CHAPTER 3: THE UNEXPECTED VISIT

Time flew by, and the rainy days were slowly replaced by the warmth of the sun. But no matter how the weather changed, the feeling he left in my heart remained the same—constant and steady.

I was getting older, but to him, I was still the little girl he used to pat on the head. Or so I thought.

One afternoon, I made a decision. I told Liam I was going to the library to study, but my feet took me somewhere else entirely. I took the bus, my heart pounding nervously against my ribs, until I arrived at the large gates of his university.

It was a world completely different from mine. Older students walked around, looking busy and mature. It was his territory.

I stood there shyly, holding a cold drink in my hand, hiding slightly behind a pillar. I told myself I just wanted to see him, just for a second, and then I would leave.

My eyes searched frantically through the crowd, looking for that tall, familiar figure.

And then, I saw him.

Zander.

He was walking with a group of friends, wearing casual clothes that still made him look effortlessly handsome. He looked so cool, so relaxed, like he owned the place. He was laughing at something someone said, his expression bright and carefree.

But then, as if he felt a pull, his gaze wandered across the courtyard.

And he saw me.

His laughter stopped instantly. His eyes widened slightly, clearly surprised. He said something quickly to his friends and excused himself, walking towards me with long, fast strides.

"Elara?" he called out as he approached, stopping right in front of me. He looked down, one eyebrow raised in amusement. "What are you doing here?"

The way he looked at me made my cheeks burn instantly. I looked at my shoes, avoiding his intense gaze.

"I... I just passed by," I mumbled, lying badly. "I was in the area."

Zander let out a soft laugh, shaking his head. The sound was warm and affectionate.

"You little liar," he said softly, his voice dropping to a whisper that only I could hear. "You came all the way here just to see me, didn't you?"

I didn't answer. I couldn't. My silence was louder than any words.

He didn't push me though. Instead, he smiled—a genuine, happy smile that made his eyes crinkle beautifully.

"Wait here," he said.

Minutes later, he came back with food and snacks, making sure I was full and comfortable. He walked me all the way to the bus stop, making sure I got on safely.

As the bus started to move, I looked out the window and to my sirprise . He was still standing there, watching me leave.

I did'nt know it back then .

But seeing me show up at his world, looking small and shy just to see him...

It meant more to him than I could ever imagine.

It made his heart skip a beat too.

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