a lowly woman with no background

Sam's House.

Knock knock.

Emmy's mother went to the door and opened it, she was surprised to find a handsome young man who look expensive and rich at the entrance. "How can I help you?" She asked, feeling puzzled.

Devin removed his dark glasses and said, "I am here for Sam," he replied coldly.

"Oh, come in," Emmy's mother said and led Devin in. "Wait here, I will call him," she said and went upstairs.

No longer after, Sam rushed down immediately and bowed before Devin. "You should have informed me that you were coming. I would have personally welcomed you." He found himself a seat, and a pleasing smile was on his lips.

Devin merely nodded. "I am here to ask you a few questions."

"What is it, Mr. Devin? I am willing to answer you," Sam replied immediately.

"How many people does Emmy interact with?" Devin asked.

The smile on Sam's face slowly disappeared; he couldn't understand why Devin was suddenly interested in Emmy's matters. Thinking that Emmy had robbed Devin and run away, Sam replied, "Emmy was once a good girl, and I am once very proud of her. Has she done something wrong? Sigh... this girl, she won't just stop causing trouble for me." He said, like a caring father, and emphasized the word 'once' to pique Devin's curiosity.

Devin frowned. If he had not lived with Emmy for long, maybe he would be curious to know Emmy's story and Sam would definitely said something that will make him dislike her, but this little trick of Sam had no effect on him. He could tell that Sam would just cook up some lies for him, and he would view Emmy wrongly. "I just want the list of those she was close with," Devin's voice turned cold leaving no time to entertain Sam.

"Oh... oh..." Sam was suddenly scared by Devin sudden coldness, he is having the feelings that his trick was seen through by Devin. "She only has a friend named Lilly, aside from her, I don't know anyone." He revealed the truth immediately, afraid that any lie would lead to his downfall. He had thought that Emmy perhaps stole something and ran away, so Devin wanted to track her through those she was in contact with. He had wanted to use the opportunity to be on the good side of Devin, but with Devin being impatient, it seemed things were not that good, and he better hide his head.

Devin nodded. "Why are things about you very complicated?" He thought inwardly.

"That's why I am here, I will take my leave," Devin said as he headed outside.

Sam stood up immediately. "Ah, allow us to serve you something," but before he could finish his statement, Devin was already out of sight. "Is it possible that Emmy really did something bad to him?, this girl has finally met trouble. now my daughter will have to worry no more" Sam thought and his gaze landed on the woman coming with a tray of refreshments.

"He left already?" Emmy's mother asked, but Sam just ignored her and went back upstairs.

Looking at the disappearing view of Sam, Emmy's mother sighed and went back to the kitchen.

Medicine Department, Class A.

Mina was stealing glances at Desmond, her heart racing as she debated on something inside. "I have to do this, I must give it a try even if I fail," she said with determination and left her seat.

"De... Desmond," a low, sweet voice called, making Desmond look at the beauty standing beside him. He raised his brows questioningly.

Thinking that Desmond had forgotten her name, Mina smiled shyly. "I... I am Mina... I want your guidance on a particular topic," she said.

Desmond nodded. "Have a seat," he said, gesturing to the empty seat beside him. Completely out of his usual cold self. He himself seems to not be aware as he continued reading.

Mina was shocked but her happiness was beyond words. "Thank you," she rushed to her seat, picked up a textbook, and headed towards the empty seat beside Desmond. Just as she was about to sit, a hand appeared and pushed her away. "Ah!" a sharp scream escaped her mouth as she fell backward.

Desmond noticed the scene just in time and grabbed Mina before she fell. His action was not intentional at all, and he didn't even have the thought saving her at all. He had sensed Shaolin's presence since and had already predicted what would happen, but he couldn't understand why he got himself involved. There was this feelings that was pushing to act against his thoughts.

As Desmond was surprised by his own action, the whole class was in shock. Mina, whose waist was being held by Desmond, was also shocked. She didn't expect Desmond to save her, and her happiness was beyond explanation. She even thanked Shaolin inwardly.

Desmond was dazed for a while before quickly letting go of Mina after she regained her balance. "Are you alright?" He asked unconsciously, his voice not as cold as usual, surprising everyone.

Mina was in a daze again. "Did he just ask me if I am alright? And... he didn't sound cold, did... did he like me already?" She felt like screaming out to express her happiness but she knew she couldn't. She lowered her head to hide her blush and nodded.

Realizing his own question, Desmond felt lost. He couldn't help but suspect his own feelings. "Is everything alright with me?" He wondered

"Desmond, you... you... it can't be that you fancy this cheap woman," Shaolin said, feeling heartbroken. She had just finished doing her makeup and dressed nicely to catch Desmond's attention. She had even spent her savings on getting the best hairdo. Shaolin had intentionally arrived late to school to make Desmond curious about her new look. However, upon entering, she was surprised to see Mina trying to take the empty seat beside Desmond. Unable to contain her anger, she rushed to push Mina away, unknowingly creating a physical contact opportunity between Mina and Desmond. She was breathing heavily, and her eyes were red from holding back tears. "You can't be like this, Desmond," she choked out.

Desmond cast Shaolin a deadly glare. "How should I be then?" His voice lacked the warmth it had when he asked Mina if she was alright.

"Desmond... I should be the one who deserves to be by your side, not a cheap woman with no background like her," Shaolin shouted angrily, sending a hateful gaze at Mina.

Hearing Shaolin's words, Mina's happiness turned sour immediately. While she had no background, Mina was also a pitiful woman. Her father had left her and her Mother for another woman, leaving her mother to work day and night to fulfill Mina's dream of becoming a doctor. Mina's Mother barely slept, working hard to earn money for her child's fees. Her mother was known as a debtor, but she still strove to achieve her dream. Mina wanted to help her mother by earning a scholarship, but access to scholarships was limited to the wealthy. Even if she excelled academically, the scholarship seemed out of reach. Reflecting on this, Mina's heart sank, and she regretted approaching Desmond. "Do I even deserve it? He is on a completely different level, and no matter how hard I try, I can't keep up with anyone here, let alone him." She hung her head in regret, feeling the weight of not being born into wealth for the first time.

Maybe if she was born into a wealthy family, she would be with the man she loves. Perhaps if her family were wealthy, her mother wouldn't be suffering and won't become a joke among people. Maybe if she were a lady from a wealthy family, she wouldn't be ridiculed among her peers.

Tears welled up in Mina's eyes as she thought about what could have been if she had been born into a wealthy family. Perhaps then, she wouldn't be facing the struggles and hardships that she and her mother endured. Maybe she wouldn't be ridiculed by her classmates. The weight of these thoughts made her heart heavy, and she couldn't help but wonder if she would lose the man she loved. She lowered her head, hiding her sadness behind her long hair.

Desmond, sensing Mina's pain, frowned in contemplation. "Is she..." His eyes widened in realization, and he let out a sigh, unsure of what to say next. "Mina, are you okay?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

Mina raised her teary eyes to meet Desmond's gaze, shocked by the care in his voice. It was the first time he had called out anyone's name, and when he did, the very first person name he called was her name, this impact of that simple gesture melted away some of her sorrow and her happiness was beyond words.

Shaolin's heart shattered, and she too wore a surprised expression on her face.

The whole class was taken aback by the sudden shift in dynamics.