Chapter 2 the university

Chapter 2 "You're off to school already, huh?" Zyrus teased as I came down the stairs.

Yes, back to school for me. There's no longer a reason for me to stay exempted from classes.

"You? Aren't you going to school?" I asked, mimicking his teasing tone.

"What the-? Are you insulting me?!" And there it was again. He's annoyed. My husband is in one of his moods again.

Joke! It's so much fun to tease him. Haha.

"Eh? And why would I do that?" I asked innocently.

"Fuck! Just leave!" he snapped before stomping off to the living room. I followed him with my gaze, trying not to laugh as Zyrus stomped up the stairs to his room.

"Are you leaving already? Have breakfast first," Manang suddenly greeted, stepping out of the kitchen.

"No need, Manang. I'll just eat at our cafeteria," I replied with a smile.

"Alright then. Your husband seems to be in a bad mood early in the morning," Manang Elsi said, grinning, which made me pout.

"I don't know what's up with him. Isn't he going to his office? It's Monday," I said with a pout, heading to the kitchen to drink some water.

"Why don't you ask him, hija? He usually leaves early for your company. It's surprising that he seems uninterested in working today," Manang said, following me into the kitchen.

"Never mind, Manang. He's probably on his period again," I joked, laughing, which made Manang laugh too.

"He's like that every day!" I added with a chuckle.

"Oh, so it's funny, huh?" My eyes widened as I saw Zyrus standing in the doorway, expressionless.

I was startled, realizing he had just showered. Even from a distance, his alluring cologne was unmistakable. I glanced at his outfit business attire. He was probably heading to work now, just feeling lazy earlier.

"Uh, M-Manang, I'll be off now," I stammered, bidding goodbye to Manang.

"I'll go ahead," I added quickly to Zyrus before walking past him.

I walked briskly to the door, almost running to get outside. Why did this house our parents gave us have to be so big?

"Hey, woman!" I stopped at the door when Zyrus called me. I turned to him, frowning.

"What?" I asked.

"I'll drive you to school," he said and walked past me, heading to the garage for his black Ford.

"Why are you taking me to school?" I asked Zyrus nervously as I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. He was driving so fast. Sh*t, I'm not ready to meet Death yet.

"Sh*t, Zyrus! Slow down!" I screamed when we almost hit another car.

"Are you c*rsing me, woman?!" he asked angrily. I glared at him, fuming.

"Yes! The way you're driving, it's like Death is chasing you! I don't want to die yet, Zyrus. Stop the car-I'll get out!" I yelled, tears of frustration forming in my eyes.

"Tsk. I'll slow down now," he muttered in annoyance. I stayed silent, turning to look out the window and clutching my chest.

My heart was still pounding from the near accident. It's a good thing I wore my seatbelt, or my head might have hit the dashboard. I glanced at Zyrus, who was now driving slower.

I sighed in relief when I saw the tall metal gates surrounding our university.

"I'll fetch you later," Zyrus said, stopping the car in front of the gate. I frowned at him.

"W-Why?" I asked, confused.

"Tch. Get out," he ordered, ignoring my question.

"Why are you picking me up later?" I insisted.

"Tsk! Why are you so stubborn?" he snapped.

"Just answer me," I said, pouting.

"Manang Elsi said you're my responsibility because I'm your husband! There, happy? Now get out of my car!" he said irritably.

Him? Driving me because I'm his responsibility? Because I'm his wife?

I don't know why, but I felt butterflies fluttering wildly in my stomach.

"What now, woman? Get out!" he yelled, and I hurriedly opened the door and stepped out.

"Thanks for driving me. Be careful and don't overwork yourself," I said with a smile. He didn't listen, though. He sped off, making me sigh and shake my head before walking into the university.

I took a deep breath before entering our university. I think I need to prepare my ears.

"Oh gosh, there she is! Is it true that Mr. Dillesh is married to her?"

"Yes, I'm sure! My sister works at the Dillesh company."

"She's pretty, but it's unfair for her to marry Mr. Dillesh when she has a boyfriend! What about Vinze?"

"I agree! She's already rich and married the richest and most famous man in the world! Gosh, what's the point of all that money?"

"How can us poor people rise up if the rich keep marrying the rich?!"

"Tsk, such a gold digger!"

"Sl*t and seductress!"

"A cheater!"

The whispers of the students I passed reached my ears. I just rolled my eyes. Whispers? Why don't they just shout?

"Is it my fault I was born rich?" I muttered to myself.

"No, it's not your fault. They're just insecure," someone suddenly said beside me.

