Chapter 4 He Had Feelings for Me
Jennifer pressed herself tightly against Michael and buried her face in his shoulder.
She began to let out soft, trembling sobs.
“Hold me. Hold me tight.”
“What if I fall and James sees? He’ll think the person he admires most killed the woman he loves. How tragic would that be…? This is so terrifying—so thrilling—that I don’t know what to do…”
Jennifer dug her hands into Michael’s shirt.
She was only certain that Michael would never harm James.
Yet, her threats sounded sweet and dangerously coaxing.
If it were James, he would have been overwhelmed by now.
But Michael appeared utterly unmoved.
He merely glanced downstairs, where James kept peering upward.
Then he reached out his left hand and switched off the balcony light.
Jennifer’s red lips grew curved in quiet, knowing satisfaction.
“Mr. Kowalski… turning off the light like that… We look like we’re having an affair.”
Michael studied her closely for the first time.
Then he uttered each word coldly: “Even if I were, could you survive the consequences?”
Jennifer froze.
For a split second, her mind went blank — she genuinely forgot her next line.
Meanwhile, downstairs, James thought he heard Jennifer’s voice.
But when he looked up, Michael had already turned off the light.
James couldn’t see anything clearly — only a faint silhouette.
The man’s aura felt eerily familiar, like his old tutor Michael from middle school.
But he dismissed the idea immediately.
Mr. Michael had been cold and distant.
Yet here, this man on the balcony was wrapped around a woman — dripping with intimacy — a complete contrast to his tutor.
The Novaks were a strict household; James had always been conservative.
Even movie kissing scenes made him blush.
Faced with this shadowy intimacy, he quickly lowered his head and walked away to wait elsewhere.
Little did he know Jennifer was still draped across Michael’s shoulder, panting heavily.
It was both seduction and genuine leftover fear.
After all, if Michael hadn’t caught her…
She might have hit the ground headfirst.
She felt Michael tugging — hard — trying to pull her off.
But she clung tighter.
Suddenly, she felt something.
Jennifer blinked, meeting his gaze with wide innocence.
“Mr. Kowalski… that doesn’t feel like a belt, does it?”
“You’re reacting to me.”
She said it with a triumphant smile.
Michael’s fingers tightened around her wrists.
Just as she couldn’t tell whether he’d throw her or crush her against him, the doorbell rang.
“Michael, are you in there?”
“Michael?”
Maria called from outside.
Jennifer’s heel was still pressed boldly against Michael’s trousers.
Michael released her, walked back into the room, grabbed her coat from the bed, and flung it at her.
“You’d better figure out what to tell her.”
His tone matched his actions — cold, ruthless.
Jennifer winced slightly at the throw, then put on the coat with a pout.
“You’re not going to help me explain?”
Michael shot her a chilling glance, and she fell silent immediately.
“Fine. I’ll handle her myself.”
Jennifer gathered her loose hair into a ponytail and walked out.
Today, she had deliberately chosen an inexpensive student-style jacket.
Once she put it on, her earlier allure vanished — replaced by the look of an ordinary high schooler.
She even wore a mask that hid her beauty, making her look harmless and unfashionable.
But Maria wasn’t easily fooled.
She froze the moment she saw a girl emerging from Michael’s room.
“Stop.”
Her voice sharp and cold.
“Who are you?”
Jennifer acted obedient.
“Ms. Rossi, I’m Sarah’s classmate. I borrowed a book from Mr. Kowalski and came to return it.”
Maria scrutinized her from head to toe.
Dressed head-to-toe in luxury brands, Maria saw Jennifer’s worn-out sweatshirt…
and the tension drained from her face, replaced by condescending relief.
“So you’re Sarah’s classmate. Why show up without a dress? I almost mistook you for a thief.”
Jennifer wore a mask, but inside, she laughed.
Maria, your bitterness and arrogance never change.
Jennifer slowly concealed the hatred in her eyes.
She changed her mind.
She didn’t want to pretend to be a good girl anymore.
As she passed Maria, Jennifer murmured softly,
“You’re right. I did come to steal something.”
“But I wasn’t after money.
I wanted something far more precious in that room.”
“What are you talking about?” Maria narrowed her eyes.
Jennifer smiled. “You know exactly what I mean.”
“Explain. Now.”
Maria grabbed her arm — hard — nearly pulling her off balance.
Jennifer kept her back straight, lifted her head, and met Maria’s gaze directly.
Her eyes were clear and bright — with a flicker of madness beneath.
“I came to steal Mr. Kowalski.”
“And he didn’t seem indifferent to me earlier, either.”
“So he may not marry you after all.”
“Are you out of your—”
Before she could finish, she nearly slapped Jennifer.
Just then, the door behind them burst open.
Michael stepped out.
“What’s going on?”
Maria quickly withdrew her hand.
But when she turned back—
Jennifer had already vanished.
“Nothing. Just some mischievous student.”
Maria feigned indifference, though she kept stealing glances at Michael.
Fortunately, he was neatly dressed.
Michael sensed her suspicion; his expression cooled even further.
“You wanted to see me?”
“Oh, Michael. I came to ask if you’d like to join me at the gym. The gym here seems pretty good.”
“It’s late,” Michael murmured.
“Too late? It’s only eight o’clock.”
“I want to rest, Maria.”
His tone was calm but carried unquestionable authority.
Maria never dared act boldly in his presence.
After being rejected, she said, “Good night. See you tomorrow,” and left.
Maria returned to her room, feeling dejected.
She had dressed sexily and provocatively — several men at the banquet had reacted to her.
Yet Michael still showed no intention of keeping her overnight.
Forget spending the night — they were nearly engaged and still hadn’t even held hands.
Even in an arranged marriage, she didn’t want a life where she never received… anything.
Not even a kiss.
Her thoughts drifted back to the girl from earlier.
The girl said Michael had feelings for her…
What did that even mean?
A surge of fury welled up inside Maria.
She texted her assistant:
Find out who sneaked into Michael’s room tonight.
Maria was determined to uncover that girl’s name —
and make her wish she had never been born.
