Lilian Carson POV

I blinked my eyes open and got used to the intense light. I was in excruciating pain throughout my entire body, as if I had been hit by a truck, and I had a splitting headache. I made an effort to recall the previous evening's events. It wasn't my designated room, I realised as I looked around. I recognised it as Alexander's room. Although I have been here before, I never imagined myself lying on his bed. The fact that he had already left is a plus.

I'm both repulsed and terrified. Alexander was a different person last night. He pushing me into the pool was the last thing I expected. He was probably aware of my fear, yet he continued to play that dishonest trick on me.

I suddenly had a flashback and remembered some of last night after I had passed out. Although it's fuzzy now, I do recall Alexander giving me medicine as I started to burn up. If memory serves, he also slept next to me. He didn't have to take care of me to brag; he could have left me for dead. Despite being appreciative of Alexander's assistance, I wondered about his motivations and if there was something else driving him. Was it really a fever-relieving medication? Has anything else taken place? I'm not sure if the medication worked, but after I took it, I dozed off, and my fever subsided.

I'll never be able to forget Alexander's actions from yesterday. This morning I felt much better, but I still can't get rid of the rage I have towards Alexander. If he hadn't intervened in time, I might have lost my life. I need to confront him so I can understand his intentions.

He cannot play with me; I am not a toy. In this business relationship, I should be respected and treated equally. If he is unable to do that, then... I took a moment to reflect. Then? I came to the conclusion that I lacked the authority to punish Alexander, and nobody would intervene to save me either. I started to make plans as I sat there. I understood that I needed to take my time and wait for the ideal chance to get away from Alexander's grasp.

I noticed that I needed to get ready for college as I considered the time. Jax's image appeared in my head. I'm hoping I don't run into him today on campus. He might not even recognise my face. We attended middle school together for a considerable amount of time ago. I despise guys like him and Alexander! They are both identical. They believe that the best tool for subduing others is fear. I refuse to let the past repeat itself. I won't allow Jax to mistreat me once more.

I get out of bed and proceed to my room. My clothes were changed into a nightgown as my previously worn clothes were wet, and no doubt Alexander took advantage of that situation. I couldn't care less! I need to talk to him and possibly work out some sort of agreement.

I took a shower, changed into something more comfortable, and then put on some makeup to hide the obvious signs of exhaustion on my face. I gathered my bag and left the room. When I asked a staff member where Alexander was, she replied that he was in the gym. I make my way to the gym. I could hear the sound of weights clanking as I walked up to the gym. I inhaled deeply and pushed open the door, hoping to converse with Alexander without difficulty.

It was a spacious indoor gym. The inch-thick layer of protective coating was glazed over the yellow hardwood floors. I had no idea what a gym actually looked like. I've only ever seen them in pictures before. Some commonplace objects, like dumbbells and treadmills, I could identify. Most of the things' names I didn't know.

Alexander—specifically, a half-naked Alexander—was where my gaze fell. He had a strong physique, a sculpted chest, six packs that were clearly visible, and a protruding abdominal v line. As he exercised, his dark hair became wet and frizzy, and his skin became shiny with sweat. As I watched him, I couldn't help but experience a flutter in my stomach, but it's just an attraction to his body, not his deadly personality.

Because of the shirts and suits he wears, I had no idea he was so well-built. In front of him, a punching bag that hung from the ceiling was being pounded hard by Alexander. He either ignored me outright or didn't even know I was there. Although he is not typically that kind of person, I wish he did feel a little bit of guilt.

He finally turned to face me after I made a throat clearing motion to get his attention. He grabbed a towel off the counter and began wiping his face and shoulders as the sweat trickled down his body. The same hollowness and dullness that I noticed last night were present in his eyes. He might not have slept at night. I hope I was consumed by guilt.

"Would you like to say something?" He inquired politely. Talking timidly now? He thinks I am making a joke at this point. I don't expect any respect from him. Obviously, all of this crap is because of my father. Alexander understands that I can't go to my father for help, and I don't have anyone else either. My father never called me; he is unconcerned about my well-being.

"Yes, I want to negotiate," I said loudly enough for him to hear me. His lips curled into a smile, and he began to laugh. I was surprised by his reaction and wondered if he was mocking me or genuinely amused. Nonetheless, I stood firm and awaited his response to my request.

"You have impressed me; after last night, I didn't even think you'd leave your room. You seemed to be quite frightened."

Anger boiled in me. I felt uncontrollable rage towards his attitude. I took a deep breath and reminded myself to stay calm. It wouldn't do any good to lash out in anger. He may be trying to provoke a reaction from me.

"I don't know what my father gave you, but I want to make a deal with you," he said, staring at me with amusement as he licked his lips. I could feel his eyes piercing through me, trying to read my thoughts. It was clear that he had something up his sleeve, and I needed to tread carefully before making any deals with him.

You need to have something valuable for me to take in order to make a deal, but given your circumstances, you only have one thing to give. Alexander talks while his gaze lingers over my body. He appeared to be eye-fucking me as his gaze became fixed on my breast. His actions make me feel uncomfortable and violated. I had a feeling he would say that.

"In exchange for your protection of me, I'll give you my allegiance and my skills, and you can't harm me in any way." I spoke with assurance while maintaining eye contact with him. After giving my offer some thought, Alexander's lips curled up in a smirk. I'm aware that he finds my offer ridiculous, but I won't sell my body to ensure his safety.

