University.
After everyone left, Dee wandered into the kitchen to find something to eat—but her appetite had packed its bags and left right after Rayyan's words hit her. How could he think like that? Like she was some manipulative, flirty girl with no self-respect. Just the idea made her stomach twist harder than hunger ever could.
Dee hated these things—people raising their voice, making her feel small, or being so "protective" they ended up hurting her. She had promised herself long ago: no one like her father. No strict, cold-hearted man who thought rules were more important than feelings. She'd rather live alone than let someone treat her like that again. That was the reason she left. That was the reason she came here—to stay away from these shitty, ego-driven men who thought the world revolved around them.
With a sigh, she opened the fridge—and paused. A container of fresh-cut fruits was sitting right in the center with a sticky note:
I KNOW YOU DIDN'T EAT MUCH AND YOU'LL BE HUNGRY AT NIGHT.
SO I CUT SOME FRUITS. ENJOY. ❤️
The handwriting gave it away instantly—Ayat. Always looking out for her. Sometimes more than actual family.
Dee smiled a little. She took the fruit, ate quietly, let the warmth of the shower rinse off the rest of the bitterness, and fell asleep without checking the time.
She woke up groggy, unsure what to do until—ding dong. The doorbell. She dragged herself to the door and opened it to find Ayat standing with a shopping bag and her usual calm smile.
"Come in," Dee said, moving aside.
"Did you just wake up?" Ayat asked, handing over the bag.
"Yeah, slept super late," Dee mumbled.
"Well, your breakfast," Ayat announced proudly.
Dee looked suspicious. "So, what's the real reason for this surprise visit?"
Ayat walked up to her, placed a hand gently on her shoulder, and locked eyes with her. "Tell me honestly. Did something happen last night?"
"What do you mean?"
"Between you and Rayyan."
"Nothing," Dee said quickly. "Nothing worth repeating."
Ayat stared a little too hard, like she was trying to read between Dee's eyelids. Dee fidgeted. "What?"
"Oh, nothing," Ayat said, stepping back, caught red-handed in detective mode. Something felt off about Dee, and Ayat's mind was already racing—Is she... special to Rayyan? But she shook it off.
"I'm actually here about university."
"University?" Dee blinked like Ayat had just said prison.
"I know you just got here, but you need to keep up with your education. So... I already enrolled you in one of the best universities."
"WHAT?! I hate studies! And school! And learning! And more school!" Dee practically yelped.
"You don't have to top anything, just graduate so you can be independent. I didn't pick the field yet, so you can choose whatever you like."
"I'm already planning to renovate the bureau and tracks! I'm too busy for... studying again!" Dee tried.
"Too bad," Ayat said, already walking toward the main gate. "You're going. Today. First day. Thirty minutes. I'll text you the address. Byeee."
And just like that, she disappeared.
Dee groaned. As if the Rayyan drama wasn't enough, now this? She remembered how her parents forced her into medical school when all she ever loved was literature. But maybe... just maybe... this was her second chance.
She opened the shopping bag and found two sandwiches, a juice box, and a coffee.
"Wow. She came prepared," Dee muttered.
She showered again (because stress sweat is a real thing), brushed her teeth, and changed into a burgundy frock with white and golden lining. After scarfing down her breakfast, she took a cab—no way was she showing up on foot or letting anyone see her cry in public transport.
When she reached the university, her jaw dropped. This place is a palace. Giant buildings, tree-lined paths, flower beds by the road, cute benches scattered around, and more couples than a Valentine's Day ad. Some students were in groups, others solo—but they all looked... happy.
Snapping herself out of tourist mode, Dee walked straight to the admin office. Inside, a woman was typing rapidly until she looked up.
"Yes, how can I help you?"
"I'm here... because Miss Ayat sent me. I want to enroll in English Literature." Dee said it straight, no drama. She didn't want anything to get complicated.
The woman handed her some forms. Dee signed without blinking.
Just as she was about to leave, the professor called out, "Wait, I'll take you. It's easy to get lost, and since you're recommended by Miss Ayat—who, by the way, is the university's biggest investor—we want to treat you right."
Dee just nodded and followed.
When she walked into class, a boy stood and greeted the professor. The professor looked at the class and announced, "New student today. She's from abroad. Help her settle in."
Then she motioned for Dee to enter.
Dee took a breath. "Hey everyone. I'm Daphne Catherine. You can call me Dee."
The professor raised an eyebrow. "That's it?"
"I mean... if anyone has questions, I'm ready."
A girl raised her hand. "What are your hobbies?"
"Reading. Writing."
"What kind of books?" a boy asked.
Dee grinned. "Mostly fiction. Crime. Thriller. Murder. Psychopath types."
The class went awkwardly silent. Some students glanced at each other like she just said she was a serial killer in training.
"Alright, quiet down," the professor said, clapping once. "Duke, you're the topper. Take care of her."
Duke stood. Tall. Light blue jacket. White shirt. Golden hair. Green eyes. Dee was mildly impressed.
"Hi, I'm Duke Marco," he said with a smile.
"I'm Dee," she replied, sitting beside him.
"If you need anything—notes, tour, backup snacks—just ask."
Dee smirked. "You better be careful. What if I ask for too much?"
"Then I'll give too much," he replied smoothly.
They laughed, and just like that, the day melted into easy conversation. Duke explained the lectures, cracked jokes, and made the university feel less scary.
After class, Ayat called.
"So? How was your first day?"
"Good," Dee said.
"That's great! We're waiting for you at home!"
"Uhh... actually, I'll be late. I have some work... Duke's helping me with notes," Dee replied, then quickly ended the call. She didn't want to go home yet. Especially not if Rayyan was there.
"If you want to head home, I'll text you the notes later," Duke offered.
"No, I'm fine. Let's keep going," she said.
They studied, joked, lost track of time—until Duke finally looked at his watch.
"It's already 10 p.m.!"
"Oops," Dee said, stretching. "Time flies with books and brain cells."
"I can give you a ride," Duke offered.
"No need. I have my bike," she lied again without thinking.
They said goodbye and parted ways.
But the moment Duke was gone, Dee slapped her forehead. "Wait. I came by cab today!"
She looked around. Campus was quiet. The air was cold.
"Great," she muttered. "Stranded with sarcasm as my only defense."
She pulled out her phone, hesitated, then clicked Rayyan's number.
If he answered with attitude, she'd throw him into the nearest bush.
But deep down, a part of her still hoped he'd come.
---