Love Game With The Rebel Billionaire

After that, Mom and I decided to eat breakfast together. I just ignored her deadly glares at me.

"It seems like I don't see dad as much anymore, mom," I told her.

"I don't know where he stays either," she replied coldly, her eyes fixated on me. "Just eat and leave."

I just shrugged and scooped more eggs. This is how she is-someone who can hate and love a person at the same time. She was upset that I talked back to her. I'm sure of that.

Well, it wasn't really talking back. I was just explaining that I know all of Ash's secrets and that I won't die just because they want me to.

That's something she never had. Their past was full of deception and lies, unlike ours. Ash is surprisingly honest, and because of that, I trust him.

I just hope everything he says is true.

"In case you wanted to know, mom, I'm going to school to sort out some requirements," I said to her, even though she didn't ask.

I plan to apply to big conglomerates once I graduate and study for the board exams. I have a bright future ahead. It's exciting because I'm close to achieving what I've worked so hard for over the years. Soon, I'll be able to walk across the stage and receive my diploma, wearing my graduation gown.

With my mom.

And Dad? I'm not planning to bring him to the most important day of my life. He only ever dragged me down. Why would I lift him up?

Of all the things my mom told me last night, there's just one thing I can't fully believe-that Randall was kind. I couldn't imagine him being gentle and protective, even though he was that way when I was younger. But now, he's too aggressive, cold-like a walking source of pain.

"You don't even have to come back," she said harshly before taking her plate. "That's what you're good at anyway."

Instead of getting annoyed, I just burst out laughing.

I do have a love-hate relationship with my mom, don't I?

AFTER THAT, I went to the registration office, and I never thought that I would be with Evangeline and Haze.

"Why do I have to be with both of you? Are you two following me?" Evangeline asked, blowing a strand of hair out of her face.

"Hah. Are you some kind of hotshot?" Haze retorted while busy checking his requirements, which he'll submit at the counter when it's his turn. "I would gladly follow Sapphire, but you? Keep dreaming, Evangeline Rose."

To be honest, that should've been my line. I don't even know why Evangeline asked that when she's the last one in line behind the three of us. I'm first, and Haze's second.

"Are you saying Sapphire is prettier than me?" Evangeline asked, raising an eyebrow.

Her gaze turned so sharp that I thought they might start a fight right there in the registrar's office. I never knew Haze was one of the few who could push Evangeline to her limit.

"You said it yourself. I didn't say anything. I'm just sitting here, minding my own business." Haze nudged me. "Right, Sapphire?"

"Don't involve me. I'm minding my own business." I was on their front, so they couldn't see me rolling my eyes.

This is one of the good things about being a graduating student. There's no favoritism here, so even though they're rich, they still have to line up at the registrar's office to sort out their requirements. It makes me feel that all students are equal, no matter their social status.

"You're really cute, Sapphire."

Haze was about to ruffle my hair, but I gave him a sharp look.

"Women are really grumpy," he said while shaking his head, then looked again at the blue folder he was holding.

The silence filled our conversation after that, and a few minutes later, the line finally started moving. We were getting closer, which was a good thing because I was starting to feel hungry.

"You two must be blind," Haze said, pointing at me and Evangeline. "You're not interested in me."

"You're not exactly likable," Evangeline responded without hesitation, making me burst out laughing.

"That was... harsh," I said, suppressing my laughter.

But every time I looked at Haze's face, like a puppy that didn't get its food, I laughed even harder. "Look at Haze, he looks like he's about to cry."

However, they just kept staring at me with their shocked expressions. And that's when I realized that even the other students were looking the same way.

"Do I have something on my face?" I asked Evangeline, completely ignoring Haze.

"This is the first time everyone has seen you laugh. You're usually quiet and intimidating, so everyone was shocked." Evangeline crossed her arms and rolled her eyes. "Everyone here dislikes you, and even now. Ash is the only reason they don't mess with you."

"Are you still bitter?" Haze asked, causing Evangeline to hit him with the folder she was holding. "Ow, you sadist!"

Evangeline only rolled her eyes, ignoring us again.

I couldn't believe the person I hated before had become my friend. I hated Haze so much that I even broke his bone once, but now here he was, befriending me as if nothing had happened before.

He treats me now like he's been my friend for a long time, just like Mason, Ash, and Evangeline.

Or maybe this is my way of saying thank you to his dad. He helped my mom during the toughest time of her life. I expected his dad to be heartless, but he turned out to be the opposite.

I don't know how I can thank him, so I'll just repay the favor through his son.

"Finally," I murmured in relief when it was my turn at the counter. I handed over the form I had filled out earlier along with the requirements I had prepared. "Here, Ma'am."

The registrar took the folder and handed me a stub-a proof that I already submitted my requirements. I slipped it into my phone case before leaving.

"Nice one, Sapphire!" Haze greeted me with a smile, raising his right hand as if for a high five.

I was so happy I didn't even realize I had high-fived him back. He seemed surprised too, but I just shrugged.

"Ash!" I exclaimed as I saw him talking to Evangeline.. She was frowning while Ash was grinning widely. "You're already here?"

"Yeah." He held the back of my head and kissed me on the forehead. "Are you done?"

"Uh-huh."

"That's great," Ash said, holding my hand. "I'll take you somewhere."

Ash quickly me out of the registrar's office. I smiled as we walked together. It felt like we were free in every way, from me being authentic to our low-key relationship. "Where are you taking me?" I asked when he held my head, pushing me on the passenger seat of his black Montero.

"That's a surprise, but I know you'll enjoy this, baby," Ash said, going to the driver's seat as he winked at me.