Jay's Pov
Life had been shit. The more I tried to wipe it clean, the filthier it became. I wasn't sure if God was testing my faith in him, or if I had become satan's favourite toy? Bad thought and my screwed ways of putting up my circumstances into loud words haven't been a good sign either. I had lost my temper twice this month, and to test my patience even further, I had been summoned to the Dean's office.
Guess what?
I don't know what was about to happen. It was a surprise. But I wasn't scared of surprises anymore. I had been through hell before. Decades of my life have been dedicated to seeking validation and balance in society. I would rather give a damn about their thoughts because my circumstances had brought me to the edge.
Speaking about circumstances, I was now walking towards the Dean's office. A few awkward stares and head turns, low gossip, not bad. Finally reaching towards the open door of the Dean's office, I count the humans engaged in this drama.
Let's see...A Filthy rich old man, maybe Kelly's Father. The sacred professor who came to help me. 2 kids who witnessed the incident first. Dr. Ren- Great! And Mr. Dean himself. My ignorant self didn't even seek his nameplate.
I walked ahead, making my presence known as the Dean had sensed my presence. He looked up, his eyes scrutinizing me from head to toe as he flashed a look of disapproval. I didn't react. He had asked the kids and the professor to leave, and Mr. Ren as well, who looked worried. They left in silence, leaving me, Mr.Dean and Kelly's father alone.
Dean: So Dr. - sorry, Professor. Jay.
I scoffed at his antics. But I wasn't here to make matters worse. So I kept calm.
Dean: Professor, you've crossed a serious line.
Jay: Let me explain-
Dean: You let a stranger into your classroom and stood by while he attacked one of our brightest students, Ms. Kelly—not once, but several times.
Jay: I was harasse-
Dean: And that stranger was a person who knows you! And you deliberately let Ms. Kelly get harmed?
Jay: That's not what-
Dean: Or were you involved as well? I see it as an attempt to murder.
Jay: I wasn't involved -
Dean: It’s shameful.
He declared while I was almost irritated by being cut off mid-sentence when I'm trying to keep my point. One point was clear that this Dean didn't give a damn about my justification or give me a chance to put up my reasons. He was well aligned to please Kelly's Father no matter what.
Jay: I was harassed by Ms. Kelly earlier, and that person just helped me.
I emphasized my words, though I should have been remorseful about Kelly being brutally beaten by Amy. But she kinda... deserved it.
Dean: By almost killing Ms. Kelly? Repeatedly banging her head on the bench like a psychopath? You are trying to justify this attack!?
He spat while I took a deep breath to calm my nerves, schooling my expressions and keeping my composure tight.
Jay: I was being harassed by Ms. Kelly, and that person had tried to help me get away from Kelly, which took an extreme turn.
Kelly's Dad: Extreme turn? You are talking about this as if it were a cat fight! My daughter is still in the hospital. A chunk of her hair has been ripped off her scalp! Her skull is fractured, and she almost went into coma! I'll make sure you regret this, Mr. Conor!
This made me guilty. It wasn't my fault though. But I was related to Amy. And the reason for this attack started with me. Now that was an aching pinch on my concise, which alarmed me that I was the root cause of this.
Jay: I am ready to take accountability and face the consequences.
I look at the Dean, who still has that disapproving gaze at my unfazed facade. What? Did he expect me to beg for mercy? Dramatic much.
Kelly's Dad: Oh! I'll make sure of that! I'll make sure that your little orphanage gets shut down this time for good.
The moment he uttered those words of threat, my instinct was to just pounce on him and land a punch into his face and maybe break his teeth and rub that smirk off. But patience was a virtue, and I had mastered it enough not to lose my temper when provoked. My eyes fixated towards him with a glare.
Mr. Dean chose to interrupt.
Mr. Dean: You won't be working here anymore-
And before he could declare his decision.
The door was pushed open, and there stood the culprit of my upcoming unemployment.
Amy or Oh, so Ms. Maria.
At this point, I was being dramatic.
But my eyes were stuck on her. Call me stupid in this situation, but I am a man in love who also hates at the same time.
She walked in as if she owned the building, clad in an all black outfit. Her right hand decorated with the wooden carved holy-cross necklace that casually hung on her wrist. She pushed the side of her black blazer, and shoved her hand in her pocket. Her face was detailed with makeup. Her signature earring of the devil's number dangled to the side. Her red painted lips curved upwards in a smirk. She was known as 'She-devil' for a reason.
My eyes peered at her feet as the sound of clicking echoed through the room, and I noticed her heels. It was the first time I had seen her pairing formal clothing with heels. She would always wear shoes. It was somewhat her signature look. Her short hairs were styled, though it looked fluffy and soft at the same time. Her bangs were side-parted, reaching to one of her eyes.
She casually pulled one of the chairs, taking a seat. Her dead gaze oozed with confidence and a demeanour that sent a chill down the spine. She had a charm that would change the vibe of any room that she stepped into.
My eyes wandered to Mr. Dean, who looked a little shocked but still gazed at Amy, mesmerized. I was hating it. And then I noticed Kelly's Dad, who had turned pale at her sight.
There was dead silence for a whole minute until Mr. Dean had cleared his throat, faking a cough. He was back to his calm yet stern composure.
Mr. Dean: Who are you, and what brings you here, Miss?
Amy: Tch..Well. I am the one who injured Ms. Kelly. You can call me Ms. Maria.
She deadpanned those words as if they weren't a big deal. And I knew she wasn't here to apologise. Her eyes held menace. Her stance was wicked. She looked at Kelly's father.
Amy: And did you just say that you would shut my orphanage?
