JESSICA'S POV
I never noticed Stefan before. So how could he know that?
Stefan would definitely stand out among the campus guys; his money would make him even more noticeable.
'Could Stefan be pretending to be an ordinary student, just like those dramas?'
'No—what am I even thinking now?'
I stared at Stefan, confusion flickering across my face as his knowing smile seemed to anticipate my thoughts.
"Don't tire yourself digging into your head. I was only visiting to observe the school. Well, that day of my visit, I was invited to the Dean's office, but he didn't stop talking. It made me sleepy, so I looked for an excuse to see the library… and the rest is history."
"So that was it…" I had assumed Stefan attended Marina College, too, but he'd only visited the school his company donated to. "Now I remembered…"
Edison Group's main headquarters is located in Marina City, the country's largest port.
Once, during my first year, everyone heard that the Edison Group made a large donation, mainly to repair several buildings, including the library. They brought in new computers and learning tools for students as part of Edison Group's latest venture, and that is technology.
They also renovated the dance hall and built a ballet studio, which I always went to in my free time.
Now, remembering all this, a warm gratitude welled up as I realized it was thanks to Stefan that my life at Marina College had become pleasant, filled with little things I enjoyed.
Looking at him, I felt a quiet appreciation grow inside me.
Just like my mom, who was once a stage performer, I came to love dancing, particularly ballet.
But in the Collins family, only Monica can be the star. I learned to hide all my real dreams.
I was actually granted a full scholarship to the elite university in Serin City. However, Mrs. Yolanda disapproves.
The missus doesn't want me to enjoy the privilege of the luxurious life the university offers me.
I had high grades in high school and got a perfect score on the entrance exam. So I was offered free on-campus housing with a monthly allowance.
But when Mrs. Yolanda, a university board director, heard about it, she ordered the dean to reject my application.
Dad heard about my offers from the other board directors and congratulated me at home. I, however, was honest and told him the university had withdrawn my scholarship, not knowing it was all Mrs. Yolanda's doing.
Dad became furious. He visited the dean the following day. Just then, he learned that his wife had ordered the revocation of my scholarship.
So what happened next was that Dad and Mrs. Yolanda had a big fight.
Dad was proud that his daughter was the top scorer in the entire country. It was his pride because it would even gain him a good reputation among his elite friends.
But Mrs. Yolanda never liked it when I outshone Monica.
And so, to avoid more conflict and not become a target of Mrs. Yolanda's anger, I convinced my adoptive father—who is actually my biological father—that I had accepted another college offer in the neighboring city. It was a bittersweet choice.
Mrs. Yolanda believes I am unqualified to set foot on the campus of Serin University, one of the most prestigious schools in the world. Thus, Marina College is just right for me.
Now I think of it as a blessing in disguise. After all, I don't want to attend the same university as Monica. I know she will only bully me. But who would have thought that everything would change in the blink of an eye?
The moment I set foot in Marina College, it became grand again thanks to the Edison Group.
"You are in a daze again. Next time, I will steal a kiss if you keep lowering your guard around me."
With Stefan's teasing, I snapped out of my thoughts and glared at him before picking up my cup and sipping my coffee.
How could I not be lost in thought these days?
After overhearing that I'm Raymond Collins' illegitimate daughter, endless questions ran through my mind—weighing whether to investigate my mother's past.
But where do I even start uncovering the truth about my birth?
I stared at Stefan.
Could I trust him? Should I consider telling him my concerns?
I want to know the truth about the man buried beside Mom. So maybe I should get close to Stefan.
'No. What am I thinking?'
Embarrassed, I quickly looked away, but Stefan still caught me staring.
"Do you now admit how handsome I am?" he asked with a smile that showed in his eyes.
I narrowed my gaze and burst out laughing. 'The audacity of this man—he's absolutely full of himself!'
I would never admit that Stefan was indeed handsome.
With his status and looks, every woman would want to be with him—but I couldn't imagine myself jumping to different men.
Before long, two complete breakfast sets were served. Upon realizing, I looked at Stefan as if to say, "I don't eat much in the morning."
Stefan only raised an eyebrow and said, "I know my handsomeness can make anyone hungry, so don't just look at me—start digging in, sweetheart."
"I'm not hungry," I whined.
"Can't you see how thin you are? If Chadrick didn't take care of you, I will. There's no way I would overlook my woman's well-being," he said with a tone that he really meant it.
My eyelashes fluttered involuntarily. Throughout my life, only Mrs. Hans, Mr. Shaw, and Jane have shown me this level of care.
"Good then," I replied, my voice laced with chill to mask the sting.
Stefan opened his mouth. He attempted to explain, but his gaze caught a car in the parking lot. Without warning, he used his fork to slice a pancake on my plate and brought it to my mouth. His sudden action surprised me.
"What are you doing, Mr. Hudson?"
"I'm feeding you," Stefan flashed a smile. "So, open your mouth."
"Are you crazy?"
"Just this one, please." He never begged anyone, but to annoy someone, he would go to great lengths, like acting weird and crazy. "If you wish to be free from him, then eat it."
I was taken aback. My head was about to turn to the window when Stefan stopped me.
"Just act casual, will you? The more you show how much you care for his opinion, the more it will cause you pain."
I understood Stefan. So despite my reluctance, I found myself opening my mouth.
"Very good! Now, eat more!"
"You—" I was munching the food, and so the rest of my words were swallowed along with the pancake.
Stefan had said only one bite, yet he kept stuffing pancake into my mouth until I nearly choked.
"Here, have some of your coffee." He handed me my coffee mug, which I snatched with hostility.
"Enough! I don't want to eat anymore." I wiped my mouth, then dropped the table napkin and rose from my chair.
Stefan was about to stand too, but I hissed at him, "I'm going to the ladies' room!"
Stefan raised his hands in surrender. "Fine… take your sweet time."
After leaving the table, I went downstairs. Instead of heading to the restroom, I bypassed it and went straight to the manager's office, slumping onto the sofa.
A moment later, Jane emerged with a sweet smile. "Why didn't you introduce me to your boyfriend?"
"He's not my boyfriend," I corrected her with a long face.
Jane's smile faltered for a couple of seconds, then she grinned. "Fine, deny it all you want. Everyone witnessed how lovey-dovey you two are anyway."
"Ugh." I slapped my forehead, wanting to smack Stefan, but I couldn't undo what had happened. "I need to be at the office now."
I declared, changing the topic. I pulled my phone from my office suit pocket and booked a ride.
When the driver notified me of his arrival, I told Jane I would return in the evening to help her with the accounting.
I used the back door to avoid Stefan.
I was about to climb into the backseat of the car when someone grabbed my elbow.
"Where do you think you are going?"