Chapter 121 The New Chapter
Rebecca’s POV
It’s been three months since Micah’s sentencing, yet the knowledge still feels fresh, as if the verdict was just announced yesterday.
Michel has also been struggling with PTSD. Anytime she is in the kitchen and hears one of the male employees enter—whether to pick something up or deliver a message—she immediately tenses. Her first reaction is always to grab a knife, pointing it instinctively at whoever stands before her.
No one blames her. We all understand that healing takes time. According to the doctor, this is the moment when she needs the most support, and I’m determined to be there for her every step of the way.
Despite everything, life moves forward. This morning, I decided to arrive at my first lecture early, feeling a sense of renewal as I embarked on this next chapter.
A month ago, I applied to further my studies. I realized that returning to school would not only help me heal but also increase my value. In a world dominated by men, I understood that as one of the wealthiest women in Mandena City, I had to continuously evolve and stay ahead.
I had successfully enrolled in a master’s degree program at Levies in Mandena, and today marked my first day. Excitement bubbled within me as I dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, slipping on a sleek pair of blue-cut glasses that added a sophisticated touch.
The moment I stepped outside the villa, I saw my bodyguard already prepared to escort me. A fleet of powerful, exotic cars was lined up, ready to ensure my security.
“Good morning, ma’am,” one of them greeted, bowing respectfully.
“Your car is ready, and we are prepared to escort you,” he informed me with professional precision.
I smirked. This was a university—a place where most students walked freely without an entourage. Arriving with a full security detail would make me stand out too much, and I wasn’t interested in drawing unnecessary attention.
More so, I wanted to blend in, to experience the world like an ordinary student. Many of my peers would be engrossed in their academics, striving to graduate with top marks. They wouldn’t be concerned with my identity, and I wanted to keep it that way.
“No, Robert,” I said firmly but respectfully.
“I’ll be doing this alone this time.”
He hesitated, concern evident in his expression.
“But ma’am, it’s far too danger—”
“It’s not dangerous, Robert,” I interjected before he could finish. My voice was calm but unwavering.
“You will not be escorting me to school for an entire year. Is that understood?” I raised my voice slightly to emphasize my point.
He lowered his gaze and bowed humbly. “Yes, ma’am.”
Satisfied, I stretched out my hand.
“Car key?”
Without hesitation, he placed it in my palm.
I strode towards the fleet, bypassing the luxurious limousine that would have positioned me at the center of the escort. Instead, I slid into the BMW sedan parked at the front—a simple, understated choice.
Sinking the key into the ignition, I turned it, and the engine purred to life. As I shifted the gear into drive and pressed gently on the accelerator, Robert suddenly knocked on my window, stopping me just before I could leave.
I lowered the glass and arched a brow. “Is there a problem, Robert?”
“Ma’am, if you won’t allow us to escort you, please wear this watch. It has a tracking device installed. If you ever need us urgently, press this button on the side. We’ll find you immediately,” he explained.
A smile touched my lips as I took the watch from him. It was a beautiful gold-chain wristwatch, complementing my suit perfectly.
“Thank you, Robert,” I said, fastening it around my wrist before rolling up the window and driving off.
Arriving on campus evoked a deep nostalgia. Memories flooded my mind—the days Gabriel and I spent here as students, studying side by side, deeply in love. Those moments had been precious, filled with dreams and promises. Who would have imagined that Gabriel would turn out the way he did after graduation? Who would have thought our love story would end in betrayal and heartbreak?
Universities are known to forge connections, fostering relationships that last a lifetime. Many couples share stories of meeting on campus and building a future together. But not everyone is fortunate enough to experience that kind of love.
For me, Gabriel was part of my past, a chapter long closed. Now, my focus was on self-improvement and moving forward.
I pulled into the car park and stepped out, inhaling the fresh air of a new beginning.
Using the signposts strategically placed around campus, I navigated my way to the lecture hall without needing assistance. As I had anticipated, no one took notice of me. No gasps, no whispers of recognition. To them, I was just another student.
I liked it that way.
Opening the door to the lecture hall, I found that, despite arriving early, I wasn’t the first. The front rows were already occupied, with students chatting and flipping through books. The middle rows were nearly full as well, leaving the back as my best option.
I chose a seat in one of the back rows but not the very last one, appreciating the balance of visibility and privacy.
As I settled in, I pulled out my notebook and directed my gaze toward the whiteboard at the front. The sheer size of the lecture hall struck me, its vastness echoing with quiet murmurs of students preparing for the day’s lesson.
Feeling the urge to share this moment, I retrieved my phone, ready to text Natasha about how seamlessly I had blended in.
Just as I was about to type, a familiar baritone voice called from behind me.
“Rebecca?”
I stiffened slightly, the familiarity of that voice sending a ripple of recognition through me.
“Rebecca Harrington?!” the voice repeated.
Curious and slightly surprised, I turned around, my gaze locking onto the source. The instant my eyes met his face, realization dawned.
“Cassian?” My voice was a mix of shock and excitement.
“Cassian Valtieri?!” I exclaimed again, my lips curling into a smile.
Without hesitation, we embraced in a warm, affectionate hug, like long-lost friends reunited after years apart.