When I Left, He Found His Way Back-Chapter 32: Max

Jessica’s POV

Before I knew it, the third lecture had wrapped up. There were no lengthy introductions or icebreakers; we’d learned each other’s names through spontaneous questions and answers in class.

Professors didn’t care about our family backgrounds or prestigious surnames. In this space, "I’m Emily" or "I’m Ryan" was introduction enough.

For the first time in my life, I felt truly seen, not as a member of my influential family, but as an individual with my own dreams and aspirations.

As I packed up my belongings, Annabelle turned to me with a smile. "Surviving so far?"

I chuckled. "Barely. But I love it."

"My head aches," Annabelle complained, pouting adorably. "I’m glad there are only three lectures today. Otherwise, I don’t know how I would’ve survived."

I chuckled at her dramatic expression.

"The lectures aren’t even that intense," I teased. "I think we’re all just rusty from not hitting the books for a while."

Annabelle nodded vigorously. "Exactly! High school feels like ages ago. I’m struggling to keep up."

Though we were managing to follow the lessons, it was clear that our academic muscles needed re-toning. The students fresh out of high school seemed to have an edge, their minds still sharp from recent exams and school activities, unlike us who left school five years or more ago.

"Well, we’ll get back into the swing of things soon," I reassured her, gathering my belongings.

Annabelle smiled. "Hope so. My brain can’t take much more of this."

As we stepped out of the studio, where we’d spent the last hour, thirty minutes immersed in Drawing and Design Fundamentals, the cool air from the hallway enveloped me, loosening the tension in my muscles. I was lost in the gentle breeze when Max’s smooth voice startled me.

"Coffee time."

I turned to find Max leaning against the wall, legs crossed and arms folded across his chest. His gaze was fixed on his wristwatch, saying; "We have fifteen minutes for coffee before we head to the Art building."

Annabelle raised an eyebrow, her voice barely above a whisper. "He invited you to have coffee?"

Her warm breath tickled my ear, and I sensed the tension radiating from her. She was worried about Celine’s reaction.

Did she think I wouldn’t? The last thing I wanted was to get into trouble with anyone.

I turned to Max, "I’m sorry, Max, I have other things–"

But Max’s expression stopped me dead in my tracks. A flicker of emotion crossed his eyes as he closed the distance between us. The soft thud of his boot on the floor seemed to echo through the hallway.

"Is this because of Celine?" Max’s voice was low and tense, its usual smoothness replaced by a hint of irritation.

I swallowed hard, my legs rooted to the spot. Annabelle’s warning gaze bore into my side, but I couldn’t look away from Max.

His eyes narrowed slightly, as if daring me to confirm his suspicion. The air between us thickened, heavy with unspoken tension.

"No," I managed to whisper, my voice barely audible.

Max’s gaze lingered on mine, searching for the truth. For a moment, I thought I saw a glimmer of relief, but it was quickly masked by his usual composed expression.

"Good," he said finally, his tone still rough around the edges. "Let’s get that coffee."

"She’s with me," Annabelle declared, stepping forward and blocking my view of Max. "She has a date with me," she added, her voice firm.

Date?! My eyes widened in shock. What was Annabelle implying?

But before I could react, Max’s expression darkened. He shoved Annabelle aside, his movements abrupt. freeweɓnøvel~com

"Are you a lesbian?" Max’s question hung in the air, his eyes brooding.

I furrowed my brows, taken aback. "I –"

But Max didn’t let me finish. "As I thought," he muttered, his gaze never leaving mine.

He turned to Annabelle, a smirk twisting his lips. "Don’t get into my business."

Annabelle’s face flushed with anger. "Back off, Maxwell. This doesn’t concern you."

Max’s smirk grew wider. "Oh, but it does. You’re not a lesbian, neither is she. You’re just trying to protect her from me, aren’t you?"

The tension between them grew heavier. Annabelle didn’t deny it. I felt like a pawn in a game I didn’t understand.

"Stop," I intervened, my voice firm. "This is getting out of hand."

Max’s gaze snapped back to mine, his eyes flashing with intensity. "You don’t know what’s going on, do you?"

I shook my head, my heart racing. "No, I don’t."

Max’s smirk vanished, replaced by a playful smile. "Well, that’s about to change."

He took a step closer, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Let’s get that coffee and talk about Celine."

Annabelle’s eyes narrowed, her expression warning. "Maxwell, don’t. Leave her alone."

But Max ignored her, his focus solely on me. "Come on, I’ll fill you in on the drama you’ve unknowingly stepped into."

My curiosity piqued, I hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Okay, fine. Coffee."

Max’s grin widened. "That’s the spirit."

"Then, I’m coming with you. I don’t trust you enough to let her be with you alone." Annabelle said, I could feel her annoyance in her voice.

Max shrugged, "I didn’t stop you."

As we walked, Annabelle fell in step beside me, her voice low. "Be careful what you get yourself into."

I glanced at Max, his carefree demeanor belied by the undercurrents of tension. What secrets was he about to reveal?

We arrived at the bustling coffee shop on campus, its cozy atmosphere a stark contrast to the commotion our presence stirred. Max had said it was the best coffee shop on campus, and judging by the packed tables, I believed him.

As we stepped inside, all eyes turned to us. Whispers spread like wildfire, and curious gazes shot our way. Some students gasped, their faces paled with shock, while others hastily exited, casting nervous glances over their shoulders. A few shrank into their seats, eyes peeking from behind raised cups.

I glanced at Annabelle, wondering why the dramatic reaction. Was it Max’s reputation, or was there something more at play?

Annabelle didn’t speak, her lips curled up subtly, as if to tell me she warned me.

Max seemed unfazed, leading us to a quiet corner table. "Ignore them," he advised, his voice low. "They’re just not used to seeing us together. The dramatic reaction will stop in no time."

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