O P H E L I A 'S   P O V

"Okay, I think I've maybe found another one. Loiland University is what it's called. Located about an hour from the house," I told Levi from across the room as I looked up from the laptop.

He insisted that I came to work with him. That way, he said that he could multitask and do his work while finding a college for me to attend by next Monday.

The movement of Levi's pen stopped on the paper as he leaned back in his chair, rubbing the stubble of his chin, "Loiland, you say? I've never heard of it, meaning that it can't be anything special. I want you to go someplace where I know that you'll be in good hands." He explained.

I sighed as I gently closed the lid of the laptop, "Why are you so picky? I've listed the names of seven colleges to you already and you haven't okayed any of them," I whined childishly.

He sighed at my tone, going back to his work, "I want you to be somewhere where I know that they'll make something good out of you, not just an average community college," He grumbled.

I bit my lip, mentally scolding myself for my whining when he was doing his best. "I know you're just trying to help but any place for a good price is fine," I walked over to him, sitting in the chair directly in front of his desk.

"See?" He pointed the end of his pen at me. "That's where you went wrong. A good price isn't good enough."

Before I can get a word in, he continued, "It's 12:15 already," He looked at his watch. He pulled out a slip of paper and scribbled something on it before handing it to me, "Here, take this to the lunchroom and get a proper meal. Cut straight to the front of the line and just hand them this note, any problems, call me." He said distractedly as he looked back down at his computer and the documents scattered all across the desk.

I shrugged and stood up, rounding his desk to his side when he beckoned me over with two fingers. Holding on to the back of my neck, he pulled me down to meet his lips in a simple, sweet kiss, "Hurry back." He said as he smacked my bum as I walked away, resulting in me sending him, what I hoped, was a deadly glare.

I made my way down to the elevator, a few people looking at me weirdly when I exited the golden one which was only for Levi's use.

"Hey, Ms. Alton!" I greeted happily as I stopped by her desk.

She looked up from her work and smiled, "Hey, dear. Need anything?" She asked.

I immediately shook my head, "Nope, Levi just sent me to get lunch, want me to bring you anything?" I asked politely.

She seemed surprised momentarily before she masked it, "No, but thanks for asking, sweetheart. Run along," She shooed kindly.

"Bye!" I smiled as I practically skipped my way to the lunchroom.

My steps slightly faltered as I reached the large, crowded area. I had never been here before, and I really didn't expect it to be this populated. What happened to people bringing food from home to work? Deciding to not be judgemental, I made slow calculated steps to the line.

When Levi told me to go directly to the front, I wasn't exactly planning to listen since that would be rude. But now standing here, it would take me at least an hour to get to the front with the length of the line. I knew that Levi would get angry if I was back any later than he expected me to, so with a heavily beating heart, I slowly went to the front.

"Hey, can't you see that there's a line?" I heard a voice ask. I chose to ignore the other rude and snarky comments that people threw at me as I walked.

I could understand their frustration with seeing a random woman cutting in front of all of them, their stomachs probably growling.

"E-Excuse me?" I said softly to the lunch lady.

She looked nice enough with dirty blonde hair that was bawled up in a hair net and a kind smile.

"Yes? What'd you need?" I was happy that she didn't mention the fact that I just appeared out of nowhere.

Instead of replying, I just landed her the note that Levi gave me, unaware of exactly what was on it.

Her eyebrows furrowed when she read the writing, before her eyes widened suddenly, "What would you like?" She immediately asked.

Smiling and letting out a sound of relief, I spoke, "Um, can I—"

"What? What could be so important on that note that she got to order lunch before me when I was here before her?" I heard an irritated voice ask.

I looked behind me and saw a woman that was tall, especially with the stilettos that she wore. Her brunette hair was in a neat bun and her face was void of any makeup. She wore glasses on her very circular face, a button-up shirt and nice dress pants adorned her figure.

"I-I'm sorry but—" I began to sputter but she cut me off.

"You could really show that you're sorry by getting to the back of the line," She rolled her eyes.

"This note is personally from Mr. Morterez. It orders that she gets anything she wants free of charge," The nice lunch lady explained.

The brunette's eyes widened suddenly before a scowl formed, "And you believe her? It could be her writing for all you know with a forged signature."

I bit my lip, knowing that she was right about the fact that I could've been lying. She wasn't necessarily saying anything wrong.

My phone then rang.

Scrambling to get it, I sent an apologetic smile to the blonde. "Hello?" I answered softly.

"Ophelia, any problems? I expected you to be here by now," I heard the deep, authoritative voice of Levi.

I cleared my throat, "No, e-everything's fine. I just took a long time because I checked to see if Mrs. Alton wanted anything." I came up with quickly with my head lowered.

There was a pause on the other end of the line before Levi spoke, "I'm coming." With that, he ended the call in my ear.

My eyes widened a fraction and I quickly turned to the lunch lady, "Could we hurry it up, p-please? He's coming and doesn't really sound happy." I rushed out. I really didn't want Levi making a scene.

