At the same moment at Baze University, Audrey sat at her desk, her eyes fixed on the screen of her sleek tablet, where news stories blurred into a mess of colourful pictures and flashing headlines. Around her, classmates buzzed like a hive of excited bees, their voices rising and falling in a wave-like chatter filled with laughter and surprised gasps. Leaning closer to their phones, they debated Chioma and Jessica, dissecting their latest outfits and hairstyles. Some expressed disdain for Chioma, whose slummy background they felt didn't match Michael's status, while others admired her simplicity and radiant smile. Meanwhile, they praised Jessica's elegance and upbringing, believing she was a better fit for Michael. Lost in the digital world, Audrey barely noticed the soft shuffle of chairs pushing back from the desks behind her.
Suddenly, four familiar faces approached her. They were classmates, the ones who usually sat towards the back, known for their playful banter and occasional bursts of laughter that disrupted lectures. Their smiles were charming and inviting. Each with a confident swagger and perfectly styled hair, they walked towards Audrey, their cologne leaving a faint trail in their wake. For a moment, Audrey was pulled from her phone screen, unsure if this was a welcome distraction or an unwanted interruption.
Despite her somber mood, Audrey forced a smile in response to their attention. The boys were undoubtedly handsome, the type that any girl would be flattered to have approaching her. However, Audrey's heart belonged to Daniel, even though she was upset with him. Kimberly, noticing the interaction, walked over and chuckled.
'Audrey, whom do you want to choose?' Kimberly teased.
One after the other, the boys eagerly expressed their interest in Audrey, making promises and declarations to win her over. They offered to be devoted and claimed that Audrey's current boyfriend would bring her nothing but disappointment.
Audrey found their words amusing, but she remained unmoved. She only desired Daniel. Pondering for a moment, she questioned their motives, asking, 'Why do you love me, for my beauty or fame?'
The boys exchanged glances, but Audrey couldn't care less about their reactions. She knew they came from affluent and influential families, capable of getting anything they desired.
'Well, love doesn't require beauty or fame. It only requires heart. I know that all of you are very handsome, but I don't think any of you could match up to my boyfriend,' Audrey responded confidently.
Just then, a female lecturer entered the room, dressed in a stylish black blazer with a floral pink sweater underneath. She wore a matching necklace that accentuated her outfit. The presence of the lecturer prompted everyone to return to their seats, although it was evident that no one was in the mood to listen to the Advertising lesson. The boys continued to steal glances at Audrey, while the girls whispered gossip about the entertainment industry, comparing Jessica and Chioma. Unbeknownst to them, the lecturer grew increasingly frustrated as she taught.
Although their textbooks lay before them, nobody focused on the material. Soon enough, the lecturer pointed at Kimberly, who was engrossed in conversation and unaware that she was being called upon. The boy in the navy suit seated beside her nudged her gently to get her attention.
'Kimberly, the lecturer is talking to you,' he informed her.
'Oh, really?' Kimberly responded, raising her head and looking at the visibly annoyed lecturer. 'Ma'am, what do you want me to do?'
'I said you should explain everything I just said,' the lecturer replied sternly.
Kimberly shrugged innocently. 'Sure, but I'm feeling a bit under the weather.'
'Just say whatever,' a girl with ponytails whispered to Kimberly.
Kimberly reluctantly took her textbook and made her way to the platform. Standing before the class, she began making comical faces, causing the students to burst into laughter.
'Kimberly!' The lecturer's voice boomed, calling out Kimberly's name.
Kimberly pouted, reluctantly opening her textbook to a specific chapter. She began spouting nonsensical explanations, causing the students to burst into even more laughter. Despite speaking fluent American English, the teacher grew increasingly furious at the off-topic ramblings.
The lecturer glared at Kimberly and sternly said, 'You couldn't explain a word, and you're still disrupting the class. Go back to your seat and pay attention.' The lecturer felt helpless in dealing with Kimberly due to her influential and wealthy family. Money commanded respect, and the lecturer was no exception.
Kimberly pouted her lips and grumbled to herself, thinking, 'Your class is so boring...' The lecturer heard her, but she was powerless to do anything about it. She simply didn't want to risk losing her job.
Audrey, feeling bored before and after class, decided to look for Daniel. She hopped into her Porsche and drove straight to his shop. Upon arriving, she found a parking spot and prepared to exit her car. However, her heart sank when she witnessed Daniel hugging another girl. Jealousy welled up inside her, and she could only see the back of the unknown girl, leaving her wondering who she was.
Tears filled Audrey's eyes instantly. She tried to reason with herself, but her anger grew stronger. She believed Daniel had replaced her, possibly because she had ignored his calls. Audrey had come to resolve their lover's quarrel, only to witness him embracing someone else.
Instead of confronting them, she closed the car door and sat in the driver's seat, lost in her thoughts. 'Daniel, how could you do this to me?' She remained in a daze for a while, unable to bring herself to face Daniel. Eventually, she started the car, tears streaming down her face, and drove away.
At that moment, Daniel looked up and managed to catch a glimpse of Audrey's car. 'Isn't that Audrey?' Daniel whispered, prompting Chisom to lift her head. She was consoling her brother, who had been in a bad mood because he felt he had lost Audrey.
Chisom sighed and looked in the direction of Audrey's car. 'What if she misunderstood the embrace?' Chisom glanced at Daniel and asked.
'I hope she didn't drive away because she thought I had replaced her,' Daniel replied, his worry evident.
'Hurry up, call her,' Chisom urged Daniel.
Daniel quickly reached for his phone and dialled Audrey's number. The phone continued to ring and ring, but she didn't pick up.
'She has obviously misunderstood everything... She thought you had replaced her,' Chisom commented.
'I will find her later and explain everything to her,' Daniel determinedly said.
Chisom nodded, understanding the urgency to mend the misunderstanding with Audrey.