Chapter 76 - Queen Bee

"You two know each other?" Holley shifted her eyes between Nixon and me.

"She owes me. She just embarrassed me in front of so many people a moment ago," Nixon said, glaring at me.

"Dude! Really?!" Rowan's face was astonished as he looked at me. "You did that? Don't you know who he is?!"

Holley licked her lips, a sly smile stretched her angelic face as she stood between Nixon and me.

"Don't be like that," she cooed. "Leanna isn't from here. She's born in a province. I'm sure she knew you and doesn't understand some of our manners. Forgive her for me, please?" Holley then clasped her hands in front of her pleading face.

Seeing that kind of adorable face, who could resist?

It looks like you've done your research. Why don't you just say that I'm a country bumpkin who lack etiquette? No need for too many words.

Nixon's expression softened, eyes overflowing with adoration upon gazing at Holley's pleading face.

Holley shot Sophia a meaningful look, and the latter nodded.

"How about this," Sophia said, smiling from ear to ear. "Leanna, why don't you come with us as an apology to Nixon? Nixon, treat it as Leanna being ignorant, just this once. K . . . ?" she purred.

Nixon threw a pointed look at me and shifted to one of doting when he stared at Holley. "Alright, for you, Holley, I'll forget the whole thing."

"I didn't do anything wrong, so I won't apologize," I rebutted.

Nixon's eyes draw a slit.

"Leanna, it's best if you agree," Rowan whispered, but he might as well say it out loud since everyone heard it even from miles away. "Nixon is a very proud and arrogant man. His family is one of this country's powerful and richest living today. He won't simply let you off. This agreement is already considered as your luck at work."

I sighed in silence.

The truth was, I didn't care. However, thinking it'd be more troublesome if the guy really did make it difficult for me . . .

Might as well get this done and over with.

"Alright, I'll accompany you then," I said, voice never been so lethargic as now.

"Hmp! Glad to know you still have your brains with you," Nixon sneered.

"Nixon, be nice. Leanna is a friend, alright?" Holley said, winking at me before she exchanged meaningful smiles with Sophia.

We strode forward with me following behind them. The two girls slowed their steps to match mine, oblivious to everyone shooting admiring glances our way.

"So, Leanna, what brings you here in New Haven?" Holley asked, breaking the silence.

You've apparently done your research. What's the use of asking me?

Even so, I answered, "I'll be a first-year at Artem University this Monday."

"That's great!" Sophia exclaimed. "Holley and I will also start our first year there. What's your major?"

"Linguistic," I answered.

Sophia arched an eyebrow. "Linguistic? I guess people in the countryside think differently. Holley and I already studied languages when we were young. We are majoring music at Artem."

She then ran her tongue over her lips. "I'm sure with Holley's skills with the piano accompanied by her breathtaking good looks, she'll dominate the entire University in no time."

My eyeballs wanted to roll so bad, and I was this close in showing it.

Holley's face reddened and shot Sophia a bashful look. "You, what are you saying?"

"It's true! You know, ever since grade school, she's been the queen bee. I'm sure college isn't any different," Sophia said, voice smug.

"Oh, stop it." Holley turned and looked at me. "Leanna, don't mind her. I only studied piano on a whim, but since Cain loves hearing me play, I took it as a major. You know, Cain would always attend my performances."

Holley's eyes never left my face, seemingly waiting for my reaction.

My poker face didn't change the slightest bit as my voice was calm. "It's a shame that Cain broke off your engagement, though. I guess he didn't love hearing you play the piano that much, huh? But look at it on the bright side, you'll be popular on the first day of school with the news of your broken engagement and all. You'll be the queen bee much early on."

I flashed my sweetest smile and took long strides ahead, leaving the two stunned girls behind.