Chapter 1 Be his tutor

Elsie’s pov

“Shit, I’m going to be late.” I muttered as I quickly pulled my hair in a ponytail and grabbed my bag pack.

As if on cue, a loud honk sounded outside again and I winced. I hurried down the stairs and quickly grabbed an apple, before pulling the door open in a hurry but I was too late.

Adrian’s angry but handsome face came into view first, before his motorcycle sped past me, blowing dirt in my eyes.

“Wait!” I yelled but he was already long gone. I had a feeling he didn’t plan on taking me with him from the start. I longingly stared at his disappearing form, his long brown hair flowing with the wind.

I already missed the school bus and now, this.

Adrian always did this. Even though he is my stepbrother, he didn’t give two shits about me. Sometimes, I wondered if my very presence irritated him. He had been asked to always take me with him to school but most times, he left me behind without remorse.

Kicking a small stone in frustration, I straightened my skirt and began walking. I could get a ride but decided against it.

About 20 minutes later, I walked through the school corridor, late, sweating and pissed off.

I walked into my class but Mr Smith was already teaching.

“You’re late again,” Mr Smith said, casting me a weary glance.

“I’m sorry, my ride got canceled.” I muttered and made my way to a seat.

“My ride got canceled.” A voice mimicked and I held in a groan. “Everyone knows there was no ride to begin with.” Ryan said and the class burst into laughter.

“Mind your business.” I spat, looking his way.

“How about you use my ride instead?” He taunted, his eyes running over my form and my lips curled in disgust.

“Enough! Let’s get back to work.” Mr Smith said, cutting off the conversation.

Thankful for the interruption, I relaxed in my seat and wiped the sweat off my forehead.

Ryan was a popular kid known for being a nuisance. His father was very wealthy and was a huge contributor to the school, that’s why Ryan always got away with his stunts and disturbances.

When I had first seen Ryan, I was mesmerized by his charming looks and kind words but it was all part of making me a fool. I quickly learnt the hard way when I embarrassed myself in front of the whole class.

Since then, I tried to avoid him at all costs but my harsh words and cold attitude towards him only seems to urge him on.

The day went in a blur and soon, it was time for lunch. I contemplated ditching food and studying instead. I also didn’t want to bump into Ryan. With my mind made up, I walked out of the class and headed for the locker room.

Studying is what actually matters so I can graduate with good grades and get a job at my dream company.

As I rounded a corner, my steps momentarily froze at the sight in front of me.

Pinned to a wall was Sophie, the school’s prettiest girl. Even though she was pretty, it was no news she flung herself at guys without remorse. Right now, they are sucking the lives out of themselves.

Ignoring them, I was about to continue my walk but quickly stopped when a small tattoo caught my attention.

A small but beautiful word written in Chinese. I would recognize that tattoo, no matter when and where.

I swallowed hard when I realised Adrian was making out with Sophie. His muscles flexed beautifully as he grabbed her hair and angled her face for better access.

I should be grossed out by watching my stepbrother make out with a random girl but shockingly, I wasn’t. From the angle of the light, his brown hair shone brightly and I was transfixed.

Licking my dry lips, I continued watching them.

Sophie seemed to notice my presence first and quickly broke the kiss. I, on the other hand, was already lost in my world of fantasy and didn’t realise I had been caught on time.

“What the fuck are you looking at?” Sophie spat, her high pitched voice bringing me back to reality.

“Huh?” I asked, looking around in a daze.

“Goddam it Elsie, what is this? Do you have to be everywhere?” Adrian’s angry voice reached me.

“What? I am just passing through.” I quickly said and started walking.

“You were practically staring at us. Fuck this, I’m out.” Sophie said, pushed Adrian to the side and walked off.

“Wait-

She didn’t stop. When she rounded a corner, the corridor fell silent so I walked even faster because hell, I didn’t want Adrian to come for me.

“Happy now?” He asked, his dark orbs fixed on me as I pulled my locker open.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, I was just passing through. Besides, you saw me this morning but chose to leave me behind.” I said.

“Yes, I did. I am not your driver and if you don’t keep to time, I will always leave you behind. If you’ve got a problem with that, go with the school bus or get yourself a driver.” He snapped before his angry footsteps walked away.

Unfazed with his harsh words, I continued like nothing had happened.

It wasn’t new.

Soon, lunch break was over and classes resumed. I was later summoned to the vice chancellor’s office and with confusion, I went to see him.

A few minutes later, I was seated in his office.

“You’ve won three competitions for your class over the last year.” He said, glancing through a file.

“Yes sir.” I replied, squirming with unease.

“You’ve been doing so well academically and I’m glad your scholarship isn’t going to waste.”

“Thank you sir.” I said, feeling honored for his commendation.

“You know Mr Cole right?” He asked.

“Yes, he is Ryan’s dad. Everyone knows him.” I replied.

“Good. As you must know by now, Ryan is failing academically and he’s not trying to do better. Ryan has asked me to privately give him a good tutor and I couldn’t help thinking of you. Apart from the fact that you’re good, he’s your classmate and friend, getting along is not a problem.”

“Huh?”

“He’s paying handsomely as well.”

“I-i can’t.” I breathed. In all the things in the world, I had to tutor the very person I was trying to avoid? I can’t.

“Why? You’re a very brilliant and excellent student. It would be of great help to have you tutor him. What’s wrong?”

“I can’t tutor Ryan.” I repeated, as I felt my palms start to sweat.

Why me!

“Is there something I need to know?” He asked, leaning forward.

“No-

“I remember you said you would love to work at Cole-tech intl. when you finally graduate. Mr Blake is a chairman there. Don’t you think this is an opportunity to get on his good side? We both know the world is tough without a little connection.”

Oh no….

“Just do it. You need them more than the

y need you. You have till the end of today to make up your mind. Except you want to stick with your mom’s

Company.”

“Is there no way around this?” I asked one last time.

Ryan’s arrogant face flashed through my mind and a shudder ran through me.

“No.”

Goodness, I am screwed.