusting. Let's bounce.”

Kasper turned, already leaving with Ian.

“I'd love to tap that ass though, she's hot as fuck,” Ian snickered but Kasper said nothing as they walked away, his eyes were so full of sadness as he mouthed. “I'm so sorry.”

My heart hurt so bad, I could hardly breathe.

Fuck you, Kasper.

I'm so done with him.

I shut my eyes for a few seconds, sucking in breath to calm my nerves.

Thankfully, I was alone. No crowd to witness my humiliation this time.

I tried lifting off the ground when long legs stopped in front of me. I knew little of designer shoes but even I could tell just how expensive the shoes on the legs were.

The smell of minty chocolate and some expensive cologne flooded my nostrils as a hand stretched to help me.

I contemplated taking it but I did need help, my butt hurt like hell and I think I needed someone to pretend like they care about me even for a little moment.

So I took it and lifted my eyes to theirs. I gasped as recognition slammed into me.

“Hi,” He had a bright smile on his charming face

Of course, he had perfect dentition.

“Let me help you up,” he said, pulling me to my feet.

“Thank you,” I muttered as a thought formed in my head.

Please tell me he didn't witness what just happened.

A frown marred his perfect, god-like features, “Your ex is an asshole.”

Kill me. Right fucking now.

He tilted his head, pale blue eyes studied my face, “Are you okay?”

Yeah, I'm okay. Excited. So happy I want to drown myself and cease to exist.

“I'm Izar,” he added when he didn't get a reply. “Don't know if you know me.”

Was he kidding? Everyone and their grandma knew him.

Prince Izar, Azrael's younger brother.

“I know who you are,” I snapped even though I hadn't intended to and he was a senior, he could punish me.

I sighed deeply. “Look, I'm sorry I didn't mean to sound rude but…”

He shrugged, smiling. “It's okay, I understand.”

I nodded and began walking away when he stopped me, “Wait, Saphielle!”

My movement faltered and I turned to him.

He knew my name?

Well, who didn't? I was the school’s famous slut.

“Please, uhm…” he began nervously, messing with his perfectly styled dark hair. “Can we be friends?”