"Howard, do you think it's possible that Sophia isn't really dead?" Hiding under the blanket at night, I shared my suspicion with Howard.
Reflecting on the scene I witnessed this morning, I still felt a lingering sense of dread.
Howard glanced at me indifferently, a hint of displeasure in his charming eyes. "Are you doubting my abilities?"
I shook my head frantically, eagerly massaging his shoulders, and said flatteringly, "Of course not. I'm just a bit scared."
Having never gone through anything like that, Sophia's death left a deep scar on me. I couldn't shake the feeling that her presence still lingered. The fact that she died so easily felt almost unreal.
He sneered, "You're really a coward."
I didn't deny my cowardice. "Her brother, Wesley, seems strange. Do you think it's possible that Sophia isn't dead and has possessed him?"
My intuition told me that this matter wasn't over.
"Now you think of me? Weresn't youquite stubborn before, not wanting to ask for my help?" Howard sneered.
Admitting that I was a bit stubborn before, I massaged his shoulders and back with greater care. "I apologize for my previous immaturity, incredibly handsome Mr. Smith. Please don't hold it against a little girl like me."
He seemed very receptive to my compliments, the gloom between his brows fading, revealing a touch of gentleness.
"You want my help?" Howard's handsome eyebrows raised slightly, a wicked smile playing on his lips. "It's not impossible."
My eyes lit up, and I hooked my arm around his, looking at him with admiration. "Mr. Smith, just tell me what you need."
He pulled my arm off his and flipped me onto the bed.
Looking at his suddenly close handsome face, my heart started pounding; his face was quite stunning, truly a creation of God.
His body leaned slightly forward, bringing his handsome face into stark proximity, amplifying his allure. His luminous skin, framed by perfectly sculpted brows, highlighted his thin, well-defined lips. His voice, low and husky, was imbued with a captivating sensuality. " Really?"
This sounded like a trap. Remembering the losses I had previously incurred under his influence, my mind, momentarily stunned by his beauty, swiftly regained its vigilance. I refused to be duped into signing another inequitable contract.
So I added, "Of course, as long as it's not excessive."
Howard's lips curved slightly, revealing a hint of a smile. His gaze descended to my red lips, and he said plainly and fervently, "Kiss me."
It wasn't an excessive request. I lifted my head and planted a kiss on his cheek.
He seemed dissatisfied and frowned slightly. "Not here." With that, he lowered his head and took the initiative.
Unlike the previous brief kisses, he held my chin to prevent me from retreating, his tongue prying open my teeth and exploring inside, leaving no room for retreat. His lips were warm, almost electric.
He also pinned my hands down, intertwining our fingers.
The tingling sensation spread, and just as I was about to enjoy it, someone knocked on the bed frame, and Isabella's voice came, "Karena, are you feeling unwell again?"
I trembled involuntarily, my mind instantly regaining clarity, and I immediately pushed him away. Regulating my breathing, I glared at Howard and said, "Nothing, I was just watching a variety show. It was too hilarious."
Isabella nodded and said, "Then I'll turn off the light."
"Okay."
"Are you mad?" Howard leaned closer, lowering his voice.
"Don't do that again. My roommates will think I'm a pervert." I said; through the bed curtain, Isabella might think I was watching a porno.
Howard lay on his side next to me, his blue eyes gazing at me. "Living in the dorm is too inconvenient. You should find a place and move out."
The overwhelmingly aggressive gaze made me shiver involuntarily and I could guess what he meant by inconvenient. I said bluntly, "I'm broke."
It was indeed inconvenient; Isabella didn't know about Howard's existence, but Amelia knew everything.
But as a poor student, with only $1000 a month for living expenses, I couldn't afford to rent a place.
Seeing Howard remain silent, I thought he had given up on the idea.
After a tiring day, I drifted into slumber.
Next morning, when I woke up, Howard was already gone. I was used to his comings and goings, groggily getting out of bed to wash up and go to class with Amelia.
Since we woke up late, we didn't have breakfast. During the break after the first class, we went to the cafeteria to get something to eat.
I bought a sandwich, and Amelia wanted porridge, so I waited for her at the staircase.
The morning class was so boring that I still haven't fully awakened, not even the allure of delicious food could rouse me.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. I'm ready." Amelia came running over.
As we were going downstairs together, I suddenly felt someone push me from behind.
Fortunately, Amelia quickly grabbed me.
Still a bit shaken, I looked back with a pale face, only to see a group of equally tired-looking college students.
"Why are you standing there? Move along and don't block the way." Someone said impatiently.
Amelia pulled my sleeve, and I snapped out of it, quickly going downstairs with her.
"What's wrong with you? You look so out of it." Seeing my pale face, Amelia asked.
I licked my dry lips, now fully awake. "It felt like someone pushed me just now."
I wasn't sure; with so many people behind me, it could have been an accident. I was suspicious because Sophia had done this to me before, causing me to fall down the stairs and spend two days in the hospital.
Amelia's expression became serious. "Are you sure? If so, we should check the cafeteria's surveillance."
It felt too troublesome, and I didn't think the cafeteria staff would comply.
Sensing my hesitation, Amelia gave me a reassuring look. "Leave it to me."
Although it seemed excessive to check the surveillance based on my suspicion, I had been uneasy since returning from Sophia's house. Whether it was paranoia or my imagination, I needed to find out to feel at ease.
As we arrived at the security room, Amelia told the guard that she had lost her new phone while eating.
Hearing about such an expensive item, the guard agreed to let us check the surveillance.