After the agreement was settled, Waksi and his father took their leave, stepping into the downpour that soaked the streets. Silvia stood still, struggling to comprehend what had just transpired. Was she really in a relationship with Waksi now? A brooding guy who hadn't said more than a word to her all year in class? She couldn't believe it, and she doubted it would work out. If it wasn't Waksi who ended it, she was sure it would be her.
Her thoughts were interrupted by her father's voice. "Silvia," he called, his tone cutting through her thoughts. "Now you're officially in a relationship with Mister Nicole's son. A serious one, one that involves both our family names and businesses. Do you understand what that means?"
"I understand," Silvia replied flatly, her voice detached. "I'll do my best not to mess this up. I know how important this deal is to you, Dad."
"No, you're wrong," her father said firmly, his gaze fixed on the rain pelting against the window. "It's true that this deal is the last lifeline to save our company. But do you remember what the agreement stated? What happens if either party violates it?"
"If one party ends the relationship unilaterally, their company will fall into the hands of the other. That's how I remember it," she answered, recalling the specifics of the deal.
Her father's eyes sharpened as he stared at her. "Exactly. But don't you realize there are people watching our house right now?"
Silvia blinked in surprise, recalling the shadowy figures she'd noticed earlier. "I noticed them."
"They're hired by Mister Nicole. Their job is to make sure this arrangement goes smoothly—at least, that's what he told me," her father continued, his voice lowering. "But there's more to this deal than you think. The real reason I've trapped you in this arrangement is so you can get Waksi to break up with you. That way, his father's company will fall into my hands."
Silvia's mind raced as the pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place. "So, you want me to make Waksi break up with me?"
Her father nodded. "Exactly. Make him disgusted with you. Make him hate you so much that he ends the relationship himself. And from now on, both of you will be watched by people in the shadows. Not just Nicole's people, but I've hired some too. If either of you break up, we'll know immediately."
Silvia was silent for a moment. "But how am I supposed to do that? I've barely spoken to him in class. It seems impossible to make Waksi break up with me."
"Use your brain. If what the doctor said is true, this is the time for you to prove it," her father urged. "With your genius mind, you should be able to figure it out yourself."
"But I'm still struggling to understand how my mind works," Silvia admitted, her confusion clear. "All I seem to be able to think about is how to make trouble. You've told me to learn how to control my thoughts from now on."
Her father stood up and patted her shoulder. "Forget what I told you before. I don't care how or what you do to make it happen. All I want is for Waksi to say 'break up' to you. Do you understand?"
With a heavy sigh, Silvia nodded.
"Good. I'm counting on you for this mission," her father said. "We need to take over Nicole's company. That way, we'll become the only mega-corporation controlling the global energy market."
As her father walked away, Silvia sank back onto the couch, feeling the weight of her predicament. It wasn't fair. She had been dragged into this game without any choice, and her father didn't even seem to care about how she felt.
The next morning, the rain had stopped, and the sun was shining brightly. The air felt fresh and slightly humid, and birds chirped happily in the trees. Silvia was getting ready to leave for campus when she opened the front door and saw Waksi leaning against a bright yellow Porsche, his sunglasses hiding his eyes as he focused on his phone, clearly upset.
"How long are you planning to stand there, Silvia?" he asked when he saw her.
"What are you doing here?" Silvia asked, confused.
"What else? I'm here to pick you up," he replied, his tone flat. "Honestly, I didn't want to, but my dad said it's only right for a guy to pick up his girl."
Silvia felt deflated, realizing that Waksi was just following his father's orders.
"Oh, so Waksi's here to pick you up," her father's voice suddenly appeared from behind. "Come on, Silvia, don't keep him waiting."
"Fine, I'm going," she muttered.
As she stepped outside, she noticed a few people standing on the street, hiding behind trees or pretending to feed pigeons. They were clearly watching them. It was true—her father hadn't been kidding about them being monitored.
"Hey, get in the car already. Why are you just standing there like that?" Waksi called from the driver's seat.
Silvia saw her father standing behind the door, watching them. His face was tight with irritation, and Silvia knew exactly what he was thinking. She had no choice but to comply with her father's plan.
With a hint of embarrassment, she said to Waksi inside the car, "Well, isn't it normal for a guy to open the car door for his girl? Especially when my hands are full of this big bag."
Waksi gave her an annoyed look from behind the window, his teeth bared as he struggled to keep his anger in check. He wanted to snap, but when he saw her father peeking from behind the door, he lowered his ego and opened the door for her.
"Thank you, you're such a gentleman," she said smoothly, getting into the car with grace.
Waksi slammed the door shut and started driving toward campus. The entire ride was silent. His face was set, and his eyes were fixed on the road. He was clearly still angry, and Silvia dared not speak. If she did, she might just get scolded. Staying quiet seemed like the wisest choice.
"Listen, Silvia," Waksi said suddenly, his voice harsh. "Just because we're 'officially' dating doesn't mean we're actually a couple. I don't feel anything for you. If it weren't for the agreement between our dads, I wouldn't be caught dead driving to campus with you."
"I know," Silvia replied calmly. "Don't worry. I don't want to be in a relationship with someone as gloomy as you either. Sometimes I forget you even exist in class."
Waksi let out a short laugh, but it wasn't out of amusement. His smile was more of a sneer, and he was clearly offended by her words.
"You're brave to say that to me directly. Well then, since we're on the same page," he said, pulling over abruptly on a bridge and opening the car door.
"What is this?" Silvia asked, confused.
"You said you didn't want to be near someone like me. So I'm giving you what you wanted. Get out," Waksi said coldly.
"What! Are you crazy? You're going to drop me off in the middle of nowhere? What kind of guy drops his girl off like this?"
"Like we're even really dating. You forget this is all fake, right? If I drop you off here, the people your dad hired won't even know. Now get out."
Silvia blinked, unsure whether he was joking or serious. But when she saw his deadpan face, she realized he wasn't kidding.
With pleading eyes, she said softly, "Are you serious? If I hurt your feelings earlier, I'm sorry. Please don't leave me here. I won't be able to walk to campus by myself."
"No, I never wanted to pick you up in the first place. Get out of the car now!"
Reluctantly, Silvia picked up her bag and got out of the car. Without another word, Waksi stepped on the gas, leaving her alone on the bridge. Silvia stood there, stunned. She couldn't believe he had actually done it. The thing she feared the most had happened. She felt the sting of her bad luck, her heart heavy with frustration.