Lana’s POV
Lana sprinted through the hallway of the school as soon as she alighted from her car, her breath came in quick, shallow bursts as she glanced anxiously at her watch.
After leaving Nikolai Sinclair’s mansion, she had returned to her apartment and had fallen into another round of sleep, because she had had barely enough sleep last night taking into consideration that she had slept super late that night. She had then overslept at her place and now, she was racing against the clock to make it to class. She had barely even had enough time to prepare for class. Even her hair was messy and she just tied it up in her usual messy bun and managed to swipe a colorless lip gloss over her lips before making it out of her apartment.
Today was supposed to be an important lecture. According to the announcement last week, it was going to be a special class featuring one of the country’s top economists. It was a rare opportunity that she couldn’t afford to miss. As she ran, feeling a mix of embarrassment and panic, she mentally scolded and slapped herself a hundred times.
“How could you be so stupid, Lana? Why do you keep sabotaging your life with your own hands?”
Her shoes pounded the pavement as she pushed herself to go faster, hoping she could make it to class in time. She was already thirty minutes late.
As soon as she reached the classroom, Lana burst through the classroom door, her breath coming in ragged gasps. The room suddenly fell silent as heads turned to look at her. She could feel the eyes of her classmates and the lecturer on her, amplifying her embarrassment.
She bent her head and brought a hand to her chest as she struggled to catch her breath. A consequence of not taking her athletic life seriously.
“I am so sorry!” she apologized, her head still downcast as she tried to get herself together again. “Please, forgive me sir. I didn’t mean to interrupt…”
But as she slowly began to lift her gaze to look at the special lecturer, the words died in her lips and she froze instantly. Standing at the front of the room was none other than Nikolai Sinclair. He was standing behind the lectern, his demeanor composed and authoritative. His sharp suit and confident stance are unmistakable, highlighting his good looks.
Lana’s eyes widened in shock as she took in the sight of him. She had not expected to see him here, especially as the guest lecturer. Never for once did it cross her mind that the businessman who would be leading today’s special class would be in fact, Nikolai Sinclair. The man she had briefly kissed last night at his mansion.
And to think she was relieved to think that she would never have to cross paths with him again after her babysitting job last night.
What a surprising twist!
She felt her face flush with embarrassment. Her earlier panic seemed insignificant right now, compared to the awkwardness of this moment. Nikolai’s gaze met hers briefly, and though his expression was neutral, Lana could sense a hint of recognition. He did not forget her face.
“Please, have your seat, miss. You are disrupting the class.” He said to her in a cool tone and although visibly embarrassed, Lana nodded and quickly hurried to her seat.
As he resumed his lecture, she struggled to focus on what he was saying, her mind still reeling from the memory of their earlier encounter. The kids, precisely.
Soon, the lecture was over and as Lana and Mabel walked down the hallway, the other students conversed around them in a mix of gossip and laughter, with every girl talking animatedly about Nikolai Sinclair. Mabel was no exception, and she wouldn’t stop buzzing into Lana’s ears excitedly.
“Did you see how he spoke? He’s even hotter and charismatic in person!” Mabel gushed. “I can’t believe we got to hear him speak one on one!”
Lana chuckled, nudging Mabel playfully.
“You’d better be careful, or your boyfriend will think you’re going to ditch him for Mr. Sinclair. You’ll be dead meat.”
Mabel laughed, shaking her head.
“Oh, please! Xavier knows I’d never do that. But, seriously, Nikolai Sinclair is just…wow.”
“I know right?”
They continued down the hallway, the noise of their classmates gradually fading behind them. Mabel’s tone shifted into a more serious tone as she asked.
“So, how are you holding up after the breakup with Adrian?”
Lana sighed at the mention of Adrian’s name. She was over the whole thing and she still didn’t get why Mabel liked bringing up his topic.
“It’s been three months now, Mabel. I’m over it. Trust me. My only focus right now is just on making some money and staying afloat.”
“I’m glad you’re over him, though.” Mabel replied with a sigh. “He was such a cheating douchebag.”
They were interrupted when a sleek, black, expensive looking car pulled up in front of them. The back passenger window rolled down, revealing Nikolai Sinclair seated inside.
Lana’s heart skipped a beat as she saw him.
“Hello, Miss. Lana,” Nikolai locked his gaze on Lana, his voice smooth and composed. “Would you like a ride?”
Lana hesitated for a moment, her skepticism making her reluctant to accept.
“Oh, I don’t want to trouble you…”
Before she could finish speaking, Mabel chimed in enthusiastically.
“Oh, come on, Lana. It’s not every day Nikolai Sinclair offers you a ride. You should definitely take him up on it.”
Lana shot Mabel a glaring look, but Mabel was immune to it and was already giving her a gentle push towards the car. With a resigned sigh, Lana climbed into the back seat. She turned to look at Mabel, who was practically beaming with all smiles as she waved energetically at Lana.
That crazy girl.
As the car slowly pulled away, Lana glanced out the window, noticing the stunned faces of other students, the surprise and speculation in their eyes clear as daylight. And just like them, she couldn’t help but wonder why Nikolai Sinclair was offering her, of all people, a ride.
And most importantly, why did they keep crossing paths?