CHAPTER-"Why He Ran Away!!"

EIRA POV:

Oh God, I'm running late again! I rushed through my shower, feeling the weight of the clock ticking against me.

Mr. Robert gave me my final warning yesterday. As I settled into my lecture, my eyes kept searching for Adrian. It had been five days since he last showed up at college, and worry gnawed at me. I knew I shouldn't care, but I couldn't shake the feeling.

Just as I was about to lock my door and head out, I noticed a police officer standing in front of Andy's room.

"Hello, Miss. I'm Mr. Jake Smith. Can I speak with you for a moment?" he asked, approaching me.

"Sure," I replied, confusion creeping in.

"Do you know Miss Andy?"

"Not really. We had a brief conversation."

"She's been missing for five days. Did you notice anything unusual?"

I recalled that night, the broken glass, the mysterious man. Should I tell him? It was about Andy's life.

"Yes, five days ago, I heard a sound of breaking glass from Andy's room. I looked through the peephole and saw a man with a covered face talking on his phone. He said, 'Work done,' before jumping out the window. I couldn't see his face, but I recognized his voice."

"It was… it was Adrian Dark," I concluded.

"Are you sure? He's a very respected man," the officer questioned, skepticism in his tone.

"Yes, I'm sure," I asserted.

"Thank you. You can go now, Miss."

As I left, my mind was still on Adrian. Could he really be involved? What did he have to do with Andy? Despite my doubts, a small part of me refused to believe he could hurt anyone.

ADRIAN POV:

I was lounging on the sofa, flipping through a magazine when I heard a knock at the door. Opening it, I was greeted by the sight of two police officers.

"What do you want?" I asked, irritation creeping into my voice.

"Hello, I'm Mr. Jake Smith," the inspector introduced himself as he stepped inside.

"Right. I assume you know my name."

"Adrian, this isn't the way to address an officer," Mike chimed in, descending the stairs.

"Good afternoon, Officer. Please, have a seat," he added, attempting to diffuse the tension.

"We're fine here, Mr. Blake. I need to ask Mr. Adrian a few questions," the officer stated.

"Of course," I replied, trying to keep my composure.

"Do you know Miss Eira Bain?"

At the mention of her name, a wave of anger surged through me, but I masked it and replied as calmly as I could, "No."

"Are you sure?" he pressed, emphasizing his question.

"She studies in your class."

"Oh, right. Now I remember. Thanks for the reminder," I replied, a hint of sarcasm creeping in.

"Don't you think it's odd not to remember your classmates?"

"Is that a crime? I don't think so," I smirked.

"Miss Andy is missing for five days."

"She claimed to have seen you in Andy's room," he continued.

"Is she sure she saw me?" I shot back.

"She couldn't see your face but recognized your voice," he explained.

I clapped my hands mockingly. "Then she must have excellent hearing! Is that why you're here? You must be joking!"

He glanced at Mike, hoping for support, but Mike remained silent, giving him a blank look.

"Where were you five days ago?" the officer asked, annoyance creeping into his tone.

"I was out of town at my friend Mr. Drek's place. You can verify that with him," I replied, watching him leave in frustration.

"About the girl who informed them…" Mike began.

"I'll handle it. No one will believe her," I assured him.

"Are you hiding something?" he pressed.

"No," I replied, maintaining a straight face.

Why was she always in my way? I needed to talk to her.

EIRA POV:

With my next lecture an hour away, I wandered the yard, thoughts swirling around Adrian. Did he hurt Andy? What was his relationship with her?

Lost in thought, I didn't realize I'd wandered into the restricted area on the top floor.

Suddenly, a hand snaked around my waist from behind, pulling me against a firm chest. My body went rigid, and panic surged as I struggled to escape his grip. Just as I was about to scream, he covered my mouth.

When I finally recognized him, I felt a mix of fear and confusion. It was Adrian Blake.

"Don't scream! I need to talk to you," he said, his tone unexpectedly calm as he removed his hand.

"Why can't you just speak to me like a normal person? Why do you have to scare me?" I shot back, trying hard to suppress my rising anger.

"Just listen."

"First, answer me: Why do you hate me? Have I done something wrong? Why do you always insult me? You're so confusing!"

Before I could finish, he clamped his hand over my mouth again, gripping my wrists behind my back. Our faces were mere inches apart, and I could feel his cold breath on my skin. Despite my fear, something in me hesitated to resist.

"Stay away from Andy's case. Don't go to the cops again about it. Do I make myself clear?" he instructed, his gaze locked onto mine.

I felt trapped in his eyes, unable to look away. Before I could process my feelings, he released me and bolted away as if he'd never been there.

What just happened?

Why didn't I push him away? Why did I let him go so easily?

What is happening to me?