The gaze lasted barely a second.
But it made Emma's heart clench. Her lips trembled, and she clenched her hand into a tight fist. Her nails dug into her palm.
The twenty year old Daniel Yang carried an elegant yet indifferent charm that set him apart from others of his age. He demonstrated his intelligence by getting into the university with full scholarship and showing promising development for his future.
That along with his good looks made Daniel the main character of many students' fantasy, not just Emma. And the mature Daniel was even more attractive. No wonder she was unable to extricate herself from him.
He had no flaws.
Except for her.
She was probably the darkest stain of his life.
Daniel removed his eyes from her and walked off as she stared at his back. Looking at her friend's state, Ellie felt odd.
She complained, "Look at his ugly face. I don't know what you find so attractive about him. He doesn't even know how to treat you properly."
Emma smiled.
"That doesn't matter. I wronged him. It is given that he is disgusted by me."
Ellie had nothing short of confusion reflected in her eyes.
If it was the usual, Emma would rush after Daniel upset and make a fuss to him about not paying attention to her. Then, she would cling on to him and tell him about everything she experienced.
Now, there were vague, fleeting emotions on her face before being covered by indifference.
Ellie lacked common sense and wasn't good at perceiving others' emotions well, but right now, she could clearly see that Emma was being sincere.
Then, an idea travelled through her head. She gasped dramatically and stared at her friend with widened eyes.
"Why are you being this way? Are you cursed? Are you being blackmailed?"
Emma narrowed her eyes at her friend before raising her hand to hit Ellie at the back of her head. Ellie winced and took a step back, glaring at her friend with watery eyes, full of complaint.
"Grow up, Ellie. Until when are you going to continue to be stupid?"
Ellie was baffled.
"Hey! Why are you making personal attacks!? I was only concerned for you!"
°°°
Emma entered the afternoon class and was almost about to run away when she spotted Daniel.
The man sat beside the window, his attention focused on the laptop in front of him. He typed away on the device. The sunlight casted on his dark hair lightened it, and the breeze casually fluttered his hair.
The sleeves of his shirt was folded up, revealing his veiny arm, while his long fingers moved hurriedly. Occasionally, he stopped and took a sip out of the espresso.
Sensing Emma's presence, everyone was considerate enough to leave her a space beside Daniel.
Emma's wealthy status and her domineering attitude made her a feared individual in the campus. Knowing how troublesome she was, no one dared to meddle in her affairs, giving way to her in what she wanted.
Noticing the cautious behaviour of her classmates, Emma felt a tinge of guilt.
No wonder she was hated by everyone.
She deserved it well.
Seeing how everyone left her a space beside Daniel, Emma wanted to express how there was no need for that and was about to sit somewhere else.
But before she was able to do that, a girl came over and placed her hand on her shoulder.
Vanessa spoke out, "You're here, Emma. Daniel has been waiting for you for a while."
Emma glanced at her.
Vanessa Liu.
The backstabber who approached her in the name of loyalty and friendship when she wanted was Emma's downfall and how to gain maximum benefits.
Emma had to admit she wasn't good judge of character.
Vanessa presented a submissive and supportive image. She praised Emma with great devotion and acted as though she was willing to lay down her life for her.
Caught up in her arrogance, Emma did not find her behavior strange.
Believing that it was only right for people to treat her in this manner, she did not analyse her behavior enough and had to meet her demise as the result of her plotting.
While Vanessa exalted and idolized her, like a loyal slave ready to dedicate his life to the emperor, on the other hand, she held the most malice towards her.
If Emma's image in the eyes of others wasn't already enough, Vanessa did not forget to add the spice in a very not so subtle manner.
Of course, a fool like her only figured it all out when death was flashing in front of her eyes as the only option left.
Just as Emma was caught up in a daze, she was pushed by Vanessa to sit beside Daniel. There was a wide grin on her face, and twinkle in her eyes as she winked at Emma, showing her attributes as a loyal supporter.
A mocking intent crossed through Emma's eyes before they were hidden under the anxiety that came from the realization she sat beside Daniel.
Her nails dug into her palm, and she didn't dare to look at the man.
"Come on, Daniel, pay some attention to your girl. Look at her today, she seems a little under the weather," Vanessa expressed.
Before her rebirth, Emma might consider her words to be out of consideration and be satisfied. But now, it only felt as though she was being treated like a joke.
More than rage towards Vanessa Liu, she hated herself for being so foolishly oblivious.
All the gazes on her made her apprehension skyrocket and feel as though she was sitting on a bunch of needles. She wished to get away from here and all the unwanted attention.
She knew they were scrutinizing her state today and maybe it will be the topic of their conversation throughout the day. They will draw their conclusions as they each paint their own version of the story.
Emma wished to get up from the seat and leave the class. However, before she was able to realize this, the door opened, and the professor entered.
The strict elderly woman made everyone settle down in their seats, and Emma no longer had the courage to get up from her place. She took in a deep breath, trying to calm her emotions.
After that, she glanced at Daniel. To her surprise, she found his eyes on her. This made her eyes widen, and startled, she immediately looked away.
As the professor started on the lecture for the day, Emma found herself unable to concentrate. Psychology was never cup of her tea, and the only reason she signed up for this course was because of Daniel.
Emma wanted to close her eyes and rest, but the very obvious presence of Daniel beside her prevented her from relaxing.
Thinking about it, no matter how cowardly she was, for the sake of both of them, she should break up with him. The sooner it was, the better it would be.
It will set him free from the torment, and as for her, the burden of sins on her shoulder will reduce by a lot.
Emma's hand shook a little, but she tore off the corner of a paper from her notebook. Then, she slowly wrote, 'Can you spare me a little time later?'.
Then, Emma slid it off in his direction.
From the corner of her eyes, she observed him. The man stopped taking notes for a second to pick up the paper, and as he read through it, a small frown appeared on his forehead.
Emma bit down on her lower lip.
Then, he tossed off the paper through the window, and as she sat through the rest of the class in anticipation, there was no response from him.
The class ended, and when the professor left, Emma lowered her head in dejection, not daring to ask Daniel again.
She was about to leave when the man replied, "I don't have time today."
Emma stared back at him in shock, not expecting him to say anything.
Her voice shook as she asked, "What about tomorrow?"
Seeing how creases formed between both of his brows, she hurriedly added, "Well, I promise to not take a lot of your time. And it's really important. Please?"
There was desperation and pleading intent in her eyes and tone.
Daniel nodded.
And before she was about to leave, the man stated, "Odd of you to not threaten me with anything this time."
Emma's lips parted slightly, and her face paled. There was undeniable hatred in his voice, and before she could apologize, the man strode off.
She fell on the chair, and a deep breath left her mouth.
"I am sorry," she mumbled.