Kelly's father had his jaw dropped. His mouth wobbled to form words. But they couldn't escape his tongue as Amy cut him.
Amy: Did you just dare to threaten my man?
Her words made my insides tingle, that possesiveness somewhat satisfied my pride. Those words were slow and challenging as if daring Kelly's father to speak. Kelly's father looked scared and pale. Mr. Dean was silent, his eyes wide at Kelly's father, whose demeanour had changed from proud and arrogant to a scaredy cat.
Amy: Listen, you old hag. That bitch of a daughter of yours had dared to harass my man. Be grateful that she isn't dead. And what did you say about the orphanage? You would shut it? You did forget my favour to your company.
She chuckled in sheer mockery that spat venom. Her eyes darted daggers at him that didn't match her smile. Kelly's father was pinned by her glare; he didn't know what to say.
Amy: I'm still waiting for your apology, or should I shut your company for good?
Her words were slow and clear. She held such power and threat that she didn't need to yell or speak louder to make people listen.
Kelly's Dad: I ...I'm sorry.
He stuttered.
Amy: Apologise to him.
She moved on her seat, resting her back on the chair, making my figure visible to Kelly's father, indicating towards me who was standing across the table beside her.
Kelly's Dad: I'm sorry.
He didn't meet my eyes. I wasn't sure what to even say. His anger was still justified. Even though he is powerless before Amy but that didn't mean Amy could use her influence to hide any damages that she had caused. Any father would be furious if their kids had been harmed.
There was silence again, a heavy one. And yet Mr.Dean was the one to speak again.
Mr. Dean: After this, I'm afraid Mr.Jay would be continuing to teach in this institution.
He stated calmly, but his eyes were focused on Amy as if trying to read her expressions. But she didn't show any.
Amy: The damage was caused by me. I am ready to compensate for the damages caused to Kelly and this institution's image only if this incident stays under the carpet. Well. Even though I wouldn't mind having my name published on a gossip cum feature article where the headline reads 'The rich brat of this prestigious medical college gets banged by Ms. Maria.' Sounds spicy. Doesn't it?
Mr. Dean: Excuse me-
Before Mr.Dean could even scowl, his words were cut.
Amy: But, Mr. Conor had been unaware of my arrival and my intent. And whatever happened that day had been my doing, and I am ready to pay the price for it. Mr. Conor should be in the clear. He had just been a mere witness in this incident. So having Mr. Conor expelled from this prestigious institution without any good reason would be a loss. Because a prodigy like him is a rare gem to find. I believe he has more expensive options than working on a research paper that would be named and owned by this institution in the future, and would be worthy of many awards as well. What a shame!
Everyone was speechless. And I knew that she had stalked me, to know such details like my research paper for the institution, which was kept confidential, was a 24/7 spy work. She had kept her words clear, she wasn't being loud, her words were slow, fluent, heavy and held power.
With that, she fixed the collar of her blazer. Her hand later reached ahead for a handshake, her smirk plastered to her face. While Mr.Dean was still in shock, he slowly stuck out his hand for a handshake.
Time Skip
I was baffled yet angry at the audacity that Amy had. To cause damage and pay the price in currency to get out of any crime in life that she committed. I didn't stop at the university to talk with Dr. Ren or to even hear Mr. Dean's final decision because I couldn't bear to see Amy there, and that overly attentive gaze of hers, who would read me like an open book. I decided to leave the university and head towards the orphanage that had become my second- nope, third home.
I wanted to take my mind off from this shit. My brain rambled and scrambled my memories. My insides were torn off to war. One side of me was desperate and craved to have Amy with me, in my arms and throw away my resentment, and the other sane and saint part of me was flagging to run away from the woman because her existence screamed of disaster.
I was such a mess!!
I had reached the parking lot, my steps fast yet paced enough to be counted in the category of walking. I finally stopped when I reached to the door of my car. And before I could even push my key in the keyhole, Amy had been leaning against the car door, standing right beside me. Did she jump buildings to reach my speed?
Or was I too blind or occupied to notice her following me?
God, she looked so gorgeous. The sunlight landed in the right direction towards the arc of her body that made her look even more ethereal. Her brown eyes revealed under the soft sunbeams, and it was one of her features I loved and cherished the most. She looked like an angel. But she wasn't one.
I sighed.
Jay: What do you want?
Amy: Ouch!
Her face contorted as if she were hurt.
Amy: A little thanks and general conversation like 'Hi! How are you?' is a good etiquette. Don't you think?
She was acting weird. I rolled my eyes at her.
Jay: Says the one who didn't just threaten Kelly's Father. And you should rather apologise to him for hurting his daughter.
I muttered.
Amy: She deserved it.
Jay: And who are you to decide?
A second of silence, and she was up again with a comeback.
Amy: A wife- late wife, who saw her husband getting harassed by that bitch.
She babbled like a small kid trying to argue for candy. I almost melted.
No. I can't give in. I won't.
Jay: You know what, you are unbearable. I had asked only one thing from you, to get away from my damn life. Let me live in peace. But you! You are so selfish, you are full of yourself. You go away whenever you want, you come back whenever you please. You play wife, you play dead someday, you stalk me, and now you are being possessive? Of what? Being a wife of a husband whom you divorced ever so casually? Get this one thing in your head! Crystal. And. Clear. You no longer concern me.
With that, I opened my car's door, got in and drove away without letting her speak. My eyes peered at to rear view mirror and she was still rooted to the spot. I couldn't see her expressions, but I knew I had hurt her. I knew if I had seen her hurt, my resolve would melt, and I wasn't going to let that happen.
