Chapter 34: Pet

I stepped into the room, immediately becoming the center of attention for the students present. I paid them no mind, instead focusing on my desk and immersing myself in reading.

Only a few minutes later, Attorney Magsaysay arrived promptly. She was clad in a dress and her black jacket, paired with her signature black sandals. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but her aura seemed to be more intimidating whenever she wore black clothing.

Throughout the class, I merely listened and only responded when she addressed questions to me. The class ended without any sign of Kyle. He was probably at the hospital. After all, he had been severely beaten up by his dad and Tres. I doubted he still had the gall to show up after his scandal. I couldn't imagine what he'd do if he actually appeared.

I chose to stay in the room instead of leaving, just sitting there. I closed my eyes, feeling no hunger at all.

I planned to visit the café over the weekend and keep myself busy with my own business so that my mind wouldn't wander and think about unnecessary things.

I was drawn out of my thoughts by the sound of footsteps approaching me. I opened my eyes to lock gaze with Fin, a classmate of mine.

"I heard about what happened," he began.

I smirked in response. "Of course, the news is spreading," I retorted.

"Are you okay?" His eyes were filled with concern as he asked the question.

I nodded and picked up my pen, twirling it between my fingers.

"I'm fine. I'm not going to let what happened drag me down," I asserted.

He smiled at that. "I really admire you for that. You keep fighting," he said, his smile genuine.

Love is a peculiar thing. It makes people do the unthinkable, breaking their principles, tarnishing their reputation, all in the name of love.

I averted my gaze and just stared at the pen I was fiddling with. It wasn't obvious that he was trying to make a move on me, was it? If that was the case, I wasn't interested. I needed to get my life together first, and I had no intention of letting anyone else into my life at this point.

He continued to stare at me, and after a while, he spoke again.

"Did you hear that Yanna lost her license?"

I glanced at him at that. I shook my head. I had expected it, of course. It was a significant issue, and many people wouldn't want her to continue teaching while she was in the news, especially with a sex scandal circulating about her.

"It was just announced this morning. It's shocking, really! She looked so innocent and saint-like, but it turns out she's a home-wrecker and likes to interfere," said Fin.

I remained silent, not even nodding in response. Our conversation then shifted to the law books we would need for the next year.

The end of the year was fast approaching, and I was planning to take a vacation then. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to relax, move on, and breathe some fresh air. I wanted to take a vacation in Surigao.

I wanted to be alone. I wanted some solitude to think more clearly.

Fin vanished from my sight. I slumped slightly, staring blankly at the whiteboard. I didn't move from my spot until my classmates and our professor arrived, and the class began.

I was strolling toward the gate. I didn't text Tres immediately, preferring to take a leisurely walk. I didn't even feel surprised or annoyed when some people kept glancing in my direction. My gaze was fixed straight ahead, indifferent to my surroundings.

Once outside, I was waiting for a Grab when a car pulled up in front of me. I recognized it as Kyle's car. The driver got out, and I saw it was Kyla. She was dressed in a black outfit, wearing a pair of oversized black sunglasses that almost covered her entire face.

I crossed my arms and watched her. Even though I couldn't see her eyes, I knew they must be sharp.

I arched my eyebrows, which seemed to upset her.

"Can we talk?" she asked after staring at me for a good three minutes.

"What for?" I responded, my tone dripping with sarcasm.

I smirked as I watched her angrily remove her sunglasses.

"Why did you do that?!" she demanded, anger seeping through her words. Some passersby glanced our way but quickly averted their gaze and kept their distance, especially once they recognized that the person I was confronting was Kyle's sister.

"The what?" I taunted.

Her anger seemed to intensify. I knew her gaze had been sharp earlier, but now it felt like it could cut through steel. But I didn't care.

"You know what I freaking mean!" she yelled.

"Well, I don't actually. Can you be more specific?"

"You bitch!" she spat out, shaking with rage.

"Are you seeing yourself in me?" I retorted with the same level of sarcasm.

"You are the one who exposed those scandalous videos! You ruined us!" she accused angrily.

I felt a strong urge to laugh at her. Her face was so red it was almost comical. Her eyes were sharp, bloodshot, and full of animosity. She looked like she was ready to tear me apart.

"Well..." I smirked again, "...you all got what you deserved,"

It seemed like she was on the verge of exploding with rage, and it was only a matter of time before she would lunge at me. But we were in public. I doubted she would make a scene, although, considering her scandalous nature, I wouldn't be surprised if she did.

"You're really the one who did it," she finally acknowledged.

I tilted my head. "You and your family provoked me into doing it," I said calmly.

Tears began to slide down her cheeks. I made no attempt to hide my disgust and rolled my eyes. Please, enough with the drama!

"What? Are you crying now?"

I took a step toward her.

"I hope you've learned your lesson about stepping into a territory without thinking about the consequences. Remember this..."

My playful smile faded. "...don't mess with a Herrer, or else you'll be doomed."

I walked away, leaving her standing there, stunned and in tears. Were her tears supposed to make me feel sorry for her?

I shook my head. They should try harder.

I decided not to text Tres and chose to commute instead.

Upon arriving home, I discovered that my dad had filed a case against the Quinto and Siran families. The gradual withdrawal of shareholders from their company had also become widely known, increasing the chances of their company going bankrupt.

Days went by, during which I focused solely on managing the Cafe and my studies. I also reduced my use of my cellphone and kept my social media accounts deactivated.

I found myself outside of our subdivision once more, choosing to go for a jog after finishing my morning shower routine. I've always been an early riser, typically going to bed around 10:30 pm after I've done my advance reading or completed my case studies and reviews.

The past few days have been quite peaceful for me, without the constant presence of Quinto. I've done everything possible to concentrate on what's truly important in my life.

Similarly, the days following the birthday celebration of Kyle's father have been productive and laid back. How wonderful it is to be single again!

During my jog, I passed by a pet shop that specializes in cats. I decided to go in, even though I had no intention of buying anything and didn't bring any money with me.

The kittens in the shop were all adorable, but one in particular caught my eye. It had a grey coat that matched its grey eyes.

I couldn't help but smile at the sight. The little feline was so remarkably cute. I approached it and gently stroked its fur. In response, it rubbed itself against my hand and even gave it a lick.

This kitten was not just cute, it was also very affectionate!

For some reason, I suddenly found myself wanting to buy this cat. I reasoned that it would make a good companion and would give me something to do when I'm bored in my room. I could see myself taking care of it, playing with it, and even confiding in it when I feel down or lonely.

I decided then and there to make this kitten my pet. Having it around would brighten up my days and keep me company during those quiet moments when I'm alone in my room.