Chapter 4 CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FOUR

ZARIA’S POV

I sat in a secluded area in the college library, trying to study a history textbook but all I could see was Max’s hateful and arrogant face.

I held the hem of my sweater, and tried to forget about last night.

I had to sleep on the cold concrete floor last night, because Max refused to give me a duvet, because I wasn’t sleeping on the bed with him.

Waking up this morning, I discovered I had caught a cold, but it is getting better.

The news about the wedding that happened yesterday, spread like wide fire and everyone had different stories about it, but the most rampant is that I seduced him, that is why I am in a secluded area in the library, trying to bury my shame in the history book I am reading.

Just as I was in my thoughts, a warm hand grabbed my shoulders softly, a hand I am familiar with.

“Hey Zaria,” Ethan said, with a wide smile.

Ethan Slade has been my best friend since we began college, he protected me against Max, on the first day of college.

I looked up at his tall physique that stood above me, with his brown messy hair falling to his forehead, he had the most honest eyes I have ever known.

Today his face was looking serious, he grabbed the chair next to me, without breaking eye contact.

“Look, I know you hate gossips, but I have to ask, the rumors flying around campus is it true? Are you married to Max?” He said, with his voice low, he called the Alpha’s name like it some incurable plague.

“I didn’t seduce him, I swear,” I protested, hoping he didn’t believe that part of the story.

“So it’s true?” He asked again, and his eyeball grew bigger.

I really want to say no, and that it is all just a rumor, but I can’t.

“Yes,” I replied to his question, diverting my gaze to the floor.

“Are you mad? When did you start having a crush on him?” He asked, and I gave him a disgusted look.

“I would rather burn ten times in hell than have a crush on him, “ I rolled my eyes, “it was all a mistake, Max was drunk, I was wearing Gwen’s wedding dress, he thought I was Gwen and he slipped the wedding band into my fingers”

I raised my hands to his sight, showing him the expensive wedding band.

“So how long are you going to stay married to him?” Ethan was getting more curious, as I told the story.

“One year” I mumbled like it meant nothing.

Ethan’s eyes widens, “A year? Zaria that’s insane, that guy hates your guts! And he bullies you anytime he gets the fucking chance!”

“Tell me about it,” I said, bitterly. “Sometimes I wish I would wake up, and it all a nightmare”

Ethan drew me closer and gave me a quick peck on my forehead.

“If he touches you, remember to write to me, I would kill him and face the consequence” He said, patting my back.

I felt a little relief, at least someone has my back.

“Thank you,” I whispered.

The moment was cut short by the loud ringing of the college bell.

“I think I have calculus now, what about you? Ethan asked and I quickly checked my timetable.

“I have history,” I said, and hurriedly pack my bag.

“I will walk you to your class, because people are going to be staring at you, I would scare them away,” He said, and I gave a slight nod.

Just as he said, people kept staring at me, and I wished the ground could open up and swallow me.

Ethan walked me to my history class before leaving.

I love sitting at the front, but today is different, and I took a secluded seat, at the back.

“Hey Zaria,” I heard Liam voice, and I felt a small familiar flutter in my chest.

Liam had been my crush since high school, and even if he hasnt noticed, I always make sure we are in thesame group so we would do our project together.

“Hi Liam,” I cleared my throat, fuck I sounded like a fucking eight years old who had just seen her crush.

“Umm, I heard… I hope you are okay?” He asked and I gave a slight quick nod.

“I think I can cope, thank you,” I said, after finding my voice.

My cheeks reddened, I was already getting used to Max’s cruel words, so Liam’s sweet words felt like a hug to me.

“You always do,” he continued the coversation, giving me an encouraging nod.

This is the first time, Liam and I had a long conversation, most of our conversations had always been greetings, which were more than enough for me.

Maybe getting married to Max, would bring Liam and I together.

“It's good to see you here. I thought maybe you wouldn’t show up today. We still need to talk about that group presentation in Political science, remember? I was thinking we could—“

Before Liam could complete his sentence, a shadow fell over our desk, and the atmosphere of the classroom became cold.

Liam eyes went wide in fear, as he looked behind me.

I didn’t need to turn around to know who it was, the scent of expensive cologne, and raw power filled the space.

“LIAM” Max growled, with a dangerous voice.

“Y-your grace,” Liam stuttered, as he bowed quickly.

Max disregarded his bow, he eyes which were once on the floor, fell down at me, I didn’t look back but I could feel his stares on me, warning me.

“My Luna has a full schedule,” his authoritative voice said, and I was certain everyone in the classroom could hear him, it made me a little bit shy.

I looked up at him, He wasn't wearing a suit, just a simple black t-shirt that showed off his terrifying strength, making him look ten times more intimidating than any professor.

“She has palace duties to attend to. If she misses a lecture, no one will mark her absent, and she has no time for mindless conversations with you”. He said, and fell silent immediately, to ensure his statement sinked in, making sure everyone knew I was his property.

“Get out,” Max said, concluding his statement , giving Liam a single, and hard glare.

Liam didn’t hesitate. He grabbed his bag and ran out of the classroom without a single word to me. I could feel his fear .

Max then looked down at me, and a smirk spread across his face.

“You are mine, get used to that,” He said and walked off.

Max just scared away my long time crush, and this is just the beginning of it all.