I can't help but bristle at his words, my frustration boiling over. "Do not pretend like you care for me, August. You never once cared."
I turn to leave, but his touch on my wrist is gentle yet firm, stopping me in my tracks. His voice is a quiet murmur as he whispers, "That is where you are wrong, little dove. All I ever did was care. Still, all I ever do is care about every little detail about you."
I take a deep breath, willing myself to contain the jumble of emotions that threaten to overwhelm me. I choose to ignore his words, refusing to believe them. He suggests taking Lily and me to the university, and I feel an instant surge of resistance.
"No, thank you," I reply curtly, my voice laced with a touch of defensiveness.
Lily's touch on my arm is gentle, a silent plea in her eyes. I glance at her, and in that moment, I understand that she wants me to accept. Reluctantly, I nod, acquiescing to her unspoken request.
We get into the car, the atmosphere charged. As August starts the engine, he turns his attention to me, his movements gentle as he reaches across to fasten my seatbelt. The scent of his cologne fills the air, and my heart skips a beat as memories flood back—memories of a time when things had been different between us.
I shake off the nostalgia, determined not to let myself be swayed by the emotions that his mere presence invokes. I prepare to decline whatever gesture he might make next, but he surprises me by stuffing a donut into my mouth. I shoot him a glare, my attempt at resistance met with Lily's laughter and his amused smile.
I munch on the donut, a mixture of annoyance and begrudging amusement as the car starts moving. We head toward the university.
Our story is incredibly complex. He has hurt me, and the wounds are still fresh even if they are hidden beneath the surface. But despite the pain and confusion, there is something about his concern that tugs at my heart. I miss him, in a way that I can't quite admit to myself.
After we reached and August parked, I enter with fake confidence. Taking a deep breath, I steady myself as I stand before the room filled with professors and peers, my presentation ready to begin. This is the moment I have worked tirelessly for.
Lily sits with a bright smile on her face and a thumbs up, giving me the boost of confidence I need. And then, there is August, his gaze fixed on me with a warmth that makes my chest flutter despite myself.
I launch into my presentation, my voice steady despite the jumble of nerves beneath the surface. The words flow, my research coming to life as I share my findings and defend my thesis. Every slide is a testament to the countless hours I have poured into this project, and with every passing moment, my nerves melt and my passion takes its place.
As the minutes turn into an hour, I navigate through the complexities of my work, my passion guiding me through the more intricate details. The room listens intently, their expressions a mix of interest and curiosity. And then, finally, I am done. I have presented my thesis, and all that is left is the verdict.
The room erupts into applause, and I blink back tears of happiness as I face the professors who have guided me on this journey. Their expressions are a blend of pride and approval, their words echoing in my ears as they praise my presentation.
"Bravo, Layla! That is an exceptional defense. One of the best we've seen," one of my professors exclaims, her smile beaming with genuine happiness.
Tears well up in my eyes as I thank them, feeling a sense of accomplishment that is beyond words. As the room begins to disperse, I start packing up my things, exhilaration coursing through me. I share a hug with Professor George, his warm embrace filled with pride. He twirls me around playfully, and I can't help but giggle.
Just as I am saying goodbye to him, August approaches, his eyes glowing with a dark tint. "Congratulations, Layla. You are amazing," he says softly, but I do not miss the dangerous edge in his words, he is angry at Professor George again, ridiculous.
Suddenly, August's warm breath brushes against my ear as he leans in, his whispered words meant for my ears alone, yet intentionally audible to Professor George. The intimacy of his gesture sends a shiver down my spine, a strange sort of pleasure that I try to fight.
"I have a surprise for you later tonight," he murmurs, his voice a gentle caress against my skin. Immediately, I know that he did it on purpose, and I slap his chest with my hand, glaring at him with glowing cheeks.
My professor excuses himself, leaving Lily who appeared when she noticed the tension, August, and me standing there, embarrassment and frustration creep over me, and I cannot believe he has just insinuated that we are going to make love tonight in front of my professor.
I turn to August, my eyes red with anger and nostrils flared. His nonchalant expression only adds to my vexation. "Are you ever going to stop?" I blurt out, my voice tinged with annoyance.
His response is a simple grunt, and it only serves to increase my irritation. He frustrates me so much that without thinking, my open palm meets his chest in a swift, controlled smack, for the second time.
"Seriously?" I snap, my eyes narrowing as I glare at him. "You cannot just keep doing things like that without considering how it makes me feel!"
Lily glances between us, and lets out a nervous chuckle. "Okay, guys, let's not turn this into a public scene," she interjects, attempting to diffuse the situation.
August's gaze remains steady, and I can see a hint of amusement in his eyes. It is infuriating how he always seems to find a way to maintain his composure, even in moments that leave me flustered and agitated.
I grab Lily's arm, my frustration still simmering beneath the surface, and lead her towards the exit. I am determined to get some distance from August and his infuriating antics.
However, as we make our way towards the exit, I feel a hand gently grasp my wrist. I turn around to find August hot on our trail, his gaze unyielding and his expression both amused and unapologetic.
"Where do you think you are going in such a hurry?" he asks, his voice teasing.
I let out an exasperated groan, my patience wearing thin. "What do you want, August?" I snap, my frustration evident in my tone. "Lily and I are going to celebrate. ALONE."
He chuckles as he meets my glare. "I know," he replies, his tone deceptively calm. "Lily told me. And I am driving you to the restaurant."