Chapter 22

Ana Louella

After taking a deep breath, I looked at the door of the Dean's Office one more time before knocking on it.

I need to get all my documents so I can transfer to another university. I'm planning to enroll in a state university near my grandma's house because I'm also planning to stay in that place. In that way, Nana and I can take care of each other since we are both living on our own. My grandfather passed away two years ago while my parents are working abroad.

I twisted the doorknob open and entered the office, and then I closed the door carefully to avoid making any unnecessary noise. I saw the dean working on the computer so I cleared my throat to get her attention.

The dean faced me and I was surprised when I saw her face. She is not the woman who asked me to return Ace's sketchbook. Did the devil fire her? Well, there is no doubt about that but why wasn't I informed that we have a new dean?

I gazed at the wooden desk name plate on top of her table. 'Sally G. Gomez' was engraved on it along with 'Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Design' below it.

"Good morning Mrs. Gomez. Can I talk to you for a moment?" I asked politely and then she raised her head to look at me.

"Have a seat." She said and I sat on the chair beside her table.

She turned off the computer and then she placed her intertwined hands on top of the table.

"What can I help you with, miss?" She asked.

"I am planning to transfer to another university and I am here to request all the documents that I have submitted. I don't know where I can get them so I am hoping that you can help me." I replied and she gave me a worried look.

"Why? What has changed your mind? Aren't you happy studying here?" She asked and I shook my head.

"No, it's not like that Mrs. Gomez. Actually, I am enjoying my stay here but something came up so I had to leave this university." I answered and she stared at me confusedly.

"May I know the reason why you're leaving the university?" She asked.

"Uhh- I'm so sorry but it's something that I couldn't tell you. I hope you understand." I replied and she nodded.

"Is there something else to make you change your mind?" She asked and I quickly shook my head.

"So you've made up your mind already huh?" She asked and I nodded as I smiled at her.

"Can you just get your documents tomorrow? Go home and think it over. It's almost three months since the academic year has started and I don't think other universities would let you in." She said and I looked at her skeptically.

I never thought of that thing and I suddenly felt a little nervous. Should I stop for this semester first? Well, I can just work somewhere while waiting for the start of the second semester.

"If you really want to leave, go to my office tomorrow at nine o'clock and I'll return your documents." She added and I shook my head.

I can no longer stay here and I would just waste my time if I would think about what she said.

"I'm so sorry but I've made up my mind already." I stated and she sighed.

"It's so sad to see a student leaving but if that is really your decision, then, all I could is pray for your success in life." She spoke out and I smiled at her.

"Thank you, Mrs. Gomez." I replied.

She opened the drawer and took out a logbook. She placed it on the table and opened it. After a few moments of scanning, she slid the logbook towards me.

"Kindly write your name here and sign here." She said as she pointed out where I would write my name and where I would affix my signature, and then I did what she told me to do.

"Ana Louella Marcial." She mumbled as she stood.

"My assistant is on leave so I'll go and get your documents now. Wait for me here." She said and I just nodded.

I suddenly remembered my friends who have no idea about what is going on. I should not hide this from them but when I think about the consequences if I won't do this, I can't help but think that this is the right thing to do. For me, it is and I think, it would be the best for the three of us.

"Before I give this folder to you, I'd like to ask you again." She said and then she paused for a moment to sit on her chair.

"Are you really sure about your decision?" She asked and I nodded.

"Then, take it and do your-" Mrs. Gomez was suddenly cut off when someone spoke out.

"Don't give that folder to her if you still want your job!" The voice sounded manly and thunderous.

Mrs. Gomez and I turned our heads to see who just spoke and I'm quite surprised to see Ace and Dane.

"She isn't leaving the university." Dane spoke out.

Did I hear it right? Dane wants me to stay here but what about Drake? Is Dane going against Drake?

"But she's-" Mrs. Gomez argued but then Dane cut her off.

"Do you want to leave with her then?" Dane asked as his gaze narrowed into a squint.

