Chapter 21

Of all the things we ask for, it is the affection and attention of who we love the most that we yearn for.

---

Out of all the candidates running for the presidency in the university, the one who reigned on top and the people's choice was none other than the Untouched Queen, Aralina. Her exceptional beauty and captivating aura added to the multifaceted knowledge she holds, showcasing her demure intellect and outstanding characteristics over the others.

"It is unlikely that she'll lose. The students all love her. Not only is she gorgeous, Aralina is also an academic achiever, leading her class with a GWA of 1.2."

Many adore her and there were those who could not show their hatred towards all the love and appreciation she was getting. The envious students remained silent about her skyrocketing fame at the university and even outside of the school.

The election for the student council reopened and it was time for every student to vote for who they thought would be individuals for the positions available.

"If you're done, please put your papers into the ballot boxes. Remember that you don't have to write your name on the paper!"

As someone who was recently acquainted with Aralina and knew a part of her personality, Wil felt the need to vote for her. Not only because he finds her fascinating but also because of her talent to express her knowledge in a clear and easily understandable way. In short, her exceptional uniqueness. A beauty with a brain.

"Just leave the pen you used to your seat and place your papers on the ballot boxes."

Wil finished voting for his candidates, people he deemed worthy of the positions, and put his paper inside the ballot box. Then, he strode towards the outside of the room.

Everyone was busy doing their business whilst Wil, on the other hand, decided to be chill, heading towards the library. Luckily, it was open and he had the leisure to begin reading the book Aralina recommended, thus sitting afar back where no one can disturb his peace.

Flipping through the first page, Wil delved into the story of Apoclysm, the fight for survival. It has the same plotline and concept as the one in the Room, which immediately hooked him up.

"Interesting..."

***

This is the story of a hardworking single father who strives despite the hardships in life. For the sake of his daughter whom he deeply loves and cares for, this father would do anything.

"Hey, did you get in a fight again?"

Baron's nose was bleeding and bruises could be seen on his face. Even if he was in pain, Baron still had the energy to smile through it while carrying a small box with a slice of cake inside.

"Nah, who would wanna get in a fight?"

"Idiot! Your face is full of bruises! You're gonna make your daughter worry again!"

Sally is Baron's landlord. The owner of the small apartment the father and daughter were renting. Being an understanding and kind person Sally was, she lessened the payment of the two and would always share her food with them. Sally cares deeply about Baron's daughter who was the sweetest child she knew.

"Where's my baby?"

Sally lightly smacked Baron in the head when she tiptoed. The height difference between them made her reach for him just to slap him on the head.

"Clean yourself first. You look dirty and fix your face. How many times have I told you to stop going on a fight?!"

"Shh, my princess might hear you."

Before entering their apartment, Sally helped Baron fix himself, treating his bruises and bleeding nose from fights he just had.

"You don't really learn, do you? Baron, you know that your daughter hates it when you get into fights, yet you always let yourself get involved in one."

"Ow, ow, ow," Sally dampened cotton with alcohol on Baron's bruises, treating his wounds. "And like I've always told you, it is not me who starts the fight but them. I just can't let them treat me like I'm some punching bag. Sometimes, someone's gotta teach those dirtbags a lesson."

"What if they pull out a knife on you? What if they have a gun? It's not safe for you. Think about your daughter whenever you're going into fights, Baron. You're a damn adult now!"

Sally kept nagging and admonishing Baron about his bad habits of going into fights while curing Baron's wounds. What Sally wants for Baron is peace and for him to focus on his growing daughter.

"Your daughter is twelve now. She's graduating from elementary school. What you should be doing now is providing for her school expenses."

"I've got her school expenses covered, Sally." Baron showed a small brown envelope to Sally with traces of blood on it. "And just so you know, this is not dirty money! This is the payment I received from working two jobs every day."

Upon applying medicines to the wound and patching it up with bandaids after cleaning, Sally put her medicine kit back in her drawer and brought the clothes she washed for Baron the last time he changed into another set of clothes.

"Here are your clothes from last time. I washed them. Change before you go back home."

Sally has never had a child of her own. In her younger days, she focused on her career, ignoring signs of men approaching her. She had little time for love at the time, and before she realized it, she was already at the age where it was hard for her to find love. Therefore, instead of looking for love, she began to build and invest her savings into apartments and lands she could own. Basically, Sally is a wealthy old lady who has no inheritor of her riches.

"Thanks a lot, Sally. Really. You've been a great help to me and my daughter."

"Hmm, I'm only doing this because of sweet Eli. If it wasn't Eli, I'd let you be beaten to death by those bastards!"

~