(Myra’s POV)
After Fabian finished his speech, Mr. Larson took center stage. Although I usually don’t gossip, I’ve heard a lot about him from my classmates. They called him cold, aloof, rude, ruthless, and cutthroat. Every word in the dictionary that ans cruel and rciless was used to describe him. At least, that’s what the gossipmongers spread.
However, I was in awe and felt spellbound when I saw him in person. He looked too regal, too imposing with every step he took. He seed unapproachable, just like those rumors. But for , he was like an angel sent from heaven. It was he, or rather the scholarship program introduced by Mr. Larson himself, that got into such an esteed university as Red Stone.
It may be a re coincidence or fate, but I am extrely thankful and indebted to this person, who was probably not even aware of my existence.
In my darkest days, when I didn’t see any way out and was desperate to escape, this program not only helped get away but also uplifted . As soon as he steps off stage, I intend to thank him in person. It’s the least I can do.
My parents are living a less stressful, more joyful life, and Wendy is also enrolled at Red Stone, which is great for her future prospects. She’s enjoying her ti here, too. All of this is thanks to him, the one nad Jacob Larson. I prepared myself to approach him.
He was almost done with his welcoming speech and was announcing the guest of honor to co on the stage. As soon as he ntioned them, murmurs and whispers started spreading around like fire. I could tell people were excited, abuzz to see who the mysterious guests were. And truthfully, I was, too.
Based on their introduction and the way Chairman Larson is showering praises on them, they must have a significant influence worldwide. But sohow, this made a little nervous. I don’t know why, but I felt my chest tightening, which made stuffy. Maybe it’s because of the dress and all this heavy makeup. Yeah, that has to be it. After all, I am not used to all of this. I just feel uncomfortable, that’s all.
That’s what I thought, but as soon as I heard his next words, my whole body turned cold as an ice sculpture, "Now, starting with a thunderous round of applause, may I please welco, to take the center stage, our esteed guests who ca here all the way from Kimberg."
"Huh, Kimberg?" My eyes widened as that place triggered alarm bells in my head. ’No way.’
He continued, "The four pillars of the Everests Corporation."
And that was all it took for my mind to go blank. A ringing buzz, tinnitus, filled my ears, too loud to drown out every single cheer, every single clap, and every single chatter happening in the room.
I saw people talking, smiling, clapping, and applauding, but I couldn’t hear a single thing. ’There can’t be such a coincidence. Everests Corporation? From Kimberg? No way ....... No fucking way, this can’t be true.’
I probably should have made a run for it or at least hidden sowhere, but I stayed rooted to the spot. It was as if my legs were made of lead. I couldn’t move them. My eyes automatically looked toward the door for confirmation. My anxiety spiked, soaring through the roof, making dizzy and wobbly.
As soon as the door opened, warm light revealed four people stepping inside. Their regal aura, their radiant glow, and their elusive charm drained the color from my face, making it pale. They walked gracefully yet commandingly, and people parted naturally to make way for them.
anwhile, I was left stunned.
I overheard the gossipmongers whispering again, "Oh my gosh, they’re the famous Everests brothers. So, they are the mysterious guests of honor? Wow, Chairman Larson and Prof. Stephens really went all out, huhh. But why are there only three of them? Aren’t there four brothers? Where is he? And~ who’s that girl beside them? A new face? I haven’t seen anyone like her in the circle before."
"She looks stunning, and just one glance at her and her outfit, I’m sure she’s from a prestigious family," added another, "Look, she’s holding Mr. Brave’s arm. She must be his girlfriend or maybe his fiancée."
"That’s just courtesy, guys offering the lady their arm. And how do you even know it’s Brave Everests and not Alaric? They’re twins, after all," asked the first.
"I can tell by his hair and eye color. Mr. Brave keeps his hair long and tied in a bun, like now, and his eyes are brown. Whereas Mr. Alaric keeps his hair short and has blue eyes. Also, he’s clearly not with them. So, it must be Mr. Brave," said the first.
"Oh, stop fangirling already. You are a married woman. You sound just like a fan," teased another.
In her defense, she said, "I admit the Everests brothers are as handso as always. But I was lucky enough to be at the sa event as them about half a year ago. It was at a charity gala in Kimberg, and all the brothers were there."
When Dion, Elio, and Brave stepped onto the stage, I snapped out of my shock and murmured, "Just when I thought everything was sailing smoothly. Hiding from one person wasn’t going to be easy, I knew that much, but I was prepared for it. But~ ... keeping myself unnoticed in front of these three? I can’t do that. I need to get out of here now. I need to call Yelena and Wendy.’
My hands were shaking as I took out my phone from my purse. They were vibrating so violently that my phone, along with the rhinestone clutch, even slipped out of my grip. I could feel my entire being convulsing, but I can’t break down now. I crouched down and picked up my phone. To my utter dismay, my phone’s display broke and blackened. And my mother’s most cherished gift, quite a few of its stones ca off.
’Calm down, Myra. Relax. They~ ... they won’t find you. You have disguised yourself for this very reason. You were expecting sothing like this. Yes .... First of all, I need to find the girls. I will tell them that I am not feeling well, yes. They will definitely understand, and we will leave this place.’
Thinking like this, I was about to walk away, but Prof. Mitchell made halt my steps.
"Ms. Miracle, where are you going right now?" his voice was stern as always.
"I~ I," I initially fumbled with my words. "I need to~ ...... I need to use the restroom, Prof." I made up the first excuse that ca to my mind.
"Go, but co fast. Mr. Larson wanted to et you," his words stunned .
"Huhh, Mr. Larson?" I asked.
"Yes, Chairman Larson, he wanted to et the scholarship recipients," he emphasized. "Now what are you waiting for. Hurry up. If you don’t scurry now, people will swarm him, and we will lose the opportunity to speak with him. You know he is a busy man."
"I will~ .... I will just be back," saying this, I rushed towards the door to get out of this place.
I ended up going to the washroom area, and when I saw myself in the LED lit mirror, I was terrified. My face was as pale as a white sheet. All that makeup now seed chalky and blanched.
I tried to switch on my phone, but it didn’t work. I was in a state of dilemma, ’What should I do? On one side, I can’t let them see here. And on the other side, I can’t miss this rare chance to thank my benefactor. Ohh god, please tell , what should I do now?’
Seeing my distressful state, one of the guests approached , "Uhhh~ ...... do you need any help?" she asked, her voice laced with concern as well as curiosity.
"Ahh~ ... I~ ... can you~ ........ thank you for the offer but I am fine. I was just feeling a little stuffy," I said. Initially, I was about to ask her if I could use her cellphone to make a call. But my inner consciousness called out to , ’Why should you hide, Myra? Why should you let go of the things, the chances, because of soone else? You have to change your place, your house, your school, and even your appearance. What are you so afraid of? What if they see you here? You aren’t their property. They can’t command you to co with them. They cannot force their will on you. You can just firmly deny them. You just need to act as if you don’t know them. But, no more hiding.’
These three words echoed in my head as I repeated them while once again looking at myself in the mirror, the nervousness now replaced but firm belief, "NO MORE HIDING."
To Be Continued . . . . . . .
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