It was difficult to believe that the man standing before me was, in fact, the same Mr. Cross I had encountered earlier today. The eyeglasses that once rested comfortably on the bridge of his nose were now absent. Leaving a noticeable change in his appearance. Furthermore, his previously unkempt hair had been expertly slicked back, exuding sophistication and elegance. The transformation did not stop there. His mundane teacher's attire had been swapped for a sharp and tailored suit. It perfectly accentuated his broad and commanding shoulders. The overall effect was striking, creating a sense of refinement and poise. This new look was a far cry from his today’s casual appearance.

The transformation was truly remarkable, leaving me both intrigued and impressed. 

As people passed by, they could not help but steal glances at him. Perhaps, because he just stood there with his hands in his pockets and a faint smile on his gorgeous face.

“Is my appearance not to your liking?” He remarked with a smug grin etched on his face.

“Would Mr. Cross even dare to entertain disappointment if I were to express my lack of satisfaction?” I playfully prodded.

"If that were truly the case, Miss Evans, I would be compelled to discover alternative methods to satisfy your desires.”

A warm flush crept up my cheeks. His words, while not necessarily explicit, held a seductive undertone that sent shivers down my spine. 

After adjusting my backpack, I mustered the courage to ask the question that had been weighing on me ever since his arrival. "Mr. Cross. Are you following me?" I inquired with a hint of suspicion in my tone.

"If I were, you should see it as a great honour," he responded with a hint of conceit. "I have always been the one to lead and never had to follow a woman."

Honestly. I could not help but let out a little scoff when I heard his response. Come on. It was no surprise that a man like him would have ladies lining up. It was practically written in the stars. But then, in the next breath, I felt a little twinge of sadness creep in at the thought.

"I find it curious that you stumbled upon me. I keep my employment at Silverside a secret. It's quite peculiar."

“Ms. Evans, as your teacher, it is my duty to closely monitor my students, is it not?” The tone of voice from Mr. Cross was so professional that I was almost convinced by his words.

I could not help but burst into a fit of laughter.

"Sir. Your words amuse me." 

Mr. Cross adopted a serious tone as he said. “There is something of significance that I need to discuss with you."

“Now?” I asked.

My mind raced through all the potential moments he had this morning to discuss what he wanted to talk about. And yet, Mr. Cross chooses this time of night. 

“I am sorry for the late time.” He took his hands out of his pockets and unbuttoned his suit jacket. "We need to have this conversation. It is also in your best interest.”

I furrowed my eyebrows hard. My curiosity was definitely piqued, but I could not help but feel a little hesitant.

“Sir. It hasn't even been a full day since we met. What could be so urgent that we must discuss at this hour of night?”

My body swayed right and left as I moved my weight from one foot to the other. 

“It has been a long day,” I added. “If there isn't anything else that you need, please excuse me, Mr. Cross," I said and walked away.

My wonderful readers. If bad luck were a person. Let me tell you. I would be that person. I just wished for death. Like, come on. Why does all this crap have to happen? It was like the universe had a personal vendetta against me or something.

After I hit Mr. Cross with those boss-like words. I am feeling pretty damn good. Empowered like a diva and confident like a deity.  But of course, I had to keep it dramatic and make a grand escape. And… I ended up flopping myself. Big time.

Picture this, my readers! I had just walked off, when suddenly, WHAM! My clumsy ass managed to step on my damn shoelace. Could you believe it? The next thing I knew, I was stumbling like a newborn giraffe in front of him. And let me tell you. It felt like it all happened in slow motion. 

I swear I wanted to straight up sob. And it was not even because I tripped and fell. Although that would have been bad enough. Nope. It was because it happened right in front of the one man, I did not want to witness my clumsy and unladylike side. 

Honestly, I could not help but question if I even had a so-called "ladylike" side in the first place. But who cared about that right now? All I could think about was how badly I wanted to magically vanish and save myself from any more embarrassment.

To my dismay, I heard Mr. Cross say, "Miss Evans” in his sexy accent.

My face was stuck to the damn ground as I lay there, belly down. I could not move even if I wanted. And believe me, I wanted to. My mortification levels were off the charts. I could not even bring myself to lift my head and face the person who witnessed my ultimate moment of shame.

I was caught off guard when Mr Cross suddenly appeared in front of me. Before I could even process what was happening. His hand gently grasped my chin and lifted my head upward. But I was determined not to give in easily. I kept my eyes shut tight. I could sense his amusement at my stubbornness because he laughed heartily.

The delightful tinkling of his laughter was like a mesmerising symphony in my ears. I was incredibly drawn to its enchanting melody. As if it could magically erase all worries from my mind with each gentle giggle.