"Oh, please." The brunette stressed. "I'd say the same thing if I was in your situation. I'm so scared. Let him come," She rolled her eyes.

I ignored her pointless words at the moment, tapping my nails worriedly against the counter as the lunch lady decided on what to do, "I— I guess we should just let him come if you say so. It'll show that you aren't lying," She decided with a tight-lipped smile.

I felt my eyes widen in panic as I heard the cafeteria quiet down instantly, "Oh barnacles," I muttered.

Without looking up, I turned around and headed for the cafeteria door, "Levi, I told you I was fine," I mumbled as I stood right in front of him.

His eyes evaluated the room in its entirety before he looked down at me, "You haven't gotten your food yet," He mentioned, his voice vibrating the silent room.

"There's just been a slight misunderstanding," I said as I tried to keep my voice as low as possible. I was beginning to feel uncomfortable with the silence, as well as everyone's eyes on us.

He grabbed me by my waist and pulled me flush against his body in an instant, "Who?" He growled.

My first initial thought was to lie and tell him once again that everything was okay, but I knew that that process would be longer, and I was extremely hungry. Also, the brunette-haired woman asked for it, so I guess she should get it.

"Lady at the front of the line," I mumbled as my eyes cast down to the floor.

Without waiting for another word, he gently pulled me along with him to the front of the line, curious eyes watching our every move.

The lady coward backward slightly, eyes wide as saucers as she looked up at Levi.

"M-M-Mr. Morterez," She breathed out with a large tremble in her voice.

Levi's eyes scrutinised her form, eyes trailing from head to toe with an unimpressed look on his face. "Your name," He said lowly.

The people in the line quickly scattered from the single file, giving both Levi and the lady space.

"P-Please, s—" She started as she took an intimidated step back.

"I said," He seethed. "Your name."

"P-Paulette Lewis," She replied lowly.

During this process, the lunch lady had already started packaging foods in a tray in which she gave to me quickly after muttering her apologies.

"Go and wait upstairs, Ophelia." Levi ordered, his eyes not leaving the lady who claimed to be Paulette.

"But—"

He took his eyes away from her and looked down at me, his index reaching up to raise my chin up to him, "Now, please." He said softly.

I sighed as I looked away, biting my lip, "Okay."

Leaving the cafeteria with food in my hand, I rested my back against the door once I've closed it.

Levi was incredibly scary when he was angry.

With a pout on my lips, I headed for the entrance of the building.

I kicked the little pebbles on the ground as I stood outside, resting the containers on top of Andrew's bag.

"Something wrong, Mrs. Morterez?" I looked up through my eyelashes at both Andrew and Mac. I found out that they were brothers. I guess they never cared to learn my first name, or even my last for that matter since they always referred to me as Mrs. Morterez.

"Levi's mad," I frowned. I twirled my hair around my finger as I looked at both of them. I wasn't sure which one of them spoke since they both were looking straight ahead like statues.

"Not a little mad," I indicated a pinch with my index and thumb. "But a big mad." I extended my arms all the way out to show them. "You know, the type of mad where he lowers his voice and puffs out his chest." I mimicked these movements as I walked about.

Letting out a breath and returning to my original stance, I sighed as I grabbed my food, leaving one for them.

"Enjoy your food and cupcakes!" I called after them as I ran towards the elevator and up to Levi's office.

---------

Ten minutes later, Levi came back into the room and slammed the door making me jump slightly.

"Fucking pricks," He cursed as he dropped himself in his seat.

I frowned, coming to stand in front of him. He saw this and moved back, allowing myself to straddle him.

"Stop cursing," I mumbled as my thumb glided across his forehead to flatten out the stress bumps that were forming. "And smile," I said as I used my thumbs once again to turn his frown upside down.

He sighed, his lips tugging up in a little smile. He wrapped his hands around my waist as he buried his head in my chest, groaning loudly. "I could live here," His words were muffled by my breasts, causing me to giggle loudly.

"Have you eaten?" He asked seriously.

"Mhm," I replied honestly. "And by the way," I lowered my voice to a whisper. "We still haven't called Vincent's or went by to finalise everything." I sighed.

A flash of realisation reached his eyes, "Oh yeah. Shit," He rubbed his face. "I've just been caught up with making sure that you get somewhere by Monday that I forgot. I should probably finish my work right now too." He said tiredly. He looked extremely exhausted and I couldn't help but think that it was my fault.

"We could— always put this off until later." I swallowed. "No rush."

He looked up at me, "No, it'll be harder for you to settle in if you start after classes have already begun. I want you to start at the beginning of the semester." He finalised.

I looked down at our laps, "You just seem stressed, is all." I mumbled.

Levi sighed, "I'm fine, Ophelia. Don't worry abo—" I stopped him.

"Don't," I cut him off instantly. "Don't tell me not to worry about you," I glared at him.

He raised his hands in surrender, "Alright, alright." He chuckled. "Why don't you continue looking, okay? If you don't find any then I'll make a few calls." He instructed.

I nodded and gave him a kiss on the cheek.