My contract love story

A wry smile touched Ashleigh’s lips. “One more thing, huh? Seems like Adrian’s got a lot to tell me tonight.” Settling back into the chair, she braced herself for another unexpected announcement.

“I’ve made arrangements for you to start college,” he declared.

Ashleigh’s eyes widened in surprise, then lit up with excitement. She snatched the tablet back from its stand, her voice trembling as she spoke. “Are you serious? This isn’t some kind of elaborate joke, is it?”

Adrian chuckled, his amusement evident. “No jokes, Ashleigh. It’s true. But to get in, you’ll need to take the entrance exams. That means enrolling in some tutoring classes.” He relaxed back in his chair, gesturing towards something off-screen.

A moment later, Mr. Turner appeared, handing him a document. Adrian placed it on his desk.

“Which college are you interested in?” he asked, his voice softer than usual. “Mr. Turner put together a list of options.”

The question acted like a key unlocking a dam within Ashleigh. She launched into a detailed explanation of the colleges she’d bookmarked, her voice filled with a passion that surprised even her. Robin College of Sciences (RCOS) was clearly her top choice.

Adrian watched, captivated, as her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. She described the state-of-the-art biochemistry facilities and the bright future that awaited graduates of the program. Even Mr. Turner couldn’t help but lean in, a hint of surprise etched on his face. It wasn’t every day he saw the usually composed Mrs. Cagliari chatter excitedly.

“So,” Adrian said finally, a smile playing on his lips, “three colleges, with Robin College of Sciences as your number one. And you’re set on studying biochemistry. Interesting choice.”

“It is,” Ashleigh agreed, her voice firm with conviction. “But RCOS is also the best place to study any science course. They have incredible resources, and the opportunities for graduates are endless.”

A thoughtful silence descended upon them. Adrian steepled his fingers, his gaze fixed on Ashleigh. In that moment, a new side of her had emerged passionate, driven, and surprisingly knowledgeable. It was a side that both intrigued and challenged him.

“You mentioned that before,” Adrian said, his voice a low monotone as he scanned the list and circled something.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“I know how difficult it is to get in,” Ashleigh confirmed, her voice tight with nervous energy. “So far, they’re the only science college that hasn’t released their application forms. But I’ve been preparing for the entrance exams all year.”

She darted off-camera for a moment, the clatter of textbooks echoing through the room. Returning, she piled four hefty tomes on her dresser with a thud, the sound startling Adrian on the other side of the screen.

“There’s no need to stress anymore,” he said calmly, handing the paper back to the unseen figure behind him. “I’ll speak to someone at the college about applications. You’ll be applying and taking the exams this month.”

A wide smile bloomed on Ashleigh’s face. She could almost picture herself walking the paths of Robin College, surrounded by friends, new and old. Attending Robin had been a dream she’d nurtured since her days at the orphanage. It was a memory that came rushing back, sparked by Adrian’s mention of the esteemed institution.

She remembered a sweltering summer day when a car pulled up, sleek and luxurious, like the ones Mr. Cagliari drove. A tall, confident figure emerged and strode towards the caretakers, who greeted him with warm embraces. They then ushered him towards a group of children gathered at the other end of the room, where Ashleigh stood amongst them.

The visitor, a pre-med student at Robin College, regaled them with tales of his life there. He spoke of spacious rooms, a stark contrast to the crowded dorms of the orphanage, and his articulate manner left a lasting impression on Ashleigh.

“Can I go to Robin College too?” she’d blurted out, clutching a tattered chemistry textbook. His immediate frown sent a tremor of fear through her.

“Ashleigh, getting into Robin College requires exceptional intellect or strong connections, ideally both,” he explained gently.

“But I am smart, right?” Ashleigh protested, her voice childish, drawing curious glances from the other children.

“You are smart,” he conceded, “but not Robin College smart, not yet. It’s easy to believe that here, but the world is full of brilliant children, even brighter than you, and even they don’t always get in. In my case, my parents were fortunate enough to secure me a spot.”

With that, he dismissed himself, his attention shifting to a group of older kids. The memory ended with him leaving for “reading hours,” leaving Ashleigh feeling like a deflated balloon.

But the memory also sparked a determination that burned brightly in her eyes now. She would get into Robin College. She would find him, walk up to him with her head held high, and prove she was Robin College smart, not just orphanage smart.

Fueled by this resolve, she spoke. “I’ll be applying for the scholarship grant,” she declared, her gaze fixed on Adrian. “So, I’ll only need your help with the application process.”

Adrian remained silent for a moment, listening intently as Mr. Turner spoke in hushed tones beside him. A flicker of concern crossed his features as he met her determined stare.

“Are you absolutely certain?” Adrian asked, concern lacing his voice. Mr. Turner, standing beside him, murmured about the scholarship’s exclusivity only five students awarded every four years.

Ashleigh met his gaze, her voice unwavering. “Absolutely. I just need to know when applications open and how long the exam is.”

Adrian, sensing her determination, simply nodded. “If that’s what you want, then that’s how it will be. Your assigned tutor will arrive Monday evening. Discuss your preferred lesson format and report back on your arrangements.”

With a triumphant glint in her eyes, Ashleigh declared, “Mr. Cagliari, remember this: I’ll get into that school on my own merit. Goodnight.” She reached to end the call.

Adrian stared at the darkened screen, a flicker of surprise crossing his features. The woman who had been blushing moments ago now radiated a newfound confidence. Intrigued by this transformation, he decided to observe her progress.

“Mr. Turner,” he called, approaching his assistant. “Immediately compile a list of the top college prep tutors specializing in Robin College admissions. I need it on my desk by tomorrow morning. We have interviews to conduct.”