I didn't back down and didn't let his smugness intimidate me. "Alexander, I may not have your strength, but I respect and value myself."

Alexander gave me a side-to-side look as if he were evaluating my demeanour and body language. Or perhaps he was doubting my ability to actually assist him. I could see a hint of surprise in his eyes, as if he didn't expect me to stand up to him. Perhaps he was beginning to see that there was more to me than he had first imagined. Alexander finally spoke after a brief period of silence: "Fine, it's a deal."

As I realised that my efforts to establish my credibility had been successful, a wave of relief swept over me. Although it was a minor triumph, it represented progress in earning his respect and trust. I could solve a lot of my problems if I could just put myself on an equal footing with him and make him rely on me.

Alexander squinted his eyes at me, and with a thoughtful look, he spoke, "So, who's going to protect you from me if you're useless to me?"

He gave my shoulder a pat before leaving while encircling his upper body in a towel. I paused to let his words fully sink in before turning to leave the gym, my mind buzzing with questions about what he had just said. I must now make an effort to help him; at the very least, I must back up my claims.

After learning that my car was ready to take me to college, I coerced myself into eating my breakfast. After last night's incident, I feel as though all of my energy has been depleted. I had breathing issues, but I could control them. The guards followed me to the college as usual, but thankfully they only waited inside the car and didn't follow me inside the campus. It was a relief to have some solitude and freedom from the guards' constant supervision.

Many people gawked at me as I walked in a peculiar manner towards my classroom. My stomach was upset, along with how I was feeling. I sat down on the fourth desk after entering the classroom and observing the crowd. One of my favourite subjects, history, was today. I wish Zoey also had the same subject.

The classroom was a large arena with sloping seats that amplified the teacher's voice so that it could be heard by everyone in the room. To fit as many students as possible, there were dozens of tiny, wooden desks with attached chairs along each row. The usual posters and diagrams lined the walls. The typical classroom odour permeated the atmosphere. Additionally, there was an interactive whiteboard, which greatly improved the interest level of our classes.

The professor entered the room and grinned as she welcomed us and got the lesson going. We could participate in group activities thanks to the interactive whiteboard, which also made learning more interesting.

The majority of the students, particularly the girls, wore fashionable, name-brand clothing. They all appear to be models. Even some of the boys had muscular bodies and decent looks.

After a short while, Zoey arrived in the class with her hair braided. She quickly sat down next to me after noticing me. She appeared to have hurried to this location because of her laboured breathing. Before speaking, she tried to gather herself by taking a few deep breaths.

"Why did you leave yesterday so early?" She said with wide eyes, "I thought I would exchange numbers with you. She had no idea that I had actually fled. Jax is thankfully not present as I search the classroom.

"I felt some pressure. We can now exchange phone numbers," I smiled as I said.

I received her phone number, and she received mine. I made a friend, which is the first step in getting better. Because I was afraid of being bullied, I had no friends in high school. I switched schools after enduring hell in middle school, but I was already damaged. A broken piece of glass is very challenging to put back together, and even when you do, the cracks are still obvious.

I found it difficult to trust people and make new friends because I felt like I was always carrying the burden of my past misfortunes with me. But as time went on, I discovered how to embrace my scars and use them to demonstrate my tenacity and resilience.

The class went well, but Zoey spent the majority of the time rambling on about her lifestyle and long-distance relationship. She was a ray of sunshine, so it was kind of fun to be around her.

"Hey, do you remember the other day when I mentioned my snarky roommate?" Staring at her phone, she questioned.

"Yes, what transpired?" I responded, wanting to know how she was doing.

"I have to go to the meeting that we are holding soon. I'm hoping I can switch rooms and find a decent roommate. However, I wish you were my roommate" Zoey texted a comment before turning to look at me.

"I appreciate your kind words, but unfortunately, I am not your roommate. However, I wish you all the best in finding a good roommate."

"Hey, the meeting is about to begin. I must leave, bye." That being said, Zoey walked away. Near the water fountain, where I was by myself, was a sizable Lady Liberty statue. I followed Zoey as she left until she vanished from view. I inhaled deeply and then resumed my stroll through the garden area, taking in the splendour of the statue and the surroundings. The campus is beautifully decorated and very spacious.

I was startled when there was a sudden tap on my shoulder. 'Did Zoey come back so early?' I pondered to myself.

I turn around with excitement, and my eyes and heart stop. Standing in front of me, Jax Coleman had a courteous expression on his face. My face was etched with fear. I was aware that I needed to use caution when speaking and acting because Jax had a reputation for being a master manipulator who could make things work against me. I readied myself for whatever plan he might have. Though he appeared to be innocent, I wasn't going to let my guard drop around him.

I quickly turned around and started to leave without giving it much thought, but he was ahead of me. He grabbed my arm and yanked me around so that I was facing him. I desperately wanted to scream, but I was unable to do so. Bile started to rise inside of me. My body was trembling with anger and frustration as I struggled to express my emotions. I inhaled deeply and tried again, but nothing came out of my mouth.

I spoke in a trembling, low voice, "Let me go." I came to the realisation that I could not even call the guards for assistance because they were too far away and nobody else was really present to help. As I fought to wriggle out from under the control of my captor, my heart raced.

"We need to talk, Lilian Carson."

His hazel eyes glistened in the light as we locked eyes, and his expression was grim.