.✦ EIRA POV ✦
I don't know what I'm going to do now…
Two days. Only two days left until Tessy and Peter's engagement. And I still don't have any proof. Nothing.
I've searched his locker, his bag—everything. But he's too clever… too careful. Like he always knows when someone is watching.
I can't let this go.
Maybe I should follow him… yes. That might work.
I have to try.
"Miss Eira…"
"Miss Eira, are you here?"
"Miss Eira, stand up."
Wait—my name?
I blinked, snapping out of my thoughts. The entire class was staring at me.
"Y-Yes, Sir," I stammered, quickly standing.
"Miss Eira, what is the function of α-DNA polymerase in Eukaryotes?" the professor asked, eyes sharp on me.
"Sir… they… they… α-DNA polymerase—"
Bang!
The classroom door flew open.
Adrain.
He walked in like he owned the place, not even sparing a glance at the professor. Straight to his seat. Calm. Unbothered.
Thank God…
I didn't even know the answer.
"Mr. Adrain, this is not your home. This is my class," the professor snapped.
But Adrain didn't even look up. He just sat down.
Silence. Controlled. Arrogant.
"Mr. Adrain! Stand up right now," the professor barked. "Just because you're rich doesn't mean you can do anything you want!"
Only then did Adrain slowly raise his eyes.
Bored.
"May I sit down now?"
"Not until you answer my question!" the professor snapped. "What is the function of α-DNA polymerase in eukaryotes?"
A pause.
Then—
Adrain's voice cut through the room, calm and precise, almost detached:
"DNA polymerase alpha (Pol α) holds a unique position among the eukaryotic polymerase family…"
He went on.
No hesitation.
No pause.
Like he wasn't speaking… like he was reciting something carved into him.
"The Pol α–primase complex consists of four subunits: POLA1, POLA2, PRIM1, and PRIM2…"
The entire class froze.
Even I forgot to blink.
He wasn't just answering.
He was dismantling the question.
"…before handing over to Pol δ and Pol ε for full replication."
Silence.
Dead silence.
I swear even the professor looked like he forgot how to breathe.
Then Adrain added flatly, without emotion:
"I think you should focus on your teaching."
The professor's face drained of color. His mouth opened—but no words came out.
Embarrassed. Completely.
How can he do this so easily?
It's infuriating.
The bell rang sharply.
The professor quickly gathered his things, shaken. He was about to leave when—
"Sir," Adrain said suddenly.
The room froze again.
"You can always try to stop me."
And then he walked out.
Like nothing happened.
Like he hadn't just shattered a man's pride in seconds.
I clenched my fingers.
He has no respect. No shame.
I don't even know why people like him exist.
But I don't care.
I have Tessy to think about.
I rushed to the canteen, eyes scanning everywhere.
Where is that jerk Peter?
Too many people. Too much noise. My head spun with frustration.
God, just show him to me.
But nothing.
He was gone.
Just gone.
All because of Adrain distracting me in class.
What do I do now?
I turned sharply, pacing like a mad person between tables.
Nothing.
No sign.
Rrrriiiinnnggg—
The bell again.
I exhaled sharply. Fine. I'll go back.
But before I could move—
Footsteps.
Fast. Panicked.
Behind me.
I quickly ducked behind a pillar.
It was Claira.
She looked terrified. Breathing uneven. Glancing back again and again like something—or someone—was hunting her.
My stomach tightened.
Was it… Adrain?
Before I could think—
"Where do you think you're going?"
A voice cut through the air.
Cold.
Sharp.
Peter.
My blood ran cold.
He grabbed her wrist and slammed her against the wall.
I froze.
"Now you have a voice, huh?" he hissed. "How dare you talk back to me?"
"Leave me alone!" Claira cried, struggling.
"I told you to leave this place. What are you still doing here?" His grip tightened. "Do you think that Ad—"
His phone rang.
Instantly, his expression changed.
Sweet.
Fake.
"Tessy, dear, I'm coming. Please wait for me."
My stomach twisted.
Then just like that—
His face turned cold again.
He shoved Claira against the wall.
"I'll deal with you later."
And walked away.
Like nothing happened.
I stayed frozen behind the pillar.
My heartbeat felt too loud.
What… what did I just see?
Why is Claira afraid of him?
Why did he mention Adrain like that?
And Tessy…
Tessy trusts this man?
No.
Something is wrong.
Something is very, very wrong.
And now I feel it in my bones—
This is bigger than I thought.