I'm In Love With the President

CHAPTER 1

I arrived at Gem University far earlier than expected. The campus sprawled before me, pristine and intimidating, and I couldn’t help but wonder what my life here would truly be like. This wasn’t an ordinary school. Every student seemed to carry an air that drew attention effortlessly.

Popular students…

Daughters and sons of affluent families…

Talented prodigies…

And me? I was here only because someone had sponsored me. Compared to the rest, I was nothing.

I didn’t know what challenges awaited me, or how I would stand out in a place like this. But one thing I knew for certain—I had to work hard. I could not fail the man who gave me this chance. I didn’t even know why he had chosen me, why he had invested in my education at this extravagant school, but I had no choice but to accept it.

FLASHBACK

“Mommy? Where exactly are we going? I’m so excited to see the beautiful nature you said you’d surprise me with.”

“We’re almost there, baby. Just wait,” my mother replied softly, her voice tinged with exhaustion.

MATILDA’S POV

I hesitated, my heart torn. Should I let go of my child? The thought of leaving her filled me with unbearable pain. I didn’t want to leave her at the orphanage, yet I had no choice—I couldn’t feed her properly on my own. I needed to work hard for her, to provide her with a life I could barely imagine.

“Mommy, are you okay? You look so weak,” she whispered, her tiny hand brushing against my cheek, planting a gentle kiss.

My heart melted. That would be my last hug and kiss for my beloved daughter—for now. I knew that as time went on, our paths would diverge, and I could only hope she would grow up strong.

FAST FORWARD

“Mommy, what’s with this house? Why are there so many children here?”

Tears streamed down my face as I hugged my daughter tightly. I wanted to take her with me, but I couldn’t. My heart ached as I stared into her innocent eyes, unable to speak, unable to explain.

“Look how innocent you are, my child,” I whispered.

“Mommy, why are you crying?”

Before I could respond, two women approached, ready to take her away. I wiped my tears and stood, powerless. They held her arms firmly, and she reached out for me, her voice quivering:

“Mommy! Where are you going? Mommy, they’re holding me!”

I turned to her one last time and forced a bittersweet smile.

“I will be back soon, baby. Just wait for me, okay? Later we’ll go to that precious place you’ve been looking forward to.”

It was a lie. I knew she would believe it, at least for now. And with that lie, I left her behind.

END OF FLASHBACK

“Mommy… why did you leave me without a word?” I whispered to myself, the question lingering even now, years later.

“Oh! I almost forgot—my classroom is in 806. I need to hurry, or I’ll be late.”

I raced down the hallway, weaving through the crowd of students, until I finally reached my classroom.

“Ouch!”

I collided sharply with someone, instinctively touching my shoulder to ease the pain.

“Are you blind, woman?”

A shiver ran down my spine at that harsh tone.