Veiled Obsession

ite corner table in the student lounge, sipped her coffee, her eyes scanning over a stack of notes. It was the same table she always picked-the one just far enough from the windows to avoid

f lectures, afternoons in the library, and nights spent revisiting her notes until her eyelids drooped. It wasn'

across the lounge. Her best friend, Emily, bounded over,

ed with a faint smile, her eyes drifting back to her

ia, you're always covered. That's why you're the star student. Yo

Olivia murmured, brushing a stray hair b

ed in closer, barely able to contain her enthusiasm. "Rumor has it that the speaker this afternoon isn't yo

out the visiting businessman but hadn't paid much attention. Just another successful

firm," Emily went on. "He's probably twice our

lips. She couldn't imagine someone her father's age holdin

nsisted, her grin widening. "He's nothing like the old suit-

mpression. Most of those talks are just self-promotion. Besides, I'm here

Miss Practical. Just don

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students hoping to catch a glimpse of the "mysterious guest." She found a spot near the middle, settlin

been tailored specifically for him. His hair was dark, neatly styled, and his gaze was intense, scanning the room before he even began to speak.

th, with a hint of amusement. "My name is Alexander Cross. I'l

he tried to focus on his words, but there was something unsettling about the way his eyes linge

risk," of seizing opportunities no one else saw. His voice, smooth and mesmerizing, made every idea seem tantalizing, dangerous even. Despite herself

unexpected times, in unexpected places. And it doesn't wait for you to be ready." His

tebook, forcing herself to break eye contact. Ridiculous, she thought. He was ju

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ay he looked at you?" she squealed as they exited the auditorium. "I s

eeks flushed. "You're imagining thin

st of us were practically invisible. You should've seen your

ly, she felt unsettled. There was a feeling lingering, one she co

e" until today, but there was something undeniable about Alexander Cross-a confidence and allure that felt both captivating and unsettling. She c

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losed her eyes, willing herself to forget about Alexander Cross. He was just a passing

nd-the intense gaze, the faint smile. And somewhere, far fro

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