Chapter 7: Whispers on campus

Issabella's pov

After a few minutes of drive, Brownell University came into view, bright and welcoming under the morning sun. The car drove smoothly through its open gates, gliding into the busy campus.”

The driveway curved past tall oak trees and neatly trimmed lawns. Red brick buildings with white columns and large windows lined the sides, catching the sunlight.

Students biked past, some with backpacks slung over one shoulder, others carrying coffee cups as they hurried to class.

Groups lounged on the grassy courtyard, tossing frisbees or chatting on benches under the shade of the trees. The soft hum of conversation mixed with the distant ringing of a campus bell, signaling the start of a busy day.

As the car screeched softly to a stylish halt, its tires kissed the pavement with a sleek hiss that turned heads instantly.

The low hum of the engine lingered, drawing curious stares from everyone nearby. In that moment, Adrian stepped out first calmly, confidently, with his hands slipping casually into his pockets like he owned the scene.

He had a quiet, mysterious charm that seemed to draw attention effortlessly. At that, students whispered to one another, stealing glances, as if the air around him had changed.

In the car, through the tinted car window. Isabella immediately noticed the stares, then she nudged Cathy from her seat lightly and grinned. “See...even the campus is not ready for your cousin. He’s setting people’s hearts on fire already.”

With that, Cathy rolled her eyes, trying to act indifferent. She wanted to step out of the car and leave quickly, but she could feel the warmth of nervousness creeping over her chest.

Adrian circled to the other side of the car and opened the door for her. Then she stepped out, brushing her hair behind her ear.

Afterward, she looked up at him and mumbled. “Thanks,”

Then Adrian replied, “You’re welcome, dear,” with a faint smile, just enough to make her heart skip a beat.

Seeing that, a few students gasped audibly, while others began whispering excitedly.

“Guess that’s Cathy’s boyfriend… oh my God, he’s really handsome,” someone murmured.

Just then, Isabella opened her door and stepped out. As she straightened up, her eyes caught a shiny black car gliding quickly into the compound. At once, she recognized it as Bernard’s car.

Bernard was one of their course mates and the son of one of Cathy’s father’s business partners. He was the type who loved attention, always trying to be noticed.

As his car stopped, he stepped out in his usual confident way, flashing a grin that said he wanted everyone watching.

Some students turned their attention to him, while others still couldn’t take their eyes off Adrian.

Adrian’s eyes flicked to him for a brief moment, then back to Cathy and Isabella. “I will take my leave now,” he said smoothly.

With that, cathy nodded quickly, and Isabella giggled slightly, waving as Adrian walked back to his car. The engine purred to life, and he drove away, leaving a trail of whispers and glances behind him.

As soon as he disappeared from view, Isabella leaned closer to Cathy and teased again, “Hmm, I guess you aren’t really comfortable around Adrian. Does his cuteness strike you so bad?”

At that, Cathy shot her a killing glare, muttering, “Will you really stop that?”

Before Isabella could answer, Bernard approached with a mischievous smile. “Hey girls, what’s up?” he murmured.

Isabella hissed under her breath. She never liked Bernard’s way with ladies; his charm always felt too calculated. She turned to Cathy. “Guess I’ll see you in class,” she said, walking away with her usual confident stride.

With that, Cathy watched her leave, then turned to Bernard and said “Hello, Bernard."

As a reply, Bernard’s voice lowered, just enough to be intimate. “ Cathy, i’m sorry I missed your birthday party. My dad and I went on a business trip, but trust me, I can make it up to you.”

Cathy smiled faintly. “It’s okay, Bernard. I understand you were busy.”

But Bernard’s eyes flicked between her and the empty spot Adrian had left. In that moment curiosity sparked, and he asked, “You weren’t dropped off today by your driver. Who was the guy that brought you?”

At that moment, Cathy’s heart skipped. Bernard was asking about Adrian. She hesitated for a moment before replying, “Oh, that’s my cousin. He came around to the house.”

Then Bernard’s smile widened with relief. “Oh, really?” he said, scanning the area. His eyes caught a few lingering students nearby, and an idea sparked in him. He loved attention, and he was about to create a scene.

Suddenly, he knelt on one knee in front of Cathy, extending his hand as if he expected her to take it. Cathy’s eyes widened in surprise, and Bernard spoke loudly, making sure everyone could hear. “Cathy Stewart, would you please follow me on a date, just to make it up to you for missing out your birthday?”

Hearing that, students around them began whispering and staring. Today, two handsome guys had been seen with Cathy, and curiosity ran high.

Cathy looked down at Bernard, now grinning. “What are you doing, Bernard?” she asked, her voice a mix of disbelief.

Then Bernard’s voice rose, louder this time. “Because Cathy Stewart is the finest lady on campus, so I will like to take her on a date!”

Just then, two girls approached, Lilly and Mira. They were also cathy’s course mates. Both had long admired Bernard for his looks and the fact that he was from wealthy home.

They stopped, with their eyes narrowing in jealousy.

After that, Mira stepped closer and muttered to Bernard, “What the heck are you doing, Bernard? Everyone is watching. Why are you kneeling in front of her? You want her to feel special or what?”

In that moment, she glanced at Cathy, with annoyance clearly written on her face, then she added. “Eers, crap.... Cathy Stewart thinks she gets all the guys in the world.”

noticing her, Cathy smirked, unbothered, and looked down at Bernard again.

From the distance, Isabella noticed the unfolding scene. She quickened her pace, muttering angrily under her breath, “What is that jerk doing? Trying to get attention, isn’t he?”

Within a moment, she reached them, grabbed Cathy's hand and said firmly, “Cathy, let’s get out of here. Don’t fall for the nonsense he’s doing.”

At that, Cathy nodded slightly in agreement. Then Isabella turned to Bernard, with her tone calm but sharp. “Hey, don’t flatter yourself,” she said. “She has a boyfriend , and I’m sure you saw him earlier, the hot guy who dropped her off this morning.”

Immediately, Cathy and the others stared in surprise at Isabella’s words. then Cathy leaned closer to her and whispered, “What are you saying? Why are you bringing Adrian into everything?”

Instead of replying, Isabella gave Bernard a cool, steady look and said flatly. “Back off, her boyfriend wouldn’t spare you.”

In that moment, Bernard straightened awkwardly, caught off guard. He looked away, clearly unsure of what to say.

Then without another word, Isabella started walking off, still holding Cathy’s hand. She knew Cathy might be upset, but she didn’t care, because she wasn’t going to let anyone use her friend to get attention.

But will that ever stop Bernard, who was now smirking and hiding the trouble he was about to unleash?”