"No Mr. Cortez." Mrs. Gomez answered as she shook her head.

"Then, everything is settled." Dane said.

I can't believe that I don't have to leave university anymore. I'm so glad and relieved because I don't have to leave my friends here anymore. Finally, I can stay with them here.

"Thank you." I said as I flashed a smile at Dane.

"Don't thank me. I am only doing this to make up for your friend. Don't ever think that I like seeing you here. If Drake doesn't want you here, then Ace and I feel the same thing. It's just that, I don't have a choice." Dane stated in a cold tone as he scowled at me, and with that, he left without waiting for my reply.

Ace smirked at me before he turned his back on me. They both exited the office without closing the door and I just watched them leave. I sighed in relief the moment they disappeared from my sight.

"Now I know the reason why you wanted to leave the university." Mrs. Gomez piped up and I turned to her before replying.

"I made a deal with Drake because he has been bothering my friends lately and for him to stop, I had to leave." I stated and Mrs. Gomez sighed.

"I hope, you can keep that a secret." I added and she nodded.

"Don't worry, I won't tell this to anyone." She replied and I sighed in relief.

"Honestly, I was just hired last Monday and as I entered this university, I've been warned about the devils. My coworkers were the one who told me about them and I couldn't help but worry about my job after hearing their words." She stated.

Mrs. Gomez tapped my back which pulled me out of trance. I didn't even know where she went because I was so lost with my thoughts.

"I don't really understand those retards." I piped up and Mrs. Gomez chuckled.

"I am here to replace Mrs. Cruz because they fired her a few days ago without any reason at all, and I wonder if they're really that cruel." She spoke out and I was suddenly taken aback.

Well, it was partly my fault why Mrs. Cruz was fired and I can't argue with Mrs. Gomez so I just nodded.

"I heard that Dane is the son of the president of the university and he'll be the next president." She stated and I nodded.

"Well, that's why he had the guts to talk to you in that tone because he can kick you out of this university with just a click of his finger." I said and she chuckled.

"The devils are indeed powerful and wealthy." She replied and I nodded as I sighed.

"That's why you have to stay away from them as far as you can, miss." She stated and I smiled at her.

"No worries, I won't mess with them again as long as they won't bother my friends." I said and she nodded.

"I have to work now. Please, be careful." She said and I nodded.

"Thank you Mrs. Gomez, I'll go ahead now." I said and then I flashed a smile at her.

"Do you have a class at this hour?" She asked.

"Yes, I do." I replied.

"You should attend your class now." She said and I nodded at her.

"Don't worry Mrs. Gomez, I'll head to my class right away. Thank you so much!" I replied.

I flashed a smile at her and she did the same thing. I waved my hands at her and then I turned back and exited her office.

The Dean's Office and our classroom are both located at the first floor so I only have to walk. I don't need to take neither the stairs nor the elevator.

The moment I exited the Dean's Office, I saw Drake and I was taken aback. The sight of him also caused me to stop on my track. He started walking towards me and I stood firmly as much as I can as I composed myself.

He looks so pissed off as if he is about to kill someone and I couldn't help but get a little nervous. He managed to maintain his scowl as he intently stared at me.

I was waiting for him to speak but he didn't. As for me, I'm not planning to talk to him. It was as if we are just waiting for any of the two of us to speak. He is just intently staring at me and it quite bothers me.

This has to stop. I looked away from him and tried to walk past him but then he suddenly grabbed my arm and pulled me towards him. I looked at him for a moment and I was surprised when he started lowering his head as my heart started to beat fast. I quickly turned my head away from him and then I felt his minty breath on my left ear.

"You still owe me something, Louella." He whispered.

He quickly released my arm forcefully as he moved away from me and then he left me dumbfounded. His words lingered in my mind and I tried my best to shrug it off as I composed myself.

"What does he still want?" I grumbled as I walked towards our classroom.

According to Dave, his flight to New York was scheduled last night, but why is he still here? Well, I guess, I was deceived.