Chapter 6: The morning sparks

Cathy's pov

The next morning, light shimmered softly through the wide glass window of Cathy’s room, brushing gently across the cream-colored walls and the bed.

on the bed, Isabella was still fast asleep. With her hair scattered across the pillow, while Cathy lay beside her, staring up at the ceiling.

Isabella had stayed back instead of going home because she was too drunk to make it.

In that quiet moment, Cathy’s mind drifted back to last night. She could still hear Adrian’s calm, deep voice echoing in her mind.

She sighed softly and turned to the side. Isabella was snoring lightly now, with one hand thrown carelessly over her face. With that, Cathy smiled; it was funny to see her friend sleep as if she had no worries in the world.

It was Monday morning, and they had college to face.

Just then, a knock came at the door. Cathy sat up immediately, pulling the blanket aside. “Come in,” she said.

In that moment, one of the maids stepped in, bowing slightly. “Good morning, Miss Stewart. Breakfast is ready… your parents are already at the dining table.”

“Thank you,” Cathy replied with a small smile. Then the maid nodded and left.

Afterward, Cathy turned to Isabella and shook her shoulder gently. “Wake up, sleepyhead… it’s morning.”

Isabella groaned, pulling the blanket over her head. “Gosh… which morning is that?” she muttered lazily.

Cathy laughed. “The morning from the night after you refused to go home because you were too drunk to even stand.”

At that, Isabella peeked out from under the blanket, rubbing her eyes with a grin. “Well… that’s what happens when the party has free champagne,” she said playfully, sitting up. “Anyway, I guess I’m crashing campus with you today.”

“You are,” Cathy replied, getting out of bed.

Then Isabella stretched her arms wide, yawned, and muttered, “Gosh… what am I even going to wear? I didn’t plan this.”

Cathy glanced at her wardrobe and said to her. “Relax. I’ll lend you one of my clothes.”

With that, Isabella’s eyes widened teasingly. “Your clothes? Won’t they look weird on me? Your shape is massive. I’m not even close.”

Cathy laughed. “Stop exaggerating. You’ll look fine.”

“Fine? More like I’ll look like a kid in her big sister’s dress,” Isabella said, already jumping out of bed. She ran to the wardrobe and began checking the hangers eagerly.

Then Cathy shook her head and walked into the bathroom to take her bath.

A while later, Isabella followed, taking her own bath before dressing in one of Cathy’s short floral gowns. while Cathy dressed in blue pant trousers with a black top.

Once they were ready, Cathy picked up her car keys.

Then isabella grinned mischievously. “Let them know it’s Cathy Stewart stepping out! Badass car, right?”

At that, cathy rolled her eyes, smiling. Then they giggled as they walked out of the room.

Their laughter faded as they descended the staircase. Two guards stood at the entrance, dressed smartly in black suits. The large chandelier above the dining area glimmered softly, and the smell of breakfast filled the air.

At the bottom of the stairs, Cathy noticed the dining table, set beautifully with plates, glasses, fruits, and warm dishes. Two maids stood quietly in the corner, ready to serve.

At the head of the table sat Mr. and Mrs. Stewart, looking graceful as always. Beside them was Adrian, dressed in a crisp white shirt with sleeves rolled slightly above his wrists. The morning light from the glass doors behind him made him look almost unreal.

Cathy froze for a second as her eyes met his. Her heart skipped, seeing Adrian’s gaze being calm but intense.

Just then, Isabella’s cheerful voice broke the silence, greeting everyone. “Good morning, everyone !”

At that, Mrs. Stewart smiled warmly and muttered. “Good morning, Isabella.... how was your night?”

“Peaceful and cozy,” Isabella replied with a grin, sliding into one of the seats beside Adrian. “I got drunk, so I couldn’t go home yesterday.”

“That’s funny, dear,” Mr. Stewart dug in with a chuckle. Then he turned to Cathy. “Good morning, sweetheart.”

“Good morning, Dad.... Good morning, Mum,” Cathy said softly, taking her seat beside Isabella. Her eyes met Adrian’s again, and she gave a small nod.

Then Adrian returned it with a faint smile before saying. “Morning.”

They began to eat quietly, with the sound of cutlery being soft against the plates. the aroma of freshly made pancakes filled the air.

After a few moments, Mr. Stewart spoke. “Adrian, there will be a business meeting later this afternoon. I’ll need you to attend with me.”

At that, Adrian nodded respectfully and muttered. “No problem, Uncle.”

“But before that,” Mr. Stewart continued, scooping a spoonful of food, “why don’t you take Cathy and her friend to campus? It’ll give you a chance to see the city.”

Just in that moment, Cathy looked up and immediately disagreed. “No, Dad, we’re fine. Isabella and I will go with my car, okay?”

Then Mr. Stewart smiled knowingly. “I understand, dear. But it’ll be nice for Adrian to see the city through you and your friend.”

Before Cathy could respond, Isabella chimed in. “Oh, that’s a great idea, sir! Adrian should totally come along. It’ll be fun, right, Cathy?”

Cathy shot her a glare but forced a small smile. “Yeah… sure.” She wondered why everyone seemed determined to make things awkward for her. She just wanted to keep her distance.

When breakfast ended, Adrian was the first to stand. His tall frame straightened as he looked between the two girls. “I’ll be waiting by the car,” he said calmly, gave a polite nod to Mr. and Mrs. Stewart, and walked out with steady, sure footsteps.

A few moments later, Cathy and Isabella stood up. Cathy leaned toward her parents and hugged them slightly before leaving with issabella.

The morning sun was bright as they stepped into the compound, glinting against the line of expensive sleek cars. The garden was trimmed, and the soft hum of the fountain filled the air.

Adrian was standing beside his sleek black car, hand resting casually on the door. When he saw them approaching, he opened the driver’s door and started the engine.

As they reached the car, Cathy tried to head for the back seat in order to avoid Adrian, but Isabella rushed ahead, opening it first with a grin.

“Cathy, get to the front seat!” she called from the back through the tinted window. “We’re late for the first class.”

Cathy sighed and slid into the front. Then, Adrian leaned over and opened the door for her.

Seeing that everyone had settled in, Adrian pressed the accelerator, and the car moved smoothly out of the compound, gliding like a scene from a movie.

In that moment, Cathy glanced at him Again, watching his quiet confidence. Her heart raced a little faster. Whatever this was between them, she knew she couldn’t wait to get to campus.

But oblivious, did she know the storm waiting for her there?