"Andrew!" I exclaimed, surprised to see my classmate.

"Yeah. You were daydreaming, so you didn't notice me," he said, smiling as he walked with me. I nodded and smiled back.

"I saw you with your husband," Andrew remarked, making me glance at him.

"Ah, yeah. He brought me here," I replied simply as I climbed the stairs to the second floor, where our classroom was located.

"How sweet," Andrew teased. He followed me since we were heading to the same room.

"Hmp!" I scoffed and quickened my pace.

"Go ahead. I'll stay here," I told Aliana and Kara as we walked out of the university together at the end of our classes.

"Huh? Why? Come on, we'll drop you off," Kara insisted.

"Zyrus is picking me up," I replied with a smile, which made them grin mischievously.

"Ohhh, I see! Let's go, Aliana. Our dear bestie is waiting for her hot hubby," Kara teased, laughing.

"Yeah, let's go," Aliana agreed, smirking. I could only pout at their dirty minds.

"Alright, we're off. Take care!" Kara said, waving goodbye. I just nodded and smiled in response.

"Have fun on your honeymoon!" Aliana added with a laugh, making me glare at her before eventually laughing along.

I sighed and headed to the waiting shed near the university. Glancing around, I checked if Zyrus was arriving soon. When he didn't show up, I sat on the bench to wait.

The sky darkened, but there was still no sign of him. I pulled out my phone from my bag to check the time 7:00 PM. We'd been dismissed at 5:00 PM, meaning I'd already been waiting for over an hour.

I stood and looked around again, hoping he'd finally appear, but there was no sign of him.

"He said he'd pick me up... Why isn't he here yet?" I muttered, starting to feel nervous.

I stepped back into the shed when I noticed a group of drunk men approaching. I scanned the area for any remaining students or teachers, but it was deserted.

My anxiety spiked as the men neared the waiting shed.

"Bro, where's our babe?" I overheard one of them slur as they staggered forward.

"Maybe this is our house," another drunk man replied. My heart pounded harder when their bleary eyes focused on me.

"Bro, why's there a sexy lady here?" asked the one with shoulder-length hair, his eyes heavy from drinking.

"Yeah, let's check her out," said his skinny friend, grinning. I instinctively stepped back as they approached the shed.

I swallowed hard, panic surging through me. Sht! What do I do?

"Miss, why are you alone?" the skinny man asked as both of them stepped inside the shed.

"I'm waiting... for my h-husband," I stammered, trembling with fear.

"Ohh, you're married? But you look so young," the long-haired one chimed in, leering at me.

"I-I should go," I said nervously and tried to walk past them, but they blocked my path.

I closed my eyes, trying to calm myself. This can't be happening. Zyrus, where are you? Please, show up!

"Leaving already? Come with us instead," the skinny one said with a malicious grin.

"Yeah, come on," the long-haired man added, brushing his hand against my arm. I flinched, chills running down my spine.

"P-please, let me go," I pleaded, my voice shaking, tears welling in my eyes.

"You'll like what we'll do to you. Right, bro?" the skinny man sneered.

"Right, right. Hahaha," the other agreed, laughing as they grabbed my arms.

"No! Let go of me! Please!" I cried, struggling to break free. But they only tightened their grip, dragging me with smirks plastered on their faces.

" I screamed desperately, tears streaming down my face.

Suddenly, the men collapsed to the ground, unconscious. I gasped, covering my trembling mouth with both hands.

"Are you okay?" a voice asked, panting.

"Andrew!" I cried, rushing toward him and breaking into uncontrollable sobs.

"Shh, you're safe now. Stop crying," Andrew reassured me, pulling me into a comforting embrace.

"I-I just want to go home," I sobbed. Andrew nodded, stroking my hair gently.

"I'll take you home," he said firmly, guiding me toward his car. My entire body was trembling as we made our way to my house.

"What were you doing there? Why didn't your husband pick you up?" Andrew asked through clenched teeth.

"I don't know," I whispered. Andrew sighed but didn't press further.

Zyrus, I hate you! You're such a jerk!

We stayed silent until we reached my house. I unclipped my seatbelt and reached for the door, but Andrew beat me to it, opening it for me.

"Thank you," I murmured, handing him his leather jacket, which he'd draped over my shoulders earlier.

"Keep it," he said curtly before walking to the driver's seat. He honked once before driving off.

When I entered the house, I froze. Zyrus was lounging on the sofa, a glass of whiskey in hand. His jaw was clenched, and his fiery eyes locked onto mine

To Be Continued...