Self

Chapter 30

Xandra bit her lip, spun around, and grabbed the insulated bag by her feet, pulling out a steaming bowl of mushroom soup.

“Remember how you said you were craving mushroom soup? I whipped this up for you. Tell me what you think,” she said with a hopeful smile.

Yale frowned as he unlocked his phone with a quick tap of his finger, then glanced back at her. “Why don’t you come in first?” he said.

Stepping into the villa felt like crossing into another world–it was the first time Xandra had been invited inside since they had started going out.

Her heart raced as she took a deep breath and followed him in. She had heard about the size, the open spaces, the brightness, but seeing, it all firsthand -the sleek American–style decor with its cool grays crisp blacks, and whites–was something else.

It was all so effortlessly chic, with touches of luxury that caught the eye without trying too hard.

Thanks to an art appreciation class she had taken her sophomore year, Xandra recognized a famous painting hanging on the wall. Everywhere she looked, there were items that screamed money, even the trash can in the corner with its subtle LV logo.

They passed a living room that opened up to a perfectly kept indoor garden, a media room, a gym off to the side, and a set of golf clubs tucked away in a corner. Rumor had it that the villa complex even had its own golf course.

She pinched herself. Before Yale, the fanciest thing she had ever seen. was a classmate’s Hermès crocodile skin Kelly bag. That designer limited edition could fetch 300 grand on the resale market, enough to

Clupter 30

buy a spacious apartment in her hometown.

In Yale’s villa, that elusive H logo was part of the everyday scenery- on keychains, lighters, and other items.

If she could stay by Yale’s side, become his wife, and have his kids, would all of that be hers, too? The sprawling villa, the designer bags, a

driver, and servants.

Lost in thought, Xandra did not notice that Yale had not picked up on her daydreaming.

The mushroom soup had been simmered to a perfect thickness, but he put his spoon down after just one taste.

Xandra’s eyes widened in confusion. “Why did you stop? It’s not good?

she asked.

Yale smiled gently. “I grabbed a bite after work, so I’m not hungry now. I’ll have more later, promise.”

“Okay, but you better not say that just to be nice. I’d be bummed,” Xandra pouted, her eyes sparkling with a mix of hope and worry. “It’s my first time cooking, so go easy on me, okay?”

Yale reached out and affectionately ruffled her hair. “No classes today? You had time to make soup?”

“Finals are coming up, so only a few classes. Plus, I’m gearing up for grad school exams. I studied all day at the library and finally had some free time to come see you.”

As Xandra talked about her day, she remembered her run–in with Yara and quickly shifted gears. “Hey, I heard there’s a meteor shower soon. We should watch it together. What do you think?”

Yale gave a noncommittal hum, his face calm but his fingers. fidgeting with his tie–a telltale sign of his restlessness. “You know how the news is–it’s all hype half the time. We’ll see when it happens.

Chapte 10.

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Xandra decided not to push it.

Then Yale stood up and said, “It’s getting late. Let me walk you back

to campus.”

Xandra’s heart fluttered, and she bit her lip, thinking about the dress she had chosen so carefully. With a playful smile, she looped her arm through his, her dress brushing against him in a whisper of a touch.

“You’re that eager to get rid of me, huh?” Her teasing voice and bright, innocent smile were like a piece of candy melting in the warmth.

The air around them seemed to sweeten.

Yale cracked a small, wry smile. “I’m not great at resisting temptation; can’t really handle it.”

“Is there anything you can’t handle?” she teased, looking up at him with a mix of pure charm and a hint of challenge.

“Maybe,” he replied, his smile holding a secret.

“Yale, I was thinking-” She wanted to say she did not have class the next day. She could stay a bit longer to hang out with him.

“Come on,” Yale said, snatching up the car keys before she could finish her sentence. “Don’t want to get back late, right? Wouldn’t want the dorm supervisor to give us trouble again.”

Xandra playfully stuck out her tongue and hurried after him.

As they approached the door, she stopped short.

“Yale, you admitted there are things even you can’t handle. So, here’s one more for you–have you got the guts to take it on?”